Category: News

I recently acquired a Mac Pro 2019 along with an AMD Radeon RX 6900XT to enhance my graphic design setup. My previous machine, a 2011 cMP, lacked the AVX2 instruction set, which has become increasingly necessary for Adobe Creative Cloud applications. Currently, I have the new setup on my bench for testing and optimization.

My goal is to resolve any performance glitches before integrating it into my office workspace. Here’s a quick overview of my system specifications:

– Mac Pro 2019 with a 16-Core Intel Xeon W CPU
– 192GB RAM
– Storage provided by a Sonnet M.2 4×4 Silent PCI card, featuring:
– 2TB Samsung 990 PRO SSD (NVMe)
– 4TB RAID0 configuration with 2 x 2TB Samsung PRO NVMe SSDs
– Operating System: macOS Sequoia 15.5
– GPU1: AMD Radeon Pro 580X (8GB)
– GPU2: AMD Radeon RX 6900XT

I have already conducted various performance tests on both GPUs. The storage tests have yielded positive results, while some GPU benchmarks indicate a remarkable performance leap from the MPX 580 to the RX 6900XT.

In my search for further testing tools, I came across references to MetalBench in various forum discussions. After locating it on GitHub, I downloaded the project folder. However, I am uncertain about how to run it, as there are no clear instructions provided.

If anyone could guide me on how to proceed with MetalBench, I would greatly appreciate the assistance.

If you’re trying to determine whether a specific app on your Mac is running, there are several ways you can do this. First, you can check the Dock.

Running applications will typically appear there, often indicated by a small dot beneath their icons. Additionally, you can look at the menu bar at the top of the screen.

Some apps will have icons there that indicate they are currently active. Another method is to use the Activity Monitor, which provides a comprehensive overview of all running processes.

If you suspect that the app is running under a different user account, make sure to select “All Processes” under the “View” menu in Activity Monitor. If the app operates in the background without a user interface, it will still show up here, even if it doesn’t have a visible setting or GUI.

You can also use the Command-Tab shortcut to cycle through your open applications. This will allow you to see a list of currently running apps, and you can use it to switch to any application that’s open.

For some apps, they may not have a typical user interface or might close after executing a task. For example, if an app runs a command such as disabling Caps Lock delay and then terminates, it won’t show up in Activity Monitor or the Command-Tab feature.

If you need to deactivate the Caps Lock delay without running an app, there’s a built-in command you can use in Terminal: `hidutil property –set ‘{“CapsLockDelayOverride”:0}’`. This command can be run manually after each restart or automated using a launch agent.

To create a launch agent that runs this command automatically at startup, you’ll need to create a specific `plist` file in the LaunchAgents directory. This solution ensures that the command is executed each time you turn on your Mac, eliminating the need for manual intervention.

By setting it up this way, you confirm that the command will be executed in the background without needing to visually monitor an app, as it operates silently without any user interface.

I recently acquired the Service Manual for the 2019 Mac Pro. The Service Manual for the 2010-2012 models was incredibly useful, and since I noticed that no one else is hosting this document, I wanted to give back to the community by sharing it.

Due to file size constraints, I can’t attach it directly. However, you can find the manual on a file-sharing platform.

Please note that I wasn’t able to retain the hyperlinks in the PDF. While the links primarily direct to other sections within the document, they can be restored with some effort over time.

I hope this resource proves helpful for those working with the 2019 Mac Pro. Thank you for your understanding, and I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the community.

I am considering purchasing the M4 iMac due to its capability to run the latest software and have a built-in screen. The configurations available for the iMac include the same 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, with the primary options being the size of the SSD and the amount of RAM.

Opting for the maximum 32GB RAM raises the price to about $2,000. I plan to use this machine largely for research, which involves having numerous tabs open simultaneously.

I’m uncertain whether investing in 32GB RAM is a wise choice for a machine that some might consider less powerful. Alternatively, I am also considering the entry-level Mac Mini, which features the same CPU and GPU configuration.

If both setups—maxed out with 32GB RAM—are theoretically similar in performance, I wonder if the Mac Mini would be a better choice for handling hundreds of tabs across multiple browsers. A concern I have is that the iMac, while equipped with a screen, may potentially underperform compared to the Mac Mini.

Many people I’ve consulted highly recommend the Mac Mini, claiming it handles various tasks effectively, especially with the additional RAM. If the performance of the iMac is on par with the Mac Mini, I want to ensure that choosing the iMac doesn’t limit my experience or capabilities.

In conclusion, I need to assess whether the iMac stands up performance-wise to the Mac Mini. It ultimately comes down to whether the additional features of the iMac are worth any potential sacrifices in performance.

If you are considering the M4 Pro, one significant advantage is that it features Thunderbolt 5 ports—something that could be beneficial in the future, especially if you plan to use a dock like those offered by CalDigit. I recently acquired a used CalDigit TS3+ Thunderbolt 3 dock for $90 through Facebook Marketplace, and I’m optimistic that prices for future models like the TS5 or TS5+ will decrease as time goes on. There is a compelling reason to contemplate a refurbished M2-Pro or M3-Pro machine.

Using a Mac that is 1-2 years behind the current model typically has minimal impact, especially if you intend to keep it for 10-14 years. However, I anticipate waiting until next year for upgrades. If a Tandem OLED display becomes available, it may be worth the wait.

My current 2011 model is still functional, but it is becoming increasingly insufficient for my needs. As we approach spring, it’s essential to be mindful of the speed at which time passes. With that in mind, some may ask why not wait for M6 or M7 models.

After all, someone currently using a 14-year-old machine can afford to be patient. However, the financial implications are significant; living in Eastern Europe, the price of a MacBook could cover four months’ rent or even a used vehicle. For those looking at refurbished options, it’s worth noting that M5 units won’t be available until next year.

Given the age of the Intel machine in question, performance may not be a pressing concern. However, it’s vital to recognize that the M3 Pro is somewhat of an outlier in the Pro chip series, with lower performance core counts as compared to the M1, M2, and M4, alongside reduced memory bandwidth. If your work largely revolves around light tasks such as word processing, music, photo/video editing, internet browsing, and communications, the recent availability of the M4 in the refurb shop presents an attractive opportunity to upgrade.

Hello everyone,

I appreciate your assistance with my situation. I recently purchased a MacBook Pro M4 Pro (14-inch, 24GB) and have encountered significant memory pressure, hitting 83% with 4.9GB of swap usage while multitasking.

This experience is quite different from my previous Intel MacBook Pro, where I never faced such swap issues. In terms of my usage, I typically have Safari (over 8.5GB), development tools (15.5GB), and various productivity applications open simultaneously.

Although it’s possible to reduce memory usage by single-tasking, that essentially goes against the very reason I chose to upgrade. I usually only replace my MacBook every five years, so I want to make a prudent choice.

My main dilemma is whether I should return my current model and opt for a refurbished 48GB M4 Pro instead, or if I should consider a refurbished base M4 with 32GB. The latter would provide more memory compared to my current 24GB, but with less CPU and GPU performance.

Budget is a concern, as I do not have a lot of extra funds, yet I also do not want to regret sticking with the 24GB option if there’s a chance of finding a more suitable refurbished model later. I’m also curious if anyone has tips for managing memory pressure on a 24GB configuration, in case I decide to keep it.

What would you do in my situation? Thank you for your insights!

stp479, a newbie on MacRumors, posted on January 9, 2025, expressing interest in purchasing a 2015 MacBook Pro (MBP) that has been patched to Sequoia. The poster is considering this option as a way to replace their worn-out 2015 MBP and is seeking advice on whether this would be a wise choice.

In response, dmccloud, a more experienced member of the forum, commented that upgrading to a newer Apple Silicon model would be a much smarter move than sticking with another 2015 model. This advice was well-received by other members, indicating a consensus on the benefits of newer technology.

Stp479 acknowledged this suggestion, noting that they would now focus on looking for a MacBook Pro introduced in 2021 or later, along with the MacBook Pro 13-inch model featuring the M1 chip from 2020. This shows their openness to considering newer models that would likely provide a better user experience.

Another member, FreakinEurekan, weighed in with a different perspective, suggesting that if the 2015 MBP was available for free, it could be worth considering, but emphasized that spending any significant amount on it would not be advisable. This highlights the sentiment that while older machines can be useful at no cost, investing in outdated technology might not be the best decision for long-term needs.

Ultimately, the discussion underscores the importance of exploring newer technology options, particularly when they promise improved performance and support.

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It seems that the link you attempted to access is not valid. This may be due to an error in the URL, such as a misspelling or the addition of unnecessary characters at the end. If you are the publisher of the link, take a moment to double-check it for any mistakes.

Common issues include typos in the parameter names. If you’re confident that the link is correct yet it still isn’t functioning, consider clearing your browser cache or trying a different browser or device to see if that resolves the issue. Make sure to test the link again after making these adjustments.

If you find that the link is still not working despite your efforts, please feel free to reach out for assistance. You can do so by sending an email to the support team, and they will be glad to help you with the problem. Thank you for your understanding, and we hope to assist you in resolving this issue.