Who's anticipating buying a 2010 Mac Pro?

To those waiting for the next "tock" instead of buying on this "tick":

's computers are usually superior on the second revision. If you think of each Intel processor "tock" as a new generation (and for Mac Pro layout, it pretty much is), your "tick" (2008, 2010) computers are likely to be more reliable and have fewer issues.

That said, there aren't enough data points and 2010 machines will make the case for or against this, but I thought it was worth pointing out.

If 2010 is a price reduction and not a hike, it may be just as worth buying as the 2008s were (or are still for some people). And of course, 2009 refurbs will be available at more substantial discounts, if that's your thing.
 
I think for those that already own an 08 or 09 Mac Pro, it's fair to say that only those who are CPU constrained will benefit from the 2010 model. I have always thought that the CPU is only a small part of the performance equation on these machines. Simply adding an SSD can make things seem a lot faster.

Anyone care to further speculate on non-cpu additions to the 2010 models?
 
smacman said:
Anyone care to further speculate on non-cpu additions to the 2010 models?
Click to expand...

The RAM will likely be at the same clock because the same chipset/logic board is involved, however Apple may boost the bare minimum to 6 GB (depending on how many slots there are on the model). A new graphics card is a must, though hopefully this time Apple uses something a little less anemic. Possibly (but doubtfully) an addition of USB 3.0 to the machines, but it will still be running SATA 3 GB/s. There's not much in terms of major revision they can do without altering the logic board, so I'm going to guess it will use the same case design (no 2009-like remodels). Maybe dual-ODDs in all models? We have to look at our estimation as if profit margin was the main prerogative :rolleyes:
 
I could see the new default graphics card being Nvidia's GT240 which would be a significant upgrade from the GT120 but still less than half the power of a serious gaming card.

It would be nice if they offered a GPU with dual MDP ports for those that want to use dual 24" LED ACD's.

I could also see Apple offering a BTO SSD but as usual, people would be foolish to pay the Apple tax on such an upgrade.

USB 3.0 is also a candidate as someone else suggested, but that would require logic board changes (adding the popular NEC USB3 chip) and since the new CPU's are a drop-in replacement (with a firmware microcode update) I'd be surprised if they invested in a logic board redesign when there's no other compelling reason to. If I was Apple, I'd opt to wait until Intel integrates USB3 into their ICH logic.
 
VirtualRain said:
USB 3.0 is also a candidate as someone else suggested, but that would require logic board changes (adding the popular NEC USB3 chip) and since the new CPU's are a drop-in replacement (with a firmware microcode update) I'd be surprised if they invested in a logic board redesign when there's no other compelling reason to. If I was Apple, I'd opt to wait until Intel integrates USB3 into their ICH logic.
Click to expand...
I hadn't looked at the component packaging previously, but it looks like you may be correct here as the NEC chip (µPD720200) is a FPBGA176.

Do you happen to know the package used in the '09's?
 
Depending on the specs and pricing; me.

I really need a new desktop. I currently work with a Macbook and attached S-IPS monitor. Works fine for most of the work I do, but ever since getting a camera that shoots 21megapixel raws, it's a pain in the ass to work on.

I don't want to buy an iMac because I hate glossy screens and there are too few upgrade options available for the iMac (mainly the lack of multiple hard disks).

So, I'll buy a 2010 MP or a 2009 MP, depending on the price and specs.
 
Yep, I will definitely order the 2010 Mac Pro when it's available. I just cancelled my order on a new Mac Pro Quad, and I really need a new computer. So I hope they won't be to long.
 
'09's were such a disappointment across the board. I hope Apple has some nice updates this time around...and at reasonable prices. Otherwise I'll hunt down an '08 and add whatever high end graphics cards option is introduced (hopefully a 5870).
 
I already have a 23 display and would love the extra power a MP would offer. I will have to see but at the moment the current range is not competitive
 
I have a 2008 Mac Pro with Radeon 4870 ATM.
Fantastic machine, never gave a hiccup.. whatever OS.. 10.5.x, 10.6.x, XP, Vista, 7.

I enjoy this Mac 2 years now, and will happily enjoy it another year if there is no reason to upgrade.
Yes, a 12 Core, > 3.0 GHz, Hyperthread enabled, SSD boot ?? (like Xserve), 1333 MHz RAM, Radeon 5890.....
OKAY!!! Those are reasons.... hehe...

TBO, I will be looking and comparing. Give Barefeats the time to show some speed results.

But... what about.. maybe 27" or 30" (or even bigger) LED Cinema Displays to complement the "fastest Mac ever?"
 
oban14 said:
The 2008 is still doing just fine for me. Probably the best value Apple ever offered, especially seeing the price/performance of the 2009s.

I'll wait until 2011 if not later.
Click to expand...

Same for me. I am so happy with mine I think it is going to last me another 3 years. In the mean time I'll use a renderfarm if things get really hot.
 
I am planning to get a new 2010 MacPro.
I had planned to get the 2009 Octads but it was just not worth the price.
In the meantime, I am making due with a Lifehacker Hackintosh with C2Q 2.83GHz and 8GB RAM which is comparable in speed to a MacPro quad.

As most here, I hope that they give us a decent upgrade for a fair price.

I would be very disappointed if they just use the Westmeres with a half-ass graphics card upgrade and jack up the prices like crazy.
That would deserve another Hitler rant like with the iPad.
 
The '09 Mac Pro was the update I waited for, so I'm happy to own and be able to use for years to come; I have considered getting a few SSDs striped, another monitor, more RAM… these things cost money, so a new computer is not in the menu.
 
ideally I would like apple to release new MPs and MBPs the same date and get a middle line of each... should suite my mobile and everyday computing... but I'll more then likely get a mbp
 
puckhead193 said:
ideally I would like apple to release new MPs and MBPs the same date and get a middle line of each... should suite my mobile and everyday computing... but I'll more then likely get a mbp
Click to expand...

Yeah, even looking at the equally sexy MP, I miss that beautiful unibody SOB of mine :rolleyes:
 
The Xeon processor performance does not justify the added cost vs. an i7. Apple used to make good Macs, now they are just glorified PCs. Proof of this is in the latest hardware issues across the product line.

I agree with what some said here, the compelling reason to buy a Mac is still the OS. Sadly, the very jewel Apple holds is being neglected as well. There has been a complete lack of innovation on the "Mac" side of Apple's business the last few years.

I have always owned Mac towers, at the current prices I can not justify ever buying one again. I may be forced to buy an iMac (once the current quality issues are resolved) even though it does not offer what I need. If Apple stays this course, I will migrate to a Hackintosh/Windows PC over the next few years, then abandon the Mac for good after 20 years. Windows if catching up fast to Mac OS. When I see "value" in current PC offerings, I just can not justify the outrageous Mac Pro prices for questionable performance advantages and hardly any real upgrade offerings:

http://www.amazon.com/Gateway-FX683...TF8&coliid=I29QKOPPA3ZM04&colid=1PLSQ9LUJMOJX
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
Voltaic said:
If Apple stays this course, I will migrate to a Hackintosh/Windows PC over the next few years, then abandon the Mac for good after 20 years.
Click to expand...

Isn't it a bit premature to be making predictions about the course of computing for the next 20 years? :rolleyes:
 
Considering I can barely make use of the potential of my current Mac Pro, definitely not replacing it for a long time.
 
Techhie said:
Isn't it a bit premature to be making predictions about the course of computing for the next 20 years? :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
I didn't see it as a prediction for anything but Voltaic's expectation of having to switch to a PC and Windows in the near future. ;) :p
 
Hmmm, why do people expect Mac Pro pricing do be any different with the new crop? Here we are, months after the Lynnfield iMacs were introduced and no Mac Pro price has been cut when one would think they would have been.

You expect things to get more reasonable? Really? :confused:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Back
Top