X5680 Processor is fast as hell, why no dual-config option?

[WardC]

OK, Apple is offering a single processor config with the W3680 (the FASTEST 6-core processor offered by intel), but on their dual processor configurations, the fastest speed they are offering is 2.93GHz (the dual X5670). The X5680 3.33GHz 6-core processors are available, and they are faster. Why is Apple refusing to use them?

 

[AZREOSpecialist]

OK, Apple is offering a single processor config with the W3680 (the FASTEST 6-core processor offered by intel), but on their dual processor configurations, the fastest speed they are offering is 2.93GHz (the dual X5670). The X5680 3.33GHz 6-core processors are available, and they are faster. Why is Apple refusing to use them?

Apple did the same thing with the 2009 Mac Pros. The Quad could go up to 3.33 GHz but the 8-core topped out at 2.93 GHz even though the higher clock parts are available. Most likely the 3.33 GHz parts for the 2010 Mac Pro will be drop-in replacements, so if the extra 400 MHz per core is important you can replace the CPUs.

 

[VirtualRain]

Could be price, availability, TDP, estimated demand, or all the above. Not sure.

 

[Umbongo]

Too much heat? Too many options? It's odd. It was odd when they didn't offer 3.2GHz processors when the 09 models came out. Just another illogical thing as far as socket 1366 Mac Pros go.

 

[VirtualRain]

Too much heat? Too many options? It's odd. It was odd when they didn't offer 3.2GHz processors when the 09 models came out. Just another illogical thing as far as socket 1366 Mac Pros go.

I notice the HSF units in the DP rig are each much smaller than the single one in the quad. Thus, it could very well be that the cooling capacity of the DP HSF are not up to the 130W TDP of the top-clocked chips... at least when running at fan speeds Apple considers tolerable from a noise level perspective.

 

[hajime]

Perhaps few months later they will offer this option as an upgrade. In that case, we may not see new MP design for another year.

 

[Umbongo]

Perhaps few months later they will offer this option as an upgrade. In that case, we may not see new MP design for another year.

Shouldn't see one for a year or more anyway, Sandy Bridge Xeons are scheduled for the second half of 2011.

 

[nanofrog]

I notice the HSF units in the DP rig are each much smaller than the single one in the quad. Thus, it could very well be that the cooling capacity of the DP HSF are not up to the 130W TDP of the top-clocked chips... at least when running at fan speeds Apple considers tolerable from a noise level perspective.

Did you see this in person or manage to get it off of photo's?

I wasn't able to tell this from photos available, but would make sense if that's the case (can handle 95W, but not 130W). Though cost is still a possibility as well (a pair of X5680's is $3326). Figure in the rest of the system cost (includes R&D,...), and then apply Apple's margin, most people would probably be scared off.

 

[Just Switched]

The sad part is that the Xeon X5680 is rock solid over clocked to 4.0 to 4.2 GHz air cooled. We're not talking about some unstable liquid nitrogen science project that you can't rely on for doing business either that you build yourself. Dual X5680s have done so well over clocked that builders are now selling them over clocked to 4.2 GHz with full 3 to 5 year warranties from reputable builders. Think about it. Dual X5680s at 4 GHz plus. Apple put out Dual 2.93 GHz as their top end machine. I was very disappointed with this release from apple. Not enough ram slots, expansion slots, etc. Windows is no work of art but the days of Mac OS X being more stable than windows are over. Windows 7 machines on New Xeons are reliable workstations. I'm not leaving the Mac. The Mac left me.
These new Macs are weak and lackluster. Before you say who needs 96 GB of ram and Dual Hexacore 4.2 GHz xeons etc, etc. I do. Time is money. Composites need finishing. Renders need to be completed. Edits need to be done. I can't believe I waited this long for this when much faster machines have been available for over 4 months now.