Introduction -History Changes

After feedback from our initial comparison article titled, "The Ultimate Xeon CAD Workstation is a Mac Pro - Apple Clobbers Dell on Price and Flexibility" we decided to undertake a more detailed analysis between the Mac Pro and the Dell Precision workstation lines. We based our prices via their online Small Business store.

Our earlier article talked about the advantage of being able to run Windows XP on the Mac Pro alongside OS X and other software benefits. That all remains true, but this article just focuses on the hardware. The point is, contrary to the history, and contrary to much uninformed opinion and unfair skepticism, the new Apple Mac Pro systems are truly cost competitive with the industry's favorite big-box vendor: Dell.

Apple Answered You - Time To Listen

Now before we get into the nitty gritty comparison chart, I just want to point out one final element. For years and years Apple detractors have levied one negative criticism after another about why Apple's pro systems aren't as good as PC systems for CAD and engineering. We heard things like (i) PowerPC truly isn't as fast as Intel, (ii) Macs aren't as expandable as PCs, (iii) Macs don't have workstation graphics, (iv) Macs are more expensive and you get less, and finally the granddaddy of them all, (v) Macs can't run Windows.

Now Apple has answered all of these criticisms with a resounding force. And it is time for the legions of detractors to take an honest look. The Mac Pro may not be perfect, but it is one killer machine that any workstation user worth his wait in salt deserves to take a serious look at.

Key Talking Points in the Chart

The chart below works like this. As we add components (listed down the left) we adjust the total system price. We start with Mac Pro being more expensive because it ships with dual processors. However, since we are interested in a base ultimate system that we can expand over time and really grow into, we need to boost the power supply of the Dell system from 750 watts to 1000. The Mac Pro comes with a 1440 watt capable power supply (note yellow row).

Dell gets more expensive both initially and via the addition of more hard drives. Both systems allow for four (4) drives so we have 2 terabytes of storage. Apple charges a bit more for the Quadro FX4500 card, but after that point the systems are still about $1000 apart.

Final differences matter when you add that second SuperDrive and wireless. We ignored the freebee 19-in monitor because highend users would purchase a highend monitor or multiple monitors. However, that might balance the equation for you in favor of the Dell.

You can add just about anything to the Dell 690 but as far as BTO (build-to-order) there are no options for Firewire 800, Bluetooth 2.0 or Fibre Channel. On the Dell side there are far more graphics cards to choose from at different price points. (see closing comments below chart). That too may be a key piece for you. However, the Mac Pro has one killer choice in the very affordable ATI X1900 XT, if you seek more fast options.

Workstation Wars

Closing Comments

The point of this article was to put to bed the age old criticisms about Apple's high priced pro desktops. The new Mac Pros are not only the best machines Apple has ever produced, they are extremely cost competitive with other top-tier workstation players.

To me the benefits are obvious. If I was in the market for a new Windows workstation I would get a new Mac Pro and run Windows XP under Boot Camp. I would get a faster system, save money and have more options (such as the ability to run OS X at boot time or simultaneously) with my machine.

I would also get a very elegant system, easier to expand within, and have the best technical support and reliability in the industry.