Conroe Getting Faster than the Xeon!?, 2007-07-16 - Your reactions

[linathael]

Intel officially launched the new Core 2 Quad, aka QX6850, the new high-end desktop CPU based on Core architecture.
This processor is now featuring specifications almost identical to the current Quad Core Xeon: FSB 1333MHz, 3.0GHz core frequency. The Xeon can be installed in pairs thanks to Intel dual CPU motherboard (used in the Mac Pro) which is not available for the Conroe yet.
Apple will need Intel to speed up the evolution of the current Xeon for being able to offer the expected high-end power crunching Mac Pro in a near future. In addition the price of the fastest Xeon is significantly higher than the equivalent Conroe. One would need Intel to release a 3.4 GHz Xeon running on a 1600MHz FSB to maintain the gap between server and desktop CPU. Indeed, why paying premium price for a Xeon-based hardware if a Conroe-based hardware might be faster, Apple has probably looked further in Intel roadmaps.
For the time being, Mac Pro based on Dual Dual Core Xeon (original and entry model) will not be of great interest for power user, and we might expect Apple to significantly decrease their price on July 22nd when Intel will massively cut the price of Xeon 51xx.

[translation by Linathael]

[Metalizer]

Intel officially launched the new Core 2 Quad, aka QX6850, the new high-end desktop CPU based on Core architecture.
This processor is now featuring specifications almost identical to the current Quad Core Xeon: FSB 1333MHz, 3.0GHz core frequency. The Xeon can be installed in pairs thanks to Intel dual CPU motherboard (used in the Mac Pro) which is not available for the Conroe yet.
Apple will need Intel to speed up the evolution of the current Xeon for being able to offer the expected high-end power crunching Mac Pro in a near future. In addition the price of the fastest Xeon is significantly higher than the equivalent Conroe. One would need Intel to release a 3.4 GHz Xeon running on a 1600MHz FSB to maintain the gap between server and desktop CPU. Indeed, why paying premium price for a Xeon-based hardware if a Conroe-based hardware might be faster, Apple has probably looked further in Intel roadmaps.
For the time being, Mac Pro based on Dual Dual Core Xeon (original and entry model) will not be of great interest for power user, and we might expect Apple to significantly decrease their price on July 22nd when Intel will massively cut the price of Xeon 51xx.

[translation by Linathael]

...this now gives Apple ample opportunity to offer affordable desktop power for the masses or to develop a specialized gaming tower system with advanced graphics (e.g. SLI, Physics Engine, Crossfire etc.)

[linathael]

...this now gives Apple ample opportunity to offer affordable desktop power for the masses or to develop a specialized gaming tower system with advanced graphics (e.g. SLI, Physics Engine, Crossfire etc.)

if only could hear you...
Apple could pack a desktop in half the size of hte current Mac Pro, with good graphic card 1-2 optical drive, et it would be a nice desktop machine for most of us... but probably not as much profitable than the iMac , based on a more expensive mobile technology...