Basics: Getting Started with Catalyst and a Computer
Which Apple computer model should I buy?
High End Systems currently recommends the 2 x 2.66 GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon Mac Pro for Catalyst v4.
Catalyst is a sophisticated video application and requires ample CPU, GPU, RAM, VRAM and hard disk resources to function as designed. Many system components and peripherals suitable for use with Catalyst are engineered specifically for the G5 computer.
High End Systems recommends the following hardware configurations for Catalyst -- using a computer that is not listed here could prevent you from using your Catalyst Software as it was designed. For troubleshooting of components outside of the context of Catalyst, contact the manufacturer.
Tip: Buy as much computing power that you can afford - these items have the greatest influence on the overall performance of your Catalyst Software.
Catalyst Pro Hardware Configuration (Currently Shipping)
Apple 2x2.0+ GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon Mac Pro
Attributes
More Info
CPU
2 x 2.0GHz, 2 x 2.66GHz, and/or 2 x 3.0GHz
*1) Apple warns users in the G5 Care and Handling Guide to position liquid-cooled G5 computers (which includes the 2 x 2.5GHz G5) only in an upright configuration, not on its side.
*2) Dual-Core Intel Machines are limited to specific versions of the Mac OS X, such as 10.4.7 and up.
*1) Apple warns users in the G5 Care and Handling Guide to position liquid-cooled G5 computers (which includes the 2 x 2.5GHz G5) only in an upright configuration, not on its side.
*2) Dual-Core Intel Machines are limited to specific versions of the Mac OS X, such as 10.4.7 and up.
*1) Apple warns users in the G5 Care and Handling Guide to position liquid-cooled G5 computers (which includes the 2 x 2.5GHz G5) only in an upright configuration, not on its side.
*2) Dual-Core Intel Machines are limited to specific versions of the Mac OS X, such as 10.4.7 and up.
Apple Power Mac PCI-e G5 Dual 2.0+ GHz and G5 Quad (Late 2005)
Attributes
More Info
CPU
2 x 2.5GHz*, 2 x 2.0GHz, and Quad 2.5GHz
*1) Apple warns users in the G5 Care and Handling Guide to position liquid-cooled G5 computers (which includes the 2 x 2.5GHz G5) only in an upright configuration, not on its side.
*2) Dual 2.5GHz or newer machines may be limited to newer versions of Mac OS X, such as 10.3.5 and up. Please see this Catalyst Service Bulletin regarding newer versions of Mac OS X and a known NTSC playback issue.
Apple Power Mac PCI-e G5 Dual 2.0+ GHz and G5 Quad (Late 2005)
Attributes
More Info
CPU
2 x 2.5GHz*, 2 x 2.0GHz, and Quad 2.5GHz
*1) Apple warns users in the G5 Care and Handling Guide to position liquid-cooled G5 computers (which includes the 2 x 2.5GHz G5) only in an upright configuration, not on its side.
*2) Dual 2.5GHz or newer machines may be limited to newer versions of Mac OS X, such as 10.3.5 and up. Please see this Catalyst Service Bulletin regarding newer versions of Mac OS X and a known NTSC playback issue.
Apple Power Mac PCI-e G5 Dual 2.0+ GHz (Late 2005)
Attributes
More Info
CPU
2 x 2.5GHz*, and 2 x 2.0GHz
*1) Apple warns users in the G5 Care and Handling Guide to position liquid-cooled G5 computers (which includes the 2 x 2.5GHz G5) only in an upright configuration, not on its side.
*2) Dual 2.5GHz or newer machines may be limited to newer versions of Mac OS X, such as 10.3.5 and up. Please see this Catalyst Service Bulletin regarding newer versions of Mac OS X and a known NTSC playback issue.
*1) Apple warns users in the G5 Care and Handling Guide to position liquid-cooled G5 computers (which includes the 2 x 2.5GHz G5) only in an upright configuration, not on its side.
*2) Dual 2.5GHz or newer machines may be limited to newer versions of Mac OS X, such as 10.3.5 and up. Please see this Catalyst Service Bulletin regarding newer versions of Mac OS X and a known NTSC playback issue.
High End Systems currently recommends the 2 x 2.66 GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon Mac Pro for Catalyst v4. 