Mac Pro

Mac Pro (2006)

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Overview

Apple introduced the Mac Pro as a fully customizable quad-core computer. The buyer can choose from two dual-core Intel Xeon ("Woodcrest") at 2.0, 2.66, or 3.0 GHz. As little as 1 GB of RAM or as much as 16 GB. 160, 250, or 500 GB in drive bay one, and optionally 500 GB in bays 2-4.

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For graphics, nVidia GeForce 7300 GT is the default, and you can add one, two, or three more. Or choose an ATI Radeon X1900 XT or nVidia's top-end Quadro FX 4500.

If one SuperDrive isn't enough, put in a second one for US$100 more. And you can upgrade from Apple's regular wired keyboard and Mighty Mouse to the wireless (Bluetooth) version.

The two things unexpectedly not included by default are Bluetooth 2.0 and AirPort Extreme, which are standard on all other Macintel models.

A headphone jack, two USB 2.0 ports, a FireWire 400 port, and a FireWire 800 port are located on the front of the Mac Pro for easy access.

Oh, and did we mention this is the first 64-bit Intel Mac?

Intel-based Macs use a partitioning scheme known as GPT. Only Macintel models can boot from GPT hard drives. Both PowerPC and Intel Macs can boot from APM (Apple's old partitioning scheme) hard drives, which is the format you must use to create a universal boot drive in Leopard. Power PC Macs running any version of the Mac OS prior to 10.4.2 cannot mount GPT volumes. PowerPC Macs won't let you install OS X to a USB drive or choose it as your startup volume, although there is a work around for that.

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Details

announced 2006.08.07 at $2,199 with two dual-core 2.0 GHz CPUs, 1 GB RAM, 250 GB hard drive, nVidia GeForce 7300 GT; $2,499 with 2.66 GHz CPUs; $3,299 with 3.0 GHz CPUs; 3.0 GHz option with two quad-core CPU introduced 2007.04.04 at $3,999; replaced 2008.01.08
requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later
CPUs: two 2.0, 2.66, or 3.0 GHz dual-core or two 3.0 GHz quad-core Intel Xeon Core2 CPUs, Socket 771 makes upgrades possible with Xeon 51xx series CPUs that have a 1333 MHz bus
bus: 1.33 GHz
performance:

Geekbench 2 (Leopard): 7999 (3.0 GHz 8-core), 5383 (3.0 GHz 4-core), 4839 (2.66 GHz), 3693 (2.0 GHz)
Geekbench 2 (Tiger): 8628 (3.0 GHz 8-core), 5574 (3.0 GHz 4-core), 5018 (2.66 GHz), 3910 (2.0 GHz)

RAM: 1 GB, expandable to 32 GB using pairs of 667 MHz DDR2 fully buffered (FB-DIMM) ECC RAM in 8 slots; 8-core version requires special memory designed for 8-core operation
L2 cache: 4 MB on-chip shared cache per dual-core processor
L3 cache: none
Video GHz: nVidia GeForce 7300 GT with 256 MB RAM in double-wide 16-lane PCIe slot
- 2, 3, or 4 GeForce 7300 optional (add $150 per card)
- ATI Radeon X1900XT with 512 MB RAM optional (add $350)
- nVidia Quadro FX 4500 with 512 MB RAM optional (add $1,650)
VRAM: 256 MB
hard drive: 250 Serial ATA 7200 rpm standard
- subtract $75 for 160 GB drive
- add $200 for 500 GB hard drive
- add $400 per additional 500 GB hard drive
16x dual-layer SuperDrive standard, add second for $100
writes DVD-R at up to 16x, DVD+R DL at 6x, reads DVDs at 16x; writes CD-R and CD-RW at up to 24x, reads at 32x
PCI Express: 3 open full-length slots
SATA: 4 independent buses
optional external 56k v.92 USB modem
microphone: standard 3.5mm minijack, compatible with line-level input, not compatible with Apple's PlainTalk microphone
FireWire: 2 FW400 ports (1 on front), 2 FW800 ports (1 on front)
USB: 5 USB 2.0 ports (2 on front)
ethernet: 2 independent 10/100/gigabit ports
WiFi: optional 802.11g AirPort Extreme
Bluetooth: optional
size (HxWxD): 20.1" x 8.1" x 18.7" (51.1 x 20.6 x 47.5 cm)
weight: 42.4 lb. (19.2 kg)
Gestalt ID: n/a
PRAM battery: 3.6V half-AA
upgrade path: none
Part no.: MA356

Accelerators & Upgrades

The CPU can be replaced by a faster, more powerful version.

Online Resources

Best Mac Pro deals, updated biweekly.
Best Mac OS X 10.4 'Tiger' deals. Best online prices for Mac OS X 10.4.
Best Mac OS X 10.5 'Leopard' deals. Best online prices for Mac OS X 10.5.
Windows on Macs: Three paths for integration, Jason Packer, Macs in the Enterprise, 2008.05.14. Mac users have three routes for running Windows apps: Run Windows using Boot Camp or virtualization, or use a compatibility layer such as WINE.
Prosumer Mac suggestions, bring back the 12" 'Book, Pismo displays, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.05.06. Readers offer more thoughts on a midrange Mac, the need for a new 12" 'Book, using F-keys as F-keys in OS X, and lid closed video mode for Pismo.
Safari 3.1 will be 'crazy fast', OS X 10.5.2 update, 20x SuperDrive from $35, and more, Mac News Review, 2008.02.15. Also Security Update for Tiger, Graphics Update for Leopard, Mac mini "as powerful as a larger desktop", TechTool Deluxe update, and more.
Restore stability to a troubled Mac with a clean system install, Keith Winston, Linux to Mac, 2008.01.15. If your Mac is misbehaving, the best fix just might be a fresh reinstallation of Mac OS X - don't forget to backup first.
The 2008 Mac Pro value equation, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.01.09. The new Mac Pro models use quad-core Intel Xeon CPUs on a faster bus, add SAS support, and include Bluetooth. Is there any reason to buy the old ones?
The best alternatives to Apple's USB keyboards, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2007.12.10. There are a lot of USB keyboards out there, even for the Mac, but these two have great keyboard action, are solidly built, and have features Apple's keyboard don't include.
Cross-platform computing: Better than it's ever been, Andrew J Fishkin, Best Tools for the Job, 2007.11.13. Macs can read PC media, both Macs and Windows PCs play nice with each other on networks, and emulation makes it easy for Intel Macs to run Windows apps.
Proof Macs cost less, Leopard spanks Vista, Mac pride pins, Arabic OS X 10.4.10, and more, Mac News Review, 2007.11.09. Also the pitfalls of Macintel recovery, waiting for the 10.5.1 update, QuickTime 7.3 released, new Leopard books, and more.
'I will switch from Apple', AMD's 3-core CPU, Carbon Copy Cloner 3.0 released, and more, Mac News Review, 2007.09.21. Also new 24" iMac disappoints, new driver does not improve iMac GPU performance, aluminum keyboards "atrocious", QuickerTek WiFi antenna for Mac Pro, free 3D home interior software, and more.
The gaping hole in Apple's desktop line, Tommy Thomas, Welcome to Macintosh, 2007.07.13. $599 for a Mac mini with very limited expadability, $999 for an iMac with limited expadability, or $2,200 for a the very expandable Mac Pro.
30 days with OS X, free remote control for your Mac, 32 GB for the Mac Pro, and more, Mac News Review, 2007.06.08. Also Parallels 3 gains graphics acceleration, ZFS coming with 'Leopard', where to buy OS 9 CDs, Google Gears comes to the Mac, low-cost analog video import for the Mac, and more.
Apple's 5% market share, 8-core Mac Pro rocks when multitasking, ScreenRecycler speeds up, and more, Mac News Review, 2007.04.27. Also how to cool RAM in the Mac Pro, Blu-ray support may come with Leopard, new Core2 CPUs with double-sized caches, clever eSATA extender cable from NewerTech, and more.
8-core Mac Pro value debated, OS X browsers benchmarked, two new widget tools, and more, Mac News Review, 2007.04.20. Also another Linux-to-Mac convert, the best office suite Mac owners can't buy, Obsidian wireless mouse, low cost displays, and more.
Apple TV runs OS X, 8-core Mac Pro benchmarks, Best Buy to carry Apple Computers, and more, Mac News Review, 2007.04.13. Also Scoble says 'buy a Mac', satisfaction the key to Apple's loyal customers, first keyboard with an iPod dock, 'ultimate' computer desk includes aquarium, and more.
VMware Fusion beta 3 adds new features, takes a giant step toward release, Alan Zisman, Mac2Windows, 2007.04.11. Looking for a virtualization solution for your Intel Mac? The latest beta of VMWare Fusion makes several improvements and includes some unique features.
1 core, 2 cores, 4 cores, 8: How much difference does it make?, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2007.04.10. Geekbench scores make it possible to compare the newest 3 GHz 8-core Mac Pro with the 1.5 GHz Core Solo Mac mini - and all the models in between.
The 8-core Mac Pro value equation, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2007.04.04. At US$4,000, is the 8-core 3.0 GHz Mac Pro an overpriced sports car or a well-priced big rig?
Mac Pro could go 8-core with quad-core Xeons, and Intel enters flash drive market, Mac News Review, 2007.03.16. Intel released the quad-core Xeon this week; it's just a matter of time before we'll see it in the Mac Pro.
11 ways to optimize your Mac's performance, Ed Eubanks Jr, The Efficient Mac User, 2007.03.12. If your Mac is getting sluggish, here are 11 tips that can help restore its original performance.
CrossOver: Run Windows apps on Intel Macs without Windows, Alan Zisman, Mac2Windows, 2007.02.28. If you need to run Windows apps on your Intel Mac once in a while, CrossOver may be the least expensive way to do so since it eliminates the need to buy a copy of Windows.
Safari share up 50%, 8-core Mac Pro benchmarked, DST updates for OS X, $26 Bluetooth, and more, Mac News Review, 2007.02.23. Also Google analyzes hard drive failure, $30 SuperDrive upgrades, Carbon Copy Cloner 3 adds automated backup, free ClamXav virus checker, and more.
Vista Home runs on Macs, Apple legacy manuals, upgrading a Mac mini or Mac Pro CPU, and more, Mac News Review, 2007.02.16. Also installing OS X on non-Apple hardware legal for developers, integrated graphics remains Mac mini's Achilles' heel, $20 slim keyboard, ATI's forthcoming R600 graphics processor, and more.
Which Intel Macs take CPU upgrades?, $2 802.11n enabler, USB drive adapter, and more, Mac News Review, 2007.02.02. Also a DST fix for Panther, Logos coming to Macs, Intel's chip breakthrough, iConnect iPod integration for GM vehicles, a waterproof iPod, and more.
Parallels revisited: Release version far more polished than beta, Alan Zisman, Mac2Windows, 2006.11.21. Parallels lets you run Windows or Linux without rebooting your Intel-based Mac, and it's made great strides since the beta came out earlier this year.
To AppleCare or not to AppleCare?, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2006.11.20. Consumer Reports, which generally recommends against extended warranties, says AppleCare makes sense. But does it?
Intel inside Macs paves the way for affordable CPU upgrades, Adam Robert Guha, Apple Archive, 2006.11.10. By adopting industry standards, Apple has made it much easier for Mac owners to add memory, expansion cards, and faster CPUs to their computers.
Pre-2006 software: The big reason you shouldn't buy an Intel Mac today, Ted Hodges, Vintage Mac Living, 2006.11.09. If you work with software that predates the Intel transition, you may be better off sticking with PowerPC Macs. And if you use classic apps, you definitely want to avoid Intel.
Use any networked computer as an additional Mac display, fixing AirPort problems with OS X 10.4.8, and more, Mac News Review, 2006.10.06. Also Logitech's new Edge keyboard, a keyboard cover just for Pro Tools, MondoMouse gives your mouse super powers, and Mac Pro power consumption.
Apple II greatest PC ever, Core2 in a Mac mini, iMac Core2 Duo 'ultimate Mac value', and more, Mac News Review, 2006.09.22. Also firmware restoration for Intel Macs, Mac Pro firmware updates, iron on iPod nano cases, Boot Camp beta 1.1.1, and more.
Core2 iMac praise, MS Vista 'a pile of crap', Cube redux?, high capacity iPod battery, and more, Mac News Review, 2006.09.15. Also the Mac Pro's 'pure, unadulterated power', Parallels now runs on the Mac Pro, iMac Core2 specs, dual G4 upgrade for MDD and Xserve G4, and more.
Region free DVD viewing options for Intel and PowerPC Macs, Andrew J Fishkin, The Mobile Mac, 2006.09.12. Several hardware and software options that will let your view 'wrong region' DVDs on your PowerPC or Intel Mac.
Core2 7% faster, iMac goes Core2, G4/1.6 GHz dual, SAFE drive secures data, wireless headphones, and more, Mac News Review, 2006.09.08. Also how to share a printer with OS 9, more praise for Logitech Revolution mouse, CrossOver lets you run Windows apps without Windows, a USB car charger for the iPod, and more.
G3 support in Leopard, 512 MB inadequate for Tiger, free battery recycling, vintage and obsolete Macs, and more, Mac News Review, 2006.08.25. Also one Ubuntu switcher is now a 'Macboy' again, security costs make Windows more expensive than OS X, Mac Pro tips and reviews, hand carved iPod stands, and more.
Apple II greatest PC over, Apple #1 in consumer satisfaction, Mac Pro security patches, and more, Mac News Review, 2006.08.18. Also Classic gone with nary a whisper, Mac Pro 'everything the Power Mac G5 should have been', Dell twice as costly, USB keyboard with iPod dock, and more.
Mac Pro vs. G5 Quad, Mac faithful 'more impressed by form than function', Mac Pro configuration, and more, The Macintel Report, 2006.08.17. Also Core vs. Core2, new horizons for the Macintel era, Mac OS Forge launches, and more.
The Mac Pro value equation letters, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2006.08.16. Tips on memory, G5 vs. Mac Pro, Final Cut Pro benchmarks, and the downside of soft modems.
Mac Pro take apart, Mac Pro vs. Quad G5, no Virtual PC for Macintel, MacMice updates, and more, Mac News Review, 2006.08.11. Also first Mac Pro security update, online Mac backup, an iPod cover featuring the first Mac, and more.
The Mac Pro value equation: Where's the sweet spot?, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2006.08.10. Four Intel cores, three CPU speeds, three hard drive sizes, three video card options, G5 trouncing speed with universal apps. Is it for you? Where is the best value?
Quad-core 64-bit Mac Pro and Xserve, MacBook Pro Core2 rumors, VMware for Macintel, and more, The Macintel Report, 2006.08.08. Apple has completed its Intel transition with quad-core Xserve and Mac Pro models, which have 64-bit support lacking in earlier Macintel models.
Apple Specs: Mac Pro

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