Hosted by site sponsor WebMate.
Cylinder Mac Pro Q&A - Updated May 1, 2017
All Mac Q&As >> Cylinder Mac Pro Q&A (Home) | Also see: All Mac Pro Specs
To be notified of new Q&As, sign up for EveryMac.com's bimonthly email list.
What are the "pros and cons" of the Gray Cylinder Mac Pro? Is it right for my needs?
Like every purchase, only you can decide whether the Gray Cylinder Mac Pro is the best Mac for you, but you can evaluate the pros and cons of the series to see if this Mac meets your needs.
This quick "run down" may be helpful to make a decision:
Pros:
Quite fast, particularly when using applications that are multicore capable and optimized for the hardware.- Upgradable processors.
- Dual graphics processors standard.
- High speed memory is easy-to-upgrade.
- Fast SSD storage standard.
- Extensive external expansion options for storage and even PCIe cards via a Thunderbolt 2-based expansion chassis.
- Compact, beautiful, all aluminum case design.
- Competitively priced compared to similar Windows PCs at the time of their release.
Cons:
- Although this will change over time, many applications are not yet optimized for the hardware. Single core real-world performance, and sometimes even multicore performance, is slower than on a much less expensive iMac.
- Processors are not easy to upgrade and graphics processor upgrades are unlikely.
- No drive bays, other than one SSD slot, and no internal PCIe slots or other internal expansion options. External expansion boxes add significantly to overall cost for those who need the capability.
- No internal optical drive.
- Although third-party solutions are available, the small size of the system may make theft more of an issue in some environments.
- Expensive.
When EveryMac.com first published this "pros and cons" Q&A on March 26, 2014, we concluded with the following:
Essentially, if you are looking for the most powerful multicore new Apple computer you can buy, your most important software has been updated to support it (or will be updated soon), and you either do not have the need for extensive expansion options or have the budget to buy new Thunderbolt-based expansion, the Cylinder Mac Pro would be a good choice.
If you do not use software, or much software, that can take advantage of multiple cores and dual graphics processors, an iMac would be a better desktop choice.
Likewise, if expansion as well as performance are high priorities, a used Silver Tower Mac Pro would be best for you.
As of 2017, now that the Cylinder Mac Pro effectively has been terminated in favor of a new promised design, but still is sold as new, it really only makes sense for someone who needs maximum performance right now and cannot upgrade an older system any longer.
Permalink | Report an Error/Typo | Sign Up for Site Update Notices
<< Cylinder Mac Pro Q&A (Main) | All Mac Q&As | All Mac Pro Specs
Established in 1996, EveryMac.com has been created by experts with decades of experience with Apple hardware. EveryMac.com includes, and always has included, original research incorporating detailed, hands-on inspection of packaging, computers, and devices as well as extensive real-world use. All information is provided in good faith, but no website or person is perfect. Accordingly, EveryMac.com is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind whatsoever. EveryMac.com, and the authors thereof, shall not be held responsible or liable, under any circumstances, for any damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information within. For complete disclaimer and copyright information please read and understand the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy before using EveryMac.com. Copying, scraping, or use of any content without expressed permission is not allowed, although links to any page are welcomed and appreciated.