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spencer woods · May 11, 2008, 10:55 PM

I am a heartbeat away from buying a new 24 inch 3.06 iMac. My only concern is the processor, itself. Intel says it is definitely not the X9100 because it can't run on the Santa Rosa chipset which current iMac's have. Other sources say that it is a special current-generation Intel processor that actually runs at 3.06. Lastly, others say these processors are the standard older processors that have been overclocked by Apple to achieve the 3.06. Apple doesn't seem to be saying anything.

Maybe I making a big deal out of nothing but it would really be nice if Apple told it's customers what it really doing!!! Is Apple doing something with these chips that exceeds their intented speed? If the processors are overclocked does this present a problem down the road? Shorter life span, etc???

Do the yet-to-be-released X9100 processors (on Cantiga chipset) have some advantage over Apple's current configuration? Is there a reason to wait until the iMacs actually have the new processors rather than buy one now with these questionable processors?

ibook_steve · May 11, 2008, 11:34 PM

Welcome to the MacNN forums!!

Do you truly honestly believe that Apple would release a product that's not thoroughly tested? I'm sure others can validate what the 3.06 GHz processor actually is, but deciding not to buy because of this doesn't really make sense. Apple doesn't provide a lot of info like this directly to customers because the average customer doesn't care. "Fast, faster, fastest" is what the Apple store used to say when choosing a machine based on the processor speed. That's basically all customers should need to know when purchasing.

If you want the high-end iMac, just get it!

Steve

mduell · May 12, 2008, 12:25 AM

I don't think there's any doubt that it's a Penryn CPU with the Crestline chipset. Both have been overclocked with a 1066Mhz FSB (instead of the 800Mhz bus they use in all other known applications) and 800Mhz RAM (667Mhz in all other known applications). I have no doubt they've told Intel they're doing so, and Intel may be binning CPUs and chipsets for them (if necessary... most C2D chips have significant headroom for overclocking anyway). The CPU uses a multiplier (11.5x) that Intel isn't currently shipping (would be 2.3Ghz with an 800Mhz FSB), which may indicate Intel's help in making it happen or just that they're using multiplier-unlocked chips (which is standard for Core 2 Extreme chips). The rest of the 1066Mhz FSB CPUs will be released this month, so they're not too far ahead of the curve.

The processor itself shouldn't have a shorter lifespan (I've never actually heard of one dying), although the components (capacitors come to mind) may if they get too hot as a result of the processor and chipset's higher TDP.

Originally Posted by ibook_steve

Do you truly honestly believe that Apple would release a product that's not thoroughly tested?

Absolutely; done it before, will do it again.

spencer woods · May 12, 2008, 12:06 PM

Originally Posted by ibook_steve

Do you truly honestly believe that Apple would release a product that's not thoroughly tested?
Steve

I don't want to make this about Apple. But, I agree with mduell that Apple is not perfect. Ask all the people who are still having problems with the iMacs with 20" screens. I have been loyal to Apple since 1984 when I bought my Apple IIe (actuallly after the Mac was introduced). I got my first Mac 15 years ago. The 3.06 will be my fourth. With the upgrades, tax, & Apple Care this will cost about $3000, a rather significant sum. I don't want to be hasty about a decision like that.

Apple doesn't provide a lot of info like this directly to customers because the average customer doesn't care.

You are right. Most people don't care. When I drive my car, I really don't fully inderstand what goes on under the hood. I don't care as long as it drives. But, if I want to, there are places I can go for the information. Apple does not provide "under-the-hood" information for those who want it. Why the "secrecy"?

I appreciate the feedback. I am looking forward to the speed of this new iMac.

imitchellg5 · May 12, 2008, 12:16 PM

Apple's not exactly new to underclocking and overclocking. It would be nice though if you ask them that they would just tell you. But to the OP: Just look at the units on display at an Apple Store. They run hard all day and still boot up the next morning. It's apparent that at least they work.