^ so there were middle desktop tower Macs before Jobs was around right? like the Performas? so we def have to wait 'til Jobs leaves for a chance of the xMac…
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The "Waiting for Nehalem Mac Pros" thread
- Thread starter m1stake
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Because the Nehalem Xeons (aka Gainestown) are not branded under Core i7, that quote from Tom's Hardware does not really apply.
Although, considering how the Nehalems keep getting delayed (or so it seems), maybe we won't see a Nehalem Mac Pro until next year anyway.
I was somewhat confused on this point after reading the article.
Keep in mind, we've seen quite a bit of information on the i7/Bloomfield units. Ship dates, price lists, and even early motherboards. Not nearly that much on the Gainestown EP as of yet. Which lends me to think that it's going to be late.
So I've been recently thinking March '09 may be more realistic. //Grrr...// OK, end of rant. Pentium 4 -> Pentium D -> Core -> Core duo -> core 2 duo -> core 2 duo (45nm) -> Core i7. It's just a product line.
I'm interested to see what Apple does with the Mac Pro come January. I would love to have a Mac Pro, but I just can't justify the cost. Right now I'm using an iMac and I know within a year/year and a half I'll have to replace it because I can't upgrade anything in it other than the RAM. I'm also hoping that they update the ACD's they are so lacking in the current market imo.
Personally, I´d like to see eSata Port(s) and SATA used for the optical drives.
If available by then also USB 3 and the next FireWire iteration. I certainly got the money tucked away for that machine.
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If available by then also USB 3 and the next FireWire iteration. I certainly got the money tucked away for that machine.
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I must correct you on the "Apple will no doubt use cards that are new (!)" unless I misunderstood and you were being sarcastic. Apple actually got the 8800 GT after they were available for the PC for a year. In this area (and others) Apple really sucks.
Back on topic, if you haven't already seen the Intel Roadmap Leak thread in this section, I'll summarize it here:
The possible candidates for the Nehalem Mac Pro are currently these:
To put that into perspective, the current 2.8Ghz quads cost $851 each, the 3.0Ghz variant costs $1022 each, and the 3.2Ghz variant costs $1279 each. (Thanks, Umbongo).
Based on those numbers, the X55XX models in the table above match those best. However, as this Tom's Hardware article has a Part Two that should be published today, I would be that it will include information that we lack.
Umbongo speculates that we will see a price hike, which certainly seems possible, as the Quad G5 was priced at a whopping $3299.
The possible candidates for the Nehalem Mac Pro are currently these:
To put that into perspective, the current 2.8Ghz quads cost $851 each, the 3.0Ghz variant costs $1022 each, and the 3.2Ghz variant costs $1279 each. (Thanks, Umbongo).
Based on those numbers, the X55XX models in the table above match those best. However, as this Tom's Hardware article has a Part Two that should be published today, I would be that it will include information that we lack.
Umbongo speculates that we will see a price hike, which certainly seems possible, as the Quad G5 was priced at a whopping $3299.
I hope it doesn't go that high.
But it does seem that the current $2799USD may not hold when the new model releases. Assuming Apple can keep the other costs inline with their current expenses, adding the difference between the current figure of $851 and $958 for the 2.66GHz X5550, might result at $2999USD for a base model.
Does this seem at all realistic?
But it does seem that the current $2799USD may not hold when the new model releases.
Assuming Apple can keep the other costs inline with their current expenses, adding the difference between the current figure of $851 and $958 for the 2.66GHz X5550, might result at $2999USD for a base model.Does this seem at all realistic?
I hope it doesn't go that high.
But it does seem that the current $2799USD may not hold when the new model releases.
Does this seem at all realistic?
Yes I'd say it is realistic. However a price point that isn't off putting on the base model may be more important than the actual profit made directly from system sales.
True.
Anything over the $3000USD mark would make me reconsider, as I would go over budget to finish the configuration I need with 3rd party gear. Perhaps this is what Apple was referring to when they mentioned "reduced margins". One can only hope.
BTW, I'm expecting DDR3 1333MHz ECC to be on the order of FB-DIMM was at the same time last year. The most recent pricing I found yesterday was $139USD for a 2GB stick from Crucial. Can you add anything or elaborate on this?
That's some high prices. So although clocks are similar to Harpertown, it looks like we'll get lower clocks for the same price (although microarchitectural advantages would make that up), which means the performance improvement of Nehalem won't be as big as what we thought.
Umbongo speculates that we will see a price hike, which certainly seems possible, as the Quad G5 was priced at a whopping $3299.
I'd say we'll either see:
- 2.66 GHz / 2x 2.66 GHz / 2x 2.93 GHz / 2x 3.20 GHz (all 1333 MHz RAM)
- Two Mac Pros: CPUs with 1067 MHz RAM, and 2x 2.66 GHz / 2x 2.93 GHz / 2x 3.20 GHz (all 1333 MHz RAM)
I'm gonna get the MacPro in my sig. Refurb of course, but I might wait to see if the price goes down by January. If they release the new MacPro in January and a refurb is 2.5k or lower, I'll probably get the new one. A new ACD would be awesome, hopefully lower price. I just wish they'd bring the iSight back or put one in an ACD.
I doubt they'd use different memory speeds for the same model. Needlessly complicated for the consumer, and one more thing to keep track of on the production end.
My own guess, since I realize that 2 CPU options is not enough would be the 2.66, the 2.93, and the 3.2. If this is the case, I think I'd have to go with the 2.93 against my better judgment.
It would certainly be nice if it does.
I was thinking $75 -80USD /GB at launch for 1/2GB sticks at best.
Oct/Nov '09 before it would drop in the $50/GB range.
I'm with m1stake in thinking they would stay with a single memory speed, as 1333MHz was listed sometime back IIRC.
Why do you think they would skip the 2.8GHz part?
It would certainly be nice if it does.
I was thinking $75 -80USD /GB at launch for 1/2GB sticks at best.
Oct/Nov '09 before it would drop in the $50/GB range.
It's already $70/GB from Crucial. OWC offered FB-DIMMS at $50/GB in January and it's now down to $35/GB. They may have used the FB-DIMMS as a loss leader to build their profile or establish repeat customers, but maybe they will be able to push prices down again. I would think the move away from FB-DIMMs should result in cheaper memory, or at least as cheap, regardless of the fact that it is newer technology.
Maybe someone like CanadaRAM could offer more insight though.
Too close together.
The other alternative that looks very expensive is to keep the 2.8Ghz as the base and go up from there. But as I said before, 2.83 -> 2.93 is too close.
But it does open the "Same Speed. Twice as fast." ad route.
Thanks. I like inexpensive, as I need to put a considerable amount of cash into 3rd party parts before it would be done.
Hmm...The 2.8GHz as a base would be incredible, but at $1172 quantity price, I don't think it will happen. Even with Apple's discount agreements with Intel.
A base model 2.66 to 2.93GHz would be a steep jump cost wise though....Ouch!
Thanks guys.
It's expected the announcement would come around MacWorld '09. Shipping is another matter, as Apple has to wait for Intel. Intel has delayed their release date, so it could be Mar. '09 before they become available.
Ultimately, we don't know specifics, as Intel hasn't given them.
I'm thinking that Apple will update the pro ACD's with the Mac Pro.
Not quite sure what you're asking here. Do you mean on-board memory for the graphics card?
It's expected the announcement would come around MacWorld '09. Shipping is another matter, as Apple has to wait for Intel. Intel has delayed their release date, so it could be Mar. '09 before they become available.
Ultimately, we don't know specifics, as Intel hasn't given them.
I'm thinking that Apple will update the pro ACD's with the Mac Pro.
Not quite sure what you're asking here. Do you mean on-board memory for the graphics card?
I mean can you upgade the graphics cards..i guess it was probably and obvious question.
Yeah old macbooks won't be compatable with the new screens due to the new apple mini display port. Are the current Mac Pro's incompatable too?
I would bet that the 8800GT, 3870, etc, would work with the new one if users had a DVI monitor.
However, with the lack of cards with DisplayPort, it's hard to imagine Apple using one and more or less locking customers into ACD's.
New video cards will obviously be part of the package.
However, with the lack of cards with DisplayPort, it's hard to imagine Apple using one and more or less locking customers into ACD's.
New video cards will obviously be part of the package.
At this point, maybe buying a current card with a DVI port wouldn't be a bad idea?
I hope not, particularly concerning the Mini DisplayPort. But Apple may force us into using adapters.
Are you thinking the base model might see an nVidia 9 series, as Apple seems to be warming up to their products recently?