Apple Waiting on Quad-Core Desktop CPUs for January?

MacRumors · Nov 19, 2008, 10:57 AM

DigiTimes reports that Apple is amongst the vendors who are awaiting the release of three new low-power desktop CPUs due in January from Intel.

Quote:

Intel will launch the Core 2 Quad Q8200s (2.33GHz/4MB L2), Core 2 Quad Q9400s (2.66GHz/6MB L2) and Core 2 Quad Q9550s (2.83GHz/12MB L2) with prices at US$245, US$320 and US$369, respectively in thousand-unit tray quantities. These CPUs will have the same specifications as standard CPUs with the same model number, but will see their TDP drop from 95W to 65W.

Apple is reported to have decided to launch products based on these CPUs. The most obvious destination for the new chips is Apple's iMac line which has been rumored for revision.

While the iMac's processor speeds would not increase with the use these chips, it would increase the number of CPU cores from two to four.

Article Link: Apple Waiting on Quad-Core Desktop CPUs for January?

AidenShaw · 11:05 AM

The quad mini-tower finally arrives!

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdowns

(below)
Wishful thinking.

A quad-core iMac would get me to replace my iMac G5.

Imac doesn't use desktop CPUs, so this would be a major motherboard revision for the Imac.

rdowns · Nov 19, 2008, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AidenShaw

The quad mini-tower finally arrives!

Wishful thinking.

A quad-core iMac would get me to replace my iMac G5.

Umbongo · Nov 19, 2008, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AidenShaw

The quad mini-tower finally arrives!

I guess using older technology would be the way to avoid the issue of Nehalem single socket desktops invalidating Nehalem Mac Pros for most potenial Mac Pro owners. Then again that would have its own negative reaction.

daneoni · Nov 19, 2008, 11:04 AM

Quad core in that tiny case?

kntgsp · Nov 19, 2008, 11:04 AM

These procs have been out for a while now.

smartaleck · Nov 19, 2008, 11:07 AM

There should be more discussion of the actual advantages what a specific processor means in a real world sense.

I don't think people really understand what a quad-core versus dual core proc would mean in their computers.

Megahertz and gigahertz don't seem to matter much anymore, people have moved onto duals and quads. It strikes me as just chasing trends without any real point.

In any context it's important to talk about what matters.

GSMiller · Nov 19, 2008, 11:07 AM

Do we need Quad-Core processors already? Most software developers haven't even fully embraced Dual-Core.

themoonisdown09 · Nov 19, 2008, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AidenShaw

Imac doesn't use desktop CPUs, so this would be a major motherboard revision for the Imac.

I was thinking the same thing.

iParis · Nov 19, 2008, 11:10 AM

This is as I expected.

I would be really happy if they put this in like the high end upgraded Mini.

Even though that's more likely to only happen in the 24 in iMac.

odedia · Nov 19, 2008, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AidenShaw

The quad mini-tower finally arrives!

Imac doesn't use desktop CPUs, so this would be a major motherboard revision for the Imac.

These new chips will use the same amount of Watts, and that's the important thing. It is possible.

arn · Nov 19, 2008, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSMiller

Do we need Quad-Core processors already? Most software developers haven't even fully embraced Dual-Core.

What do you think Snow Leopard is for?

arn

Shiner · Nov 19, 2008, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AidenShaw

The quad mini-tower finally arrives!

Imac doesn't use desktop CPUs, so this would be a major motherboard revision for the Imac.

What this guy says. Mac uses laptop processors in imac line. This is a desktop CPU. Hopefully apple has some sort of plan to use this older technology for some sort of good.

Clive At Five · Nov 19, 2008, 11:20 AM

Wait, what? Apple + desktop-class CPUs?

Either Steve is going soft or I've died.

jaw04005 · Nov 19, 2008, 11:30 AM

So while the rest of the PC world has moved to the new i7 desktop processors, the iMac will get re-released Quad-core processors from a year ago just with a lower TDP?

Yippee.

poundsmack · Nov 19, 2008, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaw04005

So while the rest of the PC world has moved to the new i7 desktop processors, the iMac will get re-released Quad-core processors from a year ago just with a lower TDP?

Yippee.

regaurdless of when it was released these are really good processors, and while i7 would have been nice, this is by no means a bad release. 10.6, being better suited for multi core, would really shine on these. oh who am i kidding, it does really shine on these

m1stake · Nov 19, 2008, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clive At Five

Wait, what? Apple + desktop-class CPUs?

Either Steve is going soft or I've died.

More likely that Jobs is dead, and someone popped up and said "OK LETS MAKE A PRODUCT PEOPLE WANT!"

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaw04005

So while the rest of the PC world has moved to the new i7 desktop processors, the iMac will get re-released Quad-core processors from a year ago just with a lower TDP?

The Core i7 CPUs that have been released so far are high end parts that bottom out at about $300. Mid range Nehalem cores won't be released until Q2 2009. The only computers using i7 silicon would destroy the iMac performance wise with or without the Nehalem parts.

goldeneye · Nov 19, 2008, 11:42 AM

if they're going to use desktop class processor, why aren't they adopting nehalem.

poundsmack · Nov 19, 2008, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goldeneye

if they're going to use desktop class processor, why aren't they adopting nehalem.

price, avalibility, the fact that apple gets the current procs they are going ot be using for much much cheaper, the list kinda goes on and on

wizard · Nov 19, 2008, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smartaleck

There should be more discussion of the actual advantages what a specific processor means in a real world sense.

The problem with such discussions is that the answer depends to much on your point of view. If you are happy with the behavior of a single core chip then going dual or quad will mean nothing to you. If however you find your machine to be bogged down executing your normal work load a low cost quad core could be the right solution.

The reality is that quad core can be a huge advantage to some even with todays software and OS. A better OS and to a lesser extent better apps only spread the utility of quads to more people.

Quote:

I don't think people really understand what a quad-core versus dual core proc would mean in their computers.

Maybe you don't and maybe a lot of people don't or don't care to know the details. That however doesn't mean that there isn't a minority of people out there that do. In any event enlighten us with your understanding.

Quote:

Megahertz and gigahertz don't seem to matter much anymore, people have moved onto duals and quads. It strikes me as just chasing trends without any real point.

That seems to be your defect in thought not the user population in general. GHz will always be important but the issues come in how much speed is practical on a given process. Also it is the processes that give people like Intel lots of room to add more cores. They do so becuase more cores offer the best way to address performance issues the majority of users have. Very few people these days are complaining about single thread performance. Rather proof is in the pudding and multiple cores have demonstrated to produce a much more responsive machine.

Quote:

In any context it's important to talk about what matters.

Quad cores do matter!! It is not something you can dismiss at all, even a modest user can benefit from the system being more responsive. But again enlighten us as to what matters.

Dave

Jimmdean · Nov 19, 2008, 11:47 AM

This story doesn't make a whole lot of sense. At 65W, they're still too hot for the imac, and still being current-gen architecture, they're not cutting-edge enough for the Mac Pro. This just stokes the mid-range mac fires again...

demosthenes496 · Nov 19, 2008, 11:47 AM

The Core i7 920 is reportedly available to OEMS for $284 US. According to the article, that compares favorably in terms of price to the $245 bottom end price of the chips Apple is planning to use anyway.

I really don't see why they wouldn't use Core i7 in the iMac. It seems as if it would be a massive leap in terms of performance for not very much more.

Compare the i7 920 to the "high-end" Q9550 which is priced higher at $364, the Core i7 absolutely destroys it in all benchmarks. For me it would be a no-brainer to use the Nehalem in the next iMac.

Eidorian · Nov 19, 2008, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AidenShaw

The quad mini-tower finally arrives!

Imac doesn't use desktop CPUs, so this would be a major motherboard revision for the Imac.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clive At Five

Wait, what? Apple + desktop-class CPUs?

Either Steve is going soft or I've died.

I agree it is bizarro world. We should have had Conroe and Penryn all along if the iMac is pushing 65W TDP processors. Keep in mind TDP is a cooling suggestion and not an absolute.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSMiller

Do we need Quad-Core processors already? Most software developers haven't even fully embraced Dual-Core.

You sound just like the people that questioned a slower dual core over a faster single core.

Quote:

Originally Posted by daneoni

Quad core in that tiny case?

A G5 in that tiny case?

Quote:

Originally Posted by arn

What do you think Snow Leopard is for?

arn

Older operating systems handle multiple core just fine. Snow Leopard just makes it easier for developers with scheduling and wonderful APIs. Doesn't that mean developers are lazy?

Kidding...

Quote:

Originally Posted by goldeneye

if they're going to use desktop class processor, why aren't they adopting nehalem.

Considering Nehalem is only being sold in 130W TDP batches on the X58 chipset it's not prime time for the iMac. Do some more research about Nehalem first. You can't just go about saying that you want an i7 when it's not even in cooler standard desktop and mobile variants.

guzhogi · Nov 19, 2008, 11:56 AM

I'm another person sad that the iMacs probably won't get the Core i7s, but I can at least understand Apple wanting to wait to put Nehalem into the Mac Pros first. But, why can't Apple release both new Mac Pros & new iMacs @ the same time, both w/ Nehalem? Though I am glad to see lower TDP & possibly a desktop proc in an iMac.

CWallace · Nov 19, 2008, 11:56 AM

Could this lead to (slightly) less expensive iMacs?

Moving to desktop CPUs and chipsets would save Apple significant money per machine (especially at the quad-core level). Tied with Apple's claims that they are willing to accept lower margins, maybe $999 to $1999 with 2.66GHz (E8200) dual-core on the low-end and 2.8 or 3.0GHz (Q9550 or Q9650) quad-cores on the top?

Nov 19, 2008, 11:04 AM	#6
kntgsp macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jul 2004	These procs have been out for a while now. __________________ Mac Pro Nehalem Quad + GTX285, MBA 2.13Ghz SSD, iPhone 3G 8GB, Shuffle

Nov 19, 2008, 11:07 AM	#8
GSMiller macrumors 68000 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Kentucky	Do we need Quad-Core processors already? Most software developers haven't even fully embraced Dual-Core. __________________ 2.16 GHz 20" iMac \|\| 30GB 5G iPod \|\| 1GB 3G Shuffle \|\| 2.16 GHz Blackbook

Nov 19, 2008, 11:10 AM	#10
iParis macrumors 68030 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: New Mexico	This is as I expected. I would be really happy if they put this in like the high end upgraded Mini. Even though that's more likely to only happen in the 24 in iMac. __________________ -2G 16GB iPod touch 3.0 (Jailbreak) -Keyboard w/ Numeric Keypad & Mighty Mouse - eMachines AMD Athlon 1.6GHz / 2GB ram / 320GB HD / Win7 RC

Nov 19, 2008, 11:20 AM	#14
Clive At Five macrumors 65816 Join Date: May 2004 Location: St. Paul, MN	Wait, what? Apple + desktop-class CPUs? Either Steve is going soft or I've died. __________________ My Mod: G4 Cube + Atom 330 CPU + Wiimote = Ultimate HTPC!

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Nov 19, 2008, 11:04 AM	#5
daneoni macrumors 601 Join Date: Mar 2006	Quad core in that tiny case?

Nov 19, 2008, 11:07 AM	#7
smartaleck macrumors newbie Join Date: Apr 2008	There should be more discussion of the actual advantages what a specific processor means in a real world sense. I don't think people really understand what a quad-core versus dual core proc would mean in their computers. Megahertz and gigahertz don't seem to matter much anymore, people have moved onto duals and quads. It strikes me as just chasing trends without any real point. In any context it's important to talk about what matters.

Nov 19, 2008, 11:30 AM	#15
jaw04005 macrumors 68030 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: AR	So while the rest of the PC world has moved to the new i7 desktop processors, the iMac will get re-released Quad-core processors from a year ago just with a lower TDP? Yippee.

Nov 19, 2008, 11:42 AM	#18
goldeneye macrumors newbie Join Date: Dec 2004	if they're going to use desktop class processor, why aren't they adopting nehalem.

Nov 19, 2008, 11:47 AM	#21
Jimmdean macrumors regular Join Date: Mar 2007	This story doesn't make a whole lot of sense. At 65W, they're still too hot for the imac, and still being current-gen architecture, they're not cutting-edge enough for the Mac Pro. This just stokes the mid-range mac fires again...

Nov 19, 2008, 11:47 AM	#22
demosthenes496 macrumors newbie Join Date: Nov 2008	The Core i7 920 is reportedly available to OEMS for $284 US. According to the article, that compares favorably in terms of price to the $245 bottom end price of the chips Apple is planning to use anyway. I really don't see why they wouldn't use Core i7 in the iMac. It seems as if it would be a massive leap in terms of performance for not very much more. Compare the i7 920 to the "high-end" Q9550 which is priced higher at $364, the Core i7 absolutely destroys it in all benchmarks. For me it would be a no-brainer to use the Nehalem in the next iMac.

Nov 19, 2008, 11:56 AM	#24
guzhogi macrumors 6502a Join Date: Aug 2003	I'm another person sad that the iMacs probably won't get the Core i7s, but I can at least understand Apple wanting to wait to put Nehalem into the Mac Pros first. But, why can't Apple release both new Mac Pros & new iMacs @ the same time, both w/ Nehalem? Though I am glad to see lower TDP & possibly a desktop proc in an iMac.

Nov 19, 2008, 11:56 AM	#25
CWallace macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Seattle, WA	Could this lead to (slightly) less expensive iMacs? Moving to desktop CPUs and chipsets would save Apple significant money per machine (especially at the quad-core level). Tied with Apple's claims that they are willing to accept lower margins, maybe $999 to $1999 with 2.66GHz (E8200) dual-core on the low-end and 2.8 or 3.0GHz (Q9550 or Q9650) quad-cores on the top?