Intel Mac Towers Speculation
Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 9:30 pm
[Note: "speculation" emphasized]
http://appleinsider.com/article.php?id=1886
Rumors on Intel Towers are rampant, but the article does set some interesting benchmarks for where they might be.
2Ghz, 2.33 Ghz, and 2.66Ghz are rumored to be the first trilogy of processor speeds to come. Rumors also cite that a 3Ghz machine may be further postponed.
--Does this seem like processor backtracking with the fastest meeting or falling short of the current 2.7
--Are the improvements with PCIx, general bus speeds, and other peripheral enhancements *that* much better that the clock speed is immaterial?
The other major point of the article deals with the casing, meaning that the Intels will use the same basic case of the G5 with the exception of an additional optical drive slot. PCIx slots remain the same, which may not send DAW users into a victory dance, but better stability might temper criticisms.
The extra optical slot may come in handy for those using certain SATA updates which use the optical bus (at the risk of voiding the warranty). If given a choice, I'd ask for an extra PCIx slot, then wait either for a new and improved Super Drive (multi-layer blu-ray compatible) or opt for an external optical drive should one be needed.
--Does anyone feel an immediate necessity for two optical drives?
Other features unchanged:
1. 2 FW400 ports
2. 1 FW800 port
3. 2 USB 2.0 ports
4. 2 USB 1.1 ports
5. Two HD bays, one occupied
6. Price points $1799, $2499, and $3299
7. 3 opend PCIx slots
Although these rumors are far from earth-shattering, it will be important to have users' reports of how their DAWs and plugins are working on the new towers.
http://appleinsider.com/article.php?id=1886
Rumors on Intel Towers are rampant, but the article does set some interesting benchmarks for where they might be.
2Ghz, 2.33 Ghz, and 2.66Ghz are rumored to be the first trilogy of processor speeds to come. Rumors also cite that a 3Ghz machine may be further postponed.
--Does this seem like processor backtracking with the fastest meeting or falling short of the current 2.7
--Are the improvements with PCIx, general bus speeds, and other peripheral enhancements *that* much better that the clock speed is immaterial?
The other major point of the article deals with the casing, meaning that the Intels will use the same basic case of the G5 with the exception of an additional optical drive slot. PCIx slots remain the same, which may not send DAW users into a victory dance, but better stability might temper criticisms.
The extra optical slot may come in handy for those using certain SATA updates which use the optical bus (at the risk of voiding the warranty). If given a choice, I'd ask for an extra PCIx slot, then wait either for a new and improved Super Drive (multi-layer blu-ray compatible) or opt for an external optical drive should one be needed.
--Does anyone feel an immediate necessity for two optical drives?
Other features unchanged:
1. 2 FW400 ports
2. 1 FW800 port
3. 2 USB 2.0 ports
4. 2 USB 1.1 ports
5. Two HD bays, one occupied
6. Price points $1799, $2499, and $3299
7. 3 opend PCIx slots
Although these rumors are far from earth-shattering, it will be important to have users' reports of how their DAWs and plugins are working on the new towers.
