Apple Using Exclusive 3GHz Xeon from Intel?

[MacRumors]

MacNN reports that the 3GHz Xeon (Clovertown) processor that was introduced in the 8-core Mac Pro is a currently unannounced model.

According to comments by Intel's Bill Kircos: "We are indeed shipping a 3.0GHz Xeon version [and] expect to see faster gigahertz speeds for our high-end [Core 2] Extreme PCs very soon, too. For now, the product is in limited production and Apple has chosen to adopt it. We will introduce another 3.0GHz Xeon SKU later on as well."

Indeed, it appears Apple had waited for the 3GHz Quad-Core Xeon to become available before launching the 8-Core Mac Pro.

While rumors of an 8-core Mac Pro began back in October, the available chips at that time maxed out at 2.66Ghz. Only in March was it revealed by Intel that a 3GHz version would be coming "later this year".

It appears Apple is the first to use the as-yet unannounced 3GHz Xeon (Clovertown) chips.

[i_am_a_cow]

I guess that's good...

[Cassie]

Haha, once again, Apple comes first.

[Chaszmyr]

Apple has been getting all sorts of special treatment from Intel ever since the switch, it seems... Intel must have had some particular reason that they really wanted to hook up with Apple, which I think would transcend current profits.

[tvguru]

It's nice to see Apple have some pull for cutting edge technology from partner companies. Now only if I had enough money to use such technology.

[Whistleway]

Originally Posted by i_am_a_cow

I guess that's good...

Not really. Just another way to keep up the prices by staying on high price curve.

[arn]

I find it interesting that Apple is able to swing that kind of influence on Intel. However, it also makes sense they had to wait for the 3.0GHz before they could introduce the 8-core.

It just fits better with the 8-core being 3Ghz. Now it's clearly the highest end and people should be willing to pay a premium.

Otherwise, it would have been confusing.

Should I get a 3GHZ Quad Core or a 2.66GHz Octo-core sort of thing.

arn

[/"\/oo\/"\]

neat. not like it matters, but I approve.

[GanleyBurger]

The MacRumors Buyer's Guide now says Buy Now! - Product just updated on both the Apple Cinema Displays and the Mac Pro.

Should it really say this?

Was the Octo option really a product line update or a new option?

Was the price drop in the displays a product update or a way to blow them out?

What constitutes MacRumors saying Buy Now - Product Updated (days since last update)?

Were these changes from Apple to hold us off until NAB and WWDC??? Does anyone still have hope for big Apple product line changes??? By June???

PS: and why did they release on a Wednesday????

[auyongtc]

Originally Posted by Chaszmyr

Apple has been getting all sorts of special treatment from Intel ever since the switch, it seems... Intel must have had some particular reason that they really wanted to hook up with Apple, which I think would transcend current profits.

Perhaps to steer away from AMD ?

[Lord Nerdos]

These juicy 3GHz quad-cores are going to be even more juicy and delicious after the reported July price-drop. Intel wants to put the boot into AMD, and if means cheaper macs then I'm all for it

*Cackles evilly*

*pauses momentarily and thinks about the long term implications of having only one major computer chip manufacturer*

[arn]

Originally Posted by GanleyBurger

The MacRumors Buyer's Guide now says Buy Now! - Product just updated on both the Apple Cinema Displays and the Mac Pro.

I addressed this in a previous thread.

The Cinema's "Buy it Now" is certainly justified. Apple generally doesn't "clear out" items with discounts. Sometimes they offer rebates, but not simple price cuts. For displays, price cuts are as good as new releases in general. Apple tends to do these updates like this. They should be good for the next few months. Thought it doesn't preclude Apple from introducing, say, a much larger form factor (42"?) screen at NAB or something. But for these existing models, I think "Buy it Now" is right.

The Octo-Core, I agree. The only Mac Pro that's a true "Buy it Now" is the Octo-Core. The remainder of the line has some age to it.

Edit: The Mac Pro buyer's guide page as been updated
arn

[nagromme]

That's what Dell gets for sneaking around with that AMD!

[GanleyBurger]

Originally Posted by arn

I addressed this in a previous thread.

The Cinema's "Buy it Now" is certainly justified. Apple generally doesn't "clear out" items with discounts. Sometimes they offer rebates, but not simple price cuts. For displays, price cuts are as good as new releases in general. Apple tends to do these updates like this. They should be good for the next few months. Thought it doesn't preclude Apple from introducing, say, a much larger form factor (42"?) screen at NAB or something. But for these existing models, I think "Buy it Now" is right.

The Octo-Core, I agree. The only Mac Pro that's a true "Buy it Now" is the Octo-Core. The remainder of the line has some age to it.

arn

It's just that a lot of us have been discussing thinner displays, HD stuff, bigger screens, new designs, built-in eyesight, etc. We got none of that. Well... it is nice to see the lower prices (but now the refurbs are only $50 less).

[zen]

Limited production of an unannounced chip? That'll explain the price then!

[Eidorian]

Originally Posted by zen

Limited production of an unannounced chip? That'll explain the price then!

Limited production of a processor that was set to ship later this year.

[Marble]

It's good to know that Apple and Intel still have a healthy relationship. 1+ years after Apple and IBM teamed up with the G5, things certainly didn't seem this cozy.

[booksacool1]

I was surprised about seeing a 3ghz Quad part. Didn't think one existed, now I know why...

[SiliconAddict]

Well 3Ghz....better late then never.

When did Jobs say they were working on the 3Ghz G5?

[Eidorian]

Originally Posted by SiliconAddict

Well 3Ghz....better late then never.

When did Jobs say they were working on the 3Ghz G5?

WWDC 2003 had the 3 GHz PowerPC 970 promise.

3 GHz has been available since release for 2 x 2 Xeon configuration.

[GFLPraxis]

Originally Posted by arn

I find it interesting that Apple is able to swing that kind of influence on Intel. However, it also makes sense they had to wait for the 3.0GHz before they could introduce the 8-core.

It just fits better with the 8-core being 3Ghz. Now it's clearly the highest end and people should be willing to pay a premium.

Otherwise, it would have been confusing.

Should I get a 3GHZ Quad Core or a 2.66GHz Octo-core sort of thing.

arn

On the other hand, you could imagine that it is helpful to Intel to have a testing ground for the new processors. The Mac users are the test subjects, and since the Xeons are only available in limited quantities, this allows Intel to release them without having to worry about huge orders being placed from every manufacturer (just let Apple have them).

[Jarcrew]

Originally Posted by SiliconAddict

Well 3Ghz....better late then never.

When did Jobs say they were working on the 3Ghz G5?

In all fairness, from what I understood, that was IBM's fault, wasn't it?

[belovedmonster]

Originally Posted by Chaszmyr

Apple has been getting all sorts of special treatment from Intel ever since the switch, it seems... Intel must have had some particular reason that they really wanted to hook up with Apple, which I think would transcend current profits.

Arent Apple the biggest computer maker in the world now? Im sure I read somewhere that out of all the computer brands like HP and Dell they are now the biggest selling. Isnt that reason enough for Intel to give them special treatment?

[Eidorian]

Originally Posted by belovedmonster

Arent Apple the biggest computer maker in the world now? Im sure I read somewhere that out of all the computer brands like HP and Dell they are now the biggest selling. Isnt that reason enough for Intel to give them special treatment?

Apple holds it's own against HP within the Top 5 for hardware sales. It's not number on though.

[gsnixon]

Its true Apple doesn't represent a large revenue stream for Intel. But their extremely high profile image in the tech and business world makes them a very valuable partner. Debuting the 8-core 3GHz Mac Pro highlights Intel's technological prowess far better than a mass-market manufacturer would. Apple gets preferential treatment, yes, but it lets Intel put on the Apple halo for free.