dual vs quad, 10.4 vs tiger, leopard

[freelife2g]

Wondered if you could tell me the difference between getting a mac g5 dual core vs quad core system? Also the difference in the operating systems, 10.4, tiger, leopard? I saw a used Mac dual core with 10.4 newly installed and I am seriously considering it but I need to move soon before its gone. WHat can you tell me? I want to use the computer for editing video, and recording music. Thanks for your help.

[notabadname]

Here is a good link to Apple support that lays out most of the specs side-by-side. One (of several) significant differences is in the graphics cards. There was an upgrade in the standard card when they went to the "quad", which would impact your video editing performance. However, I am currently using a dual core G5. I have done a lot of video with it, but it can't really handle Hi-Def. So depending what your future needs are, you may want to weigh that in consideration of your purchase also. No problems with my G5 and standard def and Final Cut or DVD Studio. You would need to give more details as to the system you are buying though, because it could have some upgrades that would change the balance between it and a stock "quad" also.

Power Mac G5 (Late 2005) - Technical Specifications

Oh, and by the way, WELCOME to TAB, freelife2g!

[baseballboy828]

It's obviously more expensive, but a Mac Pro absolutely tears apart even the most loaded PowerMac G5. I'd also be concerned about buying a PPC machine right now, considering OS 10.6 Snow Leopard may drop support for PowerPC based Macs.

[houltmac]

From someone in the industry, who repairs and supports Macs for a living... PPC is dead. I would rather go without than have a G5 at this stage anyway, but PPC machines are simply dead. Outside of the 12" PowerBook I wouldn't take any PPC machine even if it was free.

[Yuiichi]

Welcome to the TAB forums, freelife2g! Hope you enjoy your stay!

Notabadname mentioned that the graphics card was updated in the quad core machine. I'm pretty sure that Power Macs have user upgradable graphics cards (correct me if I'm wrong people!) so if that's a problem, you could always just upgrade yourself.

[philbowell]

I'd agree with Matt and say that I would question buying a PPC Mac at this stage. Apple will drop support for it soonish and you won't be able to upgrade the operating system.

As for your question about OS X. Just a quick one. Leopard (Mac OS X 10.5) is the most recent and Tiger is it's predecessor and the same as 10.4.

[Yuiichi]

Just to clarify, Tiger is Mac OS X 10.4's name, just as Leopard is Mac OS X 10.5's name.

Personally, I don't see anything wrong with buying a PPC Mac. Sure, Apple is going to drop support in a few years (I really don't think they'll do it with Snow Leopard, but you never know) and the Intel Macs are a lot faster. But the G5 is still a viable option and I'm sure that PowerMac will serve you well for the next couple of years. It won't be flashy, but I'm betting it'll get the job done well at a great price.

[freelife2g]

Ok give me a quick definition of ppc, and whats different about the quad. I just thought that one was dual i.e. two processors and the other had four. I figured the quad would be faster, but now you're talking them dropping support in a couple of years maybe? Could someone explain? While you're at it tell me whether or not I should consider a laptop. I assume not because I don't need the mobility and a desktop will provide me with a lot more power. Keep that info coming. You guys are the sh*t !!

[freelife2g]

By the way, here is a copy of what he is selling. The price is $1000. The guy wants to meet me tonight. Cast your vote. Buy now, or pass and shop some more.

POWER MAC G5 DP 2.0 GHz DUAL 2.0 GB DDR SDRAM 160 GB SuperDrive
With Twin Video & Optical Audio
Mac OS 10.4 Newly Installed
Details:
Power Mac G5 Tower
Two 19" Samsung Flat Screens

2.0 GHz DP PPC 7450 (G5) x2 RISC Processor
2.0 GB DDR SDRAM;
160 GB (7200 RPM) SATA Hard Drive
CD-RW/DVD-R SuperDrive
10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet
3 USB 2; 2 Firewire 400 and 1 Firewire 800
ATI Radeon 9600 Pro Dual Display (Twin AGP Pro 8X) video
One Apple ADC and One DVI

Mini, Optical S/PDIF Audio Sound
Apple Pro Keyboard (original white)
And Power Cord
AirPort Extreme Option (card not included)
Mac OS 10.4 with Apple iApps Newly Installed

[philbowell]

PPC, of which the G5 is one, is to do with the type of processor. Apple switched from PPC to Intel about two years ago, which is why many believe the new OS will drop PPC support. Although others don't, it's a big debate in the Apple fan world at the moment.

I'll leave someone else to explain the Quad (I'm not all that knowledgeable on in cores of the G5, I get them confused with the new Intel chips), but I believe you are essentially correct.