So What WOULD the Dream Apple Gaming Comptuer Be?

[OnlyMarcusCannn]

I know the whole "Mac gaming" debate is as old as Mac is itself, but it seems to have come up a lot recently between my mac-owning friends and myself. I've been getting more and more into gaming recently (for about 4 or 5 months) after getting a HP Pavilion Slimline s3020n as a gift about 6 months ago. So far (after dumping Vista and going back to XP SP2), gaming has been pretty good for my standards, and that's with the base specs: AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ / 2 GHz, and I think nVIDIA GeForce 6150 with 2 GB of Ram. I got another copy of XP for bootcamp on the Macbook, installed a few games, and to my dismay the gaming experience wasn't very much the same at all. Besides the (lack thereof a) dedicated graphics card, the specs are pretty much the same, and I even upgraded my macbook to 4 GB of memory for a short period.

All that said, what would it take for a Mac to be the "dream" gaming device, or even just a decent one, as far as specs go? Like I said before, I just got into the whole realm of gaming on PC's and Mac's alike, so I couldn't really point out any specs for my liking, I just wanna be able to have 1) more compatibility from developers & 2) A choice from Apple to remove & replace, say, a graphics card if I wanted to.

And I apologize if this thread has been brought up before. I searched and didn't find anything specific to this subject. Also, sorry if my post seems a bit uneducated. I really would like to be informed on why the Mac already isn't a perfect gaming system and what could be done to make that possible. :D

[Mackilroy]

In large, part, it's because Apple doesn't use the absolute bleeding-edge graphics cards to allow for the maxing out of all options, which some people think is the only way you could ever possibly enjoy a game. That, and the only Mac with the ability to upgrade the graphics card is the Mac Pro, which is out of the price range of most computer buyers. An ideal Mac gaming machine, to those who hate Apple's current offerings, would be a tower that has maybe 3 PCIe expansion slots, an 8600 GT standard, desktop RAM instead of FB-DIMMs or laptop RAM, a desktop version of the Core 2 Duo (the iMac has the laptop version), all at the price of anywhere from $1200 to $1500.

[tominated]

I'm in the process of convincing my dad to let me build a gaming computer (it will be used as the family pc too) that has an AMD Phenom processor, 4gb of ram, 1tb hard drive (2 500gb hdd's), Nvidia 8800gt graphics (hopefully sli when i get the money) and all the other essentials. If apple were to build a gaming mac, I'd expect something similar with the exception of the AMD processor

[Pressure]

:apple:-TV ?

Casual gaming.

[Lord Blackadder]

There isn't one "dream" gaming PC, because gamers are notoriously brand-loyal, and one gamer's dream machine is junk to some others.

But it a broad sense, the Mac serious gamers would like to see would be a mid-tower box with a single high-end consumer brand CPU that responds well to overclocking, a single high-end gaming oriented GPU and space for at least two fast HDDs and an optical drive. Target price would be something like $1300-1800 with software depending on the specific parts used. The ability to run a dual-GPU (SLI/CrossFire) setup would be a plus for some.

Even more importantly, said computer would have to "keep up with the Joneses" by being upgradeable with a new high-end GPU/CPU every 6-12 months if desired for at least 2-3 years.

Not going to happen, of course.

[dan-o-mac]

Mid Tower, expandable, and affordable. That's all I need. Don't think it will ever happen though. :rolleyes:

[Cabbit]

I'm in the process of convincing my dad to let me build a gaming computer (it will be used as the family pc too) that has an AMD Phenom processor, 4gb of ram, 1tb hard drive (2 500gb hdd's), Nvidia 8800gt graphics (hopefully sli when i get the money) and all the other essentials. If apple were to build a gaming mac, I'd expect something similar with the exception of the AMD processor

Don't get the AMD Phenom the current rev is very buggy and over all there very slow for the money.

[Cabbit]

Mid Tower, expandable, and affordable. That's all I need. Don't think it will ever happen though. :rolleyes:

Have you specked a mac pro with just the single quad, it comes out cheeper than most gaming systems with a 8800GT

[FleurDuMal]

The iPhone :D

[design-is]

So What WOULD the Dream Apple Gaming Comptuer Be?

Free and capable :)

[durant0s]

Free and capable :)

touche!

[Heath]

Free and capable :)

I'll take 6!

[diamond.g]

Have you specked a mac pro with just the single quad, it comes out cheeper than most gaming systems with a 8800GT

How is that so?

[mahashel]

The "Dream" gamer-Mac is obviously an Apple-styled pre-Dell Alienware running OSX. ;)

Realistically, I'd love a highly-configurable and expandable iMac, probably in a different chassis to accommodate higher-end GPUs.

Or in other words, a cheap high-clock single-socket dual-core Mac Pro using desktop parts (plain ol' non-ECC/Registered DDR2 or DDR3, PCIE2.0 slots, etc..) :D

[kuwisdelu]

I think the idea of Apple releasing a gaming machine and marketing it as that is pretty silly. It's just not the kind of thing Apple would do. No, the dream gaming Mac would be introduced quietly and incorporated into the existing lines. It would simply be:

1. MacBook Pro w/ upgradeable dedicated graphics.

2. Mini Tower (not advertised as a gaming machine) w/ upgradeable dedicated graphics.

3. Possibly an iMac w/ upgradeable dedicated graphics? Or just a Mac Pro.

The only spec that's really holding back any Mac at all is the dedicated graphics. Most of Apple's CPUs are more than capable. Beyond that, it's all comes down to the lack of good games for OS X. Having to bootcamp into Windows is just silly, and I won't do it. Personally, I just stick with games that can run natively in OS X like Unreal, and for other things--that's what I have a Wii for.

And to the OP: it was the integrated graphics.

[filthandfury]

before talking about a uber leet mac gaming system; maybe we should talk about os x eating performance. bottom line if u boot ur untel mac into windows; ur games will run faster :(

i think a fix to this would be more important then a new videocard.

other then than the mini;macbook, and air; all the apple systems have great video cards/ram/proc.

[psychofreak]

The major problem with Mac gaming is that their biggest seller, the MB, has such crappy integrated graphics.

The only reason I see for this is to differentiate it from the Pro, and the same goes for the Mac Mini in comparison to the other lines of desktops. With 3 of 6 Mac lines Apple has going having integrated chips, there is no way gaming will take off in any way. Development of games for OSX will start ramping up once there is a big enough market of casual gamers, and this won't happen until the MB can perform.

[diamond.g]

other then than the mini;macbook, and air; all the apple systems have great video cards/ram/proc.

So basically an iMac, MacPro and Macbook Pro. Cause that is what is left on the list.


Whatever system Apple would come out with needs to be easily overclockable. People are hitting 3.5-4 Ghz on air, I expect nothing less than the same thing from Apple for a gaming box.

[BrianKonarsMac]

Unfortunately one doesn't exist. If it did, it would basically be everything that has already been stated in previous posts.

It saddens me to know that my 3 month old iMac can't even play recently released games, and will never be able to run any of the games currently being released. Some people might accept turning all of their graphic settings off and running a game at 5-10 FPS...I did that with WoW on my Powerbook for a year and it was the most awful experience ever, I can't imagine trying any type of a serious game.

So...my dream apple gaming computer would be a Wii :(.

[filthandfury]

So basically an iMac, MacPro and Macbook Pro. Cause that is what is left on the list.


Whatever system Apple would come out with needs to be easily overclockable. People are hitting 3.5-4 Ghz on air, I expect nothing less than the same thing from Apple for a gaming box.

Asking for a system to be over-clocked is ridiculous. Apple sets clock speeds on the systems; for an optimum balance of speed;heat;reliability.

I could see expecting faster proc's, but idk why someone would prefer to overclock?

build a hackintosh if you want to overlock.
only reason overclock is if you have an old crappy system you want to make useful for a bit longer; or your dealing with a hardware supplier that knows less about computers then you (i doubt you>apple sorry :( )

[Dont Hurt Me]

Unfortunately one doesn't exist. If it did, it would basically be everything that has already been stated in previous posts.

It saddens me to know that my 3 month old iMac can't even play recently released games, and will never be able to run any of the games currently being released. Some people might accept turning all of their graphic settings off and running a game at 5-10 FPS...I did that with WoW on my Powerbook for a year and it was the most awful experience ever, I can't imagine trying any type of a serious game.

So...my dream apple gaming computer would be a Wii :(.
Your mistaken people are playing all kinds of games on iMacs and I would like to know if you bought a base iMac??? New iMacs are playing any game thrown at it. The Only thing Apple would have to do is have a full video card in iMac. iMac has grown into a terrific machine in my view and the 2600 is more then adequate for 99% of the games made today. Anyways I guess my dream machine would simply be an iMac with a replaceable GPU.

[diamond.g]

Asking for a system to be over-clocked is ridiculous. Apple sets clock speeds on the systems; for an optimum balance of speed;heat;reliability.

I could see expecting faster proc's, but idk why someone would prefer to overclock?

build a hackintosh if you want to overlock.
only reason overclock is if you have an old crappy system you want to make useful for a bit longer; or your dealing with a hardware supplier that knows less about computers then you (i doubt you>apple sorry :( )

Dell does it on the XPS Systems. The simple reason for it being expected? Intel's E8400 can be ran at 4Ghz on air. Intel has so much clocking room it is silly.

Us Apple fans just wont ever get to see it due to Apples love for mobile chips, and EFI.

I don't see how the massive OC potential of the desktop chips is seen as an old crappy system. I don't understand how overclocking means I am supposed to know less about computers than Apple.

[filthandfury]

Dell does it on the XPS Systems. The simple reason for it being expected? Intel's E8400 can be ran at 4Ghz on air. Intel has so much clocking room it is silly.

Us Apple fans just wont ever get to see it due to Apples love for mobile chips, and EFI.

I don't see how the massive OC potential of the desktop chips is seen as an old crappy system. I don't understand how overclocking means I am supposed to know less about computers than Apple.


If a chip runs stable @ 4ghz, why wouldnt apple or intel sell them at that?
Apple and intel prefer to makes less money and sell slower computers?

[diamond.g]

If a chip runs stable @ 4ghz, why wouldnt apple or intel sell them at that?
Apple and intel prefer to makes less money and sell slower computers?
Milk people for upgrades. Besides Intel isn't making Apple use the CPU's they are using.

For reference I am talking about this post (http://forum.beyond3d.com/showpost.php?p=1138406&postcount=5) that alerted me to the crazy overclocks. I am sure it is probably the same at PCPer.

So realistically I guess I am asking for Apple to sell an xMac with a desktop CPU and a non-Intel reference design systemboard.

[filthandfury]

Milk people for upgrades. Besides Intel isn't making Apple use the CPU's they are using.

For reference I am talking about this post (http://forum.beyond3d.com/showpost.php?p=1138406&postcount=5) that alerted me to the crazy overclocks. I am sure it is probably the same at PCPer.

So realistically I guess I am asking for Apple to sell an xMac with a desktop CPU and a non-Intel reference design systemboard.

I still would say processor speed is way down the list for mac gaming bottlenecks;
I would put coding quality/quanity first;
macmini/macbook videocards being second

[Genghis Khan]

If a chip runs stable @ 4ghz, why wouldnt apple or intel sell them at that?
Apple and intel prefer to makes less money and sell slower computers?

everything that is engineered and sold to the public has a ridiculous safety margin.

although, that said, i wouldn't try overclocking that chip that much unless i was in an air conditioned room with about a foot of clear space around the box on each side



As for a mac gaming box...i would LOVE a last gen MBP rather than MB in the Mac Mini...unfortunately that would make it like the iMac:(

[diamond.g]

I still would say processor speed is way down the list for mac gaming bottlenecks;
I would put coding quality/quanity first;
macmini/macbook videocards being second

True, Apple should also work on getting Crossfire/SLI support in OS X. Oh and offer high end graphics solutions (8800M GTX SLI on iMac please), and on the lower end utilize better chips (8400M on the Macbook/Mini/Air please).

[filthandfury]

I don't think we should expect to much more from the iMac video cards; I think those cards are more then adequate for the imac market; and they have come a long way (I have fond memories of buying an aftermarke voodo2 3dfx chip designed to fit in my rev.a. imac. good times :cool:)

MBP now ships with up to a 512 card; which i think is really nice for a laptop.

More compatibillity and variety for the Towers would be nice.

[BrianKonarsMac]

Your mistaken people are playing all kinds of games on iMacs and I would like to know if you bought a base iMac??? New iMacs are playing any game thrown at it. The Only thing Apple would have to do is have a full video card in iMac. iMac has grown into a terrific machine in my view and the 2600 is more then adequate for 99% of the games made today. Anyways I guess my dream machine would simply be an iMac with a replaceable GPU.

Sure, people are playing all kinds of games on an iMac... I just can't think of a single current one that runs natively on OS X. I would have to disagree that the new iMac can play anything thrown at it...I have a top of the line iMac and that's just not the case. I work in the gaming industry so maybe I expect my games to perform better than you would, but if I need to turn off all of the settings and set my game to the lowest resolution and hope for 10 fps...that's just not even worth the time.

Not hating on macs (I've been using them for two decades now...) but just being realistic. Yea, an upgradeable GPU would be great.

Here is a list of OS X compatible games: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Mac_OS_X_games
Obviously there are games for the Mac, all of the ones I'd like to play though aren't available without running Windows.

[OnlyMarcusCannn]

How about, instead of introducing a whole new line of Mac's, they just revise either/both the Mac Mini's or the iMac's with a variant model specifically for user-replaceable graphics cards and faster processor speeds? That way, they could market that model towards "gamers". They could still "milk upgrades" for other models, and (though it might not saturate the gaming market) it could be a start to giving Mac users a few more options. Makes sense, right?

[ipodtouchy333]

If apple makes a "gaming system" then people need to start making more games for mac!

[Muncher]

We are going to see more games come to the mac, and sooner, because of transcider and Apple's growing market share. With the new revenue and larger user base, gaming companies are going to see more promise in the mac as a viable platform. Apple will probably respond with faster cards or at the least more options. But remember, Apple still it's own agenda. Steve will not sacrifice noise (or lack of it) for speed, and I don't expect him to any time soon.

I have a 2600xt iMac and it plays everything at medium high. FSX no problem, same with my other games. The 2600 cards are way under-rated, and they get better with each driver release. Oh yeah. :D

[filthandfury]

. Steve will not sacrifice noise (or lack of it) for speed, and I don't expect him to any time soon. :D

Lies!!
tell that to my powermac g5,
its louder then atlantic city hourly rate hotel room.
:(

[thejadedmonkey]

um.. make OS X able to run games. Have Apple actually work with game developers instead of ignoring them like they are reported to.

I'd much rather have a good gaming platform with older hardware then amazing hardware with nothing to make use of it.

[Battlefield Fan]

my dream apple gaming machine would be:
case: apple mac pro case (its one of the sturdiest cases that keeps the components cool.)
motherboard: NVIDIA 790i Ultra
processor: Intel QX9650 @ 3.0 GZ over clocked to 3.8 GZ
Video Card: Two over clocked NVIDIA 9800 GX2 running in quad SLI
RAM: 8 GB DDR3 PC3-14400 Dual Channel (2048 x 4)
Sound Card:Sound Blaster X-Fi Elite Pro sound card
Hard Drive: Raid 0 Western Digital Raptor 150 GB x 4 (600 GB)
Power Supply: ABS Tagan BZ Series EPS12V 1300W Power Supply
Sony Internal Blu-ray Disc™ Rewritable Drive
liquid cooling on cpu to allow for extreme crawzy over clocking!
hmmm i think thats all!:apple:

[IscariotJ]

before talking about a uber leet mac gaming system; maybe we should talk about os x eating performance. bottom line if u boot ur untel mac into windows; ur games will run faster :(


Er, no. OSX isn't the problem. The main issue is the crappy ports that Mac's are subjected to, followed by less than optimal video drivers.

[diamond.g]

my dream apple gaming machine would be:
case: apple mac pro case (its one of the sturdiest cases that keeps the components cool.)
motherboard: NVIDIA 790i Ultra
processor: Intel QX9650 @ 3.0 GZ over clocked to 3.8 GZ
Video Card: Two over clocked NVIDIA 9800 GX2 running in quad SLI
RAM: 8 GB DDR3 PC3-14400 Dual Channel (2048 x 4)
Sound Card:Sound Blaster X-Fi Elite Pro sound card
Hard Drive: Raid 0 Western Digital Raptor 150 GB x 4 (600 GB)
Power Supply: ABS Tagan BZ Series EPS12V 1300W Power Supply
Sony Internal Blu-ray Disc™ Rewritable Drive
liquid cooling on cpu to allow for extreme crawzy over clocking!
hmmm i think thats all!:apple:
That would be a pretty sweet rig! I personally would drop the X-Fi and put in an Auzen X-plosion 7.1. True DTS/DDL encoder (and by that I mean it can create true bitstream surround sound from any source). I would also drop the liquid cooling and go to phase change cooling. Maybe LN2. A subzero CPU is a happy CPU.

[kuwisdelu]

I'm just going to reiterate the two biggest problems with Mac gaming, since some people still don't seem to get it:

1) Crappy ports
2) Tired GPU

CPU is not the problem. OS X is not the problem. The first and foremost problem is that too many games for OS X are badly done ports that just aren't very well optimized for it. Any game that's as optimized for OS X as most games are optimized for Windows will run absolutely beautifully on a Mac. Try out any open source games that are natively OpenGL and you'll see what I mean. The second problem is the subpar graphics cards in the consumer Macs. Many times, these would suffice if the game was well-made for a Mac (such games run well even on my MacBook w/ integrated graphics). The cards in the Mac Pro and MacBook Pro are still subpar compared to gaming machines in the PC world, but are more than adequate for just about anything you throw at them. So to sum it up, here is all Apple needs to do to make Macs better for gaming (and notice "make a gaming Mac" isn't an option):

1) Work with game companies to better optimize games for OS X
2) Make it easier to upgrade the video card on Macs / offer better options out of the box

[tominated]

my dream apple gaming machine would be:
case: apple mac pro case (its one of the sturdiest cases that keeps the components cool.)
motherboard: NVIDIA 790i Ultra
processor: Intel QX9650 @ 3.0 GZ over clocked to 3.8 GZ
Video Card: Two over clocked NVIDIA 9800 GX2 running in quad SLI
RAM: 8 GB DDR3 PC3-14400 Dual Channel (2048 x 4)
Sound Card:Sound Blaster X-Fi Elite Pro sound card
Hard Drive: Raid 0 Western Digital Raptor 150 GB x 4 (600 GB)
Power Supply: ABS Tagan BZ Series EPS12V 1300W Power Supply
Sony Internal Blu-ray Disc™ Rewritable Drive
liquid cooling on cpu to allow for extreme crawzy over clocking!
hmmm i think thats all!:apple:

nice. very nice. I was thinking about using a gx2 for a computer I'm building, but i''m just gonna go 9600gt in sli.

[RexDevious]

Sorry kids - the graphic cards in iMacs or MBP's ain't gonna cut it on anything other than native Mac games - that don't ask much of the graphics card.

There've been a few games I'm keen to play, and figured my brand new mac's (iMac, MBP top of the line) would do better than my 3 year old Dell XPS (top of the line at the time, X850 card). Boy was I wrong.

On Crysis - the biggest performance hog you can get these days, it actually ran on my aging PC at lowish settings; while it ran at sketch artist frame rates on the MBP, even when running XP in boot camp.

No biggie, I can still run it right? Naw - I wanted power! Plus, I'm in the process of ripping my whole 800+ DVD collection for my apple TV - which I really have to do on the MPB (handbrake is like 4 to 5X as slow on my Dell). And I wanted to host my iTunes server on a real mac - but the MBP has trouble keeping iTunes connected to my 5 TB NAS.

All of which were really just rationalizations for getting a gaming machine of course - which is why I'm weighing in here.

For my purposes, I was looking at dual 3.0, GT8600, RAID card and 4 1TB drives - weighing in at about $6,800. And that's assuming I buy the RAM elsewhere. Ouch!

You do NOT need a box like that for gaming. Dual processers are going to run a game much faster - games aren't coded to take advantage of them for the most part. And unless you're storing massive amounts of iTunes data, you don't need the RAID set up.

If you want the "ultimate" gaming machine, obviously get a maxed out Mac Pro - which can run you a good $20,000 if you really go nuts. But for a nearly ultimate gaming machine on more reasonable budget - you can get away with the single processor, the standard 2 GB RAM, maybe just one hard drive upgraded to the 1TB - and of course the nVidia card.

Do think about the future, and other things you can use it for though. Mac's aren't natural choices for gaming machines - so it's kind of wasteful to get one just suited for that. If you're gonna boost anything, get 2 chips (and the 1TB drive)- the rest is easily upgraded later. You'll be able to upgrade the graphics card later if you want. I don't know how easy upgrading to a RAID system would be after the fact; so if you were going to get a NAS anyway - go ahead and pour it into the box at the start. The Apple RAID card is pretty flexible - you could start with RAID 0 for performance (2 1TB drives, mirrored) and then add drives as circumstances dictate (and money allows).

I'd be telling you how well it works already if I hadn't thrown a little too much money into an IRA to boost my tax rebate, or bothered to bill my last 2 consulting jobs. But I *will* get that box. Even though I know it's really stupid to drop nearly 8 grand for bit more convenience in my entertainment set up, in what looks to be a truly crap-tastic economy.

But at the same time, I've never regretted spending way too much on a computer in my life. Having the sweetest gear there is makes your life easier than everyone else's. So what if other people have homes, cars, or retirement accounts? I've got a life time of the best video game experiences anyone could have.

Though... if I hadn't ruined my thumbs in a freak slam dancing accident 10 years ago - I'm be spending my money on a console. As it is though, I'm a confirmed mouse and keyboard player; and always will be. I suppose I could get a Wii - but I understand that involves getting some kind of exercise - which just sounds wrong.

Yeah - unless you can make use of a killer mac; or a killer PC, spend your money on a high end console. They cost less than the price of single bump in chip upgrades.

Here's another handy tip: use the money you should be spending on glasses on gaming or entertainment gear too. I have a 60" high-def TV; but my eyes are so bad I can't read the descriptions of Apple TV movies unless I'm like 5 feet away from it. Do you have any idea what it would cost me if I could actually tell the difference between regular DVD's and Blue-Ray? Like I said, I have about 800 DVD's. They might as well be VCR tapes for what I can make out, so there's hardly any point in upgrading them to Blue-Ray discs, *or* blowing another $300 on glasses. Ka-ching!

[digitalnicotine]

So What WOULD the Dream Apple Gaming Computer Be?

Expensive.

[dmw007]

My Mac Pro is my (current) "Dream Apple Gaming Computer" - superfast Xeons and the incredible 8800 GT does it for me for the time being! :D :cool: :apple:

[ffakr]

The ultimate dream gaming Mac would depend on your dreams.

Personally, my dream gaming mac would be a modification of the iMac.
Try to follow me on this, I'd love people's feedback.

Take the current iMac design. Move a PCI-E 16 lane to the middle back of the panel. Apple would modify the connection from a dual-sided slot to something smaller, perhaps a BGA or an old style square edge connector.
The new iMac would connect a dedicated video board to the motherboard at this point.. back of the machine.

The base configuration would essentially be internal to the case. There might be a small 'blister' on the back if need be.
The high performance [Gaming] system would use a modern graphics sub-system. To accommodate something like an 9600GT or and 8800GT, the 'module' would likely be large enough to that it would noticeable. I suspect it wouldn't be difficult to engineer and have it look presentable though.

I envision a 'lump' that matched the back. It would be smooth with a flattened 'top' (aka back). The top would be vented.. perhaps laser cut into the back, the whole module skin could be Alu and part of the heat sink. The bottom would also be vented to aid in heat convection. I suspect it wouldn't be difficult to also flow some of the existing internal air flow over the module either.

edit: I had an thought.. envision this: take a thick slice of bread [typical loaf dimensions]. lay it on a counter top.. it would be 1/2, perhaps 3/4" tall at this point and maybe 4-5" square. Now imagine you took some peanut butter butter and smeared it along the edges.. not on the top, but like caulk making a smooth transition from the top of the crust to the counter. This is basically what I think a graphics module would look like in dimension. The bulk of the module would be copper heat sink fins and aluminum skin. one side (top) of the peanut butter edge would have vents cut, the opposite peanut butter edge (bottom) would have vents cut, hopefully for some convection cooling though I suspect you'd need to flow some internal air-flow into it also. Sorry, I couldn't think of a better way to visualize it.

Here's the best part, The module is plugable [retaining screw on each corner] so it would be possible to upgrade. In fact, there's nothing to stop an aftermarket vendor from making a bad ass 9800GX2 module with a big heat sink and fan.

I think it's the perfect gaming rig because the iMac is already a great computer but its major flaw is the lack of truely fast graphics. It would be the ultimate LAN Party Mac and probably the ultimate LAN Party Windows box. 20" or 24" in one panel. It's the quiet home computer (without the ugly box) and it's still a perfectly capable gaming rig for the kids (or the adults).

Well, that's just me.
In general if I were at Apple I'd also pitch the sub-Tower like everyone else mentioned.

1/2 height of current cheeze grater. Same design to take advantage of superior air flow.
800W power
Two SATA bays behind Optical
Ports, Ports, Ports: 6-8 USB2, 2 FW800, 2 E-SATA
Gig-E, built in audio w/ optical out
2x 16 lane PCI-E with SLI support. I don't suspect other PCI-E would be useful.
4 DDR2 slots. At least 8GB RAM support (because, why not?)
Optionally.. a Physix chip would be a selling point if Apple could get good economies of scale.
Given a future release, I would suggest lower mid video so the machine isn't priced out of other market segments but Gaming cards would start at the 8800GT or 9600GT (performance is similar but I believe the 8800 might run cooler). High-Mid and High End ATI and Nvidia cards would be available from Apple (not all, but one from each performance level). Videocard selection would likely be tied to SLI support.

CPU support would be Wolfdale (which are actually pretty inexpensive at 3GHz) and Quad Core from 2.5GHz all the way up to 3.2GHz. Single socket should be plenty

That's it. Personally, I think the super-IMac would be much more interesting.

ffakr

P.S. Apple can take any idea I present in a public forum, I release any claims on my concepts. :-)
At most, they could throw me a solid and offer a job but I wouldn't demand one. :-P

[rbarris]

It would have a 600W PSU, be about the size of a IIci or a PowerMac 8500, have a 16x PCIe slot, single chip quad core CPU, plain old DDR2 or DDR3 RAM, and enough airflow to keep the whole works healthy.

Oh and it should start around $1500. Bring your own keyboard and mouse.

[VigCS]

A high-end gaming PC in a sleek apple package with MacOS :).