Mac Pro

Mac Pro (2008)

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Tiger List is for those using Mac OS X 10.4.
Leopard List is for those using Mac OS X 10.5.

Overview

It's been 17 months since Apple introduced the original Mac Pro, which shipped with two dual-core processors (an 8-core model with 2 quad-core CPU was introduced in April 2007), and the new Mac Pro is a big step forward: every configuration uses quad-core Intel Xeon CPUs for even more power. The new 45nm 'Harpertown' CPU runs at either 2.8, 3.0, or 3.2 GHz and is designed to eventurally reach 4.0 GHz; it includes 12 MB of level 2 cache per processor, and supports a very fast 1.6 GHz memory bus (vs. 1.33 GHz on the original Mac Pro). The Harpertown CPU supports lower power, cooler running 1.5V memory, which should help keep the insides of the computer cool, and Apple now uses ECC (Error Correction Code) RAM in the Mac Pro.

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For graphics, ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT is the default, and you can add one, two, or three more. Or choose an nVidia GeForce 8800 GT or nVidia's top-end Quadro FX 5600.

This model add SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) support, which gives it access to 15,000 rpm hard drives for maxmimum performance.

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.

Ulike the previous Mac Pro, Bluetooth is now standard, but 802.11n AirPort Extreme remains optional.

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.

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 2008.01.08 at $2,199 with one 2.8 GHz quad-core CPU, 2 GB RAM, 320 GB hard drive, ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT; $2,799 with two 2.8 GHz quad-core CPUs; $3,599 at 3.0 GHz; $4,399 at 3.2 GHz
requires Mac OS X 10.5.1 or later
CPUs: single 2.8 GHz quad-core Intel Xeon, dual 2.8, 3.0, or 3.2 GHz quad-core Intel Xeon
bus: 1.6 GHz
performance:

Geekbench 2 (Leopard): 8254 (3.2 GHz), 8088 (3.0 GHz), 7650 (2.8 GHz 8-core), 5359 (2.8 GHz 4-core)

RAM: 2 GB, expandable to 32 GB using pairs of 800MHz DDR2 ECC fully buffered DIMM (FB-DIMM) RAM in 8 slots
L2 cache: 12 MB on-chip shared cache per dual-core processor
L3 cache: none
Video GHz: ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT with 256 MB RAM in double-wide 16-lane PCIe slot
- 2, 3, or 4 Radeon 2600 optional (add $150 per card)
- nVidia GeForce 8800 GT with 512 MB RAM optional (add $200)
- nVidia Quadro FX 5600 with 1.5 GB RAM optional (add $2,850)
hard drive: 320 Serial ATA 7200 rpm standard - add $100 for 500 GB hard drive, $250 for 700 GB, or $400 for 1 TB instead
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 802.11n AirPort Extreme
Bluetooth: 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate
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.: MA970

Accelerators & Upgrades

none likely

Online Resources

Best Mac Pro deals, updated biweekly.
Mac Pro beats HP and Dell at their own game: Price, Frank Fox, Stop the Noiz, 2008.05.16. Whether comparing the top-end or low-end of Mac Pro options, comparable models from Dell and HP cost more.
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.
50% Mac sales growth is only the beginning, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.05.02. Apple has a great line of computers and an awesome operating system, but a prosumer model could make last quarter's growth seem normal.
Overpriced Macs, 4-core Mac Pro value, USB for G3 PowerBooks, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.04.24. Also reader feedback on running a keyboard through the dishwasher, tips for using external DVD drives, and 8 GB partition issues with the Classic Mac OS on the beige G3.
Safari 3.1 fastest browser?, Macs smash sales record, Mac Pro reviews, and more, Mac News Review, 2008.03.21. Also should Mac users run antivirus software?, AirPort Express gets 802.11n, one-touch TV for Macs and iPods, security update for Tiger and Leopard, and more.
Mac users are snobs, Mac freeware, 5x the range with AirPort Extreme, and more, Mac News Review, 2008.02.22. Also make room for 4 more drives in the 2008 Mac Pro, basic ethernet for PCI Express, MacSpeech Dictate software shipping, problems installing Leopard when SideTrack is present, and more.
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.
Mac's record market share expected to double, Safari 'solid third' in browsers, and more, Mac News Review, 2008.02.08. Also the future is "Apple, open source, and green", the fastest Mac ever, and SuperDuper upgraded for Leopard support.
Leopard on a PC without hacking, KDE comes to OS X, new Mac Pro benchmarked, and more, Mac News Review, 2008.02.01. Also saying good-bye to .mac, a review of Apple's aluminum keyboard, and how to disinfect your keyboard, mouse, and trackpad.
New Mac Pro benchmarked, OS X killing Linux?, a hardened Mac mini, and more, Mac News Review, 2008.01.18. New Mac Pro architecture reduces memory bottleneck for better performance, Mac Pro Developer Note posted, and NewerTech's USB 2.0 Universal Drive Adapter.
Most powerful Mac Pro and Xserve ever, dishwashers great for cleaning keyboards, and more, Mac News Review, 2008.01.11. Also a look at the new video cards for the Mac Pro, running Classic on Intel Macs, AppleCare costs more in Canada, New User's Guide to the Mac, and more.
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 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.
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.
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.
Apple Specs: Mac Pro

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