diglloyd's 2.93GHz 'Nehalem' Mac Pro Review!

[nemodomi]

I don't think you'd be disappointed. It's actually a better value due the cost of the '09 models (price/performance) IMO, and it can actually be much easier to use a RAID setup if you need one.

I've heard that before, and still can't figure out what people are talking about. Would you (or anyone) mind explaining to me why/how it is that the '09 models would make RAID any more difficult to use? Unless you're talking about EXTERNAL drives, that's the only thing I can think of. Thanks in advance.

 

[Horst]

Remind me, how many memory slots in your recommended and supposedly uncrippled MP08? Thanks.

8.

And now do your homework on RAM prices, availability and configuration for the '09 MPs .

 

[mingus51]

Could agree more. Still delighted with my 7 week old 3.2GHz (as if you couldn't already tell from my posts). Tee hee. Looking forward to the 2010 or maybe even 2011 refresh.

Can someone tell me the model number for the 3.2 2008?

Like MA970LLA is for the 2.8...

Google-ing MacPro is an excercise in futility...the only way I've been able to price shop around is by entering the model number

Appleinsider isn't thorough enough on what's out there

 

[More]

Can someone tell me the model number for the 3.2 2008?

If someone hasn't replied by the time I get home from work I'll post the model number from the side of my box. I bought the 3.2GHz from my local apple store so it'll have a stock code which may help track one down.

 

[-js-]

8.

And now do your homework on RAM prices, availability and configuration for the '09 MPs .

Indeed. And if you were considering the Quad MP09, then it becomes 4 vs. 8, AND with probably no ability to use 4GB modules, regardless of price. Paying $2,400 for a computer limited to 8GB is a bit of a deal breaker for me. And if you buy the octo, you're talking a lot more money, and being practically limited to 16GB unless you're talking even a lot more money STILL. I'm sure if I had infinite money I'd be interested in a 2.93GHz octo MP09, but in terms of value for the money, I don't think it can be argued that the MP08 is the winner, unless you are sure you really never will find 8GB to be too little memory and don't need the octo.

On another note, I too, however, am unclear about the RAID comment. I would assume it would be just as easy to set up RAID on either the MP08 or MP09, but maybe I'm mistaken.

I also don't mind having two FW400 ports, as I have a 20" ACD and Apogee Duet and two external FW400 drives. I know, I know, I could always use adaptors or the proper cable, but it's just a small bonus to have FW400 ports directly on the machine.

Same comment goes for mini-display port vs. DVI. I'd rather have two DVI. But again, that was never a big deal for me.

Also, I like that the MP08 is very quiet, although I'm sure that would change if you changed the graphics card!

Anyway, for better or worse, I decided to jump on a MP08 before they're all gone. It will be here FRIDAY! YEE HAW! I've been wanting one for three years now. Badly.

 

[milk242]

Can someone tell me the model number for the 3.2 2008?

Like MA970LLA is for the 2.8...

Google-ing MacPro is an excercise in futility...the only way I've been able to price shop around is by entering the model number

Appleinsider isn't thorough enough on what's out there

I'm not sure but according to Amazon it's Z0EM2.

 

[nanofrog]

I've heard that before, and still can't figure out what people are talking about. Would you (or anyone) mind explaining to me why/how it is that the '09 models would make RAID any more difficult to use? Unless you're talking about EXTERNAL drives, that's the only thing I can think of. Thanks in advance.

The '09 MP has the SATA slots soldered directly to the logic board, so an internal RAID is only possible by software (OS X), or Apple's RAID card. 4 drives may also be a limiting factor as well.

So the only other option is 3rd party. But to use it, you have to go external. Quite possible with existing products, but more expensive by a considerable margin.

By having the possibility of an internal array, you can start small using the internal HDD bays, and not have to purchase an external enclosure. It was even possible to expand to a max of 8x 3.5" drives internally, provided you placed the optical drive in an external enclosure (not that expensive, say $100USD). The possibility of growing over time can be very attractive.

Now, that type of growth/initial low cost is effectively gone if you require/desire a 3rd party solution. Apple and their proprietary nature strike again.

8.

And now do your homework on RAM prices, availability and configuration for the '09 MPs .

Well, at least it's not as expensive as the FB-DIMM's were initially.

If the '09 MP had a greater number of DIMM slots, it would be and less expensive to upgrade using 2GB sticks (Unbuffered), and easier to upgrade over time. (Registered, if needed, would be more expensive of course).

Unfortunately, the layout Apple used wouldn't allow it. There just wasn't enough room to fit any more.

 

[sigmadog]

Can someone tell me the model number for the 3.2 2008?

Like MA970LLA is for the 2.8...

Google-ing MacPro is an excercise in futility...the only way I've been able to price shop around is by entering the model number

Appleinsider isn't thorough enough on what's out there

Try "Mac Pro" as two words. Google gave me lots of results.

 

[jjahshik32]

OK. That's it. I've made up my mind. I just ordered a new MP08 from Amazon before they disappear.

You should have tried to check if your local apple store has one. If so you can buy it at $1899 by opening a business account with them with no real proof necessary. Just claim you have a business.

 

[-js-]

You should have tried to check if your local apple store has one. If so you can buy it at $1899 by opening a business account with them with no real proof necessary. Just claim you have a business.

I did check. Nada.

 

[-js-]

The '09 MP has the SATA slots soldered directly to the logic board, so an internal RAID is only possible by software (OS X), or Apple's RAID card. 4 drives may also be a limiting factor as well.

So the only other option is 3rd party. But to use it, you have to go external. Quite possible with existing products, but more expensive by a considerable margin.

By having the possibility of an internal array, you can start small using the internal HDD bays, and not have to purchase an external enclosure. It was even possible to expand to a max of 8x 3.5" drives internally, provided you placed the optical drive in an external enclosure (not that expensive, say $100USD). The possibility of growing over time can be very attractive.

. . .

Right! OK. Thanks for the explanation!

 

[jjahshik32]

I did check. Nada.

I guess you have seen that thread as well. Man I'm in such a dilemma because my local store has a few still available and I'm so eager to get a Mac Pro.

But in the end I really do want a Nehalem Mac Pro. I just think its worth it + the future proofing. Just imagine applications, snow leopard all utilizing the 16 virtual cores efficiently + I already owned the 2.8GHz 8 core machine last year and I do remember it heating up my room within the first 5 minutes of usage.

Now that its TDP has dramatically decreased it would be a joy to run one 24/7 in a room. Also the room I had the Mac Pro in is not small actually its a pretty big room. 12x14 size room.

 

[mingus51]

If someone hasn't replied by the time I get home from work I'll post the model number from the side of my box. I bought the 3.2GHz from my local apple store so it'll have a stock code which may help track one down.

THANK YOU

I've google'd Mac Pro, MacPro, Xeon and every possible variable and only get either reviews, or Macbook pros (even when I -book)...

I like the idea of Biz account at the Apple store...would allow me to buy direct and I do "own" a business...at least as far as the chamber of commerce is concerned.

 

[jjahshik32]

The '09 MP has the SATA slots soldered directly to the logic board, so an internal RAID is only possible by software (OS X), or Apple's RAID card. 4 drives may also be a limiting factor as well.

So the only other option is 3rd party. But to use it, you have to go external. Quite possible with existing products, but more expensive by a considerable margin.

By having the possibility of an internal array, you can start small using the internal HDD bays, and not have to purchase an external enclosure. It was even possible to expand to a max of 8x 3.5" drives internally, provided you placed the optical drive in an external enclosure (not that expensive, say $100USD). The possibility of growing over time can be very attractive.

Now, that type of growth/initial low cost is effectively gone if you require/desire a 3rd party solution. Apple and their proprietary nature strike again.

Well, at least it's not as expensive as the FB-DIMM's were initially.

If the '09 MP had a greater number of DIMM slots, it would be and less expensive to upgrade using 2GB sticks (Unbuffered), and easier to upgrade over time. (Registered, if needed, would be more expensive of course).

Unfortunately, the layout Apple used wouldn't allow it. There just wasn't enough room to fit any more.

Good thing 2TB drives are out now on the cheap.

 

[Ploki]

Remind me, how many memory slots in your recommended and supposedly uncrippled MP08? Thanks.

nehalem is trichannel whilst mine is dual channel, having 8 slots.
8/3 = .. hm?
benchmarks proving that filling 8 slots actually slowed the system down. that what i call crippled,
mine works 100% maxed out, not 95% maxed out and 100% stripped.
dont tell me "its still better than 08", yeh it might be, but its crippled nonetheless..

 

[More]

Can someone tell me the model number for the 3.2 2008?

The model number of my 2008 3.2GHz Mac Pro, as purchased from a UK Apple Store is MB451B/A.
Taken from the side of my UK mac pro box.

Hope that helps

 

[jjahshik32]

nehalem is trichannel whilst mine is dual channel, having 8 slots.
8/3 = .. hm?
benchmarks proving that filling 8 slots actually slowed the system down. that what i call crippled,
mine works 100% maxed out, not 95% maxed out and 100% stripped.
dont tell me "its still better than 08", yeh it might be, but its crippled nonetheless..

Well you can run 12GB of RAM and it'll use tripple channel. BUT have you seen the barefeats review about RAM, where they say that you still do get the full benefits from 16GB with apps still utilzing 15GB of the 16GB RAM opening up tripple channel.


Either way, with Nehalems so called crippled of the tripple channel, its still 2x faster than the dual channel maxed out of the 08 models in memory tests.

 

[Ploki]

Well you can run 12GB of RAM and it'll use tripple channel. BUT have you seen the barefeats review about RAM, where they say that you still do get the full benefits from 16GB with apps still utilzing 15GB of the 16GB RAM opening up tripple channel.


Either way, with Nehalems so called crippled of the tripple channel, its still 2x faster than the dual channel maxed out of the 08 models in memory tests.

yeah it is, im just saying they should expand it to 12 slots.. and not limit the quad to 8gb. never said its bad.
if they chosen to make TWO mac pros (till now you only had ONE and everything vas BTO) they couldve made the octo chassis bit bigger.

face it: 8gb is 17" unibody, not a workstation.

 

[mingus51]

The model number of my 2008 3.2GHz Mac Pro, as purchased from a UK Apple Store is MB451B/A.
Taken from the side of my UK mac pro box.

Hope that helps

It's definitely what I was looking for so thank you! Unfortunately, it didn't bring anything up on Google or other computer/distributor sites.

Oh well...I'll be taking a late lunch and heading to my Mac Store to see if they have any or at the very least what model number to shop for in the US.

Cheers

 

[k2director]

It's too bad that one of the first serious benchmarks and reviews of the 09 Mac Pros comes from a photography web site. Measuring a top-of-the-line workstation's performance based on PhotoShop (notorious for its inefficient use of multiple cores) does not give a clear picture of its overall capabilities or value, except maybe for photographers.

Video benchmarks will be a lot more interesting and relevant to a machine like the 8 core 2.9.

 

[twig16]

maybe if you tweak your benchmarks, or wait for some ephemeral future OS, then they will be worth it?

Since Apple themselves say the top 2.93 octad is only 30% faster than the 2008 3.2 on multiprocessor rendering, maybe we should take their word for it.

The 2009 model is an incremental (not revolutionary) upgrade, with tons of new compatibility issues, RAID and memory limitations - hooray!

 

[mingus51]

It's too bad that one of the first serious benchmarks and reviews of the 09 Mac Pros comes from a photography web site. Measuring a top-of-the-line workstation's performance based on PhotoShop (notorious for its inefficient use of multiple cores) does not give a clear picture of its overall capabilities or value, except maybe for photographers.

Video benchmarks will be a lot more interesting and relevant to a machine like the 8 core 2.9.

Agreed. I had posted a question earlier asking if there were any "lloyds" out there in the Audio/Video world.

or for that matter, a consensus on what would be the kinds of benchmarks A/V users should consider when purchasing a DAW.

I have to believe there is a certain "base line" spec that ALL A/V users, regardless of specific need, should watch for.

 

[Abidubi]

You know, a lot of people are rightly complaining about the price, but has anyone given thought to how much they'll save on electricity?

I've been hearing the 08 MPs typically max at 550W, but according to this review the new MP maxes at 350W. This might be significant if it's being used in a professional environment rendering video or something 24h a day 7 days a week.

If my math is right that would be 1747 KWh per year, or $174 per year if you pay $0.10/KWh. For a company that upgrades every 5 years that would be $870 saved. Thats about the same difference in cost of an 08 3.2 vs an 09 2.66 octo, and the 2.66 beats the 3.2 in multicore cinebench (ties in single).

Of course I don't think many people would be using it that heavily, but it's interesting to think about.

 

[Ploki]

You know, a lot of people are rightly complaining about the price, but has anyone given thought to how much they'll save on electricity?

I've been hearing the 08 MPs typically max at 550W, but according to this review the new MP maxes at 350W.
Of course I don't think many people would be using it that heavily, but it's interesting to think about.

i think 06's max out at 550W.
350W is pretty impressive for such machine. point taken.

but on the other hand...
http://support.apple.com/kb/TA25202
hm... i think thats really 06's for 550W

edit
all this talking.. i had it open last time. when people bitch how cheaper a PC is (and ive assembled quite a few so i do know a thing or two), has anyone actually checked the guts?
you need two screwdrivers and prolly a set of plyers to open a can of PC.
this things not needs a single screwdriver!
and its engineered and designed so .. GREAT?! 08 and 09. i cant decide which i like more lol. theyre both mighty fine.
i mean, getting to access ram in an average PC?! lol.
accessing ram in a mac pro! its a blaze, no matter 08 or 09.
i dont mind paying few bucks more to have a 100% better experience collecting dust from it ;D

 

[Abidubi]

i think 06's max out at 550W.
350W is pretty impressive for such machine. point taken.

but on the other hand...
http://support.apple.com/kb/TA25202
hm... i think thats really 06's for 550W

Hmmm, thought I read a couple people said they were using around 550 with the 08s. Maybe I just read it wrong.

However, he is talking about 350W for fully equipped. The 2004 PMs used 400W max, but 604W when fully equipped. Thats a 200W difference.