Dell Server vs. Mac Pro
We're happy to announce a new addition to the family. Sort of. Our new Mac Pro arrived yesterday. More details on that to follow. Seeing the discussions on some of the web forums, people talking about how much more expensive Macs were and all that (hey, check the archives for this blog a year ago "The true cost of the switch", I was right there too).
Apples to apples, Apples to Macs, or Macs to Windows - whatever - I got curious on our latest purchase to see just how the two really stack up cost-wise. Especially now that Macs include processors from Intel, we really can create two identical configs in the two different platforms.
For *identical* computers I was amazed to see that an equivalent Win/PC workstation is a full, are you ready for this... $1,348 MORE expensive than an equivalent Mac Pro.
I chose Dell as a comparison as they're well respected for building solid machines just as Apple. Based on the standard config (as of today) Mac Pro 2.66 Quad with 1GB Ram and a 250GB HD.
$2,499 - Mac Pro
$3,847 - Identically equipped Dell / Windows Vista
The numbers don't lie, I even print the spec pages to PDF.
Spec Sheet: Dell Precision 690 Quote (PDF)
Spec Sheet: Mac Pro Quote (PDF)
Apples to apples, Apples to Macs, or Macs to Windows - whatever - I got curious on our latest purchase to see just how the two really stack up cost-wise. Especially now that Macs include processors from Intel, we really can create two identical configs in the two different platforms.
For *identical* computers I was amazed to see that an equivalent Win/PC workstation is a full, are you ready for this... $1,348 MORE expensive than an equivalent Mac Pro.
I chose Dell as a comparison as they're well respected for building solid machines just as Apple. Based on the standard config (as of today) Mac Pro 2.66 Quad with 1GB Ram and a 250GB HD.
$2,499 - Mac Pro
$3,847 - Identically equipped Dell / Windows Vista
The numbers don't lie, I even print the spec pages to PDF.
Spec Sheet: Dell Precision 690 Quote (PDF)
Spec Sheet: Mac Pro Quote (PDF)
4 Comments:
I am considering making the PC to Mac switch myself, and this info is really useful - thanks!
I have been telling people this for years. Finally with the intel chips, its easier for them to see the difference.
I just got a 17" mac book pro and the speed with intel is significantly better. No more spinning rainbow balls! Eeez niiice.
actually... its not *identical*... a few things. One of them is pretty major.
1) With the Dell you are getting a 17 inch flat panel monitor. Nothing with the Mac.
2) With the Dell you are getting a 3 Year On-Site Warranty. Apple, you are getting their default warranty (90 days i believe) and then the 1 year limited from purchase date. But even then, you have to bring it to an apple store, as opposed to having someone come to you.
And the biggest one is this:
3) The Dell has an INSANE graphics card. The 256MB PCIe x16 nVidia Quadro FX 3500 is a ~$1,000 graphics card ( link : http://www.sharbor.com/products/PNYN5300026.html )
and in sharp contrast, the card in the mac is a $100 graphics card.
SO a VERY rough update/breakdown in prices, remove insane graphics card from dell and add the smallest monitor to apple:
Dell: $3900 - $1,000 = $2900.
Apple: $2500 + $600 = $3100.
And you still haven't accounted for the 3 year on-site warranty. So taking all those things into consideration, the dell is actually a GREAT deal.
Just my 2 Cents :D
Rocksteady,
Danno~
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