Buy Now or new mac pro coming soon?

[Maximono]

According to the mac MacRumors buyers guide the mac pro is approaching end of cycle, but I'm looking to buy a new one pretty soon, at least before november. Is anyone aware of a new Xeon chip coming out or any reason to believe an update to the Mac Pro will be out soon? Do you think they might also drop the price, as that would help loads too.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

[m1stake]

No price drops and no updates before January. :)

[Maximono]

Really? What makes you think this? Can u elaborate further?

Thanks

[Umbongo]

Really? What makes you think this? Can u elaborate further?

Thanks

If you search this forum for Nehalem you will find more information. Apple aren't likely to do anything with the Mac Pro until they put Nehalem in and that is unlikely to be before January.

[Maximono]

Yea reading about it doesn't seem like the mac pro class of chip will get here before Q2 2009. Anything think something else might happen sooner?

[Tallest Skil]

Yea reading about it doesn't seem like the mac pro class of chip will get here before Q2 2009. Anything think something else might happen sooner?

They won't use Beckton.

The Tuesday before MacWorld we'll see Nehalem Mac Pros. No sooner.

[iJasonY]

I was going to ask this exact same question? Is there any reason not to buy one right now? I would think that the existing 8-core machines with 4GB or more of RAM would be enough to last for a while.

[hajime]

I read several postings that the new Mac Pro won't appear until January. However, I heard that Nehalem would be out in October. Why there is a time gap? Do you expect that we can build or buy a Nehalem PC in October?

[Tallest Skil]

I read several postings that the new Mac Pro won't appear until January. However, I heard that Nehalem would be out in October. Why there is a time gap? Do you expect that we can build or buy a Nehalem PC in October?

I expect Nehalem PCs to be available for configuration within days of release and shipping several weeks later.

A Nehalem Mac Pro in standard configuration would ship on release day.

Apple waited two months to release the Penryn Mac Pros after the Penryn Xeon release.

So if you go by the grossly optimistic October Gainestown release, then the Tuesday before MacWorld 2009 sounds pretty good.

[nanofrog]

I'm under the impression Gainestown is already late. :rolleyes: :(
So October may be realistic this time. ;) :p

[Maximono]

They won't use Beckton.

The Tuesday before MacWorld we'll see Nehalem Mac Pros. No sooner.

What makes you think they won't use Beckton? Apple have stuck with FB-DIMM using systems since the first mac pro and I can't see any reason for them to change that now. Plus judging from what I read these will be 8 core chips, so that gives the mac pro potential for up to 16 cores, meaning something to actually upgrade for. I can't see apple not using Beckton's, it makes the most sense.

[Wild-Bill]

The Mac Pro was updated January 2008. Before that, it languished for 518 days without an update. I wouldn't expect any Mac Pro updates until at least after Macworld 2009.

If you're holding off on buying a Mac Pro until Nehalem, etc, be prepared to be in it for the long haul. I waited a little over a year for the Jan. 08 update.

[Tallest Skil]

What makes you think they won't use Beckton? Apple have stuck with FB-DIMM using systems since the first mac pro and I can't see any reason for them to change that now. Plus judging from what I read these will be 8 core chips, so that gives the mac pro potential for up to 16 cores, meaning something to actually upgrade for. I can't see apple not using Beckton's, it makes the most sense.

I look into your eyes and see a younger, more naïve me...

And you can look at my past posts and see that I used to think like that.

Beckton is only cost-effective with four processors. Beckton with four processors will START at around $3,000. Having to buy FOUR DDR3 FB-DIMMs at once is not practical for most people.

They're either using Gainestown or they're killing the Mac Pro (with Beckton).

[mchalebk]

With what is known, it would seem extremely unlikely the MacPro will be updated before the end of the year. Obviously, none of us know that for a fact, but if you need to buy before November, there doesn't seem to be any reason not to buy now.

Besides, the present 8-core MacPro is one heck of a machine and will not become obsolete when the next gen version is released. It will be a very powerful machine for years to come.

[indiochano]

What makes you think they won't use Beckton? Apple have stuck with FB-DIMM using systems since the first mac pro and I can't see any reason for them to change that now. Plus judging from what I read these will be 8 core chips, so that gives the mac pro potential for up to 16 cores, meaning something to actually upgrade for. I can't see apple not using Beckton's, it makes the most sense.

as Tallest Skill said, it wouldn't make any sense for Apple to go towards the beckton path... more so as FB-DIMMs are a hassle...

[nanofrog]

as Tallest Skill said, it wouldn't make any sense for Apple to go towards the beckton path... more so as FB-DIMMs are a hassle...

It's even a newer version, FB-DIMM2. Definitely will be on the expensive side. :eek:

[m1stake]

I look into your eyes and see a younger, more naïve me...

And you can look at my past posts and see that I used to think like that.

It's amazing what can happen in 31 days :p

[Tallest Skil]

It's amazing what can happen in 31 days :p

That it is. Wait, what? :D

[iMacmatician]

I look into your eyes and see a younger, more naïve me...

And you can look at my past posts and see that I used to think like that.I remember that. :p

I agree that January is a likely timeframe. November is too early, Apple doesn't update their Macs in December, February is a bit late, and March and beyond is too late.

It appears that Apple is taking a yearly (or longer) upgrade cycle for the Mac Pros.

Mid 2006: Woodcrest
Early 2008: Harpertown
Early 2009: Gainestown
Early 2010: Westmere
Early 2011: Sandy Bridge

[m1stake]

It's about all they can do, which is more welcome than whatever Motorola's "schedule" was.

[new-Mac-owner]

just go for it,If you want and can use it buy it!!


http://www.macconnection.com/ipa/home

[nanofrog]

It's about all they can do, which is more welcome than whatever Motorola's "schedule" was.
Yes, but we always want more! :)
Whether we can actually use it or not! :p
Thus Techno-Junkies Anonymous is born. :D

[UltraNEO*]

According to the mac MacRumors buyers guide the mac pro is approaching end of cycle, but I'm looking to buy a new one pretty soon, at least before november. Is anyone aware of a new Xeon chip coming out or any reason to believe an update to the Mac Pro will be out soon? Do you think they might also drop the price, as that would help loads too.

Thanks for any help you can offer.


Hmm.. IF your using the system for work and your being paid for the job, then you can buy now. However, if your using it for home.. and there;s no urgency. Perhaps you can wait a while - though you might be in for a long wait.

[Maximono]

I look into your eyes and see a younger, more naïve me...

And you can look at my past posts and see that I used to think like that.

Beckton is only cost-effective with four processors. Beckton with four processors will START at around $3,000. Having to buy FOUR DDR3 FB-DIMMs at once is not practical for most people.

They're either using Gainestown or they're killing the Mac Pro (with Beckton).

Where do you get your info about price for a yet unreleased CPU? If thats the case then I guess it'll mark a change in the mac pro's by killing off FB-DIMM's. I guess this still means expensive (ish) ram if apple stick with EEC ram but make it DDR3, I can't seem them just throwing EEC ram out the window for those who rely on the extra stability of it.

I guess macRumors need to sort there buyers guide out because it's awefully misleading say the Mac Pro is approaching end of cycle when clearly it's got months left. I'll probably put my order in now then, it's only for personal use and I agree it would be more than enough power for a long time to come.

[iMacmatician]

Where do you get your info about price for a yet unreleased CPU? Wikipedia, its sources, and other sources as needed.

If thats the case then I guess it'll mark a change in the mac pro's by killing off FB-DIMM's. The Power Macs did not use FB-DIMMs. The Mac Pro's use of FB-DIMMs is the exception not the rule.

I guess this still means expensive (ish) ram if apple stick with EEC ram but make it DDR3, I can't seem them just throwing EEC ram out the window for those who rely on the extra stability of it. There's ECC DDR3.

I guess macRumors need to sort there buyers guide out because it's awefully misleading say the Mac Pro is approaching end of cycle when clearly it's got months left. The Buyer's Guide averages past release cycles.

[skyline r34]

In all Honesty nobody will never have the fastest or lastest Mac Pro, you just have to get used to it either your waiting for Nehalem or any other processor chips how fast do you really need to run your apps?, is 2-3% faster is that much greater come on that's nothing, if the next Nehalem Mac Pro is going to be 50% faster or better yet 100% faster then the current Mac Pro then that's a different story but most cases it's like 2-3% faster is really not that big of a deal, I say get one know and start enjoying it

[m1stake]

The comparison benchmarks smash the current line up by a huge margin, on immature boards. The margin will only get bigger as the boards improve.

[skyline r34]

The comparison benchmarks smash the current line up by a huge margin, on immature boards. The margin will only get bigger as the boards improve.

Everyone wants the latest after Nehalem Mac Pro comes out, Apple is not going to stop making them, it just going to get better and faster down the road, i've played the waiting game for the Mac Pro when it first came out 1 year waiting and believe me it wasn't fun not having a computer during that time but if you must have the latest January is not that far off but like I said previously there not going to be that big of the difference between the current Mac Pro, it might be 2-3% faster but that's no reason to hold off in buying one now, and who knows now that Apple has there own processor chips many things can happen and change in the future.

[skyline r34]

Everyone wants the latest after Nehalem Mac Pro comes out, Apple is not going to stop making them, it just going to get better and faster down the road, i've played the waiting game for the Mac Pro when it first came out 1 year waiting and believe me it wasn't fun not having a computer during that time but if you must have the latest January is not that far off but like I said previously there not going to be that big of the difference between the current Mac Pro, it might be 2-3% faster but that's no reason to hold off in buying one now, and who knows now that Apple has there own processor chips many things can happen and change in the future.

It's like for example the current Mac Pro's they have one 2.8Ghz, Two 2.8Ghz Quad-Core, Two 3.0Ghz Quad-Core and a Two 3.2GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon chips and most of the people here on MacRumors forums owns the 2.8GHz 8-Core Mac Pro, Why didn't they choose the 3.2Ghz it much faster then the 2.8 model because there's not really that much of a difference in speed wise, My point is how much faster do you need your apps to run, if the Nehalem Mac Pro are going to be 50-100% faster then the current Mac Pro then I will understand on waiting for the new Mac Pro but it's not I say tops 5X faster or less but are you really going to notice that big of a difference Honesty.

[Umbongo]

Nehalem Mac Pros look lke they will offer a significant performance boost in a number of areas. For most people it's not about getting the highest performance, they are just looking to get a Mac Pro. As you say, most get the standard config, I would think it probably accounts for over 90% of sales.

Faster computing can always be used though, and when you can get a 20-50% increase depending on task just by waiting a few months on a system you might use for many years it can be worth it.

It's looking like it will be as significant a chance as going from the G5 to Mac Pro in terms of features across the board. Well except graphics cards of course, it is Apple afterall.

[Morriss]

Granted, the performance increase is pretty substantial, but will we be paying extra for that speed bump? Will Apple be able to keep the same price points or will they need to raise them?

[Tallest Skil]

Granted, the performance increase is pretty substantial, but will we be paying extra for that speed bump? Will Apple be able to keep the same price points or will they need to raise them?

It's only Apple's call to an extent. It's up to Intel to price the chips.

[Maximono]

The thing was I'm selling my current mac pro to my dad to get a new one. I can get a decent amount for this one and it makes the new mac pro quite cheap to purchase but I'd really only go for the quad core cause of how much I'd use it and cost. I was all set to get one pretty soon but reading about the increase in speed the new cores will offer I may actually wait. Im sure I can still sell this mac pro to my dad when the latest one comes out because he doesn't need any of it's speed at all really. I don't really want to get a quad 2.8Ghz now when a much faster system might be out in a few months time and may even allow for me to get the 8 core at the same price. So I think I'm going to wait now.

Well if it was that simple to decide.. Im still not sure.

[m1stake]

Everyone wants the latest after Nehalem Mac Pro comes out, Apple is not going to stop making them, it just going to get better and faster down the road, i've played the waiting game for the Mac Pro when it first came out 1 year waiting and believe me it wasn't fun not having a computer during that time but if you must have the latest January is not that far off but like I said previously there not going to be that big of the difference between the current Mac Pro, it might be 2-3% faster but that's no reason to hold off in buying one now, and who knows now that Apple has there own processor chips many things can happen and change in the future.

Did you miss the part where I said that they were much faster in tests comparing the current generation to the next (Nehalem)? As far as waiting goes I do agree with you, but as I have a G4 that is working, I will be fine holding out for it. 5 months of playing choppy YouTube videos is not a reason to cave.

[Tallest Skil]

...it might be 2-3% faster but that's no reason to hold off in buying one now, and who knows now that Apple has there own processor chips...

Add a zero to both of those for Nehalem at lower power than current chips and add a zero and multiply by two for Nehalem clocked the same as current chips.

So in essence, 20-30% faster for lower power draw and around 50% better for the same draw.

And Apple's "chips" are sure as HECK not for anything other than the iPods.

[Roy]

The thing was I'm selling my current mac pro to my dad to get a new one. I can get a decent amount for this one and it makes the new mac pro quite cheap to purchase but I'd really only go for the quad core cause of how much I'd use it and cost. I was all set to get one pretty soon but reading about the increase in speed the new cores will offer I may actually wait. Im sure I can still sell this mac pro to my dad when the latest one comes out because he doesn't need any of it's speed at all really. I don't really want to get a quad 2.8Ghz now when a much faster system might be out in a few months time and may even allow for me to get the 8 core at the same price. So I think I'm going to wait now.

Well if it was that simple to decide.. Im still not sure.

You're not really thinking about "ripping" your dad off, are you?

[skyline r34]

Add a zero to both of those for Nehalem at lower power than current chips and add a zero and multiply by two for Nehalem clocked the same as current chips.

So in essence, 20-30% faster for lower power draw and around 50% better for the same draw.

And Apple's "chips" are sure as HECK not for anything other than the iPods.

If you say it's that much faster then I'll just buy a high-end MacBook Pro Nehalem if the laptop are getting intel chips next year, and when ever Sandy Bridge is release that's when I'll buy my next Mac Pro, good luck for those who are waitng it's not that far off.

I'll leave you with this when the Nehalem Mac Pro arrives like all computer it will get old and about this time next year people are going to talk about the next Mac Pro, it will never end, Just start enjoying using your computer, life is short.

[xgman]

http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/news/2008/08/11/nehalems-rolling-core-i7-start

[ibanana]

wait for next month, new mbp are coming

[Tallest Skil]

wait for next month, new mbp are coming

Yeah, this is about Mac Pros. The desktop. Please read more closely.

[m1stake]

My god, why do so many people read the Inq?

[nanofrog]

My god, why do so many people read the Inq?
Links posted in the forum perhaps? :p

[reservoirdog]

How much faster is the current MacPro than my PowerMac G4 Dual 1.0 GHz?

[apfhex]

I mean come on, might as well wait for the 32nm Sandy Bridge (what kind of code name is that? anyway...). :p In all seriousness though, the self-overclocking (http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Turbo-Mode-Intel,6193.html) feature of the Core i7/Nehalem sounds pretty swanky and might be worth waiting for (not on its own, but with the other improvements that will accompany the Nehalem Mac Pros) unless you need a faster computer now.

The thing was I'm selling my current mac pro to my dad to get a new one.
What do you use your Mac Pro for, and what advantage will you see out of upgrading? My thoughts are that if you have to ask if an upgrade is worth it, then maybe it isn't. If you're upgrading just because you want to, my advice would be to wait for Nehalem.

[Firefly2002]

Nas is coming.

[UltraNEO*]

My god, why do so many people read the Inq?

I take it most users here don't have the mental initiative to go search
on google for alternative results... or some other search engine, hence "inq" but what do I know? and do i care even?

[Umbongo]

I take it most users here don't have the mental initiative to go search
on google for alternative results... or some other search engine, hence "inq" but what do I know? and do i care even?

I read it because I know how to get the details out being that I come from the land of the redtop (english tabloid). I would think most articles posted from it here are people getting links to articles from tech news aggregators (other tech sites have no problem citing it). I'm not sure where this hostility to the inquirer comes from, sure the writing style is one most people aren't used to on a tech site, but they clearly differentiate between rumour and fact.

[Tallest Skil]

How much faster is the current MacPro than my PowerMac G4 Dual 1.0 GHz?

I refuse to believe that this is more than a joke, but I'll humor you.

It's around 8 to 9 times faster in actual use.

[Roy]

I read it because I know how to get the details out being that I come from the land of the redtop (english tabloid). I would think most articles posted from it here are people getting links to articles from tech news aggregators (other tech sites have no problem citing it). I'm not sure where this hostility to the inquirer comes from, sure the writing style is one most people aren't used to on a tech site, but they clearly differentiate between rumour and fact.


Perhaps a John Edwards fan?

[Umbongo]

Perhaps a John Edwards fan?

You'll have to explain that one. PM rather than dragging it through a Mac Pro thread thanks.

[reservoirdog]

I refuse to believe that this is more than a joke, but I'll humor you.

It's around 8 to 9 times faster in actual use.

Sorry, not a joke. I don't know how much better dual core/multi-core/octo-core processors are in reality from previous iterations.

[Tallest Skil]

Sorry, not a joke. I don't know how much better dual core/multi-core/octo-core processors are in reality from previous iterations.

Ah, well, you will see close to that amount of "betterness" in many pro applications.

[apfhex]

I don't know how much better dual core/multi-core/octo-core processors are in reality from previous iterations.
Even a single dual-core whatever model Intel CPU would likely kick the crap out of the dual 1GHz G4.

[sprice25]

Buy now if you need it. If you don't need it, wait.

[macenforcer]

I have a mac pro 8 core 2.8ghz with 16gb ram and the 8800gt video card.

Now I just picked up for kicks a 24" 2.8ghz imac. Freakin thing gets better xbench scores than the mac pro. Feels faster too. In video encoding test the mac pro was about 30% faster.

Don't believe the hype. The next mac pro won't feel any faster it just might encode video a little faster. Pro application users will notice a difference but average users would not notice a difference from a 2.66ghz quad to a 3.2ghz octo.

[kahine]

Your Imac beats your Mac Pro in bench scores ? Not sure what is going on there

I have both a recent 24" Imac and Mac Pro 3.2 with 10GB and my Mac Pro pummels both it and my Macbook Pro in every benchmark I have ran it with - geekbench and xbench

[motulist]

Here are all the benchmark scores (http://www.primatelabs.ca/blog/2008/06/mac-performance-june-2008/) you could want.

[jacefarm]

I've made my decision.

I will coax another 5 months out of my Dual 533 MHz G4 / 1.25 GB RAM / 128 MB ATI Radeon 9200. Alas, gaming went by the wayside too long ago, but this puppy still gets the Photoshop done. Amazing longevity.

But come Nehalem, I'm going fer the gold baby! Ruhrick! (authentic frontier gibberish) :D

[macwall]

i think there's an update at macworld.

[mikeflynn]

Well damn. I'm in the market to buy a Mac Pro (as more of a central home computer and for more hard-core tasks) and after reading all of this, I still don't know.

I'm leaning towards just buying the damn thing, hell maybe this week...

[xgman]

They are saying that at least on the server side of things the Nehalem's will outperform the penryns by a large margin. Early tests have shown ths to be the case even on early crippled setups. Time will tell, but I am anxiously awaiting these in MP's.

[mistafreeze]

I know this is the macpro thread, but is it for sure the new macbook pros will be out on sept 9th? do you think they will be shipping then?

I ask because I recently decided I might as well buy a new mac pro, and sell my laptop, i was hoping for a refresh on the macpro in September, but it seems only the macbook pro will be getting refreshed.

I used to own a mac pro, it was a beast, I bought it on day one, and it wasn't updated by the time I sold it (over a year after).

So maybe a new update wont be happening for the mac pro?

I guess I need to sell my laptop as fast as possible.


Also, can you run any games on the macpro, how good is the video processor? I went through hell waiting on apple to ship out my upgrade ATI card, and the gaming sucked.

I design games using the unreal engine, and would like to be able to run it with no problems.

To be able to play crisis would be nice as well.

I should note, on my macbook pro (recent purchase) with 4gb of ram (the high end 15 inch) I can play UE3, and call of duty 4. (on windows)

is there a certain graphics card I should pickup?

I don't want to use ATI if it can be avoided, unless the stock is fine giving no problems.

I will be running dual 23's

[kabunaru]

I have a mac pro 8 core 2.8ghz with 16gb ram and the 8800gt video card.

Now I just picked up for kicks a 24" 2.8ghz imac. Freakin thing gets better xbench scores than the mac pro. Feels faster too. In video encoding test the mac pro was about 30% faster.


1. You must be very rich
2. The performance difference is probably because of the ATI card in the iMac. ATI is better designed for Mac OS X than Nvidia.

[macenforcer]

1. You must be very rich

Am I?

[Roy]

1. You must be very rich
........

Am I?


It should be "I am" unless you are maxing out your credit cards. Perhaps you are trying to stimulate the economy? I don't know of anyone who has a Mac Pro with 16G of ram and "picks up" a 24" iMac just for kicks.

I have a mac pro 8 core 2.8ghz with 16gb ram and the 8800gt video card.

Now I just picked up for kicks a 24" 2.8ghz imac. Freakin thing gets better xbench scores than the mac pro. Feels faster too. In video encoding test the mac pro was about 30% faster.
..

[CWallace]

I know this is the macpro thread, but is it for sure the new macbook pros will be out on sept 9th? do you think they will be shipping then?

The only people who know work in Apple and they are not talking - as they never do.

So maybe a new update wont be happening for the mac pro?

There is nothing to upgrade. Intel is making no new CPUs or systemboard chipsets using the current technology. We have to wait for the new Core i7 platform to launch late this year or early next.

Also, can you run any games on the macpro, how good is the video processor?

The current top-end "gaming" card offered by Apple is the nVidia 8800GT. It's faster then the 8600GS on the MacBook Pro so if your MBP can run the game, the Mac Pro can as well.

ATI is also offering two new cards for the Mac Pro via retail.

[pwn247]

I got this refurbished Dual Xeon Mac Pro for $1,999 from Apple. ;)

If I were you, I'd get the refurbished systems while they're still available.

[m1stake]

I sold a 2.66 quad to a customer for $1200 a few weeks ago :p

[kabunaru]

There is nothing to upgrade. Intel is making no new CPUs or systemboard chipsets using the current technology. We have to wait for the new Core i7 platform to launch late this year or early next.


So, new Mac Pros a week before MacWorld 2009 (just like last year)? :confused:

[Umbongo]

So, new Mac Pros a week before MacWorld 2009 (just like last year)? :confused:

If there are new displays at Macworld then the Mac Pros might debut then too. Maybe they will all come out before though.

[m1stake]

I have no recollection of ANY of the displays debuting at MacWorld. I don't claim to have any knowledge of them though. When I bought my G4 and the studio display to go with it, I don't remember an announcement for the display along with the tower. Someone correct me and bring me joy.

[kabunaru]

I have no recollection of ANY of the displays debuting at MacWorld. I don't claim to have any knowledge of them though. When I bought my G4 and the studio display to go with it, I don't remember an announcement for the display along with the tower. Someone correct me and bring me joy.

Apple can just "silently" update the Cinema Displays along with the Mac Pro before MacWorld 2009.

[m1stake]

You sort of missed the point of my post; I don't remember any announcements, which means that they have been updated silently a lot.

[iMacmatician]

I mean come on, might as well wait for the 32nm Sandy Bridge (what kind of code name is that? anyway...).It was codenamed Gesher, Hebrew for "bridge." The codename was changed to Sandy Bridge.

So, new Mac Pros a week before MacWorld 2009 (just like last year)? :confused:Probably. Or at the end of January or the end of February.

[Elven]

I feel with my next purchase being the Mac Pro I shall wait till Macworld and see what comes out, as I have a Quad Core Windows Machine which does the work I need for now.

[CWallace]

So, new Mac Pros a week before MacWorld 2009 (just like last year)? :confused:

I certainly hope so. I was in an Apple Store yesterday admiring the current model, but I am waiting for the Core i7. As soon as Apple ships, I'll be in line.

[Demodex]

Just remember Apple makes most of its money off the Imac's and the macbooks, they will get the update first, with the mac pro after, and the mini far far behind

[Umbongo]

Just remember Apple makes most of its money off the Imac's and the macbooks, they will get the update first, with the mac pro after, and the mini far far behind

Right, but the Mac Pro will be the first with Nehalem (i7) as that comes to desktop hardware first.

[kabunaru]

You sort of missed the point of my post; I don't remember any announcements, which means that they have been updated silently a lot.

What are you talking about?
I think you are missing the point.

[m1stake]

I have no recollection of ANY of the displays debuting at MacWorld. I don't claim to have any knowledge of them though. When I bought my G4 and the studio display to go with it, I don't remember an announcement for the display along with the tower. Someone correct me and bring me joy.

I don't remember any displays debuting at MacWorld or WWDC. Obviously that means they were silently updated.

Apple can just "silently" update the Cinema Displays along with the Mac Pro before MacWorld 2009.

REALLY?

[Trekkie]

Nehalem, the replacement for Harpertown that is in the box now isn't due until late 4Q 2008. So I'd guess macworld updates to the new proc.

[maroulis]

so tuesday before event and nothing new released.. I'm ready to pull the trigger on a 2.8Ghz x 2 Quad core upgrading from a 2 x 2.66 older system..

confused as to whether I should wait one more week or not... I can use my Macbook air or Vista quadcore but really want a new Mac :)

[O. Frabjous-Dey]

I really doubt that you're going to notice a huge performance boost going from the 2x2.66.

In my opinion, you should either wait for Nehalem or upgrade your current system. Sink some money into the Velociraptor or a new GPU. Whatever you're doing with your computer, you're unlikely to be CPU-constrained.

[maroulis]

I really doubt that you're going to notice a huge performance boost going from the 2x2.66.

In my opinion, you should either wait for Nehalem or upgrade your current system. Sink some money into the Velociraptor or a new GPU. Whatever you're doing with your computer, you're unlikely to be CPU-constrained.

True, but the question is if I'd get more bang for my money if I buy this evening the 2 x 2.8ghz quad vs wait for one more week.. :/

the old quadcore 2.66 i'm giving to my g/f to use... :)

[O. Frabjous-Dey]

The Mac Pro won't be upgraded in a week; you'll probably have to wait until January. :(

[Tallest Skil]

they will get the update first, with the mac pro after

Gonna give you a massive NO on that. If that were the case, Apple would not be "able" to update their notebooks until one year from now.

The Mac Pro gets everything. EVERYTHING. First. Then the MacBook Pro, then the iMac, then the MacBook, and if the tech has been around for two years, the Mini.

[unlokia]

I just sold my ZX81, and upgrading to 2.8Ghz 8-core MP. I am not sure if I made the right decision; is this a worthwhile speed increase, for my outlay?

[maroulis]

Gonna give you a massive NO on that. If that were the case, Apple would not be "able" to update their notebooks until one year from now.

The Mac Pro gets everything. EVERYTHING. First. Then the MacBook Pro, then the iMac, then the MacBook, and if the tech has been around for two years, the Mini.

well I need one tonight.. so i'm about to go to apple store here.. if anything changes I guess I'll eat the restocking fee and get the new one since the event is only 7 days away :/

[maroulis]

ZX81 --> Mac Pro ?

[unlokia]

ZX81 --> Mac Pro ?

Is there a difference?. That is why I asked... thanks.

[Jiten]

Is there a difference?. That is why I asked... thanks.

In theory the 8Core Mac Pro should be able to at least be twice as fast as the ZX81 but because many applications are not yet optimized for multiple cores - I would say it will run just about the same speed.

[m1stake]

well I need one tonight.. so i'm about to go to apple store here.. if anything changes I guess I'll eat the restocking fee and get the new one since the event is only 7 days away :/

The chips won't be out until October, just like last year. It's not coming out before Christmas.

[maroulis]

The chips won't be out until October, just like last year. It's not coming out before Christmas.

I gave in like I said.. and bought one.. I'm amazed with how silent it is (still restoring data from old quadcore / 2.66) compared to the prev Mac Pro...

[unlokia]

In theory the 8Core Mac Pro should be able to at least be twice as fast as the ZX81 but because many applications are not yet optimized for multiple cores - I would say it will run just about the same speed.

:D:D:D Are you crazy? "twice as fast"... I think it's probably a LITTLE faster than two times... :D ROFL!!

;)

[iMacmatician]

I just sold my ZX81, and upgrading to 2.8Ghz 8-core MP. I am not sure if I made the right decision; is this a worthwhile speed increase, for my outlay?Absolutely not. The speed increase is not enough, so wait for Nehalem or even 6-core Westmere. In fact, you could even wait for Sandy Bridge, that's even better.

:D

[unlokia]

Gah!. I'm disappointed! ;)

[digitalfrog]

Do they stay silent over the months of do they start to get noisier ?

[Roy]

Do they stay silent over the months of do they start to get noisier ?

Probably there is a direct relationship to the amount of dust that accumulates on the fans and the increase in noise level.

[Jiten]

:D:D:D Are you crazy? "twice as fast"... I think it's probably a LITTLE faster than two times... :D ROFL!!

;)

You are probably correct. The thing is, unlike the Mac Pro - the ZX81 does not have a complex operating system and multi gigabyte applications to run. So despite of the ZX81's slightly lesser hardware it can still match the Mac Pro in processing speed. It is like comparing a quick nimble Mini cooper to a huge bus in a racing track. And before I forget, take a look outside your window are those pigs flying?

[mistafreeze]

luckily no new macbook pro was released (atleast lucky for me, as no huge decrease in value for my current laptop took place), went ahead and ordered the mac pro, should be here tomorrow!

Id say go ahead and buy it now, why hold off 4+ months for the system?

I bought the original mac pro the day it came out, kept it for well over a year, and still no new model, when I sold mine, i think they announced the first 8 core model (but it was the high end version).

The resell value will remain high, and right now memory is somewhat affordable, if they go to using newer higher end memory, you may not be able to afford to stock up, I'm putting in 16gb, for what I think, is less than I paid for 4gb when the first mac pro came out.

I'm hoping to keep this one for a long time, atleast 2 years.

I'm glad ATI is doing retail cards now, so I dont have to be stuck with whatever apple decides to pop out.

Will likely buy the 3870 if the stock card proves insufficient (dont really play games, as long as I can render unreal in high quality, thats all that matters, as I do develop)

again, why wait, just buy it now.

[nanofrog]

Will likely buy the 3870 if the stock card proves insufficient (dont really play games, as long as I can render unreal in high quality, thats all that matters, as I do develop)
The HD3870 would probably help you. From what I've been able to discern, it does quite well for Core Image, and at ~$218USD, a lot of bang-for-the-buck. ;) :D

Good Luck. :)

[chewietobbacca]

ATI drivers tend to do better with Macs than Nvidia's do so even slightly slower cards fo gaming like the 3870 do better than the 8800GT does at other app work

That said, I wonder if the 4800 series rumor was true, cause those are THE cards to get right now..

[CWallace]

Intel has released a 3.4GHz Xeon CPU, however it runs $200 more then the 3.2GHz unit so expect it to be a $2000 upgrade from the dual-2.8GHz model (based on the dual-3.2GHz being a $1600 upgrade).

[Fast Shadow]

ATI drivers tend to do better with Macs than Nvidia's do so even slightly slower cards fo gaming like the 3870 do better than the 8800GT does at other app work

That said, I wonder if the 4800 series rumor was true, cause those are THE cards to get right now..

The 4800 series is coming to the Mac, but there is no time frame. I wouldn't hold my breath, if you need a better card now just get the 3870.

[nanofrog]

Has anyone found a release date for the HD4870 for Mac yet?:confused:

[m1stake]

If they wait for the Nehalem mac pro, I'd be sort of unhappy. Hopefully they'd follow up with the 5870 soon after that since it's due in January or February. These 6 month product cycles really fly by.

[nanofrog]

If they wait for the Nehalem mac pro, I'd be sort of unhappy. Hopefully they'd follow up with the 5870 soon after that since it's due in January or February. These 6 month product cycles really fly by.
It would be nice. :D But for some reason, Macs always seem to be behind on graphics cards. :(

If history repeats itself, Mac's would get the HD5870 when the 6000 series hits. :D :p Arrgh!

//ok. fit over now//:eek:

[m1stake]

The 8800GT was released timely.

[nanofrog]

The 8800GT was released timely.
Can't remember the release date, but I was thinking it was late as well. :confused:
But Mac's haven't seen the GX280 yet either. :p

It seems there is a better corporate relationship between Apple and ATI rather than nVidia. Though the sense of product lag seems there for either GPU maker. Oh well. :(

[snapper07]

hi I'm looking to get a new mac pro and have a quick question about the graphics cards I'm a photographer and mainly use my computer to run photoshop and my digital backs software (leaf) I'm never going to be using it for gaming will I be ok to get the standard graphics card or will i see benefits from getting a better one?

[Umbongo]

hi I'm looking to get a new mac pro and have a quick question about the graphics cards I'm a photographer and mainly use my computer to run photoshop and my digital backs software (leaf) I'm never going to be using it for gaming will I be ok to get the standard graphics card or will i see benefits from getting a better one?

You'll be fine with the basic one.

[snapper07]

You'll be fine with the basic one.

Thanks for that I'll go for that.

[m1stake]

Can't remember the release date, but I was thinking it was late as well. :confused:
But Mac's haven't seen the GX280 yet either. :p

It seems there is a better corporate relationship between Apple and ATI rather than nVidia. Though the sense of product lag seems there for either GPU maker. Oh well. :(

The 8800GT was released with the new Mac Pro in early January after it's November launch. While you might think this is "late", it was easily during the current hardware generation.

[nanofrog]

The 8800GT was released with the new Mac Pro in early January after it's November launch. While you might think this is "late", it was easily during the current hardware generation.
Nice to know! :D

For some strange reason, I was thinking it released in July, making it a 6 mo. delay. :o

Would you consider a 6 mo. delay to develop drivers and firmware for a Mac acceptable, or a bit too long? (Just curious).

[Your Daddy Q]

They won't use Beckton.

The Tuesday before MacWorld we'll see Nehalem Mac Pros. No sooner.

weather man! oct 14th?

[CWallace]

weather man! oct 14th?

Neither Intel nor any systemboard maker has given any indication they will have dual-CPU Core i7 board ready by then, which a Mac Pro will need.

[Your Daddy Q]

Neither Intel nor any systemboard maker has given any indication they will have dual-CPU Core i7 board ready by then, which a Mac Pro will need.

ok. then we are looking at the air, macbook and mbp in mid oct. so, really mac pro is going to be in Jan with Snow.

correct me please.

[kabunaru]

What realistic specs do you gentlemen see on the next Mac Pros?

[Umbongo]

What realistic specs do you gentlemen see on the next Mac Pros?

2.8GHz, 3.07GHz, 3.2GHz processors
2GB of memory (12 slots total)
320GB drive still (they may bump to 500GB but I wouldn't count on it)
graphics cards similar to the current ones, just newer versions
Other options similar to the current ones.

[m1stake]

2.93Ghz stock (Making your numbers higher is a marketing thing that everyone does). A 3.07 rounding up to 3.1Ghz would be a good stepping stone, but 3.4 seems too high. Not that I'd buy it, but it would be hard to complain if they used those parts. The silicon can definitely do it with ease as many sites have OC'd the **** out of these things with regularity. (Keep in mind the only benches I know of are using a 2.66 by Anandtech and a 2.93 from Tom's).

3GB of memory for triple channel goodness.

The graphics card is wide open. 4870 will be there, but maybe not through Apple as with the 3870. GTX 260? Probably not, as it's more akin to the 8800GTS which was a step or two above the 8800GT in price, though not performance. Since new ATI and Nvidia cards will ship in Q1 2009, they may delay for that. And this is just the high end! The 9800GT is a pretty boring card, it's an improvement over the 8800GT, but absolutely nothing worth noting.

Also, the 4850 in the $170-$200 bracket makes this a very interesting playing field. It would NOT be the high end offering, and would not replace the 2600XT as the difference between it and the 4870 isn't quite big enough for that IMO.

320-500GB HDD. Again, marketing with bigger numbers is easy.

Make a better RAID card option that supports boot camp. It's possible to do (People do it now), but their $800 RAID card won't do it.

I would expect cinema displays, because they have not been rumored before to my knowledge (Only prayed for).

[Your Daddy Q]

i think they will update it before Jan. Jan would be a different animal. mac related but not mac pro. other portable mac products.

[/dev/toaster]

I am buying one now for a few reasons. I have wanted one for a long time now, and just want to get it already. I have low patience waiting for new products.

Macs do hold a good resell value, so I am going to wait until they release the 2nd revision of the updated Mac Pro in January. Then, maybe sell my "old one" and upgrade to the newest.

Then again, the Mac pro is such a powerful machine that I doubt I will really want to upgrade.

Maybe I will upgrade to one of the i7's when snow leopard comes out.

I am kinda annoyed though because the one I want isn't on refurb anymore. Would have saved me $400 :(

[Fast Shadow]

I just ordered an octocore 2.8 from Amazon. No sales tax and they currently have a $150 rebate offer, too. Total price after rebate is around $2550 including overnight shipping for $3.99 if you're a Prime member.

[thereubster]

Buying a Mac when it is this far through its product cycle is always a difficult decision, but you should just ask yourself; Do I need this much power, and do I need it right now? If yes and yes is the answer then buy it now. If you answer no to either then consider waiting a little while, or buy an iMac instead (they wont be significantly updated anytime soon).
I think we will see a Mac Pro with a Gainstown platform MB (dual socket) and Nehalem Xeon CPU's @ 2.93, 3.16 and 3.33 or more Ghz giving 8 CPU's and 16 threads. 3Gb DDR3 as standard (triple channel) with 6 Gb optional. 500Gb Hard drive standard. New Cinema displays.
I think we will see this available and shipping before the end of the year, but I dont want to give anything more definite than that.
So if you NEED a new Mac pro before christmas, dont wait.

[Umbongo]

Buying a Mac when it is this far through its product cycle is always a difficult decision, but you should just ask yourself; Do I need this much power, and do I need it right now? If yes and yes is the answer then buy it now. If you answer no to either then consider waiting a little while, or buy an iMac instead (they wont be significantly updated anytime soon).
I think we will see a Mac Pro with a Gainstown platform MB (dual socket) and Nehalem Xeon CPU's @ 2.93, 3.16 and 3.33 or more Ghz giving 8 CPU's and 16 threads. 3Gb DDR3 as standard (triple channel) with 6 Gb optional. 500Gb Hard drive standard. New Cinema displays.
I think we will see this available and shipping before the end of the year, but I dont want to give anything more definite than that.
So if you NEED a new Mac pro before christmas, dont wait.

There won't be 3.16GHz Gainstowns. 2.66, 2.8, 2.93, 3.07 and 3.2 are almost certain from Intel. I'd consider them possible contenders for Apple (2.66GHz only because we don't know the price yet). Probably 3.33, 3.46 and 3.6 too, but they may not be around at launch.

I wouldn't be suprised to see 3GB, but Apple have always shipped the minimum amount of memory needed with Pro systems as far as I know. While tripple channel is supported it isn't required. Infact I think you only need a single DIMM. In which case we may see a single 2GB DIMM.

500GB standard may seem logical, but if they think they can make money from upgrades then it could still be 320GB. I guess with the way the retail units system is set up 500GB might make more sense, but no one is going to not buy a Mac Pro because it only has a 320GB drive.