The Latest Gulftown Info (Intel's upcoming 32nm 6-core processor)

[gugucom]

We have come to the main point of the 2010 Mac Pro long ago. If someone is running a high spec 2009 octad at full song he is likely to see benefits in a twelve core 2010 Mac Pro and if you encrypt your disks routinely hexads could be beneficial. Everybody else is more likely to get more bang for his bucks buying 2008 and 2009 models.

 

[VirtualRain]

We have come to the main point of the 2010 Mac Pro long ago. If someone is running a high spec 2009 octad at full song he is likely to see benefits in a twelve core 2010 Mac Pro and if you encrypt your disks routinely hexads could be beneficial. Everybody else is more likely to get more bang for his bucks buying 2008 and 2009 models.

Amen! (although did I mention that 3.46GHz Quad sounds nice? )

 

[nanofrog]

We have come to the main point of the 2010 Mac Pro long ago. If someone is running a high spec 2009 octad at full song he is likely to see benefits in a twelve core 2010 Mac Pro and if you encrypt your disks routinely hexads could be beneficial. Everybody else is more likely to get more bang for his bucks buying 2008 and 2009 models.

Yep.

The lack of software to really load the systems doesn't help matters though, such as a few programs that are used by the graphics pros where the mulit-threading performance could stand to be improved. Adobe products for example.

...did I mention that 3.46GHz Quad sounds nice?

Don't give gugucom or Tutor any more crazy ideas...

 

[vogelhausdesign]

Not likely though.


So long as it does what you need, none at all.


Yep. Even if a system is needed now, I'd think a refurb or used system would make sense, and save funds when something better comes along.

And I'd like to see what AMD can come up with as well.

You're always there to calm me down and make me feel good about saving for a '11 -'12 thanks nano

 

[nanofrog]

You're always there to calm me down and make me feel good about saving for a '11 -'12 thanks nano

NP.

 

[maghemi]

The only thing it looks like achieving is upping the price of the next model for no massive benefit for most people.

 

[Eidorian]

The only thing it looks like achieving is upping the price of the next model for no massive benefit for most people.

The Core i7 980X (Gulftown) is a drop-in replacement for the current Core i7 975 (Bloomfield) at the same price. The base price of $999 for the Extreme processors is high but it isn't going up.

Hopefully AMD will push a 6-core Thuban in an unlocked Black Edition for the $300-400 market. Otherwise you'll be limited the Core i7 980X.

 

[nanofrog]

The only thing it looks like achieving is upping the price of the next model for no massive benefit for most people.

We'll have to see Apple's pricing/features on the 2010 models to be sure, but it's certainly looking that way.

 

[TheStrudel]

The only thing it looks like achieving is upping the price of the next model for no massive benefit for most people.

Well, what if it fixes some of the design flaws in the '09 model and restores some of the expandability of the '08 model? Or alternatively, experiences at least a marginal boost in price/performance?

Not saying it'd be worth replacing your '09 MP with, but that doesn't keep it from being a superior machine in comparison with what's being sold now.

 

[nanofrog]

Well, what if it fixes some of the design flaws in the '09 model and restores some of the expandability of the '08 model? Or alternatively, experiences at least a marginal boost in price/performance?

Not saying it'd be worth replacing your '09 MP with, but that doesn't keep it from being a superior machine in comparison with what's being sold now.

Good point, but he did say massive benefit though.

So it might not be that great value wise in comparison to the previous EFI64 machines, but yes with PPC systems, or possibly with the EFI32 based Intel systems as well. Though it may still be best to grab a refurbished/used '08 compared to the 2010 models if the pricing exceeds the '09's, assuming there's nothing new feature wise to justify the unit (especially to users on a budget).

 

[smacman]

If Apple's decision to not support the 2009 CPU / Audio problem stands, then the 2010 would likely be affected too wouldn't they? Sounds like the 08 models were the last good Mac Pros. I wish I had one...

 

[chet.d]

If Apple's decision to not support the 2009 CPU / Audio problem stands, then the 2010 would likely be affected too wouldn't they? Sounds like the 08 models were the last good Mac Pros. I wish I had one...

Not sure what "audio problem" your referring to. I thought audio HT issues were more about Mac OS from what I'm told?

I'm a month or two away from most likely going with an 09 2.6 8 core for recording.
Seriously on the fence but getting closer to action.

 

[Icaras]

Not sure what "audio problem" your referring to. I thought audio HT issues were more about Mac OS from what I'm told?

I'm a month or two away from most likely going with an 09 2.6 8 core for recording.
Seriously on the fence but getting closer to action.

I'm getting one for my recording workstation as well, but you must wait it out!!

 

[smacman]

Not sure what "audio problem" your referring to. I thought audio HT issues were more about Mac OS from what I'm told?

I'm a month or two away from most likely going with an 09 2.6 8 core for recording.
Seriously on the fence but getting closer to action.

Seriously guys, unless this gets fixed, I would really avoid these machines. In addition to the temp / power consumption issue, you will also lose 25% of the systems capability just by playing audio.

 

[vogelhausdesign]

Seriously guys, unless this gets fixed, I would really avoid these machines. In addition to the temp / power consumption issue, you will also lose 25% of the systems capability just by playing audio.

Do you even own a mac? let alone a mac pro.. I've never even heard of this, and to have it happen to "a number of mac pro users" is more likely a small number of people.

If you'd like I can play some aphex twin with visualizer on full blast and record my 2.93 octo yawning for you..

 

[gugucom]

This is a problem that affects MP4,1 and makes them less efficient particularly when they run 24/7 in low power setting like video/media servers.

 

[nanofrog]

Seriously guys, unless this gets fixed, I would really avoid these machines. In addition to the temp / power consumption issue, you will also lose 25% of the systems capability just by playing audio.

I'm glad to see an article on it, as maybe the press attention will motivate Apple to resolve the problem.

 

[vogelhausdesign]

I'm glad to see an article on it, as maybe the press attention will motivate Apple to resolve the problem.

I'm making a 24 hour screen capture of my 4,1 octo playing music (ACC/FLAC) in a warm environment and zooming in on my istat and activity monitor, with the visualizer on.

Then I'm going to condense it to 2 minutes, and pause only when I see a significant change, if I see any I will highlight it for you in the video.

For now, since I do have a 4,1, how do I take care of the potential problem? Demand a new computer form apple?

 

[nanofrog]

I'm making a 24 hour screen capture of my 4,1 octo playing music (ACC/FLAC) in a warm environment and zooming in on my istat and activity monitor, with the visualizer on.

Then I'm going to condense it to 2 minutes, and pause only when I see a significant change, if I see any I will highlight it for you in the video.

This could help, and would be appreciated. Just post it in the right thread (here).

For now, since I do have a 4,1, how do I take care of the potential problem? Demand a new computer form apple?

At this point, I'm not sure.

So far, the only solution seems to be by running a PCIe based audio device, which isn't inexpensive. I'm only aware of RME, and their gear is aimed at professional recording.

Beyond that, it's either wait for Apple to fix it, or see if you can use the issue as a means of getting a refund for the system.

 

[smacman]

Do you even own a mac? let alone a mac pro.. I've never even heard of this, and to have it happen to "a number of mac pro users" is more likely a small number of people.

If you'd like I can play some aphex twin with visualizer on full blast and record my 2.93 octo yawning for you..

Lose the attitude my friend.. Just because you are unbothered by this, it is a very real problem that can be reproduced on ANY machine.

 

[Eidorian]

Is the W3680 at 3.33 GHz the only single socket Gulftown part? It's a bit odd given the variety of Xeon parts compared to the "consumer" line.

If AMD can churn out a lower voltage Thuban part then they really have something to show against Lynnfield and Bloomfield. AMD has been using obnoxiously high voltages on their Athlon II and Phenom II parts. It doesn't seem to the case with Opteron though. Thuban does appear to be the only 6-core part for AM3 instead of Socket F.

 

[Salavat23]

Not as exciting as AMD's 12-core beasts coming out sometime in March. 2 of them in a dual socket board = 24 cores =

 

[nanofrog]

Is the W3680 at 3.33 GHz the only single socket Gulftown part?

I doubt it's the only one. The info out is too premature to take as absolute fact, as I'm under the impression there's some "holes" to be filled in. SP P/N's and quantity pricing for all of the parts (56xx & 36xx lines).

If AMD can churn out a lower voltage Thuban part then they really have something to show against Lynnfield and Bloomfield. AMD has been using obnoxiously high voltages on their Athlon II/Phenom II parts. It doesn't seem to the case with Opeteron though.

Here's what I found on Thuban so far:

Model Number = Phenom II X6 xxx
Step. Freq. = 2.8GHz
L2 Cache = 6x 512 KB
L3 Cache = 6 MB
HT = not stated
Multi = 14x
Voltage = not stated
TDP = 140W
Socket = AM3
Release Date = Q2 2010
(Source)

Fabrication = 45nm

Not bad actually.

 

[Eidorian]

Here's what I found on Thuban so far:

Model Number = Phenom II X6 xxx
Step. Freq. = 2.8GHz
L2 Cache = 6x 512 KB
L3 Cache = 6 MB
HT = not stated
Multi = 14x
Voltage = not stated
TDP = 140W
Socket = AM3
Release Date = Q2 2010
(Source)

Fabrication = 45nm

Not bad actually.

I wonder if a newer stepping beyond C3 will allow a 2.8 GHz 125W part. It's not surprising that Thuban will be a 140W part though. The better bins are being reserved for Opteron at 75/105W.

A decent motherboard will allow you to undervolt it from its stock voltages and it'll be much easier on the wallet compared to Gulftown.

 

[nanofrog]

I wonder if a newer stepping beyond C3 will allow a 2.8 GHz 125W part. It's not surprising that Thuban will be a 140W part though. The better bins are being reserved for Opteron at 75/105W.

A decent motherboard will allow you to undervolt it from its stock voltages and it'll be much easier on the wallet compared to Gulftown.

I've no idea if a new stepping will ship prior to the next model or not in terms of the Thuban. Still, 140W isn't horrible, and it's marketed as a desktop part anyway.

And as you say, it will be easier on the wallet, and there's the potential to undervolt if the board's capable.