PowerMac G5 Upgrades Announced (Officially)

[Hiroshige]

-Disappointed that there is no 970GX. It's probably IBM's fault.
-The dual 2 GHZ is the sweet spot, although as usual they cripple a good machine.
-They need a mid-range video card.
-Still hoping for a dual core machine at WWDC.
-If they can get the GX out by September with a speed bump (say 2.3, 2.7 and 3.0) and offer a high end dual dual core (in effect quad), the machines will have good specs for the high volume season.

 

[itsa]

• Dual 2.7GHz PowerPC G4
• 2GB DDR400 SDRAM (PC3200)
• 400GB Serial ATA - 7200rpm
• ATI Radeon 9650 w/256MB DDR SDRAM
• 16x SuperDrive double-layer (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
• Apple Keyboard & Apple Mouse - U.S. English
• Mac OS X - U.S. English <--- In the BOX!

• Apple Cinema Display (20" flat panel) 699.99

ON IT'S WAY!!!! 8 to 10 days
Oh I'm soooo happy I waited!

 

[Yvan256]

I just hope they get the update tomorrow or friday so I can buy an iBook with 512 RAM without paying the upgrade.

</cheapskate>

I'm also hoping for an update, but I'd rather have a better GPU and/or more VRAM than 512MB default (especially if the 512MB means 256MB on-board and 256MB in the only memory slot, which means you have to remove it to upgrade, like the Mac mini - which I still think should've come with 256MB on-board too).

 

[DakotaGuy]

http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/index.cfm?NewsID=11430

Maybe it's actually true????

Yeaaaaah. Riiiiight.

At this point Apple is so deep into the PowerPC market with it's OS and programs, and entire line-up including G4 and G5 models, it would be CORPORATE SUICIDE to do that. I am not even going into what a mess that would turn Apple into at this point. I know people will jump up and down and wish that it would happen, but I don't think you would want to see the outcome. And for what? No one can prove OSX and the Apple programs would run better and faster on x86.

 

[DakotaGuy]

What the f*** happened to the dual 2.0Ghz G5 model? And Why?

And for heavens sake why did they discontinue the dual 2.5Ghz G5?

Is the newly introduced 2.3ghz supposed to improve anything?

[/QUOTE]

I don't understand your post. Last I checked the Dual 2Ghz machine is available at the low end. The 2.5 is gone because they have a 2.7 now. And last the 2.3 is an improvement over the last mid level model which was a 2Ghz.

 

[tdewey]

Well...

For an interim upgrade, seems acceptable to me--I expect something new for the PM line at WWDC (likely a replacement only for the top-of-the line 2.7Ghz machine with the 970MP: giving a PM line of 1.8, dual 2.0, dual 2.3 and Dual-core Dual 2.3, getting rid of liquid cooling).

However... I am surprised that a) the 1.8 machine is at the same price point yet b) hasn't been upgraded to 512MB ram or the 16x Burner or the 9600 GPU.

Keeping the price-point, that makes sense. Not upgrading the RAM/Burner or GPU for Tiger--well that's just stupid. Why on earth would anyone buy a 1.8 for 1,500 when for $500 more they could get the dual 2.0 w/ all the extras?

 

[cr2sh]

Apple must be the only company I know that deliberately cripples its older systems in order to make the new systems look better!!!!

What the f*** happened to the dual 2.0Ghz G5 model? And Why?

And for heavens sake why did they discontinue the dual 2.5Ghz G5?

Is the newly introduced 2.3ghz supposed to improve anything?

Apple has done this frequently in the past... it's a method of keeping the old Top of the Line folks happy.

Their 2.5 machines aren't second fiddle discount models now... they don't feel quite as bad.

 

[rog]

I think the coolest thing on the list is the double layer DVD drives. 16 X Double Layer drives! Probably won't work too well for regular video DVD's, but for Data Storage? Man it's like, what 8 gigs on a disc now??

Yeah, and I've had one for $60 in my MDD for the past 3 months. Apple charges $100. Order the combo drive, sell on ebay for $50, buy the superdrive from new egg for $60, and you've saved 100 bucks. This is hardly an exciting upgrade. 2 optical slots, now that would be exciting.

 

[840quadra]

I don't understand your post. Last I checked the Dual 2Ghz machine is available at the low end. The 2.5 is gone because they have a 2.7 now. And last the 2.3 is an improvement over the last mid level model which was a 2Ghz.

compare the new 2.0 with the last 2 generations. It is obvious why he is he is complaining. I have made a previous post why also.

 

[Kerry Sanders]

Or Next Tuesday

Or next year.

 

[Yvan256]

At this point Apple is so deep into the PowerPC market with it's OS and programs, and entire line-up including G4 and G5 models, it would be CORPORATE SUICIDE to do that. I am not even going into what a mess that would turn Apple into at this point. I know people will jump up and down and wish that it would happen, but I don't think you would want to see the outcome. And for what? No one can prove OSX and the Apple programs would run better and faster on x86.

Especially intel... geeze. If people want to start (stupid) rumors, at least put some thought into it... Like "Apple going to switch to AMD-x86".

In any case, IBM has more powerful processors right now. Intel and AMD look like jokes compared to that. Problem is, those processors are very costly. But it does mean IBM already has more in store for Apple.

 

[Gorbag]

At this point Apple is so deep into the PowerPC market with it's OS and programs, and entire line-up including G4 and G5 models, it would be CORPORATE SUICIDE to do that. I am not even going into what a mess that would turn Apple into at this point. I know people will jump up and down and wish that it would happen, but I don't think you would want to see the outcome. And for what? No one can prove OSX and the Apple programs would run better and faster on x86.

Sorry, i must have left out the <sarcasm> </sarcasm>tags...!

 

[DakotaGuy]

Not upgrading the GPU for Tiger--well that's just stupid.

Although I could not agree more that the 1.8 single should have been updated with more RAM, a better video card, and a 2.0Ghz processor, The 5200 Ultra while not a great card is Tiger Compatible. The problem Apple has with Tiger is their models with 9200's in them, like the eMac and Mac Mini. I can't believe they would not spend about $5 more max and put at least a 5200 Ultra in the Mac Mini for Tiger and Core Image.

 

[840quadra]

• Dual 2.7GHz PowerPC G4
• 2GB DDR400 SDRAM (PC3200)
• 400GB Serial ATA - 7200rpm
• ATI Radeon 9650 w/256MB DDR SDRAM
• 16x SuperDrive double-layer (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
• Apple Keyboard & Apple Mouse - U.S. English
• Mac OS X - U.S. English <--- In the BOX!

• Apple Cinema Display (20" flat panel) 699.99

ON IT'S WAY!!!! 8 to 10 days
Oh I'm soooo happy I waited!

congrats!!!

I am glad I DIDN'T wait, I was in the market for the 2.0 and got one just in time

The 2.7 is my Dream machine, you got in at a good time!!

 

[Kerry Sanders]

Help with decision

Do you fellow MacRumors members believe it is worth the extra $500 for the dual 2.3 GHz system with the added hard drive space and the three PCI-X slots (as compared to PCI)? I have never owned a Mac, but I am planning to buy one now. I had been waiting to see if Apple made any announcements.

Thanks for any advice you can offer my way.

 

[quta]

On order for me:
--------------------
Dual 2.7, GeForce 6800, Bluetooth + Wifi card, modem, extra 2 GB from crucial.com, and a second 250 GB drive from a local retailer...expensive, but built to last! I got the edu discount so that takes the sting out a little bit. It will go very nicely with my 20" ACD and bluetooth keyboard currently in use with my 12 inch PB.

 

[G5Unit]

Atleast now I don't hve to feel bad that the single 1.8(which I have) costs less...

 

[gopher]

I'm still waiting for them to put in something faster than a 56k modem. This is such a let down. Damn you Apple! Why won't you listen to us!

They have Gigabit ethernet built-in. They have fiberchannel as optional addon. What more could you want?

 

[DakotaGuy]

compare the new 2.0 with the last 2 generations. It is obvious why he is he is complaining. I have made a previous post why also.

BUT, the new 2.3Ghz model is at the same price point as the OLD 2.0 Model. How is the 2.3Ghz model not an improvement? Remember the "new" 2.0 Ghz is taking up the role of the economy Dual system now.

 

[jauh]

If I wanted to do this, what model number should I search for for a replacement DL DVD burner for my current G5 (internal)?

If it is only a hundred bucks or so, I would like to be able to burn dual layer porn!

any ATAPI burner should do, doubt it will be even a hundred bucks tho'

 

[immac]

Oh man. say it ain't so..... I don't usually join the bitchfest but this is too sad to ignore.

They really needed to hit one outta the park and this is an infield fly- no maybe a sacrifice fly... for dirty dollar download commerce . Well, naive to think anything is more important than Wallstreet.

Christ I hope Tiger gives a big performance boost. I'm gonna have to wear Nomex just to check my email when the fanboys see this.....

I need a purple pill.

 

[Dark Horse]

With iMac shipping dates being a full week, I would be surprised if we DIDN'T see a refresh in that line up this week.

True, a good point. But then I'm surprised TS/AI etc aren't saying as predicted PMs have been upgraded today, and consumer upgrades will be tomorrow/friday/a week after the next full moon.

 

[840quadra]

Do you fellow MacRumors members believe it is worth the extra $500 for the dual 2.3 GHz system with the added hard drive space and the three PCI-X slots (as compared to PCI)? I have never owned a Mac, but I am planning to buy one now. I had been waiting to see if Apple made any announcements.

Thanks for any advice you can offer my way.

The fact that the 2.3 has more upgrade potential is a good thing if you plan on keeping it. The 2.3 will go up-to 8gb of memory.

If you don't intend on keeping the box for a long time, nor plan on going above 4gb of memory, it may not be worth it to get the 2.3 for you. You can still get the old model 2.0 at a considerable savings on the refurbish site, and get the same advantages as the new 2.3, besides the processor speed.

 

[Davito]

-Disappointed that there is no 970GX.

Could somebody please explain me what the GX means in 970GX (I've seen other 2-letter combinations also, i have no idea what the mean, but I would like to know)...

Sorry for the stupid question

 

[DakotaGuy]

• Dual 2.7GHz PowerPC G4
• 2GB DDR400 SDRAM (PC3200)
• 400GB Serial ATA - 7200rpm
• ATI Radeon 9650 w/256MB DDR SDRAM
• 16x SuperDrive double-layer (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
• Apple Keyboard & Apple Mouse - U.S. English
• Mac OS X - U.S. English <--- In the BOX!

• Apple Cinema Display (20" flat panel) 699.99

ON IT'S WAY!!!! 8 to 10 days
Oh I'm soooo happy I waited!

Hey nice computer! No matter what some might say on these message boards, you will have one KICK A** computer there!