Low End Mac's Best Deals

Best Mac Pro Prices

2012.07.16

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Apple last updated the Mac Pro in July 2010, moving the entry-level model to four 2.8 GHz cores and the top-end option to twelve 2.93 GHz cores. The 4-core Mac Pro officially supports up to 32 GB of RAM, the dual-processor models 64 GB, and all models ship with ATI Radeon HD 5770 graphics. In terms of expansion options, everything else remains the same. There were some speed bumps (the fastest 12-core Mac Pro is now 3.06 GHz, a <sarcasm>whopping</sarcasm> 4.4% speed boost over 2.93 GHz) in Mid 2012, but other than the CPUs and some additional RAM, these are the same machines introduced in 2010.

Primate Labs has posted Geekbench results for all the Mac Pro models since 2006. Here are some of the numbers in 64-bit mode:

  • 2.0 GHz 4-core 2006, 4506
  • 2.66 GHz 4-core 2006, 5933
  • 2.8 GHz 4-core 2008, 6543
  • 3.0 GHz 4-core 2006, 6661
  • 2.66 GHz 4-core 2009, 9225
  • 2.8 GHz 4-core 2010, 9659
  • 2.93 GHz 4-core 2009, 10119
  • 2.8 GHz 8-core 2008, 10715
  • 3.2 GHz 4-core 2010, 10834
  • 3.0 GHz 8-core 2007, 11014
  • 3.0 GHz 8-core 2008, 11376
  • 3.2 GHz 8-core 2008, 12054
  • 2.26 GHz 8-core 2009, 13400
  • 2.4 GHz 8-core 2010, 14174
  • 3.33 GHz 6-core 2010, 15574
  • 2.66 GHz 8-core 2009, 16066
  • 2.93 GHz 8-core 2009, 17608
  • 2.66 GHz 12-core 2010, 22418
  • 2.93 GHz 12-core 2010, 24219
  • 3.06 GHz 12-core 2010, 25375

You can get the 2010 Mac Pro with a single quad-core CPU at 2.8 or 3.2 GHz, a single 6-core 3.33 GHz CPU, two quad-core CPUs at 2.4, or two 6-core CPUs at 2.66, 2.93 or 3.06 GHz. The single-CPU models come with 3 GB of RAM and support up to 16 GB; the dual-CPU models include 6 GB of RAM and support up to 32 GB. Because of the way Nehalem and Westmere manage memory, you'll achieve the best performance with 3 or 6 modules, although there doesn't appear to be a big performance hit when using 4 or 8 modules, which provides more system memory. (single CPU models only supports 4 memory modules.) ATI Radeon HD 5770 graphics is standard.

For our thoughts on the Mac Pro's value, see The 2010 Mac Pro Value Equation.

Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard and Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard are supported on all Intel-based Macs released prior to 2010. Note that the 2006 and 2007 Mac Pro are not compatible with OpenCL, and the 2008 is only compatible with a video card that supports OpenCL, such as the GeForce GT 120, which retails for $149 - it is designed to work with the 2009 Mac Pro and has been reported to work with the 2008 model as well.

All Mac Pro models support OS X 10.7 Lion, but it appears that only the 2008 and newer models will be supported when OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion ships later this year.

All Mac Pro models are listed by their total number of cores. We try distinguish the 2007 3.0 GHz 8-core model from the 2008 version by including the year if the vendor notes it. Used Macs typically include a 90 day warranty. Listings note RAM/hard drive size. Every Mac Pro ships with a 16x dual-layer SuperDrive. We try to factor in shipping costs (based on ground shipping to Low End Mac headquarters in Michigan) in choosing the best values. Your best value depends on whether you need/want a printer, extra RAM, etc.

Best Used Prices

Best New Prices

Recent Memory Prices (kits)

Mac OS X and OS X Server Prices

Our advice: If you plan on upgrading RAM, do it yourself. And if you plan on installing a larger hard drive, order your Mac Pro with the least expensive hard drive Apple offers (currently 250 MB) and do it yourself.

Unless otherwise noted, there is no surcharge for credit card purchases, and shipping is not included. Vendors are listed in alphabetical order. Be sure to visit their sites for full details.

Models are listed by the number of cores and then CPU speed, with Nehalem models listed last in each section. Prices may be limited to quantity on hand. Not responsible for typos. Please email any corrections or additional sources with competitive prices to Dan Knight .

Buying through some of these links benefits Low End Mac. Buying at these prices benefits you.

Profiles: 2006 - 2008 - 2009 - 2010

New Mac Pro

All prices include shipping unless otherwise noted.

  Amazon.com B&H J&R MacMall PC
Connection		 PowerMax
2010 Models
2.8 GHz 4-core Nehalem, 3/1 $2,149 $2,099 $2,149
3.2 GHz 4-core Nehalem, 6/1 $2,465.40 $2,399.95 $2,499 $2,398.99 $2,399 $2,499
3.33 GHz 6-core Westmere, 6/1 $2,999 $2,899
2.4 GHz 8-core Westmere, 6/1 $3,149 $3,022 $3,149
2.4 GHz 12-core Westmere, 12/1 $3,687.99 $3,688 $3,799 $3,687.99 $3,699 $3,748
2.66 GHz 12-core Westmere, 6/1 $4,399 $4,739 $4,999
3.06 GHz 12-core Westmere, 12/1 $6,199 $6,949

Used and Store Refurbished

Used and store refurbished computers have a store warranty and are not eligible for AppleCare.

DV Warehouse

Shipping may add $65 or more.

LA Computer Company

Ground shipping may add $60 or more. LA Computer collects sales tax on orders shipped within California.

Mac of All Trades

Shipping may add $55 or more. Mac of All Trades has the highest product turnover of any used Mac dealer we track.

MegaMacs

30 day warranty. Add $39.99 for USB mouse and keyboard. OS X 10.6 installed. Ground shipping may add $39 or more.

PowerMax

Free ground shipping.

Small Dog Electronics

$4.99 flat rate shipping.

UsedMac

UsedMac is located in Sherman Oaks, CA and collect sales tax on California orders. Prices include keyboard and mouse. Shipping can add $45 or more. Fresh OS X install (version not specified). 90 day store warranty.

UsedMacs.US

Local pickup available in West Hollywood, CA. Ground shipping may cost $50 or more. 30 day warranty. AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth available at extra cost.

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