Well at the very least it confirms that Apple isn't about to withdraw from the über high-end pro market.
I'm a bit worried now that the next generation of Cinema Displays are going to cost more per square inch than a penthouse apartment with views over Central Park.
I guess we will have to see some benchmarks before we comment on value. I have a 8x 2.8 with a Nvidia 8800 Gt in it. It only cost $5800 with 30" display. Pricing the same options bumps its to $7000 with this model as near as I can tell. The upgrade from 8x 2.2ghz to 8x 2.6ghz is $1400!!!
One interesting thing is they completely took out ANY professional graphics card options. I do some work with CUDA and the gt 120 (rebranded 9500 from what I understand) is a downgrade from the 8800 I think. I would go for the ATI product but no CUDA.
I agree that the price is high, but the price of Mac pros is always pretty high anyway and mostly inconsequential to the purchase decision.
My biggest gripe about this machine is that if the picture is accurate, there seems to be a new motherboard, and new configuration of the entire lower half of the insides. So again, while masquerading as an "upgradeable" Mac, this machine is essentially completely different from the previous model.
I'm not really sure why they even bother to let us open the case since the odds of upgrading a Mac pro past the stuff that you generally get when you purchase it, are something like slim to none. Anyone know if the new processors would pop into the older MacPros? It sure looks like the answer is no yet again.
Any reason why the single processor model would not support 4 GB RAM modules (other than Apple not offering it as a BTO configuration)?
I understand that with the memory controller now on the processor, the maximum number of memory modules is now a function of the number of processors. It is a pity that you cannot have an 4-core, 8 memory slot Mac Pro anymore but that is the price to pay to have much faster memory access.
I think this settles it: The FW400 interface is dead!!!
Yes, but just get a FW800-FW400 cable and forget about it. Just pretend that FW400 is just another kind of FW800 connector (that happens to have the FW400 speed). You already have standard FW400 and mini-FW400 connectors, so now you have standard FW800 connectors and legacy FW-connectors (aka FW400).
I agree that the price is high, but the price of Mac pros is always pretty high anyway and mostly inconsequential to the purchase decision.
My biggest gripe about this machine is that if the picture is accurate, there seems to be a new motherboard, and new configuration of the entire lower half of the insides. So again, while masquerading as an "upgradeable" Mac, this machine is essentially completely different from the previous model.
I'm not really sure why they even bother to let us open the case since the odds of upgrading a Mac pro past the stuff that you generally get when you purchase it, are something like slim to none. Anyone know if the new processors would pop into the older MacPros? It sure looks like the answer is no yet again.
It's based on intel's new architecture, nehalem, like all new systems from every manufacturer using intel, and none of them are going to fit into older machines (and vice-versa) because it uses a new socket designed to use a completely new bus system (like AMDs hypertransport) and NUMA for ram with the memory controller integrated instead of on a 'bridge'.
In short, you were never going to get a system that you drop the procs between generations this time, and it's not apple's fault.
As for the upgrading, there will still be procs in the 5400, 5300, and 5100 series available for a while for upgrading older mac pros if you're like me and willing to open the machine (and mac pros are reasonably easy to upgrade if you know what you're doing), certainly video cards, ram, and disk will be available from all over for a long time to come.
That said, the new machine is pretty damn upgradeable, more easily than my own if for no other reason than ECC DDR3 ram is easier (and cheaper!) to get than FB-DIMMs for the older gen machines.
Anyone know if the new processors would pop into the older MacPros? It sure looks like the answer is no yet again.
Of course it won't. They're using completely new processors with new architectures. It would be impossible to drop an i7 processor into any older motherboard.
1st off. . . if any of you have been doing as much research, and anticipating this most fabulous day, then you would have KNOWN these new Nahalem processors weren't gonna be cheap. With all the technology involved, these PRO machines will make their money back in rendering time within at most the first month. This is who their target audience is. Not you silly little gamers or hobbiests at home.
2nd, . . . I find it pretty damn awesome that I can upgrade to 16GB of RAM for $500! Sure going up to 32GB is way more. WHY? Cause not many people are going to order those chips, except for the uber-Pro. They again, will make their money back with their productivity. Personally, I'm gonna be quite happy with 16! I thought I was good with 4.
3rdly, . . . if you don't like it, get an iMac or a MacMINI and shut the @#$% up already. You're all like a bunch of whining babies. Wah!
Anyone know if the new processors would pop into the older MacPros? It sure looks like the answer is no yet again.
How do pop in a processor which connects directly to memory into a motherboard which is designed to hold the memory itself?
A computer is essentially a motherboard (+optionally the box holding the motherboard) plus the components: processor, memory, hard drive, optical drive, graphic card, other cards plus peripherals (monitor, keyboard, printer, etc.)
So, if you want to upgrade a computer, it is essentially either upgrading the components (which you can do in a Mac Pro) or upgrading the computer itself (ie, the motherboard). In the latter case you might be able to re-use some components if the technology has not changed in between (ATA vs. SATA, ADC vs. DVI, FW vs. USB, memory type). If you want to upgrade the computer, Apple only sells you the motherboard + the box together (the box incl. power supply, fans etc.) plus you have to buy at least one processor, one graphic card, one hard drive, a keyboard and a mouse. Whether you can upgrade components like the processor or re-use components is essentially a decision of Intel.
Of course it won't. They're using completely new processors with new architectures. It would be impossible to drop an i7 processor into any older motherboard.
You are SERIOUSLY asking this? Come on! Do the research!
Upgradable? Yes, you can add more hard drives easier than any machine out there, RAM is right in front and easily accessible. I'd say it's very EASILY upgradable.
How do pop in a processor which connects directly to memory into a motherboard which is designed to hold the memory itself?
A computer is essentially a motherboard (+optionally the box holding the motherboard) plus the components: processor, memory, hard drive, optical drive, graphic card, other cards plus peripherals (monitor, keyboard, printer, etc.)
So, if you want to upgrade a computer, it is essentially either upgrading the components (which you can do in a Mac Pro) or upgrading the computer itself (ie, the motherboard). In the latter case you might be able to re-use some components if the technology has not changed in between (ATA vs. SATA, ADC vs. DVI, FW vs. USB, memory type). If you want to upgrade the computer, Apple only sells you the motherboard + the box together (the box incl. power supply, fans etc.) plus you have to buy at least one processor, one graphic card, one hard drive, a keyboard and a mouse. Whether you can upgrade components like the processor or re-use components is essentially a decision of Intel.
Personally, I'd rather have a machine that is stable and works, rather than tinkering around with alternate processors and motherboards and then being frustrated when i get a blue screen of death. Luckily, I'm a Mac, and I am just happy in my land of productivity and creativity.
Comments
Aren't these chips brand new ones? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought these chips didn't EXIST eight months ago.
They didn't, but people have unrealistic expectations.
I'm a bit worried now that the next generation of Cinema Displays are going to cost more per square inch than a penthouse apartment with views over Central Park.
They didn't, but people have unrealistic expectations.
True, and the Nehalem's are also much more expensive..
One interesting thing is they completely took out ANY professional graphics card options. I do some work with CUDA and the gt 120 (rebranded 9500 from what I understand) is a downgrade from the 8800 I think. I would go for the ATI product but no CUDA.
I'll use it mostly for games, Photoshop, some Final Cut and 3D...
(Which has the best price compared to it's features?)
I agree that the price is high, but the price of Mac pros is always pretty high anyway and mostly inconsequential to the purchase decision.
My biggest gripe about this machine is that if the picture is accurate, there seems to be a new motherboard, and new configuration of the entire lower half of the insides. So again, while masquerading as an "upgradeable" Mac, this machine is essentially completely different from the previous model.
I'm not really sure why they even bother to let us open the case since the odds of upgrading a Mac pro past the stuff that you generally get when you purchase it, are something like slim to none. Anyone know if the new processors would pop into the older MacPros? It sure looks like the answer is no yet again.
I think he's referring to the single CPU model.
Any reason why the single processor model would not support 4 GB RAM modules (other than Apple not offering it as a BTO configuration)?
I understand that with the memory controller now on the processor, the maximum number of memory modules is now a function of the number of processors. It is a pity that you cannot have an 4-core, 8 memory slot Mac Pro anymore but that is the price to pay to have much faster memory access.
I think this settles it: The FW400 interface is dead!!!
Yes, but just get a FW800-FW400 cable and forget about it. Just pretend that FW400 is just another kind of FW800 connector (that happens to have the FW400 speed). You already have standard FW400 and mini-FW400 connectors, so now you have standard FW800 connectors and legacy FW-connectors (aka FW400).
I agree that the price is high, but the price of Mac pros is always pretty high anyway and mostly inconsequential to the purchase decision.
I've always thought that the previous 'standard configurations' offered exceptional value for money.
But with regards to the new standard configuration ? at least Dick Turpin had the decency to wear a mask!
I agree that the price is high, but the price of Mac pros is always pretty high anyway and mostly inconsequential to the purchase decision.
My biggest gripe about this machine is that if the picture is accurate, there seems to be a new motherboard, and new configuration of the entire lower half of the insides. So again, while masquerading as an "upgradeable" Mac, this machine is essentially completely different from the previous model.
I'm not really sure why they even bother to let us open the case since the odds of upgrading a Mac pro past the stuff that you generally get when you purchase it, are something like slim to none. Anyone know if the new processors would pop into the older MacPros? It sure looks like the answer is no yet again.
It's based on intel's new architecture, nehalem, like all new systems from every manufacturer using intel, and none of them are going to fit into older machines (and vice-versa) because it uses a new socket designed to use a completely new bus system (like AMDs hypertransport) and NUMA for ram with the memory controller integrated instead of on a 'bridge'.
In short, you were never going to get a system that you drop the procs between generations this time, and it's not apple's fault.
As for the upgrading, there will still be procs in the 5400, 5300, and 5100 series available for a while for upgrading older mac pros if you're like me and willing to open the machine (and mac pros are reasonably easy to upgrade if you know what you're doing), certainly video cards, ram, and disk will be available from all over for a long time to come.
That said, the new machine is pretty damn upgradeable, more easily than my own if for no other reason than ECC DDR3 ram is easier (and cheaper!) to get than FB-DIMMs for the older gen machines.
Anyone know if the new processors would pop into the older MacPros? It sure looks like the answer is no yet again.
Of course it won't. They're using completely new processors with new architectures. It would be impossible to drop an i7 processor into any older motherboard.
2nd, . . . I find it pretty damn awesome that I can upgrade to 16GB of RAM for $500! Sure going up to 32GB is way more. WHY? Cause not many people are going to order those chips, except for the uber-Pro. They again, will make their money back with their productivity. Personally, I'm gonna be quite happy with 16! I thought I was good with 4.
3rdly, . . . if you don't like it, get an iMac or a MacMINI and shut the @#$% up already. You're all like a bunch of whining babies. Wah!
Anyone know if the new processors would pop into the older MacPros? It sure looks like the answer is no yet again.
How do pop in a processor which connects directly to memory into a motherboard which is designed to hold the memory itself?
A computer is essentially a motherboard (+optionally the box holding the motherboard) plus the components: processor, memory, hard drive, optical drive, graphic card, other cards plus peripherals (monitor, keyboard, printer, etc.)
So, if you want to upgrade a computer, it is essentially either upgrading the components (which you can do in a Mac Pro) or upgrading the computer itself (ie, the motherboard). In the latter case you might be able to re-use some components if the technology has not changed in between (ATA vs. SATA, ADC vs. DVI, FW vs. USB, memory type). If you want to upgrade the computer, Apple only sells you the motherboard + the box together (the box incl. power supply, fans etc.) plus you have to buy at least one processor, one graphic card, one hard drive, a keyboard and a mouse. Whether you can upgrade components like the processor or re-use components is essentially a decision of Intel.
Of course it won't. They're using completely new processors with new architectures. It would be impossible to drop an i7 processor into any older motherboard.
You are SERIOUSLY asking this? Come on! Do the research!
Upgradable? Yes, you can add more hard drives easier than any machine out there, RAM is right in front and easily accessible. I'd say it's very EASILY upgradable.
Once again, another fool.
How do pop in a processor which connects directly to memory into a motherboard which is designed to hold the memory itself?
A computer is essentially a motherboard (+optionally the box holding the motherboard) plus the components: processor, memory, hard drive, optical drive, graphic card, other cards plus peripherals (monitor, keyboard, printer, etc.)
So, if you want to upgrade a computer, it is essentially either upgrading the components (which you can do in a Mac Pro) or upgrading the computer itself (ie, the motherboard). In the latter case you might be able to re-use some components if the technology has not changed in between (ATA vs. SATA, ADC vs. DVI, FW vs. USB, memory type). If you want to upgrade the computer, Apple only sells you the motherboard + the box together (the box incl. power supply, fans etc.) plus you have to buy at least one processor, one graphic card, one hard drive, a keyboard and a mouse. Whether you can upgrade components like the processor or re-use components is essentially a decision of Intel.
Personally, I'd rather have a machine that is stable and works, rather than tinkering around with alternate processors and motherboards and then being frustrated when i get a blue screen of death. Luckily, I'm a Mac, and I am just happy in my land of productivity and creativity.
Also just notice the 8 core base model is 2,26 Mhz not 2,66 Mhz - very cheeky Apple
Well quad core iMac would of being nice. So it's a quad core Pro for me, Aperture / Photoshop and running development OS in parallel v3.0.
- 6GB (6x1GB)
- 640GB 7200-rpm Serial ATA 3Gb/s
- 1TB 7200-rpm Serial ATA 3Gb/s
- ATI Radeon HD 4870 512MB
- One 18x SuperDrive
- Apple LED Cinema Display (24" flat panel)
- Apple Mighty Mouse
- Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad (English) and User's Guide
- AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi Card with 802.11n
- AppleCare Protection Plan for Mac Pro (w/or w/o Display) - Auto-enroll
Is this really worth the five grands they are asking me? Give me a break.