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why should iMacs use new desktop Quad-Cores?

Z

zoran

macrumors 601
Original poster
Jun 30, 2005
4,881
136
1. What is the purpose in the use of a "power efficient" processor for a desktop computer? I mean its not like it needs to reserve power since its connected to the power line!
2. So the first question brings me to the 2nd, why would the iMacs want to be updated with the new desktop Quad-Core processors that consume less power?
 
I don't think it's a matter of power as much as heat. The more wattage you put into a processor, or anything for that matter, the hotter it's gonna get. With the all in one design, you have to produce as little heat as possible.
 
zoran said:
1. What is the purpose in the use of a "power efficient" processor for a desktop computer? I mean its not like it needs to reserve power since its connected to the power line!
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Your attitude makes me hope you start to feel the heat before the rest of us when the time comes . . .
2. So the first question brings me to the 2nd
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Wait a minute, your logic-chopping ways are two fast for me to keep up
why would the iMacs want to be updated with the new desktop Quad-Core processors that consume less power?
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I'm not sure the iMacs want anything. They're computers. They have CPUs, not brains.
 
Courtaj said:
Your attitude makes me hope you start to feel the heat before the rest of us when the time comes . . . Wait a minute, your logic-chopping ways are two fast for me to keep upI'm not sure the iMacs want anything. They're computers. They have CPUs, not brains.
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Your ironic answers are not helping this thread, and if you don't want to help you are not welcome! :mad:
 
Oh, I just saw the new's that zoran posted. Maybe becouse desktop parts are cheaper than laptop ones nad got more power, and btw iMac isn't laptp really just uses parts from it.

Apple has ordered ONE of the new Quad-cores, so it'll be available only in high-end model/s.

We'll see that soon...
 
Hellhammer said:
Oh, I just saw the new's that zoran posted. Maybe becouse desktop parts are cheaper than laptop ones nad got more power, and btw iMac isn't laptp really just uses parts from it.

Apple has ordered ONE of the new Quad-cores, so it'll be available only in high-end model/s.

We'll see that soon...
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Where'd you see that they ordered one?
 
It's also worth mentioning that most people who buy an iMac don't really need a quad core system for anything since proper multicore support is generally only found in things like video/audio/file compression, audio, video and image editing programs. Very few games truly benefit from 4 cores vs 2.

Of course Apple could make an iMac that uses desktop parts but it'd look like an old CRT monitor and most people don't want those anymore.
 
kasakka said:
It's also worth mentioning that most people who buy an iMac don't really need a quad core system for anything since proper multicore support is generally only found in things like video/audio/file compression, audio, video and image editing programs.
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Doesn't iLife in apps like iMovie etc use multiple cores?
 
Hellhammer said:
Sorry, I can't find one, but I'm 99% sure that I saw one article about that (and it was trustable site).
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Perhaps you were thinking of one of the following:

MacRumors said:
DigiTimes reports that Apple is amongst the vendors who are awaiting the release of three new low-power desktop CPUs due in January from Intel.Apple is reported to have decided to launch products based on these CPUs. The most obvious destination for the new chips is Apple's iMac line which has been rumored for revision.
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MacRumors said:
Meanwhile, at least one site has suggested that Apple could do the same with a new 17" MacBook Pro model which is due for an update.

Even if Apple does not adopt this new mobile quad-core processor, Intel has also added four new dual-core options that would be suitable for either Apple's notebook or iMac product line. The new processors include a 2.53GHz, two 2.66GHz and a 2.93GHz model. Apple's current notebook offerings top out at 2.8GHz as a build-to-order option. Apple could also use these processors in the expected iMac updates.
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Pure speculation.
 
Since Snow Leopard is being designed to use multiple cores as much as possible and make it very easy for programmers to do the same, don't you think they would start putting in more cores asap? Whatever iMac they release next will be whats available when Snow Leopard is released.

If they release a 28" (or even just a 24") iMac with a 2.93GHz C2Q, DDR3 and official support for at least 8gb of ram, I'd be at the Apple Store tomorrow morning and dump my G5 on eBay.
 
gamer2502 said:
intel has a new mobile power efficient quad core and they will probably use that processor:apple:
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You mean those insanely expensive oven like chips? I think even intel said they were only for hardcore people like gamers and pros that really needed power.
 
I dont know why people keep saying that using a desktop class cpu will turn your imac into a brick. Its seems every one here is concentrating solely on what apple has done and noth other companies. There have been some major advancements in cooling lately. Solid State Fans, Peltier cooling devices, etc...
 
Hellhammer said:
Q9000 is only 2GHz that's not enough. Those new parts are 2.66, 2.8 and 2.93GHz if I remember right.
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True, but for what I do, I'd rather have a 2GHz quad core than I 3.06GHz two core. I'm not holding my breath though, because I would've hoped they would put the Q9000 in the MacBook Pros from a few weeks ago. They talked about using the "latest Intel processors" ...
 
The infamous Apple Gaping Lineup Hole

Dual core processors are dying out fast and will soon be dead. The only way to go is more cores.

Currently there is a huge gap between the iMac and the MacPros. A quad core seems to be the only way to fill this gap and anything less will disappoint many people.

This gap is commonly known as the Apple Gaping Lineup Hole.
:D
 
QuantumLo0p said:
Dual core processors are dying out fast and will soon be dead. The only way to go is more cores.

Currently there is a huge gap between the iMac and the MacPros. A quad core seems to be the only way to fill this gap and anything less will disappoint many people.

This gap is commonly known as the Apple Gaping Lineup Hole.
:D
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Duals are still better in more ways than quads. E.G. There are less than 10 games that can use quads and that means it runs very slowly is it doesn't support. When more programms start to support quad-cores they'll be gone, 6 and 8 cores will replace 'em.
 
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