Apple Updates Mac Pro, Promises Commitment To Mac Desktops

[toadhammer]

I think one can make the argument that PC hardware hasn't changed enough to require a refresh before this. Yes, there have been incremental CPU and GPU changes, but mainly because Intel, AMD, and NVIDIA take a big financial hit when people aren't buying new PCs or components. And their sales have taken a hit. People don't buy new PCs every year, not even cheap ones. In my (graphically intensive design, non-gaming) industry, it's pretty common that users are on 5 year old (or older) Mac hardware. And in the PC world, the minimum req's are $50 GPUs (though obviously higher end makes things faster).

The flip side of this is that Apple is strong on the integration and stability side of things. They don't want the newest, highest temperature CPUs they can get. The did, however, make dual GPU a standard config in their last refresh. That's not something you see standard for off the shelf PCs outside of gaming or higher-end workstations.

I predict the real reason they are doing a 2018 refresh is they think it's time to deal with VR/AR/etc, because the market for content designers for that will start to be significant.

 

[dextermat]

Aprils fool is long gone now....

 

[captaincharisma]

Aprils fool is long gone now....

when it comes to apple its like april fools is all year for then especially after seeing their latest ipad pro commercials

 

[Tech_TTT]

Why try to build the smallest desktop possible?? Just keep it mini ITX size which ends up being about the same size as an XBOX one with a standard graphics card. It's not like you're going to be movie it all the time.

They dont have space for two trashcans so ...

 

[Tech_TTT]

We need Ask Apple Any thing Tomshardware , lets see them Answering us

 

[bit_user]

WHEN will people get that Apple doesn't make anything.... they OUTSOURCE their designs and have them made in China FOR them.

Huh? We're not talking about them manufacturing the thing. They sure as heck do design their products.

Design is where they add value. Owning the manufacturing doesn't give them much competitive advantage, so they let someone do that who specializes in it.

 

[bit_user]

I think one can make the argument that PC hardware hasn't changed enough to require a refresh before this.

No, one can't. This supports LGA 2011 CPUs, which have gotten a lot more cores since then. GPUs have also advanced substantially, since it was launched. The GPUs in the original are now 5 years old. That's a long time, in GPU years.

 

[bit_user]

The problem with the Mac pro was it sacrificed important things to solve a problem that didn't exist.

I think Mac users expect a design that's on another level than a PC. Especially for that amount of $$$. Otherwise, you'd just feel ripped off. Plus, I'm sure some Mac users bought this because they thought it looks cool and easily buy into the hype.

Apple probably assumed they'd be refreshing/replacing it in 2 years. For whatever reason, that didn't happen.

 

[toadhammer]

I think one can make the argument that PC hardware hasn't changed enough to require a refresh before this.

No, one can't. This supports LGA 2011 CPUs, which have gotten a lot more cores since then. GPUs have also advanced substantially, since it was launched. The GPUs in the original are now 5 years old. That's a long time, in GPU years.

I didn't say it was a great argument! But businesses hold on to hardware longer.

As far as core counts: the article doesn't mention it but these macs had 8 and 12-core options as far back as 2015, maybe longer. Same for the dual D700 GPU options. The non-announcement is really just what the new standard configs are.

The workstation D700 GPU probably weighs in about like a desktop GTX 770 or R9 380. So yes, definitely older, but really still not that far down on the Tom's hierarchy chart and a pair of them are easily capable of FHD gaming with good visuals. Also workstation cards get the highest grade chips before the rest are binned for consumer cards. They can run at max for days without harm, and have higher quality drivers. They're used very differently. Think render farm vs playing a game.

 

[mlee 2500]

I think the author missed the point of these machines and that fact that certain businesses require and rely on OSX.

 

[mlee 2500]

The author seems to think that "Building a PC" is a legitimate or desirable alternative for the market these machines are targeted at. They are not. Not even close, and by making that statement Nathaniel loses all credibility, even before he naively characterizes the purchase of a new Mac Pro as foolish.

There is a niche but still substantial vertical of OSX users that will be thrilled to finally be able to get an updated Mac Pro, even if a better one is imminent. The folks and companies buying these are far more interested in USING them rather than losing time and money while they play PC tech.

(And I say this as primarily a Windows and Linux user myself who *does* build his own PC's.)

 

[CelicaGT]

The author seems to think that "Building a PC" is a legitimate or desirable alternative for the market these machines are targeted at. They are not. Not even close, and by making that statement Nathaniel loses all credibility, even before he naively characterizes the purchase of a new Mac Pro as foolish.

There is a niche but still substantial vertical of OSX users that will be thrilled to finally be able to get an updated Mac Pro, even if a better one is imminent. The folks and companies buying these are far more interested in USING them rather than losing time and money while they play PC tech.

(And I say this as primarily a Windows and Linux user myself who *does* build his own PC's.)

The OSX users I know will be excited not only for an upgraded Mac Pro, but an officially upgradable one.

 

[ajpaolello]

The author seems to think that "Building a PC" is a legitimate or desirable alternative for the market these machines are targeted at. They are not. Not even close, and by making that statement Nathaniel loses all credibility, even before he naively characterizes the purchase of a new Mac Pro as foolish.

There is a niche but still substantial vertical of OSX users that will be thrilled to finally be able to get an updated Mac Pro, even if a better one is imminent. The folks and companies buying these are far more interested in USING them rather than losing time and money while they play PC tech.

(And I say this as primarily a Windows and Linux user myself who *does* build his own PC's.)

The OSX users I know will be excited not only for an upgraded Mac Pro, but an officially upgradable one.

This. Apple could have a market here. Unless they mess that up.