MP 7,1 Waiting for Mac Pro 7,1 A1991 (no more)

[Daniel Reed]

Then why is nmp (if it is coming out) being delayed?

The focus for the Mac line is to drop Intel CPUs in favor of using Apple's own A chips.
Even as Intel preps to fab the A12 chips for Apple's 2018 products.
Expect the A chip switch-over to start by macOS 10.14 (if not for 10.13).

The 2017 iMac is suspected to be the last Intel based Mac.

 

[pat500000]

The focus for the Mac line is to drop Intel CPUs in favor of using Apple's own A chips.
Even as Intel preps to fab the A12 chips for Apple's 2018 products.
Expect the A chip switch-over to start by macOS 10.14 (if not for 10.13).

The 2017 iMac is suspected to be the last Intel based Mac.

That sounds more likely....unfortunately.

 

[mavericks7913]

It seems Apple added Vega 10 code in Sierra.

https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/...ll-acceleration-in-macos-sierra.206761/page-5

Well we would expect Radeon pro or other workstation gpu instead of normal one tho.

 

[pat500000]

 

[Fangio]

It seems Apple added Vega 10 code in Sierra.

https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/...ll-acceleration-in-macos-sierra.206761/page-5

A bit late to the party, the guys at tonymac..

 

[deconstruct60]

In July, after the ending of engineering of Vega designs, Lisa Su in one of investor conferences have said that Vega is coming WITHIN 2 quarters. That would mean time span from Q3 to Q1 2017.

Q3 and Q4 not..... article from Sept 14 ... after July conferences.

"... Mark Papermaster, once again cleared the air about when Vega-based cards would finally ship, stating that the first products will indeed roll out during the first half of 2017. These will target the high-end enthusiast PC market, ..."
http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/amd-vega-graphics-chip-launch-windows-confirmed/

It is extremely illogical at this point to believe that Vega will launch at the end of Q2 2017. We have to bare in mind also what it does mean.

Launch or just talk about launching..... Just because engineering design is done doesn't mean you can manufacture to scale. Yield problems can cause rollout slides .... just ask Intel. AMD could still experience a slide even after engineering is done. ( bug fixes , yield issues , etc. )

I have had information that consumer RX 490 will launch this year. In other words:
Small Vega for Consumer market - this year.
Big Vega for professional market - this year.

Runs a bit counter to what Papermaster says above. It is quite likely that AMD will hold some kind of dog-and-pony show later this month in an attempt to get folks to hold in place while they slow roll their their next gen out. Nothing particularly conclusive of the RX 490 being Vega. ( It could be double Polaris. ) AMD has relatively long track record of dual GPU cards to flush out the highest end of their "Consumer/Enthusiast" line-up.
Radeon Pro Duo _____ 2016
Radeon R9 295X2 _____ 2014
Radeon HD 8990 _____ 2013
Radeon HD 7990 _____ 2013
Radeon HD 6990 _____ 2011
Radeon HD 5970 _____ 2009
Radeon HD 4870 X2 _____ 2008
.....

basically take something that is in higher, more mature yield and out of the initial demand bubble .... and just place two of them on a card.

The only reason why big Vega would not launch for consumer market first would be that one customer would buy ALL of available supply for it, and demanded early release of it. Would it be Apple? Its one of the possibilities.

Likely fantasy land. Apple is cheap. They aren't going to outbid those early price bumped GPUs. Vega is likely to initially ship in low yield quantities. There probably won't be discount and very high potential for production snarls if can't get GPUs to ship products. Closer to Apple's track record would be getting GPUs after the initial demand bubble is over.

Besides Apple would need binned Vegas for a Mac Pro ( presuming along current design trend for Mac Pro). They don't fit the thermal profile. Clocked down Vega while likely faster than Polaris options doesn't look to cover the price and performance range Apple would need all by itself. It could be a "top end" BTO option but meat-and-potatoes part of Mac Pro market it very likely isn't.


Apple should be working on a Vega card ( if low end is being covered by AMD ), but holding up the Mac Pro shouldn't be necessary. Just release it later as a BTO option.

 

[goMac]

The focus for the Mac line is to drop Intel CPUs in favor of using Apple's own A chips.
Even as Intel preps to fab the A12 chips for Apple's 2018 products.
Expect the A chip switch-over to start by macOS 10.14 (if not for 10.13).

The 2017 iMac is suspected to be the last Intel based Mac.

There's been a lot of talk from inside Apple's CPU design team that the A series does not and is not meant to scale to desktop performance. Nothing that would be competitive with Intel's quad core CPUs, much less Xeons. It's just not designed that way. The design would breakdown as they tried to expand the die to desktop CPU sizes.

GPU design can generally scale nicely because you just multiply cores, but trying to pump up a CPU core design can be a problem.

If Apple was planning on moving away from Intel moving A series production to Intel wouldn't make a bit of sense either. If you're abandoning x86, there are better choices of CPU fabricators. The only reason that would make sense is for getting x86 and ARM chips from a single vendor.

 

[Bubba Satori]

The focus for the Mac line is to drop Intel CPUs in favor of using Apple's own A chips.
Even as Intel preps to fab the A12 chips for Apple's 2018 products.
Expect the A chip switch-over to start by macOS 10.14 (if not for 10.13).

The 2017 iMac is suspected to be the last Intel based Mac.

And non-A12 compiled professional software will run under a Rosetta scheme
at the speed of what, a Pentium 4? Mac Pro users must be chomping at the bit for that.

Poll time boys and girls.
How many of you have an A12 cpu at the top of your list
for most desired, next generation, must have features for the 7.1?

 

[MacLawyer]

New to this thread. I'm hoping against hope that the Pro gets an update. I want to get X-Plane 11 for Mac but the hardware requirements probably require something like a hacked HP Zeon workstation or an updated Mac Pro.

 

[ManuelGomes]

It seems I'm not the only one seeing the Lightning/USB-C issue. We'll see maybe next year anyway.

Axx replacing x86 in the desktop doesn't make sense, not now and probably not soon either.
ARM is not a save all either. As much as I think x86 should be dead and buried already (for a long time) going ARM is not an option still. ARM is also a lot fragmented and getting worse.
A new arch would be in order, something future proof, but that would require a major change at all levels.
Too bad.

When it comes to Vega, great we're seeing something but dec is right, it would be awesome for Apple to get the first bite but it's unlikely.

 

[chfilm]

What is the basis for your claim that professionals have come to like it?

Just looking around my working environment. Wherever I go to datawrangle on set, edit something, or for color grading, or motion design, I see trashcans all around!
Even the always resilient system administrators at my old film school have them installed by now.

 

[namethisfile]

The iMac with the round Hershey's Kisses base and articulating arm that connects a monitor from like the early 2000 is like...

design-wise...

so much...

sexier!

This Microsoft "design" language borrowed from phone/TV manufacturers is not only boring, trite and totally void of any thought...

it's been disguised, misappropriated by dumb tech "reviewers" as something like successful design or even "beautiful."

Now, I know, it's subjective. But, my argument is the part about design that is as close to objectivity as possible. And, that is the part about the shape of the Surface Studio... which is shaped like every other smartphone or TV that is out right now. So, how can a product like this be deemed "beautiful" if it looks like a giant Nokia Phone or TV-computer?

I'm just talking about the aesthetics.

And, that Wacom-like screen? And that pen and round input device thing? Is this a computer for making "art" or like an unnecessarily complicated tool for making art?

Also, those arms holding the screen is a total failure, design wise. And, it's a failure design wise because it's not "elegant." And, yes, I know this part is subjective and my opinion.

 

[pat500000]

The iMac with the round Hershey's Kisses base and articulating arm that connects a monitor from like the early 2000 is like...

design-wise...

so much...

sexier!

This Microsoft "design" language borrowed from phone/TV manufacturers is not only boring, trite and totally void of any thought...

it's been disguised, misappropriated by dumb tech "reviewers" as something like successful design or even "beautiful."

Now, I know, it's subjective. But, my argument is the part about design that is as close to objectivity as possible. And, that is the part about the shape of the Surface Studio... which is shaped like every other smartphone or TV that is out right now. So, how can a product like this be deemed "beautiful" if it looks like a giant Nokia Phone or TV-computer?

I'm just talking about the aesthetics.

And, that Wacom-like screen? And that pen and round input device thing? Is this a computer for making "art" or like an unnecessarily complicated tool for making art?

Also, those arms holding the screen is a total failure, design wise. And, it's a failure design wise because it's not "elegant." And, yes, I know this part is subjective and my opinion.

Meanwhile.....

 

[ManuelGomes]

I also a tough time to understand how this can be considered beautiful but I guess we shouldn't discuss tastes...

 

[wallysb01]

Meanwhile.....

Yeah, I personally don't care too much for that "arm-y" design, nor do I care about folding down the screen so I can... draw on it?... Its not exactly ugly, but meh.

But I like seeing some competition and more choices. Right now Apple has only 2 computers with the most up-to-date processors in its class (though the Macbook could maybe get a pass due to the recency of the 7th gen core Ms). While Microsoft may have kind of missed on the Surface Studio, its great to see more companies trying to make stylish and up-to-date computers. It can only help Apple push their stuff out faster.

 

[Aldaris]

It's bizarro world, when Microsoft is the hardware company and Apple is the software company.

The surface studio might not be beautiful or sexy to anyone here, but damn it's innovative. Did you watch the unboxing review that was posted? Did you see that the keyboard and mouse battery compartments are magnets? For quick and easy changes-no looking for a coin to unscrew the cap. (Of course the apologetics will clammer that they don't need a coin, they just need a lightning cable to charge their new keyboard and Magic Mouse). My point being Microsoft really put in thought in this product, even down to the flush of the power connector. The flexibility of use and the screen real estate, not 4K obviously, but more than the discontinued Thunderbolt Display. Compare this to the stagnation in the Mac Hardware and Microsoft's innovation (even attempt at innovation for the apologetics) and even Wacom has a fancy new tablet for design workflows.

Meanwhile Tim and Co. have their offices all packed waiting to move into their great and spacious new campus, using their watches (and bands of course) to run the company via emojis.

(Late Trigger Awareness Warning for the apologetics, someone mentioned watch bands and emojis...)

 

[pat500000]

Yeah, I personally don't care too much for that "arm-y" design, nor do I care about folding down the screen so I can... draw on it?... Its not exactly ugly, but meh.

But I like seeing some competition and more choices. Right now Apple has only 2 computers with the most up-to-date processors in its class (though the Macbook could maybe get a pass due to the recency of the 7th gen core Ms). While Microsoft may have kind of missed on the Surface Studio, its great to see more companies trying to make stylish and up-to-date computers. It can only help Apple push their stuff out faster.

I don't believe MS missed the boat. I actually tried it myself. Of course Studio isn't the ultimate spec wise computer, but it was for certain people: artist and video editors.

MS did bring out competition and the only response we got from Tim Cook was, "no" in regards to whether he had a plan for the future.

EDIT: at least MS isn't full of clutterness of dongles.

 

[handsome pete]

And, that Wacom-like screen? And that pen and round input device thing? Is this a computer for making "art" or like an unnecessarily complicated tool for making art?

What's so comlicated about using a pen or a dial? They're pretty rudimentary devices.

Also, those arms holding the screen is a total failure, design wise. And, it's a failure design wise because it's not "elegant." And, yes, I know this part is subjective and my opinion.

Failure seems hyperbolic. It may not be elegant by your standards, but I don't see anything ugly about it. Seems they considered a little more function over form in that regard.

 

[namethisfile]

It's bizarro world, when Microsoft is the hardware company and Apple is the software company.

The surface studio might not be beautiful or sexy to anyone here, but damn it's innovative. Did you watch the unboxing review that was posted? Did you see that the keyboard and mouse battery compartments are magnets? For quick and easy changes-no looking for a coin to unscrew the cap. (Of course the apologetics will clammer that they don't need a coin, they just need a lightning cable to charge their new keyboard and Magic Mouse). My point being Microsoft really put in thought in this product, even down to the flush of the power connector. The flexibility of use and the screen real estate, not 4K obviously, but more than the discontinued Thunderbolt Display. Compare this to the stagnation in the Mac Hardware and Microsoft's innovation (even attempt at innovation for the apologetics) and even Wacom has a fancy new tablet for design workflows.

Meanwhile Tim and Co. have their offices all packed waiting to move into their great and spacious new campus, using their watches (and bands of course) to run the company via emojis.

(Late Trigger Awareness Warning for the apologetics, someone mentioned watch bands and emojis...)

Your post is exactly the kind of thinking that I am trying to counter-argue that MS is not really good at design (Xbox, this Surface Studio, etc.). This product is kinda of like a "Halo" product for MS, right? I mean, look at the price? I'm not sure if that price is bumped higher just so it's even more "Halo-er" and "exclusive." I don't know how much the components actually cost. But, it's an expensive PC. It's a Halo PC. It's called The Surface Studio. Who has a "studio?" No one will probably buy it except for maybe businesses and rich people and maybe artists with actual "studios."

For those who think the new Macbook Pro is not "Pro...." Pro just means more. It's above the Macbook line. It doesn't really mean "professional." The MB "Pro" is a higher spec'd Macbook. That is all.

But, MS... MS spells it out for us. The Surface "Studio!" It's not just a PC. It's a "Studio." It's not just an acronym or a ubiquitous "Pro" moniker. It's a whole damn word, "Studio..." in a PC.

Also, MS would like us to see this "Studio PC" as a work of art. How? The price! This is where I draw the line. Pun intended.

Like I said, I don't really care if people think it's beautiful or that it isn't. Personally, I think the early 2000 iMac that looks similar to this "Studio PC" is more "beautiful."

My qualm is that like the post above, people think MS is somehow a "design" company now.

If they are a design company, they have a long way to go. I mean, look at their products, the Xbox, this Studio PC... those are the only two MS products I can think of that was "designed" by MS.... they're like "knock-off designs" at best. Sure, the Studio has some tech in it. But, the design, the "clothing" of the thing is like Target/Walmart-grade at best...

MS "designing" things? Oh, please! I think they need to design Windows better first. Then move on to hardware, maybe! Oh, wait, they are doing both at the same time already. We're doom. MS will BSOD the word, "Design!" I bet you!
[doublepost=1480527094][/doublepost]

What's so comlicated about using a pen or a dial? They're pretty rudimentary devices.



Failure seems hyperbolic. It may not be elegant by your standards, but I don't see anything ugly about it. Seems they considered a little more function over form in that regard.

I say failure because design is suppose to solve things. That arm solved it alright. But, in an ugly way!

 

[wonderspark]

Looks like a decent machine, but I am still getting great results from my Mac Pro, knock on wood.

I must have been living under a rock, though... Never heard of AAAA batteries before this video. I definitely learned a couple of things, so I thank you!

 

[Aldaris]

Your post is exactly the kind of thinking that I am trying to counter-argue that MS is not really good at design (Xbox, this Surface Studio, etc.). This product is kinda of like a "Halo" product for MS, right? I mean, look at the price? I'm not sure if that price is bumped higher just so it's even more "Halo-er" and "exclusive." I don't know how much the components actually cost. But, it's an expensive PC. It's a Halo PC. It's called The Surface Studio. Who has a "studio?" No one will probably buy it except for maybe businesses and rich people and maybe artists with actual "studios."

For those who think the new Macbook Pro is not "Pro...." Pro just means more. It's above the Macbook line. It doesn't really mean "professional." The MB "Pro" is a higher spec'd Macbook. That is all.

But, MS... MS spells it out for us. The Surface "Studio!" It's not just a PC. It's a "Studio." It's not just an acronym or a ubiquitous "Pro" moniker. It's a whole damn word, "Studio..." in a PC.

Also, MS would like us to see this "Studio PC" as a work of art. How? The price! This is where I draw the line. Pun intended.

Like I said, I don't really care if people think it's beautiful or that it isn't. Personally, I think the early 2000 iMac that looks similar to this "Studio PC" is more "beautiful."

My qualm is that like the post above, people think MS is somehow a "design" company now.

If they are a design company, they have a long way to go. I mean, look at their products, the Xbox, this Studio PC... those are the only two MS products I can think of that was "designed" by MS.... they're like "knock-off designs" at best. Sure, the Studio has some tech in it. But, the design, the "clothing" of the thing is like Target/Walmart-grade at best...

MS "designing" things? Oh, please! I think they need to design Windows better first. Then move on to hardware, maybe! Oh, wait, they are doing both at the same time already. We're doom. MS will BSOD the word, "Design!" I bet you!
[doublepost=1480527094][/doublepost]

I am not sure how to take your post... I've re-read it several times and you contradict yourself in your positions. Yes it has "studio" in its name describing the type of productivity it is targeted for much like the "Pro" in Apples lines-in the end yeah it's a name a classifier and a marketing gimmick/technique to use a name/word to sell a product. In the case of the studio to creative professionals-both artists in print, photography, digital imaging, and even some architects and engineers.

As to your qualm, about Microsoft being a "hardware" company now. You're probably to young to know but nearly 2 decades ago Microsoft was a "software" company and Apple was a "hardware" company. Microsoft made software (Operating Systems and Programs-you see back in the day when everything was black and white and we had things called VHS, applications were called programs on the PC side) and had certified hardware made by PC manufacturers. Apple was practically the exact opposite, they were a "Hardware" company that made their own Hardware, operating system for the hardware, and many in house applications like AppleWorks which preceded iWork which was pages, keynote, and numbers.

The irony here is Microsoft is making their own hardware now, they of course are still licensing windows, it are making tablets, notebooks, and desktops. Regularly and competitively. Apples "pipeline" has sludge in it since 2013, and Apple has exited the external/stand alone display market and apparently the WiFi router/base market. Apple has stagnated hardware on the computer side-but have been regularly updating their mobile phone and tablet lines.

This thread is really Mac Pro owners and watchers awaiting an update hence the waiting for 7,1 title. We have lost some to HP z840's and similar offerings with more modern horsepower and prices. We have seen like in this case with the "studio" some "innovation" or at least "attempts at innovation" that doesn't seem to be coming from Cupertino.

No one here is trying to pitch or has any real desire to leave Mac OS X/macOS, but need/desire workstation class performance and an iMac won't cut it for many of us-which dictate us to other platforms namely windows 10 and Linux machines. Perhaps your crusade against Microsoft would be better fought directly to Apple in an effort for them to update or exit the workstation/flagship Mac Pro market and we can close down this thread and sub forum. As opposed to forum members who are seeing what the "competition" is putting out.

 

[smelly cat]

Exhibit 1: the guy who's ruining Apple.

 

[Bubba Satori]

Exhibit 1: the guy who's ruining Apple.

View attachment 675463

You win the internet today.
I laughed so hard I blew peanut butter all over the place.
Time to clean up.

 

[Derpage]

Yeah, I personally don't care too much for that "arm-y" design, nor do I care about folding down the screen so I can... draw on it?... Its not exactly ugly, but meh.

There is an entire market dedicated to drawing on screens and you question it like it's a trivial aspect. I understand that an individual can have no use for that but to write it off as trivial is being just a wee bit obtuse. I guess I'll just write it up to new wave of Apple owners; because the creative market has left the building...so to speak.

 

[wallysb01]

There is an entire market dedicated to drawing on screens and you question it like it's a trivial aspect. I understand that an individual can have no use for that but to write it off as trivial is being just a wee bit obtuse. I guess I'll just write it up to new wave of Apple owners; because the creative market has left the building...so to speak.

I did say "nor do I care ..." lets not jump all over this obtuse thing. Lots of things can have functions for specific markets that you or I wouldn't care about, that doesn't make us obtuse to say so.