Dual Core PowerMac G5 Updates?

[MacRumors]

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ThinkSecret reports that Apple will be upgrading the PowerMac G5 line in the near future -- possibly as early as the end of this month.

The high end Mac configuration last saw minor updates in April 2005 with the high end PowerMac only being bumped up 200MHz (2.5GHz -> 2.7GHz).

According to the rumor site, the new PowerMac revisions are expected to utilize the 970MP Dual Core PowerPC processor. The existence of a dual core variant of the PowerPC 970 (G5) has been long rumored/speculated, but was finally officially announced by IBM in July 2005. This was after Apple's historic announcement that they would be migrating to Intel processors in the future.

Still, many expect that Apple will utilize the Dual Core 970MP processor in upcoming PowerMac revisions before moving to Intel. The dual core version of the PowerPC 970 is reported to have up to a 50-80% performance improvement over the single core version.

Indeed, analysts had predicted that Dual Core PowerMac G5s might arrive at Apple Expo Paris which kicks off next week on September 20th 2005. The most recent announcement that there will be no Keynote Speech at Apple Expo Paris dashed the hope of many enthusiasts that there would be any product releases during the show. ThinkSecret, however, appears to believe that PowerMac updates are coming soon. Of note, they don't expect PowerBook releases for some time -- possibly as late as MacWorld Expo San Francisco in January of 2006.

[mattthemutt]

Mmmm.... it would be nice to see more updates on the G5. (Not that I'm complaining)

That's quite the power increase.

[WillMak]

no powerbooks till next year. that's a big ouch.

[dizastor]

I want a dual dual.

*drool* *drool*

[iGary]

As much as it hurts me to say, with my two-month-old machine, the line needs some pizazz. Dual 2.7GHz does everything I need it to do and more, but a dual core would be sweet.

No PowerBooks? WTF?

[Eluon]

really doesn't effect me but hey - i hope it brings more converts!

[After G]

Originally Posted by greenmonsterman

I want a dual dual.

*drool* *drool*

Me too.

I like my iBook G4 and all, but I NEED MORE POWER :-)

[w_parietti22]

PBs not till MWSF!!!! What??? at least they'll be intel... hopefully

[kingtj]

The rapid updates to the Mac desktop lines are de-valuing the older systems at a quicker pace than what is traditional for Apple hardware. On one hand, that's fine - because it means they're pumping out the upgrades at a rate more in line with the rest of the computer industry. But it also means I'm less likely to fork out the money for an upgraded system.

(I have a Dual 2.0Ghz tower, for example, that in about a years' time, is worth over $1000 less than it was when I got it - despite buying it at a discount when new. If I wanted to upgrade to a new dual-core G5, I wouldn't be able to get enough out of this machine, used, to be much help in offsetting the cost of upgrading.)

[dontmatter]

would existing software be able to take advantage of the dual cores or would that take special optimization? If it does take work, adobe will be pissed with all the software they have to write for the mac lately.

Otherwise, yay! 50% boost in power at a minimum! I gets my official stamp of approval.

[longofest]

I just really hope that they actually use 2 970MP's, so you have a 4 core G5. Burn Baby Burn!!!

I am actually going to be in the market for a new PowerMac this time around, but it really depends upon what Apple releases. I refused to upgrade when they only released 200 Mhz speed bumps. But hopefully this time will be much better!

My computer now= 2x1Ghz G4 (Quicksilver) / 1GB Ram / Geforce 4 Ti
My G5??? = 4x2.5Ghz G5 / 2GB Ram / Radeon something or other... (I game on my PC now, cuz of what happened with GameSpy not letting Mac users play against PC users for newer games... poop on them, so I use my PC for games, Mac for EVERYTHING else).

[iGary]

Anyone who buys the Rev. A of these MP models is a nutcase, BTW.

[brendel95]

is it going to be two dual procssor? I hope not. I bought dual 2Ghz 2 month ago

[Sun Baked]

However there also really wasn't a big move on processor updates on the XServe, since they are a darn good indicator of the state of IBMs low-power chips.

Sort of worrisome that they were not able to find a low-power 2.5GHz chip yet.

Of course it's hard to tell what the real changes were, since the dev note has not been posted yet.

[longofest]

Originally Posted by kingtj

The rapid updates to the Mac desktop lines are de-valuing the older systems at a quicker pace than what is traditional for Apple hardware. On one hand, that's fine - because it means they're pumping out the upgrades at a rate more in line with the rest of the computer industry. But it also means I'm less likely to fork out the money for an upgraded system.

(I have a Dual 2.0Ghz tower, for example, that in about a years' time, is worth over $1000 less than it was when I got it - despite buying it at a discount when new. If I wanted to upgrade to a new dual-core G5, I wouldn't be able to get enough out of this machine, used, to be much help in offsetting the cost of upgrading.)

What are you talking about??? Apple has been horribly SLOW updating the PowerMac line! This, admitedly, would be a quick update. But the Dual 2Ghz PowerMac went for 1 full year without being TOUCHED! Then the 2.5 Ghz model with for another 9 months before getting the slap-in-the-face 2.7 Ghz update.

Besides, Macs hold their value 10x better than PC's anyday. So yeah, they might loose value over time, but that's just life.

[mddharma]

No PowerBooks? WTF?[/quote]

My thoughts exactly...

[riversky]

The PowerMac will be the last to move to Intel so they need some power to keep sales going in the broadcast and creative markets until late 2006 when the transition takes place....

The PowerBook thought seems right on. Why? The are selling well, don't really need to invest in any updates because they are state of the art now and there is really no significantly faster G4 available. They will transition the PowerBook to Intel in the first have of next year so why intro something new now. No need.

Black PowerBooks here we come. Apple will have to make them look TOTALLY different from PowerPC based ones. Black nano is a hint.

[ipodG8TR]

I've been continually pushing back my next Mac purchase waiting for something that will be really worthwhile. If the PowerMac doesn't get a major upgrade then I'll probably end up going with a 20" imac just to make it through the Intel switch.

What the PowerMac needs;
1. Dual, dual-core G5
2. Standard Airport and Bluetooth
3. Faster dual-layer DVD or Blu-ray
4. Standard 1GB RAM (would be nice for a pro machine)
5. Better graphics card

What do you think? I don't NEED a new Mac yet, but I don't want a rev 1 Intel Mac either. Or do I wait for January to get iLife '06 bundled?

[Kobushi]

humph...

On one hand I'll be upset if they don't do something with their powerbook line. But on the other, I'll be laughing at my brother who has to have the best of everything and his dumb "old" 2.5G G5 dualie.

[quadrakid]

no powerbook update=pathetic! oh well. maybe i'll get the x41 thinkpad instead.

http://www-604.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/st...86018425012402

[brendel95]

Dual dual core : higher price ?

[amac4me]

If we do see Dual Cores then my G5 2.5 system will be 2 models behind

[ipodG8TR]

Originally Posted by riversky

Black PowerBooks here we come. Apple will have to make them look TOTALLY different from PowerPC based ones. Black nano is a hint.

The black nano is nice but I don't know about a glossy black powerbook. Like having a black car -- looks great as long as it is always cleaned and waxed but otherwise shows all kinds of dirt and scratches.

If anything Apple should capitalize on the public's desire for color choices and sell aluminum keyboards and mice or even black ones so you can coordinate your desktop with your nano.

I predict nano colors by Christmas. Apple needs to add pink and silver, the two most popular mini colors. Or a limited edition Titanium nano. That would be cool.

[yellow5]

These rumors of updates kinda tear me both ways.

One I really like where Apple updates it product lines with new exciting technology.

But on the other hand I just bought a Dual 2.7 PowerMac about two months ago, and I really like the idea of having the best PowerMac out there.

Makes me CRAZY!

[ipodG8TR]

at least you're still in the lineup... for now. Those who bought the first dual 2GHz PowerMacs have really had a nice ride. That model had the longest lifespan in the lineup I can remember.

Originally Posted by amac4me

If we do see Dual Cores then my G5 2.5 system will be 2 models behind