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What are you waiting for in Rev. B G5?
- Thread starter acj
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Ummm... will you keep waiting if he says they will have 5Ghz machines in one year when he annouces the 3Ghz?
It would be strange to assume that after 3Ghz the rate of clock speed increase of the G5 would suddenly drop.
There have been rumor stories talking about IBM working on 45 nm processes....
If I were waiting for Apple to release a new G5 before I got one, I would wait until rev C, that is because they would have all the problems sorted by then. Apple didnt manage to improve the situation with the paint coming off the PowerBook G4 until rev C (the 667 and 800 DVI models).
Although waiting too long can also be bad, since the rev C version of the original iMac was changed so it could not be upgraded. Rev A and B had an expansion slot for extras like 3D graphics and Firewire, while it was also posible to upgrade the cpu to about 900Mhz.
Although waiting too long can also be bad, since the rev C version of the original iMac was changed so it could not be upgraded. Rev A and B had an expansion slot for extras like 3D graphics and Firewire, while it was also posible to upgrade the cpu to about 900Mhz.
You're probably right, but... There's never been a competitively priced quad processor machine around to find out. If $3000 can get dual CPUs, would people pay for 4 CPUs at, say, $4500?
But I guess the absolute need for that level of performance is fairly marginal.
Maybe they'll take this the blade/Xserve route?
Or maybe I'm just too greedy?
Wrong thinking. It is far more complex to have four processors then two. The processor as well as the chipset all need to be capable of four processors. While you can throw them in there, you get diminished returns. The old multiprocessor systems with Intel processors were horrendous. You could get 100% out of the first processor and then only 50% on the second. If you added a third, you had 25% on that. So you ended up with 175% with three processors. They have gotten much better over time, but the processors themselves have been designed with a maximum number of processors that can be used. The 970 is a 8-way design, but there would be some extensive changes in the overall system design.
So? Does the fact that other companies (who won't make Mac chips) doing research mean that IBM won't continue to increase the speed of the G5?
... it's back again ... after a long time not hearing people talking about quad G4 or now G5 ... it's back again ...
and if you think that intel and amd have some new power to present, the re. b g5 will be right at it's start (at least i hope so!)
so waht about quad g5? is it just stupid writing about it or is it something that we could hold on. what about a bigger 2U xserve with quad g5 for renderfarms - i'm sure pixar would like to get some!
i think for the rev.b of powermacs it's urgent, that all modells turn back to dual processors. right now, i look at the 1.6 like "well, nice... but that's for sure not what i want" - and if i had the money i would get a g5 (dual 2ghz)
but at all - the g5 rev.a dual 2 ghz "is a kick-ass machine!"
.a
and if you think that intel and amd have some new power to present, the re. b g5 will be right at it's start (at least i hope so!)
so waht about quad g5? is it just stupid writing about it or is it something that we could hold on. what about a bigger 2U xserve with quad g5 for renderfarms - i'm sure pixar would like to get some!
i think for the rev.b of powermacs it's urgent, that all modells turn back to dual processors. right now, i look at the 1.6 like "well, nice... but that's for sure not what i want" - and if i had the money i would get a g5 (dual 2ghz)
but at all - the g5 rev.a dual 2 ghz "is a kick-ass machine!"
.a
I thought of something that'd be cool... The handles on the top and bottom... They make the case taller, but nothings there. They could make little Modules that would slide in at the top to fill in that handle space. there could be a clip in the back that connected it.
First of all, they are not rumors, IBM stated a month ago that they are working with Chartered and Infineon to create 65nm process and "exploring extensions to 45nm technology". They've also stated in the past that they were working with AMD.
And to address the second part: Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing is "one of the world's top three dedicated semiconductor foundries."
Now as far as Rev. B G5: The only thing I see a need for is constant improvement in speed and dual processors for mid-range or maybe across the board. I would also like to see the G5 make its way into both the PowerBook and iMac within the next year.
I have decided to wait for Rev B,Why well Panthers bugs should have been worked out and optimizations for many apps will be all sorted,plus we should be able to put a decent card like a Quadro or a Fire GL in them if we choose to for 3d work.Apple might also get dual planes support sorted for these cards as well.
My 2ghz was not due until md Oct at least so I find it stoopid not waiting another 2 - 3 months and possibly getting a Rev B ordered.
Whats the delay time usually between rev A and rev B guys,about 6 months isnt it,you never know it might be just 3 months or so and the Rev B could be introduced.
My 2ghz was not due until md Oct at least so I find it stoopid not waiting another 2 - 3 months and possibly getting a Rev B ordered.
Whats the delay time usually between rev A and rev B guys,about 6 months isnt it,you never know it might be just 3 months or so and the Rev B could be introduced.
You make it sound like IBM is ahead of all the rest of the semiconductor companies. They are just keeping pace with the other top dogs. 45nm is far off, 90 is available with the next step to 65. IBM hasn't even acknowledged plans for a 90nm 970 chip yet.
Also, research is one thing; developing and making use of it is another matter.
What would the advantage of a quad processor in a 2U configuration have over a dual processor in a 1U form factor have? Since companies like Pixar use clustering, not a whole lot as you get the same number processors in a rack. The development of a dual processor is cheaper then a quad, which saves money. The volume of a dual would also be higher thus lowering costs.
So you want to use stats. Ok.
The semiconductor rankings for the first half of 2003.
First place is Intel.
Second is Samsung.
Third is Renesas.
Fourth is Ti.
Fifth is Toshiba.
Sixth is STMicroelectronics.
Seven is Infineon.
Eighth is NEC.
Ninth is Phillips.
Tenth is TSMC.
Eleventh is Motorola.
Ti has offered 90nm since early this year and TSMC launched theirs the second quarter of last year.
All of the top fabs are close in terms of technology. Some have better technology then others and IBM is using the cheaper which is also a huge benefit because they get leading edge technology be creating partnerships. The companies that go it alone will have to spend more money, but they can also make more money. So it is hard to say what method is better, only time will tell. IBM has made great strides with its plants. I would not consider them better then the other top players though.
Re: iron out the wrinkles...
What kind of problems did you have with the Rev. A?
I spoke with a Mac Genuis yesterday about his thoughts. He said that Apple has been putting out quality products lately. Wasn't aware of any of any problems with the G5. None have been brought in for repair.
I'm also very interested in the Apple Pro Card. It is a limited time offer. Access to the Mac Genius is a very important feature. He stated that Apple plans to offer additional features in the future.
Of all the Macs that I have owned, only had one that gave me a lot of problems!
Having a real tough time making the decsion!
Originally posted by GrizzlyHippo
Simple, I'll buy a Rev. B G5 as I bought a Rev. A G4 and have all manner of little and annoying problems. Let them fix all the bugs for the Rev. B.
Interestingly, the main things I want to know before buying are user reports on whether the G5's go to and wake up from sleep properly (unlike my G4) and how quiet they are (very unlike my G4).
The G5 Dual processor is already quick enough for me and HD space is OK - I've already got about 200Gb in FW drives that I can plug in.
Just let them learn from A and make B better
Grizzly
What kind of problems did you have with the Rev. A?
I spoke with a Mac Genuis yesterday about his thoughts. He said that Apple has been putting out quality products lately. Wasn't aware of any of any problems with the G5. None have been brought in for repair.
I'm also very interested in the Apple Pro Card. It is a limited time offer. Access to the Mac Genius is a very important feature. He stated that Apple plans to offer additional features in the future.
Of all the Macs that I have owned, only had one that gave me a lot of problems!
Having a real tough time making the decsion!
I'm not getting a G5 anytime soon, there's too many other things I'm waiting on to justify the upgrade. I also am fully capable of handling the work I currently do with a G4.
I would wait for the Rev. B though, if I were in the market. Judging from the way Apple has pushed out models to meet the consumer demands of "newer" products, I have a very strong feeling that this G5 is just a taste of what it should be. I do feel it's a HUGE stride from the G4, but I am quite certain come January, we'll see an upgrade. I'm thinking dual processors across the board maybe?
Also, there's always room for improvement. It's sorta like buying a first year model of a car; there's always something improved upon or an issue resolved with the next version. It's too early right now to know what the downfalls are in the G5, but I wouldn't expect none.
I would wait for the Rev. B though, if I were in the market. Judging from the way Apple has pushed out models to meet the consumer demands of "newer" products, I have a very strong feeling that this G5 is just a taste of what it should be. I do feel it's a HUGE stride from the G4, but I am quite certain come January, we'll see an upgrade. I'm thinking dual processors across the board maybe?
Also, there's always room for improvement. It's sorta like buying a first year model of a car; there's always something improved upon or an issue resolved with the next version. It's too early right now to know what the downfalls are in the G5, but I wouldn't expect none.
1) Faster Dual G5s. Given.
2) SATA RAID-0 or -1 pre-configured w/ dual 160GB HDs.
I think the one optical drive bay is fine. Most everybody use ext. devices these days w/ either USB2.0 or Firewire. It's cleaner than having a bunch of drives internally.
2) SATA RAID-0 or -1 pre-configured w/ dual 160GB HDs.
I think the one optical drive bay is fine. Most everybody use ext. devices these days w/ either USB2.0 or Firewire. It's cleaner than having a bunch of drives internally.
That is where my confusion comes in to play. The Apple Store says, yes buy know of no problems to date. **Like the idea of the Apple Pro Card a lot!
Over 100,000 G5's sold already.
Then I get advice from individuals on this forum that I highly respect. That advise to wait till after MWSF. I'm afraid that I won't get the Apple Pro Card. Not sure what the future will be then.
The comments that if you keep waiting for something better, you will end of never buying. I almost purchased a G4 at MWNY and have thought about a purchase since. Waiting for the G5 was a big factor!
Over 100,000 G5's sold already.
Then I get advice from individuals on this forum that I highly respect. That advise to wait till after MWSF. I'm afraid that I won't get the Apple Pro Card. Not sure what the future will be then.
The comments that if you keep waiting for something better, you will end of never buying. I almost purchased a G4 at MWNY and have thought about a purchase since. Waiting for the G5 was a big factor!
I'm waiting for the Rev B for a couple reason - one of which is to get any possible problems taken care of (you never know if they'll happen or not), not have to deal with waiting months to get one, have them ship the wrong one and then have them cancel the order and have me reorder it, paying $100 more, finally getting the original order and price acknowledged, and only waiting another month to get the machine (all this happened with my Rev A. G4 ordered on the first day is was offered).
Also, I've come to find out that its not able to handle dual processors, so my upgrade options are severely limited. I'm just waiting and seeing and hope to get a faster computer, better chance of having fewer issues down the road.
Also getting Panther pre-installed.
D
Also, I've come to find out that its not able to handle dual processors, so my upgrade options are severely limited. I'm just waiting and seeing and hope to get a faster computer, better chance of having fewer issues down the road.
Also getting Panther pre-installed.
D
I wish Apple would give the option of a single 2Ghz model. Later, if I decide I need SMP, then I could buy the additional proc and voltage regulator as an accessory.
All PC manufacturers do this currently, so why doesn't Apple? We have a single proc G4/533 Digital Audio at work. I would love to be able to install a second G4/533 in it, but can't do it unless I go third party.
This would sure make for a longer lifecycle, increased ROI, and wider upgrade path.
All PC manufacturers do this currently, so why doesn't Apple? We have a single proc G4/533 Digital Audio at work. I would love to be able to install a second G4/533 in it, but can't do it unless I go third party.
This would sure make for a longer lifecycle, increased ROI, and wider upgrade path.
Are you saying that Mac OS X and Panther in particular are not able to use the Dual Processor of the G5? I'm not really concerned about having to wait 3 - 5 weeks, no problem a very patient person. Going to us the educational discount, my wife downloaded a quote from apple.com. I'm interested in having the Apple Pro Card, so I will have greater access to a Mac Genius. That way I can have help with any problem. According to the Mac Genius no problems noted to this point!
Re: Re: iron out the wrinkles...
Think about it, if you were really a "Mac Genius", would you be working for minimum wage plus commission at an Apple store? I think you could make better money working in an IT shop or doing something creative with Macs.
I would skip the Apple Pro Card. Every "Mac Genius" I've ever met at a store I wouldn't consider an expert. You'll get better answers to your questions from more knowledgeable experts on this message board than you ever would in the store.Originally posted by wdlove
What kind of problems did you have with the Rev. A?
I spoke with a Mac Genuis yesterday about his thoughts. He said that Apple has been putting out quality products lately. Wasn't aware of any of any problems with the G5. None have been brought in for repair.
I'm also very interested in the Apple Pro Card. It is a limited time offer. Access to the Mac Genius is a very important feature. He stated that Apple plans to offer additional features in the future.
Of all the Macs that I have owned, only had one that gave me a lot of problems!
Having a real tough time making the decsion!
Think about it, if you were really a "Mac Genius", would you be working for minimum wage plus commission at an Apple store? I think you could make better money working in an IT shop or doing something creative with Macs.