Rev 3 of G5's coming?

[psycho bob]

Something I'd like to see, completely out of vanity, is to get rid of the flimsy plastic CD tray. I was really surprised when I saw them in the store, and while every other little detail was so streamlined, you still had this terrible plastic thing coming out whenever you wanted to load a cd/dvd. Everything else has slot-loaded drives (san emac), why not the top of the line model?

Maybe I'm just bitter because I bought an iBook not long before they switched to the slot-loaded method....I hate CD trays.

Slot loaders aren't practical on a pro desktop machine. For a start slot loaders for desktops are rarer with limited choice and are also more expensive. Couple this with the fact you are forced to use 12cm round media and I see it as a no go. I like to use 8cm disks to send out to clients, they are easier to post and look special compared to what 99% of the world uses.

 

[vtprinz]

Couple this with the fact you are forced to use 12cm round media and I see it as a no go.

That part I didn't know.

Again, it's mainly a cosmetic thing for me. But maybe they could at least reinforce it or something? I just always feel like I'm going to break it.

 

[psycho bob]

That part I didn't know.

Again, it's mainly a cosmetic thing for me. But maybe they could at least reinforce it or something? I just always feel like I'm going to break it.

I guess that would depend on the company that makes the drives (currently Pioneer for Superdrives in powermacs). Thay are after all just your standard OEM drive, I agree it would be nice to see something like the draw on Mark Levinson CD transports (a wafer thin metal drawer barely taller than the disk itself) but this would add to the price.

 

[JRM]

New specs of PMG5 to be released in the coming months (my guess)

Dual 3GHZ 1GB DDR2 250GB 16XDVDRW DL PCI EXPRESS 256mb X800XT
Dual 2.5 1GB DDR2 160GB 16XDVDRW DL PCI EXPRESS 128mb 6600GT
Dual 2.3 512mb DDR2 160GB 16XDVDRW DL PCI EXPRESS 128mb X600 Pro
Single 2.3 512mb DDR2 80GB 16XDVDRW DL PCI EXPRESS 128mb 6200

Maybe wishful with a GB of Ram on the top systems and better GPU's but Apple really needs to ship with more ram and better graphics, apple will also offer the two 6800's aswell

Just my thoughts, should be in the next month or perhaps weeks because PM are over due for update as shown in the Buyers Guide, it is the longest wait for updates in the 7 most recent updates. Both Power lines need updates, thought maybe the PBs first.

(Same prices hopefully and if they aren't as good as my predictions maybe a price drop should be though about)

 

[relimw]

Bragging rights of course 😀 J.k. probably video editing,graphic design

You don't need duals for that dude, get a 1.8 for that 🙂
Dual 2.5s for halo2 and doom3 😎 😉

 

[relimw]

New specs of PMG5 to be released in the coming months (my guess)

Dual 3GHZ 1GB DDR2 250GB 16XDVDRW DL PCI EXPRESS 256mb X800XT
<snip>
Just my thoughts, should be in the next month or perhaps weeks because PM are over due for update as shown in the Buyers Guide, it is the longest wait for updates in the 7 most recent updates. Both Power lines need updates, thought maybe the PBs first.

(Same prices hopefully and if they aren't as good as my predictions maybe a price drop should be though about)

Yeah, but how long has it been since they *actually* started shipping the 2.5s?

I doubt the bump to PCI Express, would be nice, but not likely. Also standard 1GB isn't likely, maybe 512MB standard.
But I am ready for my dual 3GHz....after all Steve promised almost 2 years ago.

 

[vtprinz]

Just my thoughts, should be in the next month or perhaps weeks because PM are over due for update as shown in the Buyers Guide, it is the longest wait for updates in the 7 most recent updates. Both Power lines need updates, thought maybe the PBs first.

Maybe I'm wrong here, but the Buyers Guide doesn't list the release of the SP 1.8 PM in October as an actual update, nor the software/firmware updates from November. The Buyer's Guide might not see these as updates, but maybe Apple does...

I'd like to think that the PM line will be upgraded within the next month. I need to buy before March. But, I don't see it happening for some reason. Maybe just because I know how my luck is.

One interesting thing to note though is that Apple doesn't seem to be fond of Feb/March updates. Looking through the Buyer's Guide, the only time they've updated anything in those months was with the iMac in 2003 (well, there was an iPod update in March '02). If that's any hint toward consistency, I doubt will see anything until AT LEAST April...

🙁

 

[ravenvii]

On this I hope that your gut is wrong. If there is no change is speed with Rev. C, then Apple will need to introduce something new.

Well, they can always introduct DDR2 and PCI Express support on the motherboard.

 

[Platform]

When will the PM rev C update come 😕
Tiny difference (only speed bumbs on the CPU) or
A lot of new things (Lower prices, DDR2, PCIe, new GPU, and next gen G5 dual core, 10000rpm HDD and the dual layer function of the Superdrives activated 😕 )

 

[combatcolin]

As its been so long since the last update im hoping for a fair amount of new firepower.

Apple have had the time to incorparate it and the prices for this kit of kit (DDR 2 PCI-E Dual Layer DVD BlueTooth 2) have come down from their initial high.

Consider that the entry level G5 went from A:

Single 1.8Ghz CPU

to A:

Dual 1.8Ghz CPU's

For pretty much the same price (yes the RAM and HD size was naff but its cheaper to buy these afterwards than install a new and for the moment non-exist CPU upgrade.)

Or Apple could just arse it all up and forget that they used to sell "proper" computers.

 

[Lacero]

It doesn't seem a lot of people are clamoring for a dual 3.0ghz G5, not as much when Steve made his promise. However, the line has stagnated for several months now, so what can we expect of the Rev G5s? Perhaps only a dual 2.0 and 2.5 Ghz models, with the top end receiving memory and hard drive boost.

Or could we be seeing a Quadra model with 4 G5 processors? The form factor of the case can certainly accommodate the heat dissipation.

 

[combatcolin]

It doesn't seem a lot of people are clamoring for a dual 3.0ghz G5, not as much when Steve made his promise. However, the line has stagnated for several months now, so what can we expect of the Rev G5s? Perhaps only a dual 2.0 and 2.5 Ghz models, with the top end receiving memory and hard drive boost.

Or could we be seeing a Quadra model with 4 G5 processors? The form factor of the case can certainly accommodate the heat dissipation.

Don't get um started on Quad Cpu's you'll never get em to shut up again!!

 

[wdlove]

Don't get um started on Quad Cpu's you'll never get em to shut up again!!

I think that everyone is just silently dreaming of the long promised 3.0 GHz PM G5. If it can't be done for a while yet, then the Quad would be a nice alternative. I see it all mentioned occasionally in many threads. I'm positive that we have less then six months left to wait.

 

[TDM21]

I say there will be no major updates for the PowerMac until WWDC in June. There is just no major event happening from now to WWDC (unless you think Apple will unveil something at FOSE or NAB in April). Apple might do something quietly between now and June, such as a price drop across the line so they can drop the single 1.8, but a major change is highly unlikely.

of course all of this is jsut my opinion.

 

[Platform]

It doesn't seem a lot of people are clamoring for a dual 3.0ghz G5, not as much when Steve made his promise. However, the line has stagnated for several months now, so what can we expect of the Rev G5s? Perhaps only a dual 2.0 and 2.5 Ghz models, with the top end receiving memory and hard drive boost.

Or could we be seeing a Quadra model with 4 G5 processors? The form factor of the case can certainly accommodate the heat dissipation.

when do you think that the 1.8 will be the Dual 1.8 😕

 

[FFTT]

G5 3GHz pre-order account

One might think that I would be delighted to have finally saved enough for
a dual 1.8 or 2.0 tower. WRONG!

I'm having a horrible time fighting off temptation.
Either of the affordable current 1.8 or 2.0 dual G5 models
offer way more computer than I will ever probably need.

The trouble is that nagging reminder that I spent $2,300 on my 300 MHz G3
tower which can't be upgraded to AGP.
Now I hear the current models won't be upgradable to PCI-Express
and there's no confirmation that one could even upgrade your current processors to dual core.

The mental tug of war between get it now and wait allows one to enjoy now, suffer later or suffer now and enjoy later.

With money in hand, it's nearly unbearable to imagine waiting another
5-7 months for a new machine, so either I cave or put my money back
in a 6 month CD and give my banker explicit orders to shoot to kill
if I try to touch my account before WWDC.

I'm beginning to see the merit of forming our own AA group
to support those other poor souls who are in the same boat.

I almost WISH we could pre-order the next generation towers
and post our "dedicated funds" account with a credit at Apple
and then forego the endless wait for shipping.

At least I would know that some stupid life emergency would not force me
to piddle away the funds.

Arrrgh!

My brain is oatmeal.

 

[believo]

One might think that I would be delighted to have finally saved enough for
a dual 1.8 or 2.0 tower. WRONG!

I'm having a horrible time fighting off temptation.
Either of the affordable current 1.8 or 2.0 dual G5 models
offer way more computer than I will ever probably need.

The trouble is that nagging reminder that I spent $2,300 on my 300 MHz G3
tower which can't be upgraded to AGP.
Now I hear the current models won't be upgradable to PCI-Express
and there's no confirmation that one could even upgrade your current processors to dual core.

The mental tug of war between get it now and wait allows one to enjoy now, suffer later or suffer now and enjoy later.

With money in hand, it's nearly unbearable to imagine waiting another
5-7 months for a new machine, so either I cave or put my money back
in a 6 month CD and give my banker explicit orders to shoot to kill
if I try to touch my account before WWDC.

I'm beginning to see the merit of forming our own AA group
to support those other poor souls who are in the same boat.

I almost WISH we could pre-order the next generation towers
and post our "dedicated funds" account with a credit at Apple
and then forego the endless wait for shipping.

At least I would know that some stupid life emergency would not force me
to piddle away the funds.

Arrrgh!

My brain is oatmeal.

well, why would someone need to upgrade dual core or pci express anyway and the current g5s have been on the market for so long that I'm sure there will be plenty of third party upgrades for a long time.

 

[toontra]

With money in hand, it's nearly unbearable to imagine waiting another
5-7 months for a new machine, so either I cave or put my money back
in a 6 month CD and give my banker explicit orders to shoot to kill
if I try to touch my account before WWDC.

No way will you have to wait 5-7 months for the next rev. If that was the case it would be the longest time before an upgrade in the PMs history.

My guess is 1-2 months.

 

[FFTT]

Programmer over at AI was kind enough to answer my questions about
G5 upgrades.

"So far nobody has any G5 upgrade cards, and I'm a bit dubious that they ever will. Most of the upgrade companies don't have the engineering wherewithall to design replacement cards and deal with the heat/cooling issues. If one of them did, however, then it might be possible to upgrade an existing machine to the rumoured 970MP because the latter chip apparently uses the same FSB. If the rumours are wrong and the FSB changes or they move to an on-chip memory controller, then upgrades become impossible. Either way I wouldn't count on it."


"PCI-Express cards will not work with any existing hardware. It will replace AGP".


It took me more than a year to set aside enough money to buy a new system, so I'm considering all the information available before making
a final decision.

The radical advancements of the new iMacG5 and the Mac mini,
have shown us that Apple is clearly on the path of setting new trends.

Hopefully this innovation will continue over to the next generation
of Power Macs.

 

[ddtlm]

Raven VII:

My gut tells me that it'll just be a "reshuffling" (*cough*) of the PowerMac line, changing it to a 2.0, 2.3 and 2.5 GHz lineup.

That wouldn't give the 2.5ghz model enough of a performance edge to justify its price. As it stands, some of the benchmarks Apple has posted on their page show mostly linear performance scaling from 1.8 -> 2.0 -> 2.5. With more L2 cache or a significantly improved system controller they could close the ranks some, but if clockspeed is all they have to show, even 3.0ghz will fail to impress.

The rumored 970mp would solve a lot of problems, but would still leave Apple in an interesting spot deciding what to do about the doubling of cores. A dual 970mp would be the SUV of desktop computing, but if creating imaginary needs can sell those perhaps it can sell quad-core desktops. 🙂 1M of L2 per core is nice but people aren't trained to see that as something worth spending money on. Who knows, perhaps they could take a single 970mp and use it as a reason to make the case smaller (no need for such a large mobo).

When you can't go faster, go smaller! Heh. Who knows.

logical001:

A jump by just 300MHZ would be quite annoying. If they did it would indicate that they are having real problems with heat etc..

Heh, ask Intel about how annoying reality can be. 😉 Fact is, clockspeeds just aren't going to scale like they used to. IBM didn't expect it to happen like that either, otherwise Jobs would have never made the infamous 3ghz boast.

 

[-hh]

Yeah, but how long has it been since they *actually* started shipping the 2.5s?

I doubt the bump to PCI Express, would be nice, but not likely. Also standard 1GB isn't likely, maybe 512MB standard.
But I am ready for my dual 3GHz....after all Steve promised almost 2 years ago.

When you look at the iMac & mini, its evident that Apple's put a lot of resources towards packaging (and cooling) issues instead of raw CPU speed.

At first glance, this doesn't necessarily forbode well for another big CPU GHz jump coming along anytime soon, as you can argue that they've not been focused on hardware.

On the other hand, the liquid-cooled 2.5 is a genuine "field trial" of how the cooling technology performs before it is absolutely required for really hot chips. This is a very smart and deliberative technology risk management move by Apple.

Similarly, Apple has used both 1/2 and now 1/3 ratio's on the G5's FSB...its not rocket science to see that a 3GHz at 1GHz FSW is thus very easily doable. Again, an underlying enabling technology has been moved in place.

If we want to do some "crazy" forward-leaning, consider the 2.5's FSB @ 1.25GHz which times three would support up to a 3.75GHz g5. This again means that Apple at least has the groundwork in place to scale up, possibly even to go after the crown jewels marketing claim of "FASTEST clockspeed". Now I'm not saying that this is likely at this time: instead, I'm pointing out that again, the groundwork has been moving into place...it probably wouldn't be a wise marketing move for them to jump to a "up thru 3.5GHz" lineup without having first milked 3.0GHz.

Other factors that need to be considered are:

- The PowerMac's are still being built off of two different motherboards. Its unlikely that we'll see Apple go to three mobo's, so something needs to go. If Apple can't roll-out the CPU/mobo they really want on the high end on their announcement schedule (eg, June), we couild see an interium revision where all the models are being offered on just one motherboard.

- Apple's business plan needs to include how they're going to consume the G5's that fail to meet whatever speed requirements in order to be cost-effective by having a good overall yield. For example, the iMac currently eats up the "slow" G5's that can only be certified at 1.6 and 1.8. If the yield is turning out a quantity of G5's that can't meet 2GHz that exceeds the iMac demand, then the bottom of the PowerMac line is likely to remain a 1.8GHz. And naturally, the landscape gets complicated with the dual core chips.

Finally, reading between the lines on Apple's current product line-up, we see that the PowerMac's low-end/high-end motherboard dividing line is currently set between the DP 1.8 and the DP 2.0, whereas for Rev A, it was between the SP 1.6 and SP 1.8 IMO, this upward wouldinfer some good news on G5 yields. Its oversimplistic to assume a continuation of this trend (which would infer that a 2GHz could be on the "low-end" board on the next revision cycle), but it is an eventuality of sorts. This might suggest that the next lineup could be an aircooled 2.0 on the bottom and 2.5 and 3.0 liquid cooled.




-hh

 

[Aleks DD]

One might think that I would be delighted to have finally saved enough for
a dual 1.8 or 2.0 tower. WRONG!

I'm having a horrible time fighting off temptation.

I feel the same... I just managed to save enough cash a month ago and I thought I can wait a month. But it gets harder and harder each week. 🙂 And now I gotta read that the new G5 may come in May?? Oh nooo......

 

[zimtheinvader]

"I'm having a horrible time fighting off temptation."

I totally sympathize, is this a new psychological phenomenon? [the generation of previously tramatized and remorseful, but still devoted and almost ready to buy again Apple consumer!)

I bought my G4 PM and the next week it was dropped from the line and in its place was a dual... 🙁

This is, imho a far understated advantage of PCs, complete upgradablity and much less obscure upgrade cycles, as well as constantly changing product lines...I mean I could easily stick a new P4 in my roommate's dell, or even replace the mobo or case, but I could never cost effectively bring my G4QS up to date... plus windows is pretty ridiculously explicit in stating thier upgrade table, (Well, Bill, when exactly will we see Windows PPC2003....? ect.)

...sigh...I guess one more tuesday could hurt, (plus the PM I got 'burned' on is still SO reliable! if increasingly weak....)

 

[fabrizio]

Hello here. I am visiting this thread often because I am waiting to buy 2 PM G5 (top model) and I'd like to know what's better for me to do (buy now or wait?). I also bought a G4 in the past, and after only one month a new G4 version (the mirrored one) was released...

One question guys: once a new version will be released (soon or later), how long do you think it will take to be present in the stores and actually be ready to buy? This could be important to consider...

Thank you.

Fab.

 

[aussie_geek]

Surf the internet mostly and iTunes. 😛

Exactly the reasons why I want a G5. Also, having my PowerBook hooked up to the Cinema Display just doesn't look right.. 😀

.
aussie_geek