Mac Pro (Early 2008) Notes and Options

[gotohamish]

maybe they plan on announcing something bigger for the mac pro but it wont be released til mid 08.
the iphone was announced and shown at macworld but wasnt realeased until july. i dont know bc of att or apple reasons.

There were many factors why the iPhone was announced very early, one large one being otherwise it would have appeared on the FCC website and become "outed" which is not what Apple would want.

It's crazy to assume they're ever do that with a Mac Pro (or any Mac really), as it could seriously halt sales of the current models.

 

[gotohamish]

Does anyone know when 3rd party 800 MHz DDR2 ECC FB-DIMMs will become available for these? particularly in the UK? - too expensive from apple but no one else seems to be supplying them right now...

Order from the U.S. It will likely be cheaper than in the UK anyway. When I lived in the UK I would order from MacSales.com

 

[Pressure]

You cannot change the multiplier so you would have to fiddle with FSB selectors on the processor but since that 400Mhz Quad-pumped Front Side Bus is currently the fastest available, you are left with nothing to overclock it to.

Yes but this is the Mac Pro we are talking about, isn't it? Or am I missing something?

Hi Pressure the article below makes for intresting reading.

http://www.o0o.it/pro/

Ok, checking it out now

Edit: Ok I have read it before and it just changes the BSEL to run at a higher Front Side Bus but 400Mhz is already the highest available, thus leaving no other option for BSEL overclocking. Saw this first at XtremeSystems.

 

[sittnick]

Single Processor Mac Pro

Anyone know if you buy the single processor (Quad) model, is it the same mobo or have they made a single processor version just for this almost unadvertised version?

If it is the same, what are the chances adding a second processor in a year or two once the prices have dropped would be possible? Would seem like a good plan for me. Much as I would like a Mac Pro £1750 is too much for me as a student!

We just ordered the single processor version. I'll let you know what we get.

 

[MrCrowbar]

Now that the Mac Pro is even more overkill for the average "prosumer" who likes OSX and its software. Imagine the Mini gets discontinued and replaced by something between the Mac Mini and the Mac Pro. I can see a smaller Mac Pro case with external power supply (like the Mini) to keep things cool. 2 Drive bays, one desktop line CPU, 3 choices for the GPU (up to the 8800 GT). All models should have a superdrive, maybe 1 free slot for putting a bluray or whatever inside. Make every model (except maybe the lowest) capable of handling dual monitors at reasonable resolutions. Include bluetooth and an IR sensor for front row, airport as standard.

And there you have a nice, versatile machine that should handle iLife apps well (iPhoto 08 is a pain on my G1 Macbook), plays HD movies and games with ease (decent GPU, desktop processor) and is a snappy multitasker (2 or 4 RAM slots, dual hard drives).

Now I'm really looking forward to Macworld. If they show a new iPhone, this might take some time, but not as long as the original one, which was basically the whole keynote. I expect hardware and some iTunes related update. Maybe the thin Macbook as the "on more thing".

 

[ray_uk]

CWallace, I assure you the 8800GT with its 512MB of RAM is a gamers graphic card.

I know what you mean though with your custom built PC you can go and put some high performance parts like some OCZ DDR3 in that would run at the systems full 1600Mhz FSB but then again we are talking about £300 / $600 per 2GB of the stuff. And what about some overkill Phase change Cooling at about £300 / $600, and some UV lighting for an extra £20 / $40.

Or skip the phase change cooling and get something like the Zalman Resarator, at about £250 / $500 and you can hook it up to the CPU and GPU.

 

[jnc]

Now that the Mac Pro is even more overkill for the average "prosumer" who likes OSX and its software. Imagine the Mini gets discontinued and replaced by something between the Mac Mini and the Mac Pro. I can see a smaller Mac Pro case with external power supply (like the Mini) to keep things cool. 2 Drive bays, one desktop line CPU, 3 choices for the GPU (up to the 8800 GT). All models should have a superdrive, maybe 1 free slot for putting a bluray or whatever inside. Make every model (except maybe the lowest) capable of handling dual monitors at reasonable resolutions. Include bluetooth and an IR sensor for front row, airport as standard.

And there you have a nice, versatile machine that should handle iLife apps well (iPhoto 08 is a pain on my G1 Macbook), plays HD movies and games with ease (decent GPU, desktop processor) and is a snappy multitasker (2 or 4 RAM slots, dual hard drives).

Now I'm really looking forward to Macworld. If they show a new iPhone, this might take some time, but not as long as the original one, which was basically the whole keynote. I expect hardware and some iTunes related update. Maybe the thin Macbook as the "on more thing".

No. There will be no "new tower". THAT would be overkill. Look at the most affordable Mac Pro - Quad 2.8, 2GB ram. $2299, same as the high end iMac. But with quad core and much better expansion capabilities.

Basically Apple are saying "if you want expandability and all that that brings, we have just given you it". Otherwise you have the iMac.

There is no room for a further lower specced Mac desktop that wouldn't just confuse things.

 

[kingtj]

I agree with 0znic here.....

The bottom line is, if you're doing something you enjoy with your computer, and you're making some money while you're at it -- you're way ahead of the game. Any computer (PC or Mac) you buy will depreciate in value rapidly. The ONLY reason it's an "investment" is in the sense of what it allows you to accomplish. For some people, just learning to use popular business applications makes the purchase "worthwhile", since it's an investment in their education in that area. For others, the money is invested as strictly an "entertainment expense" (hard-core "gamers"), and that's fine too - as long as over the life of the machine, you have enough fun with it so you can justify what you spent on it.

If you actually create content that you're able to turn around and re-sell afterwards, then I say - why not buy the biggest, best computer you can afford? You're in the that "ideal" category of computer user who not only reaps the usual benefits of using it, but you manage to turn a profit while doing it!

I doubt its a good thing to elaborate on the "gaming on a Mac Pro" debate going on, but just throwing in some coins here.

If people are willing to put in >$2000 on a system intended for gaming, wouldn't that make them "Pro gamers"? And what would the difference be if someone was a professional gamer versus a professional graphic designer? Just to prove a point, I'll throw in an example;

I make electronic dance music and made a good living from it for 7 years now. Been using Logic for a long while, just like many top producers. But on lots of forums, from producers who makes pop or rockmusic- and in daily events, the type of music that I compose is a bit frowned upon, and my work not considered "professional".

Well, if people spend so much time gaming that they can actually start making a living from it, could you not consider them as professionals? And shouldn't they be able to use a nice Mac like the rest of us?

Anyway, the new MP seems awesome, and as I don't play that many games anymore I have no complaints Ordering one after MWSF.

 

[Eric Piercey]

Every year, no. But at least once every five! The current case looks nearly identical to the Power Mac G5 that was introduced back in 2003. In computer years, that's an eternity.

Whether or not you think the cheese grater look is aesthetically pleasing, the Mac Pro does stand as one of the largest, heaviest towers on the market. With the introduction of smaller chips that require less power and put out less heat, it would be nice to see at least a modest reduction in form factor.

The current aesthetics are great and the functionality is tried and true. Why add the extra cost of a new case design? We have to remember, these aren't being marketed as consumer machines- and THANK GOD. I really don't want to see the MP start to look like the iMac. Consumer level machines sell based on hype and flash. Pro boxes sell on reliability. Pro's want machines that stay up and running with minimal fuss, and the more tried and tested something is, the more appealing.

Cost and everything else aside, a large sized box is part of the spec needed to hold all the drives, card slots, RAM, etc these do, and still keep it all cool. IOW, whatever design changes they would make, they'd still have a box with relatively the same cubic storage. How different could they make it? Factor this in with the Pro's not wanting to deal with newly introduced issues and it makes sense for Apple to leave it be.

What about adding a new faceplate or other minor cosmetic differentiating features though? On a side note, they have made functional changes whether it's the RAM tray, or the config of the peripheral ports, or the case height, they have made improvements. I can see the appeal in adding dots or etching something into the case with each upgrade, I really can, but it's definitely not something I care about. I'm just interested in a machine that's solid. The G5 case has a lot of brand recognition as well. I don't need a newly designed Q-tip or Bandaid, nor a new MP case and basically, until components have changed to the point where case design in general changes, the current design is fine w me. It does the job and looks good.. and it's looks are becoming classic.

 

[heisetax]

Case Design is Already Great

I don't think that we will see new cinema displays at Macworld. I think Apple will hold out till Summer and then release redesigned Mac Pros, along with new slimmer ACDs. The current Mac Pros are just a stop gap measure.

For those like me that thought that the 26 lanes available on the PCI(e) buss, the 40 lanes for the current model is a much needed change. Apples current case for the Mac Pro does what Apple wants to do. It makes a sturdy case that has the room available to hold what Apple wants you to be able to hold. If they changed the case they would not give more room for external 3.5" drives. They wouldn't give us transparent plastic sides & top so we could pimp out our Macs by inserting neon lights, cool colored connectors & neon internal cables. With the high weight of the Intel Mac Pro it would be nice to have some type of padding on the carrying handles. When I'm ready to give my wife my current Intel Mac Pro, I hope that Apple will still be using the current Intel Mac Pro aluminum case.

I know that Apple will not make any of the changes that I'd like to see in the Intel Mac Pro case, so I just hope that they will stay with the current design.

Bill the TaxMan

 

[avkills]

For those like me that thought that the 26 lanes available on the PCI(e) buss, the 40 lanes for the current model is a much needed change. Apples current case for the Mac Pro does what Apple wants to do. It makes a sturdy case that has the room available to hold what Apple wants you to be able to hold. If they changed the case they would not give more room for external 3.5" drives. They wouldn't give us transparent plastic sides & top so we could pimp out our Macs by inserting neon lights, cool colored connectors & neon internal cables. With the high weight of the Intel Mac Pro it would be nice to have some type of padding on the carrying handles. When I'm ready to give my wife my current Intel Mac Pro, I hope that Apple will still be using the current Intel Mac Pro aluminum case.

I know that Apple will not make any of the changes that I'd like to see in the Intel Mac Pro case, so I just hope that they will stay with the current design.

Bill the TaxMan

Agreed; don't fix what isn't broken. The cases kick ass, case closed.

-mark

 

[erockerboy]

Personally I think the Pro case is perfect. I would hate to give up the expansion capability just for the sake of a smaller package... and I LIKE the way it looks

 

[Maccus Aurelius]

I don't know why anyone would want to change the case of the MP. IMO it's the best looking tower box out there, and is able to withstand age a lot better than most of the other high end workstation and premium desktops on the market. For anyone who actually wants a smaller form factor, I think people need to remember the initial woes of the macbook tribe. The small form factor brought cooling issues, which likely brought on the onslaught of random shut down. The best thing about the MP is that Apple doesn't mess with a good thing, while adding better things in it.

Seems people are never satisfied until it can grow legs and cook you a 5-course dinner.

 

[Roy]

I don't know why anyone would want to change the case of the MP. IMO it's the best looking tower box out there, and is able to withstand age a lot better than most of the other high end workstation and premium desktops on the market. For anyone who actually wants a smaller form factor, I think people need to remember the initial woes of the macbook tribe. The small form factor brought cooling issues, which likely brought on the onslaught of random shut down. The best thing about the MP is that Apple doesn't mess with a good thing, while adding better things in it.

Seems people are never satisfied until it can grow legs and cook you a 5-course dinner.

iCook! Next week at MacWorld. Remember, you heard it first here at Macrumors!

 

[Stephen123]

I think it's a bit too large. Computing power is worth money, but so is desk space. I'd rather they drop the second internal optical drive and take advantage of the cooler CPUs to get a 10% or 20% smaller case. I still like how it looks after all these years, I just want it a little smaller.

 

[mauricev]

An Apple Developer Connection "Select" membership will cost you $500, and will give you a 'one-time select member hardware discount'. The discount you get with it will save you at least $500

Base seems to be $2,799 and on the educational store it's $2,599, so you're saying the select one is $2,299?

 

[robbieduncan]

Base seems to be $2,799 and on the educational store it's $2,599, so you're saying the select one is $2,299?

You can see the US ADC Store here. Unfortunately there is no similar store for other countries: you setup your basket then ask for a price

 

[Jebaloo]

ADC warranty

Hey, just looking into getting an ADC membership but noticed this term in the t &c's:

5. No Warranty. You understand that all ADC Materials and any ADC Paid Content (defined
below) provided to you by Apple are supplied “AS IS” AND WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY,
WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO THEIR PERFORMANCE, ACCURACY,
COMPLETENESS, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. To the extent that Apple makes available any products
or product information, you understand that Apple is under no obligation to provide updates,
enhancements, or corrections, or to notify you of any product changes that Apple may make, or to
publicly announce or introduce the product(s) at any time in the future.
_________________


So If I order my MacPro from the ADC store, can I not get Apple Care as usual?

 

[Roy]

Hey, just looking into getting an ADC membership but noticed this term in the t &c's:

5. No Warranty. You understand that all ADC Materials and any ADC Paid Content (defined
below) provided to you by Apple are supplied “AS IS” AND WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY,
WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO THEIR PERFORMANCE, ACCURACY,
COMPLETENESS, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. To the extent that Apple makes available any products
or product information, you understand that Apple is under no obligation to provide updates,
enhancements, or corrections, or to notify you of any product changes that Apple may make, or to
publicly announce or introduce the product(s) at any time in the future.
_________________


So If I order my MacPro from the ADC store, can I not get Apple Care as usual?

When I was going comparing prices last night (ADC vs Educator), there was a selection for Apple Care, but ADC price was $249 and Educator price was $199.

 

[robbieduncan]

Hey, just looking into getting an ADC membership but noticed this term in the t &c's:

So If I order my MacPro from the ADC store, can I not get Apple Care as usual?

A Mac Pro (or any other hardware) bought using a developer discount is neither ADC Materials or ADC Paid Content. These are things like the pre-release software for testing and additional paid-for videos of WWDC. You get the normal Applecare with the option of buying an extension to 3 years.

 

[pl,okm]

I believe the ati graphics card is ok:

1. it is super energy efficient (remember climate change?)
2. if you are not a gamer, you don't need anything more, so for most pro activities this card is more than enough.




________________________________________________________________
http://www.projectmanagement-training.net

 

[Jebaloo]

A Mac Pro (or any other hardware) bought using a developer discount is neither ADC Materials or ADC Paid Content. These are things like the pre-release software for testing and additional paid-for videos of WWDC. You get the normal Applecare with the option of buying an extension to 3 years.

Thanks. Student AppleCare is £45. Will Student ADC AppleCare be the same, or more?

 

[twitch]

can anybody tell me the price of a MP with the ADC discount applied? The aforementioned salesman also told me that the student/college discount is usually a bigger discount than the ADC one... which I find hard to beleive as the student is only 200 bucks...

Ironically since i have used my discount i no longer have the link to the 'select' store on my developer assets page, so i can't go check, but i can compare the model i bought to the same model from the retail store

base model + wireless mouse & keyboard, wireless, primary hard drive upgraded to 500GB:

Retail: $3099CAD

ADC Select: $2479CAD

Savings of $620ish, but the membership was about $560 or so after my local taxes etc... It's not going to save you a huge amount, but it'll save you some change plus you'll get all the added benefits of being a developer connection select member for a year... I remember from checking prices on more souped up mac pros from the previous generation that the more options you had on it the more the discount helped you out.... I believe the mac pro is the only apple system that will 'break you even' with your developer dues, though it may potentially hold true with MBP's?

I'm also an approved educational purchaser and I can tell you that the ADC discount is substantially better than the educational one on desktop systems, because it's a one-time only deal....

I think the one shot discount is awesome business. It's nice to have your back scratched for investing into the developer community. Hopefully i'm not ticking anyone at apple off for sharing this....

Cheers,
Twitchy

Edit - Whoops i guess i was a little late with this post but thought i would chip in seeing at the question was directed at me initially

 

[diamond.g]

I think it's a bit too large. Computing power is worth money, but so is desk space. I'd rather they drop the second internal optical drive and take advantage of the cooler CPUs to get a 10% or 20% smaller case. I still like how it looks after all these years, I just want it a little smaller.

The new CPU's aren't that much cooler.

 

[Drumjim85]

You can see the US ADC Store here. Unfortunately there is no similar store for other countries: you setup your basket then ask for a price

" Unable to enter the requested store."