MP 7,1 So...Who Ordered a New Mac Pro?

[Harry Haller]

No one has bought a new Mac Pro .... almost nobody. Maybe they are waiting for the M4

After this latest round of abuse from Apple I rather doubt it.
This business of abandoning the 7.1, it’s components and possible upgrades must leave a bitter taste to those who invested in and embraced a fantastic computer. How are they supposed to trust Apple in the future after such shabby treatment? I wonder If the poorly selling 14,8 is Apple’s way of saying there’s not enough interest in maximum performance upgradable desktops so buy our sealed, moderate performance, non-upgradeable appliance. We’re sure you love it.

I hope I’m wrong.

 

[rondocap]

I get the upgradability factor - I brought my 2019 Mac Pro from the 8 core to the 28 core by upgrading it myself.

After it was basically "maxed out", the platform itself became the limitation - i.e newer CPUs overtook the Xeons.

I think the 2019 Mac Pro had a pretty good run, and is still excellent. I am happy the 2023 Mac Pro exists for the PCIe slots and being able to use Apple silicon - but it may likely have a similar lifespan as the 2019 for most people. If you find yourself needing more ram or GPU power, then the 2019 remains a much longer lasting computer.

I am curious what the "next" Mac Pro upgrade will be. Just M4 Ultra in the same chassis? I'd imagine they may do that since it less work than a new redesign.

The Mac Pro has a lot of "halo" product style attention on it that I am sure Apple likes to keep alive. Remember how they made special factories in the USA for them, even if they are low selling, it still is an impressive machine.

There is no other PC or Mac in the world with that built quality and engineering IMO, price and value aside. (I happen to think it is a good value for those, like myself, who need it and PCIe)

Heck, as a PC builder, I've seen $600-$1000 cases that are no where near the quality of the Mac Pro chassis alone.

 

[avro707]

If there was some guidance from Apple about the future of the Mac Pro…

That would help to know if it’s a five figure price disposable computer or something that will keep going for the long run which can be upgraded as the owner needs.


Most 7,1 owners are I know are furious at Apple for their disgraceful dropping of key components so soon and deliberately restricting the operating system so others like GPUs can’t be changed to the current generation.

 

[ZombiePhysicist]

That would help to know if it’s a five figure price disposable computer or something that will keep going for the long run which can be upgraded as the owner needs.


Most 7,1 owners are I know are furious at Apple for their disgraceful dropping of key components so soon and deliberately restricting the operating system so others like GPUs can’t be changed to the current generation.

I hate to say, I kind of saw this coming and why I was a bit desperate to get the 7,1 as soon as possible (late december 2019 for me). This way I knew I'd get at least 3-4 years use out of it. At this point looks like I'll get 5 years, which is bonus territory.

I think the 7,1 will still be very useful for at least 3-4 more years. That said, if the M4 Mac Pro offers and EXTREME processor, Thunderbolt 5, and/or PCIe5, I will instantly upgrade. If it has any two of those, IMO, it will be a "must upgrade" model. If it has all 3, jubilee time. Yea, I'm a beaten housewife at this point.

 

[Harry Haller]

Looks like Macworld got their marching orders from Tim.
This is why we can’t have nice things.
Or powerful things.

Why you should skip the M4 Macs and switch to an iPad Pro instead

It's got the power, but there's one major thing holding back the iPad Pro.

www.macworld.com

 

[avro707]

It might have some power, but workstation replacement it isn't.

The iPadOS just isn't for the same things as you'd use MacOS or Windows 11 Pro for Workstations or even one of the Linux distributions.

It's fine for them to compare against some laptops, but against powerful desktop workstations, different thing.

 

[StuAff]

Macworld used to be a decent print magazine, but standards slid well before it shut. Now it seems to be nothing more than clickbait.

 

[dmr727]

Macworld essentially no longer exists. Like a bunch of other defunct magazines, the name was purchased and placed on a clickbait shell for advertising dollars.

 

[ZombiePhysicist]

Looks like Macworld got their marching orders from Tim.
This is why we can’t have nice things.
Or powerful things.

Why you should skip the M4 Macs and switch to an iPad Pro instead

It's got the power, but there's one major thing holding back the iPad Pro.

www.macworld.com

They’ve been a joke for a very long time. They’re not on the list:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/mac-pros-what-mac-tech-publications-websites-do-you-still-visit.2415962/post-32844831

 

[Harry Haller]

They’ve been a joke for a very long time. They’re not on the list:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/mac-pros-what-mac-tech-publications-websites-do-you-still-visit.2415962/post-32844831

Yeah, but that clickbait title telling people not to buy M4 Macs had me in stitches and I had to post it. Tim prolly took it as a positive confirmation of his brutalizing Mac Pro owners. I used to think the praying hands comedy was maybe Tim asking Mac Pro users for forgiveness. Nope. More like a techy televangelist praying for more money.

 

[Regulus67]

Here in Sweden. Apple raised the upgrade prices with 12% on memory and storage, across the board.

The base Mac Pro M2 Ultra is still at the old price. But as soon as you upgrade graphic, memory or storage, it will have a higher price than up to this week.

Did Apple change upgrade cost in other countries?

 

[The Spif]

After this latest round of abuse from Apple I rather doubt it.
This business of abandoning the 7.1, it’s components and possible upgrades must leave a bitter taste to those who invested in and embraced a fantastic computer. How are they supposed to trust Apple in the future after such shabby treatment? I wonder If the poorly selling 14,8 is Apple’s way of saying there’s not enough interest in maximum performance upgradable desktops so buy our sealed, moderate performance, non-upgradeable appliance. We’re sure you love it.

I hope I’m wrong.

Just hope your system doesn't fail. My 2019 was essentially bricked by the 14.6.1 to 14.7 upgrade (it just re-boots over and over). I got it into Apple with 2-3 days left on the warranty and it requires a new logic board (motherboard)... however, Apple does not have any. 5 weeks later and the computer is still sitting at the Apple store gathering dust. I am expecting an offer of an M2 as a replacement. If you rely on the 2019, you might want to pick up a spare.

 

[avro707]

That’s the worry with these machines - also the GPUs and SSDs because Apple has run away from them so quickly, from late 2022 to nothing.

I have two of them - both high spec.

 

[Regulus67]

I got it into Apple with 2-3 days left on the warranty and it requires a new logic board (motherboard)... however, Apple does not have any. ...

If you live in the US, you could get a used logic board right now.

Genuine Apple A1991 2019 Mac Pro Pro 7,1 Logic Board 820-01136-12 EMC 3203 AS IS | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Genuine Apple A1991 2019 Mac Pro Pro 7,1 Logic Board 820-01136-12 EMC 3203 AS IS at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[The Spif]

If you live in the US, you could get a used logic board right now.

Genuine Apple A1991 2019 Mac Pro Pro 7,1 Logic Board 820-01136-12 EMC 3203 AS IS | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Genuine Apple A1991 2019 Mac Pro Pro 7,1 Logic Board 820-01136-12 EMC 3203 AS IS at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

If Apple wanted to purchase the logic board, they could have. At the four week point I ended up purchasing a replacement 2019. Since then, I have made it very clear to Apple support that I am no longer interested in a repair since the computer has been replaced due to their failure to meet their contractual obligations. Support is scheduled to contact me tomorrow with a resolution - I would prefer a refund, but will accept an (upgraded) M2 Mac Pro. We shall see.

 

[avro707]

I would prefer a refund

That's what I would demand as well, complete refund. But they operate on the principle of you being one tiny, puny little customer and them being a huge massive company that they can just obfuscate, block and delay and be supported by all their fans on social media sites and even Macrumors to do that, and you'll eventually give up and go away because it's too difficult.

That part already somewhat happened in that you went and got another computer because Apple was so unreliable. It's a shame that happens.

 

[The Spif]

That's what I would demand as well, complete refund. But they operate on the principle of you being one tiny, puny little customer and them being a huge massive company that they can just obfuscate, block and delay and be supported by all their fans on social media sites and even Macrumors to do that, and you'll eventually give up and go away because it's too difficult.

That part already somewhat happened in that you went and got another computer because Apple was so unreliable. It's a shame that happens.

I got a replacement computer because I was tired of waiting for Apple to live up to their contractual obligations and wanted to get my system back up and running. If they (Apple) do not make good, the option to sue in small claims court is my best option. In Illinois the limit is $10K, so I am good there. However, it is time and effort I would rather avoid.

 

[Regulus67]

At the four week point I ended up purchasing a replacement 2019. Since then, I have made it very clear to Apple support that I am no longer interested in a repair since the computer has been replaced due to their failure to meet their contractual obligations.

I see. Sorry it had to go so far.

... they operate on the principle of you being one tiny, puny little customer and them being a huge massive company that they can just obfuscate, block and delay and be supported by all their fans on social media sites and even Macrumors to do that, and you'll eventually give up and go away because it's too difficult.
...

Even youtubers have documented Apple's poor customer support. Even if it is rare. Most videos out there are only showcasing the machines when they are brand new from Apple.

My absurd Apple Store repair experience

The New Apple Mac Pro: 6 Months of usage update and OMG APPLE! GAH!

Apple REFUSED to Fix our iMac Pro

 

[smckenzie]

I get the upgradability factor - I brought my 2019 Mac Pro from the 8 core to the 28 core by upgrading it myself.

After it was basically "maxed out", the platform itself became the limitation - i.e newer CPUs overtook the Xeons.

I think the 2019 Mac Pro had a pretty good run, and is still excellent. I am happy the 2023 Mac Pro exists for the PCIe slots and being able to use Apple silicon - but it may likely have a similar lifespan as the 2019 for most people. If you find yourself needing more ram or GPU power, then the 2019 remains a much longer lasting computer.

I am curious what the "next" Mac Pro upgrade will be. Just M4 Ultra in the same chassis? I'd imagine they may do that since it less work than a new redesign.

The Mac Pro has a lot of "halo" product style attention on it that I am sure Apple likes to keep alive. Remember how they made special factories in the USA for them, even if they are low selling, it still is an impressive machine.

There is no other PC or Mac in the world with that built quality and engineering IMO, price and value aside. (I happen to think it is a good value for those, like myself, who need it and PCIe)

Heck, as a PC builder, I've seen $600-$1000 cases that are no where near the quality of the Mac Pro chassis alone.

Did you sell yours in the end or keep it? If you sold it, did you get a decent price for it or lost your *ss on it?

The thought of having to start acquiring spares doesn't fill me with joy even though mine is still under AppleCare. And with the new M4 laptops its getting harder to justify.

 

[The Spif]

Did you sell yours in the end or keep it? If you sold it, did you get a decent price for it or lost your *ss on it?

The thought of having to start acquiring spares doesn't fill me with joy even though mine is still under AppleCare. And with the new M4 laptops its getting harder to justify.

My whole point was that depending on the problem, the AppleCare may be a useless waste of money. My computer was purchased refurbished and was still under the 1 year warranty, yet Apple does not have the parts to fix it.

 

[smckenzie]

My whole point was that depending on the problem, the AppleCare may be a useless waste of money. My computer was purchased refurbished and was still under the 1 year warranty, yet Apple does not have the parts to fix it.

Mine was a refurb from Apple to. Either scenario isn't great, i.e. mess about getting spares at your own expense just in case; reply on AppleCare and get no where or lose $$$ on what you can sell it for, if at all.

I know of two guys in Germany who had ongoing issues with their Vega MPX's, caused all sorts of system instability (like me, using the 7,1 for 3D rendering) and in both case Apple just gave them an M2 MacPro because they had no parts to replace the Vega's with etc because they were end of life.

 

[avro707]

the AppleCare may be a useless waste of money. My computer was purchased refurbished and was still under the 1 year warranty, yet Apple does not have the parts to fix it.

That's true. One of mine was brand new from Apple - not even refurb, a brand new built to order machine. And now if something happens probably i'll be in the same place as you. Mine runs AppleCare well into next year. I don't want a Silicon machine, if anything were to go wrong I'd prefer a refund of the purchase price and then I'll go buy a PC workstation from Lenovo.

 

[avro707]

Anyone here got the 15.1 Sequoia on their 7,1, especially those with W6800X Duos?

 

[smckenzie]

Anyone here got the 15.1 Sequoia on their 7,1, especially those with W6800X Duos?

Yup. Seems fine so far. Had one graphics glitch weirdness when using photoshop but that’s it so far.

 

[rx7dude]

Yep 15.1 here. So far so good, but I still have the 580.