Apple Buying Up High End Penryn Processors?

MacRumors · 06:16 PM

The Inquirer reports on rumors circulating around Tokyo about Apple's interest in high end Penryn processors for their upcoming Mac Pros.

According to the rumors, Apple has "pre-booked" all the top (3.2GHz) Penryn bins for this year, leaving only "minimum quantities" for other big vendors. The 3.2GHz Penryn Xeon ("Harpertown") processors offer a faster 1600MHz bus and 12MB of L2 cache. The quad-core processors could provide Apple with an upgrade path for their current Mac Pro line which has not seen major upgrades since August of 2006. Apple did introduce the 8-core Mac Pro in April of 2007, but left the existing models untouched.

By incorporating these new processors, Apple could increase the top speed Mac Pro to 3.2GHz with a 1600MHz front side bus (up from 1333 MHz). This would not be the first time Apple would have "exclusive" use of an otherwise unreleased Intel processor. The introduction of the 8-core Mac Pro used a 3.0GHz Xeon chip that was otherwise unannounced at that time. Similarly, the Penryn Xeon processors were not expected to reach 3.2GHz based on early reports.

The new Intel Penryn Xeon processors are due in November 2007.

Article Link

stoid · Oct 5, 2007, 05:21 PM

Yay for Mac Pro updates! It's about time.

twoodcc · Oct 5, 2007, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stoid

Yay for Mac Pro updates! It's about time.

yeah it is about time. hope they release them around Leopard

crossifixio · Oct 5, 2007, 05:22 PM

That would be good news

badcrumble · Oct 5, 2007, 05:22 PM

Great. Now include a top-of-the-line video card as BTO.

flopticalcube · Oct 5, 2007, 05:24 PM

Apple is at the head of the queue again! Way to go

!

phil83 · Oct 5, 2007, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badcrumble

Great. Now include a top-of-the-line video card as BTO.

I would like to seconded that!

Rocketman · Oct 5, 2007, 05:27 PM

Since the new Apple Mac Pro paradigm is a single primary base CPU, why not go for the best out of the gate, due to bulk ordering and pre-ordering, resulting in flatter price vs. time. Gives Apple a one year price time frame vs. a 6 month one.

The real benefit is the average cost is their true cost, so everybody else will have to pay premium cost for 6 months or so before everybody else's cost drops to Apples cost later.

They also buy bragging rights.

Rocketman

diamond.g · Oct 5, 2007, 05:30 PM

Which chipset does the MacPro use? I am having the darnedest time finding a worstation chipset or server chipset that does 1.6Ghz FSB.

nitrokev · Oct 5, 2007, 05:34 PM

Hope its early Nov as soon after Leopard as possible

KindredMAC · Oct 5, 2007, 05:39 PM

sometimes I feel like us mac pro/power mac users have been left out in the cold when compared to the iMac group. This would be a nice update but I think 16 months between updates is way too long for a model like this. In the very least Apple should at least offer some video upgrades to the mac pro over the last year.

BenRoethig · Oct 6, 2007, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diamond.g

Which chipset does the MacPro use? I am having the darnedest time finding a worstation chipset or server chipset that does 1.6Ghz FSB.

The current Mac Pro uses the Intel 5000x chipset. The penryn xeons will come with a new chipset codenamed seaburg. Seaburg will have many of the same features as the x38 desktop chipset including dual GPU support.

bilbo--baggins · Oct 5, 2007, 05:34 PM

I wonder if Apple didn't bother updating the mac pro in the last year (stuff like the GPU could have been updated, even if there weren't any better processors available) because they anticipated high demand with the launch of major Universal Binary apps like CS3? Perhaps as sales level off, they'll feel more of a need to keep stimulating sales by keeping it a bit more up to date in future? Lets hope.

Umbongo · Oct 5, 2007, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bilbo--baggins

I wonder if Apple didn't bother updating the mac pro in the last year (stuff like the GPU could have been updated, even if there weren't any better processors available) because they anticipated high demand with the launch of major Universal Binary apps like CS3? Perhaps as sales level off, they'll feel more of a need to keep stimulating sales by keeping it a bit more up to date in future? Lets hope.

I would think GPU updates never came because there wasn't enough demand for them. Yes I know there are alot of users on here that want better GPUs, and certainly even more outside of the MR community, but I can easily imagine there were not enough to satisfy all parties involved (Apple, GPU manufacturer, video card manufacturer).

Maybe if Leopard had come earlier they would have invested in development earlier, or maybe they really just don't care one way or another and MP updates will always be driven by workstation platform or processor updates.

Adokimus · Oct 5, 2007, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badcrumble

Great. Now include a top-of-the-line video card as BTO.

My first reaction as well. My preference is for the nvidia 8800 series.

-Ado

Rocketman · Oct 5, 2007, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macrumors

The Inquirer reports on rumors circulating around Tokyo about Apple's interest in high end Penryn processors for their upcoming Mac Pros.

Part of what that says is, "Of course, Apple could be paying a premium for this "privilege". It might also pass any such premium, multiplied by three or more, on to its unimaginably faithful flock of customers.

All is not lost. Bear in mind that, right after the 12 Nov launch of X5482, QX9650 and a few other extreme Penryns, we'll also have the "unlocked Harpertown " version for the Skulltrail dual-socket gaming monster, as well as other similar platforms that may come out from one or two Taiwanese vendors.

So, if you want your own - not Apple's iDiotised - dual socket desktop supercomputer, just grab a few of these. µ"

I am glad The Inquirer agrees we are unimaginably faithful.

I am glad they whine about Apple hoarding the fastest processors.

I am glad they are suggesting their readers focus on unimaginably short margin and fickle consumer customizable gaming systems.

Rocketman

Pass the Kool-Aid.

BornAgainMac · Oct 5, 2007, 05:41 PM

I am so glad Apple is bullying on the chip supplies. I foresaw all this to happen when they switched to Intel. They don't mess with the cheapo Celeron stuff.

pgwalsh · Oct 5, 2007, 05:48 PM

Will they be using this in the Mac Pro or Xserve or both? I'd imagine the Xserve first.

Multimedia · Oct 5, 2007, 05:50 PM

Back On The Front Burner For A Change is nice to see.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pgwalsh

Will they be using this in the Mac Pro or Xserve or both? I'd imagine the Xserve first.

Mac Pro first for sure. Then Xserve later.

psychofreak · Oct 5, 2007, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pgwalsh

Will they be using this in the Mac Pro or Xserve or both? I'd imagine the Xserve first.

The Xserve is in dire need of an upgrade, possibly more than the MP...I guess their updates will be announced together, but the Xserve will be 'in stores starting next month'...

~Shard~ · Oct 5, 2007, 05:54 PM

Great news, as the Mac Pros are definitely overdue for a processor upgrade. Not that there has been anything to upgrade too, but still...

And while they're at it, beef up the GPU options!

I wonder if Apple will stick with the FB-DIMM RAM architecture as well. I hear that technology's days are numbered... buy up some FB-DIMM modules now, they'll be worth a fortune in a few years!

FoxyKaye · Oct 5, 2007, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psychofreak

The Xserve is in dire need of an upgrade, possibly more than the MP...I guess their updates will be announced together, but the Xserve will be 'in stores starting next month'...

You can say that again - we're waiting until the Penryns hit the XServes, since I absolutely refuse to pay this year's prices for last year's technology. I really hope they do concurrent releases with the press on the Mac Pro and the XServe being the "silent" update at the same time.

pgwalsh · Oct 5, 2007, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Multimedia

Back On The Front Burner For A Change is nice to see.

Mac Pro first for sure. Then Xserve later.

Quote:

Originally Posted by psychofreak

The Xserve is in dire need of an upgrade, possibly more than the MP...I guess their updates will be announced together, but the Xserve will be 'in stores starting next month'...

I'm think xserve first on this one, but we will see.

Eraserhead · Oct 5, 2007, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocketman

Part of what that says is, "Of course, Apple could be paying a premium for this "privilege". It might also pass any such premium, multiplied by three or more, on to its unimaginably faithful flock of customers.

Well they are mainly going to professionals

I suspect what Apple does is that they buy the chips from Intel for a fixed price throughout the generation, which allows them to start at a cheaper price, but gives Intel a guaranteed price for them.

babboxy · Oct 5, 2007, 08:31 PM

Thank You DELL for not shipping my "H2Owhatever" in time... thank you for letting me hang for a month before telling me that I'll have to wait another month...I go so far to say thank you for not giving me my money back for 2 months .... BECAUSE NOW THANKS TO YOU - DELL - I HAVE A CHANCE TO BUY THIS

Oct 5, 2007, 05:19 PM	#1
MacRumors macrumors bot Join Date: Apr 2001	Apple Buying Up High End Penryn Processors? The Inquirer reports on rumors circulating around Tokyo about Apple's interest in high end Penryn processors for their upcoming Mac Pros. According to the rumors, Apple has "pre-booked" all the top (3.2GHz) Penryn bins for this year, leaving only "minimum quantities" for other big vendors. The 3.2GHz Penryn Xeon ("Harpertown") processors offer a faster 1600MHz bus and 12MB of L2 cache. The quad-core processors could provide Apple with an upgrade path for their current Mac Pro line which has not seen major upgrades since August of 2006. Apple did introduce the 8-core Mac Pro in April of 2007, but left the existing models untouched. By incorporating these new processors, Apple could increase the top speed Mac Pro to 3.2GHz with a 1600MHz front side bus (up from 1333 MHz). This would not be the first time Apple would have "exclusive" use of an otherwise unreleased Intel processor. The introduction of the 8-core Mac Pro used a 3.0GHz Xeon chip that was otherwise unannounced at that time. Similarly, the Penryn Xeon processors were not expected to reach 3.2GHz based on early reports. The new Intel Penryn Xeon processors are due in November 2007. Article Link Last edited by Doctor Q : Oct 5, 2007 at 06:16 PM.

Oct 5, 2007, 05:21 PM	#2
stoid macrumors 68040 Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: So long, and thanks for all the fish!	Yay for Mac Pro updates! It's about time. __________________ Get Salted!

Oct 5, 2007, 05:22 PM	#4
crossifixio macrumors member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: London	That would be good news __________________ MacBook Pro + iPhone

Oct 5, 2007, 05:24 PM	#6
flopticalcube macrumors 601 Join Date: Sep 2006	Apple is at the head of the queue again! Way to go ! __________________ iThink therefore iAm.

Oct 5, 2007, 05:27 PM	#8
Rocketman macrumors 68020 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Claremont, CA	Since the new Apple Mac Pro paradigm is a single primary base CPU, why not go for the best out of the gate, due to bulk ordering and pre-ordering, resulting in flatter price vs. time. Gives Apple a one year price time frame vs. a 6 month one. The real benefit is the average cost is their true cost, so everybody else will have to pay premium cost for 6 months or so before everybody else's cost drops to Apples cost later. They also buy bragging rights. Rocketman __________________ Think Different-ly! Looking for an iPhone dev with way too much time on her hands for BASIC programs I have.

Oct 5, 2007, 05:22 PM	#5
badcrumble macrumors member Join Date: Feb 2007	Great. Now include a top-of-the-line video card as BTO.

Oct 5, 2007, 05:30 PM	#9
diamond.g macrumors 68040 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Virginia	Which chipset does the MacPro use? I am having the darnedest time finding a worstation chipset or server chipset that does 1.6Ghz FSB. __________________ The whole earth should be like Hawaii (weather wise)

Oct 5, 2007, 05:34 PM	#10
nitrokev macrumors newbie Join Date: Oct 2007	Hope its early Nov as soon after Leopard as possible

Oct 5, 2007, 05:39 PM	#11
KindredMAC macrumors 6502a Join Date: Sep 2003	sometimes I feel like us mac pro/power mac users have been left out in the cold when compared to the iMac group. This would be a nice update but I think 16 months between updates is way too long for a model like this. In the very least Apple should at least offer some video upgrades to the mac pro over the last year. __________________ "We want to let go of this notion that for Apple to win, Microsoft has to lose." - Steve Jobs

Oct 5, 2007, 05:34 PM	#13
bilbo--baggins macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: UK	I wonder if Apple didn't bother updating the mac pro in the last year (stuff like the GPU could have been updated, even if there weren't any better processors available) because they anticipated high demand with the launch of major Universal Binary apps like CS3? Perhaps as sales level off, they'll feel more of a need to keep stimulating sales by keeping it a bit more up to date in future? Lets hope.

Oct 5, 2007, 05:41 PM	#17
BornAgainMac macrumors 68030 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Florida Resident	I am so glad Apple is bullying on the chip supplies. I foresaw all this to happen when they switched to Intel. They don't mess with the cheapo Celeron stuff.

Oct 5, 2007, 05:48 PM	#18
pgwalsh macrumors 65816 Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Menlo Park, CA	Will they be using this in the Mac Pro or Xserve or both? I'd imagine the Xserve first. __________________ My Widget: F@H WUdget My Business: KAHE Sparkling Nectars

Oct 5, 2007, 05:54 PM	#21
~Shard~ macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: 1123.6536.5321	Great news, as the Mac Pros are definitely overdue for a processor upgrade. Not that there has been anything to upgrade too, but still... And while they're at it, beef up the GPU options! I wonder if Apple will stick with the FB-DIMM RAM architecture as well. I hear that technology's days are numbered... buy up some FB-DIMM modules now, they'll be worth a fortune in a few years! __________________ My riches consist not in the extent of my possessions, but in the fewness of my wants. - J. Brotherton

Oct 5, 2007, 08:31 PM	#25
babboxy macrumors member Join Date: Oct 2007	Thx Dell Thank You DELL for not shipping my "H2Owhatever" in time... thank you for letting me hang for a month before telling me that I'll have to wait another month...I go so far to say thank you for not giving me my money back for 2 months .... BECAUSE NOW THANKS TO YOU - DELL - I HAVE A CHANCE TO BUY THIS

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode