Apple rolls out double-quad-core Mac Pro, Xserve
The company introduced a version of its top-of-the-line desktop that is twice as fast as its predecessor, as well as a server that will offer a similar performance boost.
The Mac Pro would now feature eight processing cores consisting of two quad-core Xeons, and the Xserve would offer a similar option. The standard configuration of the desktop system would start at $2,799, while the servers would begin at $2,999.
Both models will start shipping today, Apple said in a statement this morning.
Apple's announcement came as somewhat of a surprise considering that MacWorld is still a week away. Typically, the company holds off any announcements until that week. However, at the same time the company has used that platform for more consumer-related announcements.
"The new Mac Pro is the fastest Mac we've ever made," marketing chief Philip Schiller said. "[And] with the latest Intel processors and no client access licenses, Xserve offers unbeatable server performance and value for under $3,000."
Consumers would be able to select two 3.2 GHz Xeon processors in the Mac Pro, and up to two 3.0 GHz Xeons in the Xserve. Quad-core Xeons are available for both, giving Apple its first official "eight-way" option. Both Xserve and Mac Pro will feature a 1600 MHz front-side bus, and up to 32 GB of 800 MHz DDR2 FB-DIMM memory.
Storage options include up to 3 TB of storage on the Xserve, and 4 TB on the Mac Pro.
Other features on the Mac Pro include: ATI Radeon HD 2600XT graphics card with 256 MB of video memory; five USB 2.0, two FireWire 400, two FireWire 800, optical and analog audio, dual gigabit Ethernet, and headphone jack ports; and the new Apple Keyboard with Bluetooth 2.0.
Further features on the Xserve include: two PCI expansion slots, built in accelerated graphics, and a front-facing USB 2.0 port.