Why is Apple using this "coming august" approach?

[Spanky Deluxe]

I don't really understand why... Aside from the GPU, there was nothing really outdated with the previous models. I mean... the new models have barely changed. Intel didn't even have much in the way of more advanced processors lined up for this. They tacked on two cores, and they charge an ungodly amount of money for it. That's about it.

While it probably won't make much of a difference in the 4/6 core lineup since the six core model will likely be priced quite high (Probably $2999-$3299), really high end users who can really use the high end 8 core models will likely prefer to get the high end 12 core models.

 

[Icaras]

While it probably won't make much of a difference in the 4/6 core lineup since the six core model will likely be priced quite high (Probably $2999-$3299), really high end users who can really use the high end 8 core models will likely prefer to get the high end 12 core models.

I certainly hope you're right about your 6 core price guess. The general consensus on these forums seem to think the 6 core will be over $3500 ($3699 - $3899).

 

[goMac]

While it probably won't make much of a difference in the 4/6 core lineup since the six core model will likely be priced quite high (Probably $2999-$3299), really high end users who can really use the high end 8 core models will likely prefer to get the high end 12 core models.

I dunno, I specifically have an 8 core at work and at home (I requested the 8 core at work), and I can't imagine shelling out the extra cash for a 12 core. They likely are going to be much more expensive than the existing 8 cores, which are already pretty outrageous.

 

[Spanky Deluxe]

I certainly hope you're right about your 6 core price guess. The general consensus on these forums seem to think the 6 core will be over $3500 ($3699 - $3899).

Maybe. I was under the impression that they could either have a 2.4GHz six core chip (E5645) or a 3.33GHz six core chip (W3680). The latter would probably be able to step on the toes of the eight core model's price due to it's high single processor speed but the 2.4GHz six core chip would need to be priced lower than the 8 core model and a fair chunk lower at that imo.

Edit: I just saw on the Mac Pro's tech specs page that they'll be going for the 3.33GHz six core chip in which case you're right, $3699-$3899 does seem more likely. Shame.

I dunno, I specifically have an 8 core at work and at home (I requested the 8 core at work), and I can't imagine shelling out the extra cash for a 12 core. They likely are going to be much more expensive than the existing 8 cores, which are already pretty outrageous.

True, it doesn't always make sense but for some people the extra cost doesn't really matter. If you're making hundreds of thousands of dollars of profit with a machine then a few thousand extra to reduce rendering times by a good chunk would be worth it. Corporations looking to buy workstations could also easily deal with the extra cost. In other words, to people where an extra $2000 doesn't hurt or where people are spending someone else's budget, the extra cores will probably go down rather nicely.

 

[snberk103]

... I was told specifically the 9th of August via chat. Reapeated confirmations by other customers being given the same exact answer, plus Mac Rumors themselves confirming being told that via online AND phone.

Feel free to start a chat with them right now to confirm personally.

Edit: But if you're trying to look for a publicly announced statement on their website, then no, you won't find it, simply because like others have stated here, they'll continue to sell older models up to the very last, unexpecting minute. Go !

Like I said.... an officially announced rumour. And I am saying this with tongue firmly in cheek.... I'll add some more

But it still ain't official. But very very very very very very likely.

 

[Umbongo]

I dunno, I specifically have an 8 core at work and at home (I requested the 8 core at work), and I can't imagine shelling out the extra cash for a 12 core. They likely are going to be much more expensive than the existing 8 cores, which are already pretty outrageous.

The 2.66GHz 12-core is $300 more than the 2.66GHz 8-core. With a better graphics card, 1333MHz memory, larger hard drive and airport built in. Not a great deal, but not really out of line compared to the 09 model.

Maybe. I was under the impression that they could either have a 2.4GHz six core chip (E5645) or a 3.33GHz six core chip (W3680). The latter would probably be able to step on the toes of the eight core model's price due to it's high single processor speed but the 2.4GHz six core chip would need to be priced lower than the 8 core model and a fair chunk lower at that imo.

That wouldn't happen, the E5645 is a $1000 processor intended for embedded systems, blades and the like with it's low TDP.

 

[Spanky Deluxe]

That wouldn't happen, the E5645 is a $1000 processor intended for embedded systems, blades and the like with it's low TDP.

Yeah I just saw on the Mac Pro's specs page that they are going for the 3.33GHz model and edited my post above. Looks like it will be pricey to go for six core after all.

 

[Umbongo]

Yeah I just saw on the Mac Pro's specs page that they are going for the 3.33GHz model and edited my post above. Looks like it will be pricey to go for six core after all.

The cheapest way will probably be to buy a refurb base model, sell the processor and buy a W3670 or Core i7 970 which is around $900 new.