Intel Updates Mac OS X Development Tools with Penryn Support

[mdriftmeyer]

Does the xcode toolset use foreign compilers?

Xcode 3 and prior comes with the GCC Compiler collection minus Ada, GFortran and Java from the GNU Foundation.

http://gcc.gnu.org/

It includes the C/C++/ObjC/ObjC++ [both the ObjC/ObjC++ having Apple specific additions to work with their dynamic run-time].

Xcode is designed to be Compiler Agnostic.

With Xcode 3 comes the inclusion of the LLVM (Low Level Virtual Machine)
http://www.llvm.org/

The initial research and development of LLVM was sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) NSF Next Generation Software program through grants EIA-0093426 (an NSF CAREER award) and EIA-0103756. It was also supported in part by the University of Illinois, other NSF grants, the MARCO/DARPA Gigascale Systems Research Center (GSRC), and the Motorola University Partnerships in Research program.

LLVM has since "graduated" from research funding to largely industry funding. The continued development and support of LLVM is funded by Apple Inc., the NSF, the University of Illinois, AutoESL Design Technologies, Inc., and others. Please send us email if you would like your company added to this list. LLVM has also benefited greatly from numerous source code contributions from other individuals, listed here.

Features as of LLVM 2.1:

http://www.llvm.org/Features.html

The next version features:

http://www.llvm.org/docs/ReleaseNotes.html

GCC 4.2 and upcoming Fortran and Ada compiler support.

LLVM 2.1 brings two new beta C front-ends. First, a new version of llvm-gcc based on GCC 4.2, innovatively called "llvm-gcc-4.2". This promises to bring FORTRAN and Ada support to LLVM as well as features like atomic builtins and OpenMP. None of these actually work yet, but don't let that stop you checking it out!

Second, LLVM now includes its own native C and Objective-C front-end (C++ is in progress, but is not very far along) code named "clang". This front-end has a number of great features, primarily aimed at source-level analysis and speeding up compile-time. At this point though, the LLVM Code Generator component is still very early in development, so it's mostly useful for people looking to build source-level analysis tools or source-to-source translators.

Basically, LLVM will become the preferred language collection low level virtual machine solution for Apple.

Intel releases it's own C/C++ compilers, but not the ObjC/ObjC++ which Apple owns.

The LLVM system is also not tied to Apple. Its positioning itself as a viable alternative/companion to the GCC collection.

Apple utilized LLVM to optimize its OpenGL implementation.

A growing list of corporations are using it:

http://www.llvm.org/Users.html

Apple has several of its compiler engineers working on it.

 

[lazyrighteye]

Hoping a form factor update will accompany this new processor...

 

[ZrSiO4-Zircon]

Can't wait for new Peryn MacPros with ATI Rage 128 cards in them

Hahaha, Rage 128....
Curious though, does Leopard support Rage 128? if not, know anyone that's running Leopard on one?

 

[EagerDragon]

The successor to Penryn, based on a new post-Core microarchitecture which features the return of hyperthreading, is Nehalem; it was discussed at the September 2007 IDF meeting, though the release date is not until the end of 2008.
The 32 nm shrink of Nehalem is called Westmere; provided that Intel stays on target with its roadmap, Sandy Bridge will be released at 32 nm with a newer microarchitecture around 2010.[45] In 2011, Intel will launch its first processor based on a 22 nm process. Based on Intel's cycle alternating new architectures and die shrinks every two years, it is currently assumed that this will be a shrink of Sandy Bridge.[46]

I guess ill have to wait for the new model coming in 2011.

 

[egsaxy]

a new form factor would be nice.

 

[72930]

a new form factor would be nice.

I'm lovin' the current one, but if Apple choose to change it (and its been a long time coming) then I'm sure they'll do well with it...

 

[mward333]

I guess ill have to wait for the new model coming in 2011.

Although I was joking about 2011 too, I can understand people getting impatient.

An update for the Mac Pro does seem to be overdue!

Well, we all do love to wait and anticipate... That's one of the reasons we love to read the predictions on Macrumors!

 

[SpinThis!]

Smaller form factor? I want more internal drives please!

You both are crazy! How many drives do you need? 4 internal and 2 optical should be enough for virtually any application...And if that's not enough, plug in another stack or 2 via USB or Firewire...

My bet is on January as well. Looks Apple is going to refresh virtually everything in the lineup.

 

[mward333]

Looks Apple is going to refresh virtually everything in the lineup.

Those are the kind of things that we all hope for.... and then inevitably get disappointed!

 

[jeffreyk]

I've been checking macrumors regularly (compulsively) waiting to hear when I can upgrade my dual G5. I need speed!!! I work with large PSD files and my G5 is showing it's age. I am almost using my 2.4 MacBook Pro exclusively until I can get a new Mac Pro.

I do the same thing every day; and the term "compulsive" in this context is quite an understatement. My current computer is a custom-built PC I've had for about 3 years now, I've only used PCs my entire life, and I finally saw the light and I am going to make the switch to the Mac Pro. My brother is a graphic design artist and has been using Macs his entire life and has finally convinced me to make the switch to Apple.

As soon as the new Mac Pros are announced and available I'll be getting my new computer. So, please, c'mon and release these new Mac Pros sooner than later!

Cheers,
Jeff

 

[suneohair]

How would a new product close to Christmas be "confusing" for the consumer? That doesn't make sense at all. I think it has more to do with the tax year coming to an end, if we are looking to explain why Apple doesn't release things close to Christmas.

You both are crazy! How many drives do you need? 4 internal and 2 optical should be enough for virtually any application...And if that's not enough, plug in another stack or 2 via USB or Firewire...

My bet is on January as well. Looks Apple is going to refresh virtually everything in the lineup.

Yes because we all want drives hanging off our desktop... Not to say 4 hard drives isn't enough, but there is nothing wrong with having more if they can fit them in. You also shouldn't attempt to limit people because you think it is enough for any application. Maybe in your mind, but clearly not so much for others.

 

[HDproducer]

year end taxes

I know it has been said before, but Mac Pro is a business machine. I plan on replacing my G5 as soon as the new pros come out. But it would be nice to get the tax right off this year.

Did anyone else get the year end tax write off email from Apple? If They want me to spend money this year, then give me something worth spending my money on.

And don't get your panties in a wad, I know the current model is great, but lets get on with the new.

 

[darthraige]

I doubt that Apple would release updates to anything this close to Christmas. It would be too confusing to the consumer (even though the Mac Pros are targeted to the pro market, they still sell plenty elsewhere).

Do you think the average consumer really knows that the chips have been switched out of the MacBooks with Santa Rosa? I think not. That and I bet the average consumer wouldn't even know what "Santa Rosa" meant. I could see a MacPro update being silent, IF it comes out before January.

 

[EagerDragon]

Do you think the average consumer really knows that the chips have been switched out of the MacBooks with Santa Rosa? I think not. That and I bet the average consumer wouldn't even know what "Santa Rosa" meant. I could see a MacPro update being silent, IF it comes out before January.

I am really curious as to what Apple plans to release at the keynote in Jan. Most refreshes don't deserve a keynote, it has to be something new and exciting or its going to be a boring show.

 

[3D-Troll]

You both are crazy! How many drives do you need? 4 internal and 2 optical should be enough for virtually any application...And if that's not enough, plug in another stack or 2 via USB or Firewire...

My bet is on January as well. Looks Apple is going to refresh virtually everything in the lineup.

Six drives - five for a Raid 5 plus one hot spare. This is a professional machine so some speed and security for the disk would be nice.

Steffen

 

[KindredMAC]

I've been checking macrumors regularly (compulsively) waiting to hear when I can upgrade my dual G5. I need speed!!! I work with large PSD files and my G5 is showing it's age. I am almost using my 2.4 MacBook Pro exclusively until I can get a new Mac Pro.

What PMG5 are you using and how much RAM is in it?

I use a Dual Processor 1.8 G5/4GB RAM at work and own a Dual Core 2.0 G5/3GB RAM here at home, run CS3 Design Premium on both with Ps, Il and Fl all open at the same time, tearing through print resolution PSDs all day long and the only slow down I notice at work is from the retarded Active Directory set up our IT dept has us going through for the servers.

I love the fact that the last two gens of PMG5's can keep up with the Mac Pros as long as you have enough RAM and your video cards are solid.

But it is time for a form factor change to shrink it slightly but I do like the idea of adding one more HDD bay for 5 total. Also need to make a BD-R or HD-DVD option for that second optical bay. Wouldn't even mind seeing Bluetooth finally become standard. I can see AirPort not being standard but with the amount of BT products out there from Keyboards to Mice to Tablets to Cell Phones, we need that feature in the pro design world.

 

[gugy]

I know it has been said before, but Mac Pro is a business machine. I plan on replacing my G5 as soon as the new pros come out. But it would be nice to get the tax right off this year.

That's is what I thought was going to happen. Since no update in November, I feel that they indeed will announce it at MWSF. That also makes me believe we will see redesign enclosures and ACDs.

I am also looking for a tax right off, but I guess not for this year unfortunately.

I just hope it happens by January. If not I am going to be very disappointed. I am so tired of waiting.

 

[mcarnes]

Yes. I believe they are French.
Sorry.

That crazy Bertrand Serlet, always has to dip his fingers into everything.

 

[dAlen]

I guess ill have to wait for the new model coming in 2011.

Do you think they will finally release those Powerbook G5s by then.
Well, at least they might finally get the 3Ghz that IBM promised around 2004.

Peace

dAlen

 

[snowleopard]

Well, the new compact Mac Books with LED screens will be released at MWSF. Very likely to see new displays there too. As will likely new iTV, iPhone, iTunes, and other consumer based products. After all, MW is a consumer based trade show.

As to the argument that Apple won't announce MacPro between now and the end of the year being confusing, obviously Dell didn't feel that way, announcing their Penryn's yesterday.

If they wait until MWSF, the only two main products not being upgraded in Jan in some way will be the iMac, and the (soon to be discontinued) Mini.

There are two other factors at play here. First is that they'll likely release when they have enough chips, AND enough of their redesign complete to ship. This means all the new configurations ready to go. The longer the wait, the more likely to see more significant upgrades. Not just to Penryn, but video cards (obviously), BluRay, and other cool options.

The other factor to remember is that Apple did take a while to release Woodcrest. So it is possible that they will wait not until MWSF to release the MacPro's, but weeks, or months afterwards. Not likely, but possible. We could be waiting until March, or April at NAB to see the new, fully upgraded and overhauled Penryn MacPro...

 

[centauratlas]

No, not at all, which was the point. The average consumer has no idea what is inside so Apple can sell older machines without many people even knowing - at higher margins due to component price drops.

Do you think the average consumer really knows that the chips have been switched out of the MacBooks with Santa Rosa? I think not. That and I bet the average consumer wouldn't even know what "Santa Rosa" meant. I could see a MacPro update being silent, IF it comes out before January.

First, Apple's tax year is not the same as ours (http://www.apple.com/investor/). Second, many companies do not operated on a calendar year tax year, so you talking only about individuals. Third, you and I are not the typical consumer. Product changes are inevitably confusing to many people and most companies will not update products this close to a big buying time in case of problems, channel issues, availability and to avoid confusion about the differences between new and old products etc.

I'll be getting an 8 core, RAID etc machine when they are available.

How would a new product close to Christmas be "confusing" for the consumer? That doesn't make sense at all. I think it has more to do with the tax year coming to an end, if we are looking to explain why Apple doesn't release things close to Christmas.



Yes because we all want drives hanging off our desktop... Not to say 4 hard drives isn't enough, but there is nothing wrong with having more if they can fit them in. You also shouldn't attempt to limit people because you think it is enough for any application. Maybe in your mind, but clearly not so much for others.

 

[DarthTreydor]

if the whole line is going 8 core then there is no way it will be a silent update. even the average consumer can understand that 8 cores are a lot better than 4.

 

[madmax_2069]

It might... on yet unreleased Mac Pros. But seriously, Safari on Leopard is really kinda slow and sluggish. What gives? Gimme Safari 2 back.

i think its due to a memory leak, i know its a memory leak, Yes i only have 768mb ram in my DA G4 but when i first start my Mac and open xchat and safari (on Apple's site) i have at least 400+mb of ram remaining, after a few hours of use with 1 safari window and xchat open i have only 20mb of ram remaining, this is with no tabs and on Apple's site.

even quitting safari and reopening it i still have only 20mb or so left of available ram. when it gets to this point the HDD starts going into swapping fits and slows down the entire OS. i have had activity monitor open and at random times there is a background prosess called find (with the username of nobody) that kicks in for a few minutes and takes like 60% of the cpu time.

i haven't had these issues in Tiger (mainly cause its mature), but Leopard is still immature yet and has a bit of bugs to be fixed.

but anyway safari should not be this slow on a intel Mac (especially a intel Mac) or G5 or G4.

 

[twoodcc]

maybe this is a good sign for the mac pro?

 

[Schtumple]

Be nice to see a completely overhauled Mac Pro as well as some new chips, the technology inside the current models is practically retro now