Apple updates Mac Pro with 8-core Intel Xeon processors

Apple on Wednesday updated its desktop Mac Pro computers lineup by adding two 3.0-GHz Quad Core Xeon 5300 series processors, bringing 8-core processing to the Mac and giving customers opportunity to build out systems equipped with two of Intel's fastest quad-core Xeon processors.

Xeon-based Mac Pro, which Apple describes as world’s first 3.0GHz, 8-core Intel Xeon-based Mac Pro on its Mac Pro Web page, can be ordered at Apple's online store. Systems ship within three to five days.

"The 8-core Mac Pro gives pro software developers a platform to prepare new versions of their applications for the future, when 8-core technology is more prevalent on the desktop," an Apple spokesperson said.

However, the latest addition to the Mac Pro family won't appeal to people on a tight budget.

Starting at $3,997, the new machine includes two Quad-Core Intel Xeon “Clovertown” processors running at 3.0GHz, with a total of 16 Mbytes of Level 2 cache, 667MHz DDR2 ECC fully buffered DIMM memory, eight FB-DIMM slots on two memory riser cards (four slots per card) supporting up to 16GB of main memory and 1.33GHz, 64-bit dual independent frontside buses.

Apple is still offering the Mac Pro with two Dual-Core Intel Xeon 5100 series (“Woodcrest”) processors with clock speed options of 2.0 GHz, 2.66 GHz, or 3.0 GHz. Apple’s Mac Pro accommodates up to four drives and 3TB of storage, offers eight DIMM slots to fill with up to 16GB of RAM, and provides up to two SuperDrives. It also gives users four PCI Express slots and lots of I/O options for ultimate flexibility.

At 3.0GHz, the quad-core Mac Pro runs up to 2x faster than the Power Mac G5 Quad. The older machine retails for $2,499.

The 8-core model's basic configuration includes 1 Gbyte of RAM, a 250-Gbyte hard drive, with an option to install an NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT with 256MB of GDDR2 SDRAM, one single-link DVI port, and one dual-link DVI port; an ATI Radeon X1900 XT with 512MB of GDDR3 SDRAM and two dual-link DVI ports; or an NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 with 512MB of GDDR3 SDRAM, two dual-link DVI ports, and one stereo 3D port.

Dual Quad-core Mac Pro systems have support for up to eight displays and digital resolutions up to 1920 by 1200 pixels; dual-link DVI ports support up to 2560 by 1600 pixels. Analog resolution support is up to 2048 by 1536 pixels. They also have the normal complement of AirPort Extreme wireless ready and optional Bluetooth 2.0 support.

Although, the cost of the new Apple Mac Pro is considerably high than basic Mac, it is still less than a similarly equipped PC from Dell. A Dell Precision workstation with two Quad-Core Intel Xeon X5355 2.66-GHz processors, 1 Gbyte of memory, and only an 80-Gbyte hard drive would retail for $4,652. The machine with a 250-Gbyte hard drive would cost an additional $90. The computer comes with a 19-inch UltraSharp 1907FP flat panel display.

In addition to giving customers a brand new Mac Pro, Apple dropped the prices for its Cinema displays. It has set the price tags $599, $899 and $1,799 for a 20-inch, 23-inch and a 30-inch monitor respectively. The previous price tags were $699, $999, and $1,999, respectively. In contrast, Dell sells a 20-inch UltraSharp flat panel for $384, a 24-inch for $629, and a 30-inch for $1,499.