One 2.93GHz vs Two 2.26GHz

[Hellhammer]

I think Shademaster's table says more than I can, but yes, a 6 core 3.33 would be a good machine. If it makes it to the base level entry spec is, imo, doubtful, given that there is a $1000 worth chips in the 2.26 multi-core and only $300 in the quad right now - that's basically saying that Apple are going to eat $700 per 6 core base machine they sell?

Yeah, I doubt it as well, unless Apple raises prices. I can see Apple using the same quads as now in low-end and then 6-core in higher end

 

[mism]

Thanks Shademaster. I've looked at Cinebench scores before, I've no doubt that an 8 core machine will win when it comes to pure rendering. But I'm not clear about it when it comes to things like MoDynamics or GI pre passes where I've read that the nature of the calculation means it can't use all cores as effectively as in the actual render, so fewer faster cores may be more worthwhile.

 

[Hellhammer]

Thanks Shademaster. I've looked at Cinebench scores before, I've no doubt that an 8 core machine will win when it comes to pure rendering. But I'm not clear about it when it comes to things like MoDynamics or GI pre passes where I've read that the nature of the calculation means it can't use all cores as effectively as in the actual render, so fewer faster cores may be more worthwhile.

What do you need more, CineBench or MoDynamics etc? All Mac Pros can run them both fine but some are faster than others. I would take a look at the '08 3.2GHz 8-core Mac Pro, it's 3299$ from refurb store

 

[mism]

What do you need more, CineBench or MoDynamics etc? All Mac Pros can run them both fine but some are faster than others. I would take a look at the '08 3.2GHz 8-core Mac Pro, it's 3299$ from refurb store

That does sound like a good option, problem is refurb Mac Pros are rare here in the UK, there's been two I think in the last few weeks, one went in a day the other is an 8 core 2.93GHz for $5905, its been on there for weeks.

Just over a week to wait, then we can all follow the keynote with baited breath, then come on here and slag off Apple afterwards

 

[Hellhammer]

That does sound like a good option, problem is refurb Mac Pros are rare here in the UK, there's been two I think in the last few weeks, one went in a day the other is an 8 core 2.93GHz for $5905, its been on there for weeks.

Just over a week to wait, then we can all follow the keynote with baited breath, then come on here and slag off Apple afterwards

Ahh, I think UK store doesn't sell the '08 Mac Pros, haven't seen them for long time It's only week till big bang

 

[nanofrog]

I think Shademaster's table says more than I can, but yes, a 6 core 3.33 would be a good machine. If it makes it to the base level entry spec is, imo, doubtful, given that there is a $1000 worth chips in the 2.26 multi-core and only $300 in the quad right now - that's basically saying that Apple are going to eat $700 per 6 core base machine they sell?

Keep in mind though, the quantity pricing on the W3680 is $999 as published by Intel (hex core @ 3.33GHz). Not really comparable to the current base Quad in terms of performance or cost (that would be the W3530 @2.8GHz that's recently released, and would be a suitable replacement for the 2010 base Quad). Just a slight clock increase yet keep the system price at or around the same it is currently (perhaps a slight increase in disk capacity and better GPU would <should IMO> accompany it as well).

At least it gives a little additional value compared to the current model (makes users a bit more happy about the price), and still allow the margin to remain at current levels (keeps Apple's shareholders happy).