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New Apple Mac Pro! The “Westmere” hexacore chip arrives!

I’m not yet sure what to call the new Mac Pro, since it uses either the existing Nehalem processor or the new Westmere processor.

As key perspective for my coming report, please see Shootout: 8-core 2.93GHz or Quad-Core 3.33GHz.

You can’t yet order the new models yet, but when you can, here are some buying tips.

A few quick comments—

  • The new hexacore 3.33GHz model with 12MB of cache will be the hands-down winner for 99% of users out there. The slower clock speed 12-core is going to be pointless for most everyone.
  • Storage (drive bays and optical) appear to be unchanged.
  • For thoughts on the SSD option, read What About Apple’s 512GB Solid State Drive (SSD)?.
  • The faster graphics card will benefit some, but my tests for photographers show zippo/zero/nada influence for key tasks. Certain tasks will benefit, but not any I do.
  • The dual MiniDisplayPorts and single dual-link DVI port mean that a single video card is now an option for some configurations (avoid adapters of any kind).

I’ll post much more in my coming report later today.

MPG Pro Workstation

I can’t say for sure until I get my hand on one, but I see no material changes to the new models that would affect the MPG Pro Workstation configurations.

You can get a quote now, since most parts wont’t change, though pricing on 1333MHz memory for the new 3.33GHz hexacore model might be slightly higher. Get an MPG Pro Workstation ...

Without a doubt, the new 3.33Ghz hexacore Mac Pro is the way to go for anyone looking for maximum performance. The 12-core model could be a choice for a rare few that really do use programs that can use that many cores, but the vast majority of programs will run slower on a 2.93GHz 12-core versus a 3.33GHz hexacore.

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