iMac Pro spotted in the wild

[MisterAndrew]

Yeah, that second benchmark linked in post 22, for the 8 core may not be a real Mac or something strange is going on. The 3rd link, which is for an OpenCL benchmark, shows the processor name and base frequency of 3.2. That would make more sense with the 10 core showing a base of 3.0.

 

[joema2]

So far Intel's custom CPU mods for large OEMs have been architecturally minor -- an additional or modified instruction here or there, a slightly tweaked turbo boost algorithm. etc. To my knowledge Intel has never made a major architectural change for an OEM, such as adding the on-chip GPU required for Quick Sync to a high-core-count Xeon. That would effectively be a new design which would require all the cost, validation and testing of a new design, yet be possibly only sold by one OEM....

Above not withstanding, there is one rumor here that the Xeon-W CPUs to be used in the iMac Pro may have on-chip graphics, IOW Quick Sync: https://pikeralpha.wordpress.com/20...apples-new-imac-pro-with-special-xeon-w-skus/

 

[Michael Scrip]

Above not withstanding, there is one rumor here that the Xeon-W CPUs to be used in the iMac Pro may have on-chip graphics, IOW Quick Sync: https://pikeralpha.wordpress.com/20...apples-new-imac-pro-with-special-xeon-w-skus/

Interesting...

From the article:

Intel apparently makes special (OEM) SKU’s for Apple’s new iMac Pro... and there can only be one reason for this. Heat!

If this turns out to be true... it's kinda sad that Apple has to the get the chip-supplier to develop special CPUs that don't put out as much heat...

...instead of Apple designing a desktop enclosure with proper airflow that isn't paper-thin...

I dunno.... maybe a thin all-in-one isn't the best "case" for a $5,000+ professional workstation? Perhaps?