An 8-core Nehalem-EX "Beckton," which we've known about for one and a half years. The whole "8-core Gainestown/Nehalem-EP" stuff is most likely based on a misunderstanding, as both Nehalem-EP and Nehalem-EX are enterprise Xeons (EX more so).
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
The 2009 (Gainestown) Mac Pro: Everything We Know
- Thread starter Tallest Skil
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
- Status
I said the MP was a server/workstation. More of a workstation, but regardless, it certainly is not a desktop. As such, it's expected to require ECC of some sort, DDR3 ECC in this case.Yeah but the current mac pro is not a "desktop" either. It's so much more expensive because it's ECC DDR3 as opposed to the current ECC DD2. Of course it will go down but we don't know when really. I'm just saying the question of value is still there as a result of the memory prices. If memory prices were identical it would seem almost universally better to wait, unless it was a matter of necessity. Now it's just...going to be much more expensive regardless.
I suppose you could call all of this just a bit of "out-loud" thinking.
Given the memory pricing isn't as bad as the FB-DIMM's, it won't be as bad this time. The only snag, is the way memory is distributed. You can still get more.
Let's compare say, the absolute minimum of DDR3 ECC for three channel operation. So 3GB/CPU, for 6GB total. Now, in the current machine, you can get away with 4GB to operate all 4 channels. This is the part that may cause memory to go up per say, but you still get more memory. Not the easiest comparison, and $/GB may be the easiest for people to understand.
The best 1:1 comparison might be 12GB, as it's a capacity that both systems are capable of, and allows all channels to operate. Easier perhaps.
Crucial is currently offering DDR3 1333MHz ECC Unbuffered (6GB Kit) for $267.97 (~$45/GB). So 12GB will be ~$536. Not terrible, but not wonderful either. IIRC, FB-DIMM went for ~$75 - 85/GB when it was first available. So not only is the $/GB lower, so is the initial retail price for the same amount of memory. If using smaller amounts, where there isn't a 1:1 comparison, YMMV.
Please keep in mind, I'm not referring to current pricing on FB-DIMM, which is substantially lower than when it was first available for the Mac Pro.
I said the MP was a server/workstation. More of a workstation, but regardless, it certainly is not a desktop. As such, it's expected to require ECC of some sort, DDR3 ECC in this case.
Given the memory pricing isn't as bad as the FB-DIMM's, it won't be as bad this time. The only snag, is the way memory is distributed. You can still get more.
Let's compare say, the absolute minimum of DDR3 ECC for three channel operation. So 3GB/CPU, for 6GB total. Now, in the current machine, you can get away with 4GB to operate all 4 channels. This is the part that may cause memory to go up per say, but you still get more memory. Not the easiest comparison, and $/GB may be the easiest for people to understand.
The best 1:1 comparison might be 12GB, as it's a capacity that both systems are capable of, and allows all channels to operate. Easier perhaps.
Crucial is currently offering DDR3 1333MHz ECC Unbuffered (6GB Kit) for $267.97 (~$45/GB). So 12GB will be ~$536. Not terrible, but not wonderful either. IIRC, FB-DIMM went for ~$75 - 85/GB when it was first available. So not only is the $/GB lower, so is the initial retail price for the same amount of memory. If using smaller amounts, where there isn't a 1:1 comparison, YMMV.
I understand how ram works and all that, been in the field for awhile. However I wasn't aware 12gb was only around 500 bucks. I was looking at crucial and was seeing 2 grand for 16 gb for ECC DDR3, where ECC DDR2 was around 500, roughly. That's a far cry from what you just listed and makes the price premium totally acceptable IMO.
I wasn't sure.
From what you're describing, you were looking at the Registered version.
Big difference between it, and Unbuffered cost wise. But both are ECC.
It's an incorrect assumption by the author, discussed on the previous page if you want to know why.
I wasn't sure.
From what you're describing, you were looking at the Registered version.
Gotcha, I just took a quick glance, I guess I assumed that the mac pros used that top level stuff. So it's unbuffered, cool. Well heck might be worth it to wait then. Looks like large performance gains for not THAT much more money.
I'd like to say, whoa this thread grew faster than my penis when I saw lisa ann for the first time!
Damn man i wish those were in the new mac pros when they launch but probably not very likely
What will you use in the six month interim?
Darn macosrumors.com and their comment "awaiting moderation" thing. Nothing that I said was vulgar, but I expressed my lack of belief in the site and KIND OF linked to this thread, telling people that this is where the real information, based on what facts we know, is...
Ah, well. They'll just not approve it, I guess.
The $$$ for Registered ECC would scare the crap out of me too (if I'm paying for it).
Such is life.What will you use in the six month interim?
Darn macosrumors.com and their comment "awaiting moderation" thing. Nothing that I said was vulgar, but I expressed my lack of belief in the site and KIND OF linked to this thread, telling people that this is where the real information, based on what facts we know, is...
Ah, well. They'll just not approve it, I guess.
At least you're still welcome here. Or is there something you're not telling us? True.6 months would be the end of July
I'm still thinking January, as in the beginning. It's basically Feb. now, so early June is only 4 months away now.
WOOT I'm beginning to wonder if I won't go totally insane waiting before then.
mostly common sense, and a little bit of optimism
Common sense? WWDC release, but if you want one, there will be a 1 month shipping wait like last time (a good "one", that is).
I honestly don't think that they will hold off that long if they are already available (not confirmed I know), but there are reports that systems with them will be available with the launch at the end of March. I honestly don't see any reason at all for Apple to hold off.
Ok - so we know of Beckton. What's to stop Intel having a There are no 8-core-per-chip Gainestown being off the books?
Aren't there precedents for Apple using non-off-the-shelf CPU/boards etc? Or chips that haven't been much mentioned prior?
Is there Intel literature beyond the Intel Roadmap Overview from 4 months ago, one that actually specifically says model,type (Beckton, Gainestown etc),to avoid ambiguity?
I can see there might be a big misunderstanding also...
I really hope that MOSR is wrong about the case being slightly taller. The old G4 case used to have removable handles so you could horizontally rackmount it. The G5/Mac Pro case isn't rackmountable this way. I was hoping they would fix this with the next case. Sure, the XServe can be rackmounted, but its design is not ideal for audio and video work.
BTW, am I the only one old enough to remember when MOSR was THE rumor site? After MacWeek went away, MOSR was the king of Mac leaks. I guess the management has changed hands a few times since then, though they still have occasional posts from founder Ryan. I think it's plausible that they know someone with access, you assume that test systems would go to major software developers like Adobe, etc.
BTW, am I the only one old enough to remember when MOSR was THE rumor site? After MacWeek went away, MOSR was the king of Mac leaks. I guess the management has changed hands a few times since then, though they still have occasional posts from founder Ryan. I think it's plausible that they know someone with access, you assume that test systems would go to major software developers like Adobe, etc.
They used to be the first Mac site I went to. Then they became pretty spotty for a while, disappeared a couple of time and have re-emerged as (unfortunately) a site to be ignored.
The last time I got sucked into their delusion was when they were certain that the AppleTV would be updated with a Blu-ray drive. Even though it didn't make a lot of sense for Apple to do this, MOSR made it sound like they had inside info and that it was a done deal. Obvisously, that didn't happen and isn't going to happen for a long time (if ever).
I still pop by their site once in a while when I'm bored, but it really is a waste of time.
- Status