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Simon · 02:52 AM

According to this rumor Apple has decided to use Woodcrest not only on the Xserve and high-end Mac Pro but to use it for all Mac Pros leaving Conroe to the iMac. To make things better, they are going to launch dual-processor Mac Pros which means four core systems on the desktop! In addition there should be a single-CPU dual-core Mac Pro "...for a substantially reduced cost...". Sounds like very good news.

The iMac should get Conroe. So the iMac's CPU will have a lower bus speed (assuming Apple won't use the top C2D X6800 for the iMac) but not necessarily a smaller L2 cache than the Mac Pro's CPU (assuming Apple won't use the lowest C2D models E6300 and E6400).

Maybe the single-CPU Mac Pro will cater to those asking for a headless and expandable desktop ("gamer's Mac"). Although I doubt it will compete price-wise with Dell's cheap P-D towers.

mduell · Jul 12, 2006, 06:33 AM

To keep the power in check for the iMac's oh-so-tight case, I think it may be stuck with the low-end 40-45W TDP parts rather than the mainstream 65W parts (and certainly not the high end 80W parts).

I think we may still see a "red headed stepchild" low-end Mac Pro with (65W) Conroe, even if the majority of the line uses Woodcrest.

harrisjamieh · Jul 12, 2006, 07:02 AM

Originally Posted by Simon

four core systems on the desktop! I

You say that like its a new thing.... G5 Quad, anyone?

Simon · Jul 12, 2006, 08:01 AM

Originally Posted by mduell

To keep the power in check for the iMac's oh-so-tight case, I think it may be stuck with the low-end 40-45W TDP parts rather than the mainstream 65W parts (and certainly not the high end 80W parts).

I'm expecting either the E6400 and E6600 or the E6600 and E6700 for the iMac. Those are Conroes using 2 or 4MB of L2 cache, running with an 800 MHz bus, and a TDP of 65W. I don't know of any 45W Conroes.

I think we may still see a "red headed stepchild" low-end Mac Pro with (65W) Conroe, even if the majority of the line uses Woodcrest.

I don't think that's likely. Conroe uses another socket than Woodcrest so it would require additional design effort reducing any possible cost advantage. Additionally, Woodcrests come in many speeds/prices, Conroe offers less variety. I think Apple has more than enough Woodcrests to chose from for the Mac Pro.

Sticking Conroe into the iMac and Woodcrest in the Mac Pro also puts the lines back where they originally were: The small desktop (iMac, what used to be PM 6x00) as a 'desktop' computer, the large tower (Mac Pro, what used to be PM 8xxx) as a 'workstation'. Conroe is Intel's desktop CPU, Woodcrest is server and workstation class. I think that's very well in line with what Apple was looking for.

Simon · 08:14 AM

Originally Posted by harrisjamieh

You say that like its a new thing.... G5 Quad, anyone?

Obviously that's not new. What's new, according to the article, is that it will be quad cores across the board minus a 'budget' system with only one dual-core CPU. Right now, the quad is the expensive top of the line PM model - not to speak of the Xserves which are dual-core or even single-core systems.

Of course this is all according to the rumor. We can fight over how good or bad the new MPs are when they actually get introduced.

dimmer · Jul 12, 2006, 12:27 PM

The good thing about AppleInCider is that you can almost be sure that whatever they post is way off the mark. Not quite king of the crapile like Mac OS Tumors, but certainly a challenger.

Jonaziz · Jul 12, 2006, 03:08 PM

Originally Posted by dimmer

The good thing about AppleInCider is that you can almost be sure that whatever they post is way off the mark. Not quite king of the crapile like Mac OS Tumors, but certainly a challenger.

What exactly are you talking about? AppleInsider was the only one to predict the designs of the PowerMac G5 (a month before WWDC), iMac G5 (when the G4 was delayed), and most recently predicted the iMac Intel switch and Mac Book Pro's name. TS has been wrong more often than not, and hasn't got anything right fully in ages. AI is the only credible rumour site still in operation.

On topic, I agree that there should be a Quad XServe system and when you look at the PC competitor's Woodcrest systems, it would make sense for Apple to be all quad if they stay in the same price bracket (maybe top end back down to $299 though). The only thing bad that could come of this is Apple reviving the "Quadra" name

mduell · Jul 12, 2006, 07:25 PM

Originally Posted by Simon

I'm expecting either the E6400 and E6600 or the E6600 and E6700 for the iMac. Those are Conroes using 2 or 4MB of L2 cache, running with an 800 MHz bus, and a TDP of 65W. I don't know of any 45W Conroes.

E4200, and possibly E6300 (depends which report you read) is said to have a 45W TDP.

Simon · Jul 13, 2006, 01:51 AM

Yeah, the reports I saw said the E6300 has 65W TDP.

And I'm not considering the E4200 or E6200 at all because they aren't supposed to be released until the 4th quarter whereas the E6300-E6700 are being released July 27.

Of course if Apple waits to update the iMac till Xmas buying season, there might be other Conroe candidates. But I really hope they don't wait that long. I'd like to see the Yonah iMac get updated as soon as Merom appears in the MBP or at least soon after - Aug or Sep at the latest.

dimmer · Jul 13, 2006, 12:29 PM

What exactly are you talking about?
I'm making a joke using some horrible puns and wordplay! Hee hee! Isn't that what the internet is for? Well, that and pornography of course.

production_coordinator · Jul 13, 2006, 12:48 PM

IMHO, this is all meaningless untill we see benchmarks.

Once CS3 and Office are both UB... I'll have a reason to cheer.

Simon · Jul 14, 2006, 01:48 AM

Originally Posted by production_coordinator

IMHO, this is all meaningless untill we see benchmarks.

Well, if you'd like to convince yourself that Woodcrest is a beast, you should check out this thread.