PowerMac G5: World's Fastest Desktop Computer

[rjstanford]

Re: Re: Re: Re: A Step Backwards in Expandability

Originally posted by hacurio1
Ok, don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining, Just MHO. I will try to answer your question the best way I can. When I bought my current system (Dual 500) three years ago, the four PCI slots weren’t an issue; though, as time progressed I had the need to upgrade the system. For example, a SCSI card that I use to connect some legacy hardware like my scanner, my Zip drive, and some HDs uses one port, another port is used by my ATA 133 RAID controller that I had to buy because the onboard ATA 66 was not fast enough, another port is used by the USB 2.0 firewire combo card that I bought to connect some new cameras, and finally, the fourth port is used by an upgraded sound card. When I bough the machine, the four PCIs where more than enough, but as time progresses, PCIs will allow you to extent the life and functionality of a computer. I know the new PowerMacs have everything one can wish for, but when one buys a computer, it’s usually a three year purchase; more over, there is a pretty good chance that you will need to upgrade by using PCIs. I think 3 PCI slots are good, but I’m concerned to whether it will be sufficient or not. I’m not saying 3 are not enough, but it concerns me. Other than that, I REALLY LOVE THE NEW PMs

That makes sense, I guess that I see things like the built in FireWire 800 and USB 2.0 as reducing the need for pure internal card slots when interfacing to other systems. Interestingly enough, everything in your list seemed to fit this category, except the RAID card

Thanks for the response, by the way. Many people have griped about the 3 slots, and you're the only one to actually talk about needing more than that!

-Richard

 

[artmc]

RE: News coverage

Originally posted by rjwill246
..........Speaking of which, ZD Net has posted two Wintel articles today, one about P4s (now that's excitement!!!!) and the other about a Microsoft pathway. Who cares??
Nothing about WWDC.

Try the following:

News.com Front Page

I count 5 Mac articles/video feeds on the front page. Not really that shabby. More would be better, but not bad coverage.




* art *

 

[rjstanford]

Re: Re: Workstation Pricing

Originally posted by Rocketman
Is the G5 rackable out of the box?

Nope, and its too talk to fit easily as well. But I'm assuming that the same tech will make its way into the XServe pretty darn quiclky, which Apple has previously pushed to fill this market. And let's face it, a 1U rack unit is much nicer than a converted power mac

-Richard

 

[Vlade]

Originally posted by idkew
yeah- i'm wondering about the g6.

this g5 really doesn't impress me very much.

only 1,000mhz system bus? that is only a ~60% jump from my 166mhz bus. only 8gb ram? sheesh. apple really isn't working too hard anymore.

I think you mean 600%

 

[Paul Turpin]

quote:
Overall, the only issue for me is the presence of only 3 PCI-X slots. Oh well, perhaps Rev B.
Maybe you will be willing to answer my question then (since nobody else has). What, on a system like this with Firewire, 802.11g, etc, built in, do you need more than 3 PCI-X slots for? I really am curious.

Me ? Well for Digidesign Pro Tools. Myself and lots of other audio professionals need PCI slots for our current generation of DSP cards that are required for ProTools TDM operation. I have two rooms, each with a G4 and 3 Digidesign PCI Cards in them. The maximum number of cards in a ProTools rig is more like 7. So if I want more power I am currently forced to go to an expansion chassis - something I loathe. Lots of ProTools guys still rely on SCSI as well - not just for drives but for backup tape drives and the like. Sure, we could replace everything with state of the art firewire800 and S-ATA drives - but we already own this stuff and would like to use it (and will be spending lots of money on G5's anyway!). PLUS - I'd like to drop a Fibre channel board in too.

Now - I sure hope Digidesign will come out with PCI-X cards that are twice as powerful - but in Pro Audio land there is plenty of room for growth and we need all the DSP we can get. Even with redesigned cards, we will want more than three slots.

Now, an apple designed & branded, rack mounted PCI-X slot expansion chassis that was 100% compatible with no speed hits - that would be good - and might go along with flexibility for Xserves (maybe?).

 

[MhzDoesMatter]

Originally posted by ddtlm
Lokii:


Apple couldn't release the iMac with a G5 any time soon even if they wanted to. They just don't have enough engineers to redesign and test all their hardware so quickly. The G5 iMac will only happen after the Xserve and AluBooks go G5. I'm guessing at least a year and a half before there is any real chance of a G5 iMac. In the mean time, Apple can use faster 7455's and 7457's.

PowerBook User:


I'd give this a 0% chance of happening.

All of that doesn't sound as much like an educated guess as you might have intended. We're clearly not fully aware of what Apple's staff is capable of. Apple and IBM have been working with this chip for a while now and who knows what applications of the technology Apple has been working on internally and for how long. They could have G5 revisions of any (or every) product ready to go at the next expo, special event, or 2nd Thursday.

People have expectations built upon what we think we know about Apple, Steven Jobs, and computers in general. We're still basing speculation on things Apple has traditionally done in the past and previous business habits, habits that they've clearly left behind judging by the sheer greatness of the technology released today, anti-apple design elements, and the fact that they're this much closer to actually publishing a roadmap.

-Hertz

 

[geerlingguy]

I'm no pessimist, but what about people in the $1600 Range?

What's up with Apple making the new computers start at 2k? My dad would like to purchase a computer, and will spend no more than $1700; I was telling him about how cool these new PMacs would be, had him hooked, but now will have to try new tactics. I know that Steve wants a smaller amount of products on the market, but what about another stab at a cube-like Mac:

1.6Ghz PPC 970
80GB ATA/133 Hard drive (w/ room for 1 or 2 more)
1/2 PCI Slot(s)
256MB RAM (up to 4GB)
GeForce 4 MX 32MB AGP 4X
Combo Drive w/ BTO SuperDrive
Optional Bluetooth & AP Extreme
$1399-$1599

This would satisfy people like my Dad who want a nice computer with more expandability than an iMac, but not as costly as a new PMac

 

[PowerBook User]

Originally posted by Paul Turpin
Me ? Well for Digidesign Pro Tools. Myself and lots of other audio professionals need PCI slots for our current generation of DSP cards that are required for ProTools TDM operation. I have two rooms, each with a G4 and 3 Digidesign PCI Cards in them. The maximum number of cards in a ProTools rig is more like 7. So if I want more power I am currently forced to go to an expansion chassis - something I loathe. Lots of ProTools guys still rely on SCSI as well - not just for drives but for backup tape drives and the like. Sure, we could replace everything with state of the art firewire800 and S-ATA drives - but we already own this stuff and would like to use it (and will be spending lots of money on G5's anyway!). PLUS - I'd like to drop a Fibre channel board in too.

Now - I sure hope Digidesign will come out with PCI-X cards that are twice as powerful - but in Pro Audio land there is plenty of room for growth and we need all the DSP we can get. Even with redesigned cards, we will want more than three slots.

Now, an apple designed & branded, rack mounted PCI-X slot expansion chassis that was 100% compatible with no speed hits - that would be good - and might go along with flexibility for Xserves (maybe?).

I think I heard somewhere that a lot of pro audio people are still using Power Mac 9600's because of the 6 PCI slots. Is that true?

 

[VIREBEL661]

Re: alright, i gotta gripe...

Originally posted by technocoy
most everyone here, before the leaked specs, were expecting at the fastest a 1.8 ghz chip in these bad boys. Apple has cancelled out the mhz gap, and still you piss-ant's are not happy. they have gone and given you above and beyond what you would have expected without the leak, and still you piss-ants gripe. they frickin' gave you OPTICAL input and output audio for CHRIST SAKE, and still you PISS ANTS GRIPE!!! I, as a designer LOVE the new case design, as it moves to accomodate the heat issues in a more effecient way, as well as looking modern and very zen-like in the process, but no. "wheres my fold down door!" boo hoo. you do noot know what apple engineers had to do to fit everything into the box... none of us do, but the simple fact remains that they have given REAL MAC LOVERS what they wanted and then some. "but technocoy, i want it all to kick a PC's ass and cost me only $750" shut the hell up and go buy your damn dell you yap about so much and let us mac users who appreciate something from time-to-time enjoy the day that steve jobs hath brought us. By GOD this is the best DAY IN APPLE HISTORY!!!! anyone who doesn't think so can GO TO HELL!!!!!!

sorry i could go on and on, but i will spare the good people my wrath for now

a literally cried i was so happy that not one PC user can say CRAP to me today. You are ALL DUMBFOUNDED!

good day,
technocoy

WORD!

 

[frozenstar]

Bring back the Intel snail advertisement!

 

[cooper13]

Apple Store Anti-Leak!

Looks like Steve and Apple have overcompensated for last week's little leak. Check out the Apple store right now--get your new Power Mac G5 with dual 1.42 GHz G4 processors!

<edit> I tried to attach the screenshot as a jpeg but I'm having trouble figuring it out... d'oh! </edit>

 

[VIREBEL661]

Originally posted by PowerBook User
I think I heard somewhere that a lot of pro audio people are still using Power Mac 9600's because of the 6 PCI slots. Is that true?

NOT TRUE... Actually the Mac recommended by Digidesign (ProTools) is the Quickslver running 10.2.... 3 open slots are more than enough for audio. Figure graphics card, SCSI card, MIDI audio card... It used to be a lot more difficult, and you needed more slots... Not anymore! Especially using ProTools HD systems - all of the 'plug-ins' go through those....

 

[MhzDoesMatter]

Re: Typo on Apple's Page & Grievances...

Originally posted by geerlingguy
Well, I've finally read up on all the features, etc. of the new G5s, and here's what I have to say:

1) The speed is great, even on the single proc machines

2) I wish more expansion was available; in my G4 w/ Gigabit & AGP, I have four 120GB hard drives installed now (can't do that in a new G5... ? also the one optical drive - this is something that peecee lovers always grill us Mac users on (come on Apple!)

3) The case is neat; I LOVE the front ports (right now I always have to reach around to the back of my computer to connect my FireWire hard drive and video camera)

4) Pricing could be better; the computers are faster and better than PCs, but not enough to warrant an extra thousand bucks for the system (most PC users don't use the SPDIF optical audio or Gigabit ethernet, anyway)

Also, I've found a typo on Apple's PowerMac page: go to http://www.apple.com/powermac/graphics.html and look down at the "Connect with S-video and RCA (composite) connectors" section at the bottom right; it allows you to preview your "wok"
-is this some sort of new Chinese translation device?

So you're mad because Apple has now enabled you two have slightly more storage than before with half the whirring of hard drive platters causing your house to vibrate?

I understand now. Thank you.

-Hertz

 

[VIREBEL661]

Originally posted by frozenstar
Bring back the Intel snail advertisement!

I would LOVE to see that again!

 

[eric_n_dfw]

Re: I'm no pessimist, but what about people in the $1600 Range?

Originally posted by geerlingguy
What's up with Apple making the new computers start at 2k? My dad would like to purchase a computer, and will spend no more than $1700; I was telling him about how cool these new PMacs would be, had him hooked, but now will have to try new tactics. I know that Steve wants a smaller amount of products on the market, but what about another stab at a cube-like Mac:

1.6Ghz PPC 970
80GB ATA/133 Hard drive (w/ room for 1 or 2 more)
1/2 PCI Slot(s)
256MB RAM (up to 4GB)
GeForce 4 MX 32MB AGP 4X
Combo Drive w/ BTO SuperDrive
Optional Bluetooth & AP Extreme
$1399-$1599

This would satisfy people like my Dad who want a nice computer with more expandability than an iMac, but not as costly as a new PMac

Don't know if it helps a lot, but dropping to a combo drive on the 1.6 model drops it to $1799

 

[KEL9000]

Re: I'm no pessimist, but what about people in the $1600 Range?

Originally posted by geerlingguy
What's up with Apple making the new computers start at 2k? My dad would like to purchase a computer, and will spend no more than $1700; I was telling him about how cool these new PMacs would be, had him hooked, but now will have to try new tactics. I know that Steve wants a smaller amount of products on the market, but what about another stab at a cube-like Mac:

1.6Ghz PPC 970
80GB ATA/133 Hard drive (w/ room for 1 or 2 more)
1/2 PCI Slot(s)
256MB RAM (up to 4GB)
GeForce 4 MX 32MB AGP 4X
Combo Drive w/ BTO SuperDrive
Optional Bluetooth & AP Extreme
$1399-$1599

This would satisfy people like my Dad who want a nice computer with more expandability than an iMac, but not as costly as a new PMac

http://www.2khappyware.com/

 

[SubGothius]

Swap SuperDrive for a Combo (Was: ...what about people in the $1600 Range?)

Originally posted by geerlingguy
What's up with Apple making the new computers start at 2k? My dad would like to purchase a computer, and will spend no more than $1700; I was telling him about how cool these new PMacs would be, had him hooked, but now will have to try new tactics...

Delete-option the SuperDrive for a Combo Drive instead on the base model, and bingo, there's yr dad's price point.

Only too happy to help a fella score a new G5 at his folx expense...

 

[Gymnut]

Originally posted by idkew
yeah- i'm wondering about the g6.

this g5 really doesn't impress me very much.

only 1,000mhz system bus? that is only a ~60% jump from my 166mhz bus. only 8gb ram? sheesh. apple really isn't working too hard anymore.

You say ONLY 8GB Ram? I've maxxed out my ram on my Dual 1Ghz MDD. That's like saying a dodge viper ONLY pumps out 500 ponies. Sheesh.

 

[MacFan25]

Wow, 2.0 Ghz! I'm glad that macs are finally faster than PC's. I don't really think that the prices are too bad on them. Considering what you are getting, I think they are a pretty good value.

As for the case design, I think it looks really nice. It's simple, yet powerful looking.

I hope that Apple and IBM continue to maintain a good relationship.

 

[VIREBEL661]

Originally posted by pyrotoaster
Show me a FibreChannel port on that new Powermac and I'll agree with you.

GOOD POINT!!!! Not that most of us need that, though! Maybe in a future revision?

 

[sedarby]

Re: Pix

Originally posted by czardmitri
Anyone else notice that the pix of the g5 all look like 3-d renders, not actual photos? What the...? Also, what IS in those purported boxes at the Apple stores that said "don't open until June 23"?

Perhaps it was the new PowerMac G4's. Single and dual 1.25's which boot both OS X and OS 9.

 

[Mike Teezie]

Hot damn....I said HOT DAMN what a keynote!!!

Wow - I definitely dig the new G5 case. What's inside ain't too shabby either! I had to watch the keynote from the stream, but it was great! I laughed at myself afterwards - because everytime Steve showed something new (Panther, iSight, G5) I said out loud, "HOLY S**T! I am DEFINITELY getting that!!"

I have a quick question though - in a few days, I'm aquiring a 22" Apple Display through a trade. I have a Powerbook now, and I know I need the adapter to use it, which is what I will do till G5 time. I won't be able to afford a G5 until around October or November. I'll still be able to use the 22" display for my G5 then won't I?

Sorry if this is lame. I'm still new to Apple, and I don't know crap about the displays. I know the 22" is older, I'm just making sure I don't make a stupid trade for the display if it won't work.

Sorry to hijack this thread - what an awesome day!!!

 

[jessefoxperry]

hey what happend to #macrumors chat? that was pretty cool! BTW, good job today steve

 

[VIREBEL661]

Re: I'm not a fan of the new case design

Originally posted by macgraphicgirl
... mainly because it's not all that new. Not terribly innovative by any stretch. Looks like something out of an early 90's rack system. Maybe the G5 looks better up close, I don't know. Looking at it, I have this feeling that I've just been given a luscious steak dinner presented to me on a garbage can lid. I mean, all that innovation and total coolness inside that box!! I'm disappointed that they couldn't come up with a better case design than that -- and to throw away the hinged side just seems like a big backwards step. Based on the deafening silence in the room when they finally showed the photo of the new G5, I'm guessing I wasn't alone.

Do you think that perhaps this might be just the phase-one design, the way they did with the original beige G4? Perhaps another design is coming?

JMHO, please don't shoot me.

Original beige G3!!! Important distinction... I actually rather like it!

 

[Rai]

ooooo i'm so happy....... don't know where to begin.....hmmm

First i would like to thank macrumors.com, i first came to this site for info on up coming new ipod. You guys where dead right about that and the itunes store. After getting my new ipod, and being so happy with it, i stuck around here, (even thou a windows users), to see what else mac had to offer.

second i would like to thanks that french site, mac biol...(whatever), i know there was some questions about some program not supporting dual proccessors, but all i know they said

There would be a new kickass machine released at the conf, that was better than wintels. And apple released the G5, which kicks serious ass. That is accurate enough for me.


Well, I will no longer be a wintel users, as soon as they start shipping those dual 2.0 G5. Can't wait to start playing around with it.

It wasn't just the specs that impressed me. I know some are saying opteron might be faster. But after watching the keynotes demonstration. Apple got one thing across to me,

This machine is fastest enough to handle anything I need to do, at a unbelievable fast pace.

Thats good enough for me, don't mind if some server proccessor might be slightly faster, good for them, they not running that cool panther OS they demoed.

But that OS loooks so nice. Video conf, idisk as like a network hardrive. The thing with the all the programs moving around......
.... I like, Rather than 1984 george orwell future of longhorn.

LONG LIVE APPLE

down with the empire Microsoft

The force is with us.....