Will there be a new Mac Pro in 2015?

[Mattstrete]

@ MacVidCards:
"We had all hoped that Apple would offer replacements, but obviously that is never happening."

No, you said that Apple would NEVER offer replacements and that it was impossible in hardware.

 

[AidenShaw]

George Lucas used a satellite based cloud network for the entire Star Wars prequel trilogy for viewing 3D models, animations and daily rushes from his ranch.

Was he paying $29.99/month for Internet service?

 

[AidenShaw]

@ MacVidCards:
"We had all hoped that Apple would offer replacements, but obviously that is never happening."

No, you said that Apple would NEVER offer replacements and that it was impossible in hardware.

Are you sure that he didn't say that it couldn't be a hardware-only upgrade, but that it would require Apple to update boot code and drivers for new GPUs?

 

[Mattstrete]

Are you sure that he didn't say that it couldn't be a hardware-only upgrade, but that it would require Apple to update boot code and drivers for new GPUs?

I refer you to his thread "No GPU upgrades coming for nMP, proof is in the firmware." I challenged him as to why Apple could not release a firmware update along with new video cards. He stated that "that just isn't going to happen". I agree, it's not impossible in hardware.

 

[flat five]

It would cause no problems or damage to leave one GPU slot empty.

Lots of workstations and servers have two CPU sockets, and the base configuration one has one socket filled.




... and a pretty simple little daughtercard could connect the 16 unused PCIe 3.0 lanes to four or more PCIe SSDs!

that'd be a neat mod to see.. i wonder if anyone will ever attempt something like it with a nmp.

 

[garirry]

that'd be a neat mod to see.. i wonder if anyone will ever attempt something like it with a nmp.

View attachment 591769

This looks like a good concept, but doesn't seem that worth it, unless Apple releases a single-GPU Mac Pro for cheaper, but that won't be happening soon to be honest. I really wish Apple placed a second SSD slot on the second GPU, why couldn't they do that?

 

[flat five]

This looks like a good concept, but doesn't seem that worth it, unless Apple releases a single-GPU Mac Pro for cheaper, but that won't be happening soon to be honest. I really wish Apple placed a second SSD slot on the second GPU, why couldn't they do that?

i think they can.. i personally think the computer was designed that way.. it's pretty obvious.

using current technology/methodology, i believe there may be some power and/or bandwidth problems (some of these other people here can explain that better)..
but, i do think we'll see a 2nd ssd in there before the nmp has run its course.

 

[garirry]

i think they can.. i personally think the computer was designed that way.. it's pretty obvious.

using current technology/methodology, i believe there may be some power and/or bandwidth problems (some of these other people here can explain that better)..
but, i do think we'll see a 2nd ssd in there before the nmp has run its course.

Seems like they will add it eventually. I also wish that, if possible, Apple somehow added more USB ports and a SDXC card slot, but I doubt it can be engineered that easily.

 

[flat five]

Seems like they will add it eventually. I also wish that, if possible, Apple somehow added more USB ports and a SDXC card slot, but I doubt it can be engineered that easily.

just guessing but i think we'll see the move towards usb-c on nmp (and all macs).
haven't used it but it seems sweet to me.. better than mdp/thunderbolt and usb.



as far as an SD slot, no mac pro (that i can recall) ever had that type of card reading port.. not saying it will never happen, just that it doesn't seem like something they'll do.

 

[garirry]

just guessing but i think we'll see the move towards usb-c on nmp (and all macs).
haven't used it but it seems sweet to me.. better than mdp/thunderbolt and usb.

I agree. In the future, USB-C will most likely triumph over TB2 and if replacing the latter with USB-C in favour of more USB-A ports, then it's good. I feel like replacing all Thunderbolt ports with USB-C will give enough space to add two more USB-A ports. Also, the HDMI port NEEDS to be updated to 2.0 in order to support 4K 60Hz, but that'll probably be updated the upcoming upgrade (which should happen within a few months).

as far as an SD slot, no mac pro (that i can recall) ever had that type of card reading port.. not saying it will never happen, just that it doesn't seem like something they'll do.

I know, but it just seems silly to add an SD slot on every Mac other than the rMB and 11" MBA, except the one computer that costs $2500. If there is a spot to place an SD slot, they should add it. Also, FYI, the first Mac Pro didn't have an SD slot because at the time no Mac had an SD slot, and Apple didn't bother to update the computer to add one. Seems just silly nowadays.

 

[JamesPDX]

Yeah, the idea of an SD slot (on the New Mac Pro) is a waste of panel space. Any media slot on a machine where yo have to reach around to the back is silly. On any machine, an extra TB or USB port would be a better, and even better on the front like the cMP. And the nextgen USB C? You could likely put at least six on the back and not lose the ethernet, even on a Mini.

 

[Zarniwoop]

Maybe the new keyboard has SD slot? Bluetooth + wifi.. speed wont be an issue. We'll see that in few days I believe...

 

[MacVidCards]

@ MacVidCards:
"We had all hoped that Apple would offer replacements, but obviously that is never happening."

No, you said that Apple would NEVER offer replacements and that it was impossible in hardware.

Whether it was because they couldn't find their torx driver set, apathy, firmware restriction, global warming or the Benghazi commission, WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT NAKE? I stated from the get go that no new GPUs were coming and guess what? I WAS RIGHT .

Even the most ardent, lip stained kool-aid slurpers must admit this by know. Despite the presence of screws, clips and other things, the oft predicted bevy of upgrade options is up there with free beer, it's always tomorrow.

My phrasing was speaking for the general community. Imagine if Apple Stores and Best Buy had contained GTX960/GTX980/GTX980Ti as matched upgrades for nMP. Most here would have been quite happy. So, yes, I said all all along that they would never happen, I was just trying to avoid being an "I told you so" and keep the mood up after we all got asked by a mod to stop bickering.

Can't be avoided now I guess.

Apple never had any intention of offering newer GPUs for 6,1. They have a built in means of forcing these to the landfill faster then any previous "Pro" level desktop in their history.

I told you so.

Happy?

 

[flat five]

I stated from the get go that no new GPUs were coming and guess what? I WAS RIGHT .

so you think mp7.1 gpus will be D300/500/700 still?

also.. what happens in 2019 when someone's 6.1 gpu blows and needs repaired?
• is it going to be "too bad, there are no 6.1 gpus left on the planet.. the computer is trash because a gpu blew.. buy an entirely new computer"
• will apple continue to make d500 for the repair chain into the future?
• will apple make enough d500 now to anticipate the future failures that will morelikelythannot happen?
• will you be able to put a mp8.1 gpu in mp6.1?

as far as i can gather, one of those has to be the answer to the question.. which one?

 

[garirry]

so you think mp7.1 gpus will be D300/500/700 still?

I think they will have to be at least slightly updated. They always were updated every upgrade (except the 2012 model because that one is 100% filler)

also.. what happens in 2019 when someone's 6.1 gpu blows and needs repaired?
• is it going to be "too bad, there are no 6.1 gpus left on the planet.. the computer is trash because a gpu blew.. buy an entirely new computer"
• will apple continue to make d500 for the repair chain into the future?
• will apple make enough d500 now to anticipate the future failures that will morelikelythannot happen?
• will you be able to put a mp8.1 gpu in mp6.1?

I think Apple will supply the parts for the machine as long as it's not deemed obsolete (7 years after discontinuation). Whether modern cards will support the one in the very first model, I don't know, but I assume they will use similar connections, so some will be intercompatible.

 

[Zarniwoop]

I stated from the get go that no new GPUs were coming and guess what? I WAS RIGHT .

Lets see when (ever) the second generation nMP comes out. If those GPU's don't work with first generation - or if they still are the same D300/D500/D700 - then you were right.

 

[MacVidCards]

so you think mp7.1 gpus will be D300/500/700 still?

also.. what happens in 2019 when someone's 6.1 gpu blows and needs repaired?
• is it going to be "too bad, there are no 6.1 gpus left on the planet.. the computer is trash because a gpu blew.. buy an entirely new computer"
• will apple continue to make d500 for the repair chain into the future?
• will apple make enough d500 now to anticipate the future failures that will morelikelythannot happen?
• will you be able to put a mp8.1 gpu in mp6.1?

as far as i can gather, one of those has to be the answer to the question.. which one?

I guess this is as close as you will get to "whoops, I was wrong"

I think we can agree that 7,1 will have TB3.

I think we can agree that TB3 will be wired differently the TB2.

Do we think that Apple will go out of their way to keep 6,1 wiring same in 7,1 to continue TB2 connectivity or move forward with new design? (No brainer )

As far as "Oh my, where will they get repair parts in the future?" Why are these GPUs any different from an MXM GTX680M for a 2011 iMac or a keyboard for a 2011 MBA? Just another part that Apple put in a machine and will keep stocks for future repairs. Why would this be any different from any other Apple-only part?

And thanks to the guy who reminded me about firmware issue. If Apple puts Hawaii/Fiji in 7,1 with new plumbing for TB3, they can leave the connectors the same and STILL you won't be able to use them in 6,1 unless Apple writes/releases a boot rom update for 6,1 with those new GPUs in it. The boot rom only contains those 3 GPUs, pretty obvious those are the only ones Apple planned to be in there. (For those who missed my thread, the 6,1 boot rom contains the EFI and BIOS for 6,1 GPUs, the cards themselves are "dumb" with no eeprom. 6,1 would not have any way to use replacement cards unless design was changed and cards had eeproms or if Apple released a new boot rom update for 6,1 with new GPUs support written in)

I have been correct about the "not happening" GPU prediction for 28 months now. But if you can weave your way through the above logical points and STILL believe Uncle Tim loves you and has an extra special present coming for Christmas, have at it.

The realistic among us will accept obvious reality, the rest can keep waiting for Godot.

 

[flat five]

I guess this is as close as you will get to "whoops, I was wrong"

wrong about what?
you can go read every single sentence i've ever typed in this forum and you will not once see me saying apple will build/sell 6.1 gpu updates while the 6.1 is the current model.

just a page or two back, you were going on and on about "If you are going to accuse someone of something, be ready to back it up or get called out on it."
..so i guess it's time for you to put your money where your mouth is.

i mean, it's almost like you're playing dumb as to why you're not recognizing the difference in logic between these two scenarios:
• apple will make mid-cycle gpu upgrades for mp6.1
• mp 7.1 gpu will work in mp6.1

i'm hearing you as saying 'since apple hasn't made updated gpus for the 6.1, that means apple will never make newer gpus for 6.1 and I WAS RIGHT.'

surely you can recognize the first part of that sentence does not equal the second part.. right?

As far as "Oh my, where will they get repair parts in the future?" Why are these GPUs any different from an MXM GTX680M for a 2011 iMac or a keyboard for a 2011 MBA? Just another part that Apple put in a machine and will keep stocks for future repairs. Why would this be any different from any other Apple-only part?

good point

I have been correct about the "not happening" GPU prediction for 28 months now.

congrats. so has everybody else. :/

But if you can weave your way through the above logical points and STILL believe Uncle Tim loves you and has an extra special present coming for Christmas, have at it.

much of your logic is stemming from the above implication that if apple were to let people upgrade gpus that they'd be doing us a favor at their expense..

when in reality, apple stands to make a whole bunch of money selling gpus but you're saying no, they're going to turn down a potential half-billion-dollars.

if mp7.1 gpus will work in 6.1, is it fair to say a thousand 6.1 owners will upgrade the gpus within the next year or two?
if they don't work, is it safe to assume those owners won't say "darn, no gpu upgrades.. i guess i'll buy the whole machine instead"?

that would just be apple passing up $2million sales for not much reason.

with the majority going into their pocket.. some to amd.. and probably very little a middle man / ebay_er

 

[MacVidCards]

wrong about what?
you can go read every single sentence i've ever typed in this forum and you will not once see me saying apple will build/sell 6.1 gpu updates while the 6.1 is the current model.

just a page or two back, you were going on and on about "If you are going to accuse someone of something, be ready to back it up or get called out on it."
..so i guess it's time for you to put your money where your mouth is.

i mean, it's almost like you're playing dumb as to why you're not recognizing the difference in logic between these two scenarios:
• apple will make mid-cycle gpu upgrades for mp6.1
• mp 7.1 gpu will work in mp6.1

i'm hearing you as saying 'since apple hasn't made updated gpus for the 6.1, that means apple will never make newer gpus for 6.1 and I WAS RIGHT.'

surely you can recognize the first part of that sentence does not equal the second part.. right?



good point



congrats. so has everybody else. :/



much of your logic is stemming from the above implication that if apple were to let people upgrade gpus that they'd be doing us a favor at their expense..

when in reality, apple stands to make a whole bunch of money selling gpus but you're saying no, they're going to turn down a potential half-billion-dollars.

if mp7.1 gpus will work in 6.1, is it fair to say a thousand 6.1 owners will upgrade the gpus within the next year or two?
if they don't work, is it safe to assume those owners won't say "darn, no gpu upgrades.. i guess i'll buy the whole machine instead"?

that would just be apple passing up $2million sales for not much reason.

with the majority going into their pocket.. some to amd.. and probably very little a middle man / ebay_er

Please go read your old posts, you are completely contradicting yourself, (and obvious logic) per usual. I would go dig out the quotes, but I get a headache reading gibberish.

Do a search for "it's the screws", thats where you were really fanatical about nMP updates coming to Best Buy.

Since any newer GPUs will have different DP and HDMI specs, why would pins stay the same? And if pins change...

Then there is that pesky firmware issue I notice you skipped right over.

nMP 7,1 if/when it comes will likely have Hawaii/Tonga/Fiji GPUs. And the chances of them slotting into 6,1 OOTB are 0.0%.

 

[Xteec]

So any of you betting people have odds on a Mac Pro refresh along with the rumoured 21.5 inch 4K iMac update this week?

I'd give it 10%.

 

[filmak]

So any of you betting people have odds on a Mac Pro refresh along with the rumoured 21.5 inch 4K iMac update this week?

I'd give it 10%.

You' re breaking down people's hopes.

 

[MacVidCards]

With the recent uptick in propaganda and gibberish, I'd give 40-50% odds. No reason to fire up the PR machine otherwise.

If they bring out a new Mac after everyone else already has TB3, and the new iMac is still TB2, gonna look silly.

If the iMac gets TB3 and MP doesn't, gonna be even more embarrassing.

May as well change their name to "Apple Phones Inc."

 

[Fl0r!an]

And thanks to the guy who reminded me about firmware issue. If Apple puts Hawaii/Fiji in 7,1 with new plumbing for TB3, they can leave the connectors the same and STILL you won't be able to use them in 6,1 unless Apple writes/releases a boot rom update for 6,1 with those new GPUs in it. The boot rom only contains those 3 GPUs, pretty obvious those are the only ones Apple planned to be in there. (For those who missed my thread, the 6,1 boot rom contains the EFI and BIOS for 6,1 GPUs, the cards themselves are "dumb" with no eeprom. 6,1 would not have any way to use replacement cards unless design was changed and cards had eeproms or if Apple released a new boot rom update for 6,1 with new GPUs support written in)

I think merging the new EFI and vBIOS from MP7,1 into the MP6,1 boot rom wouldn't be very different from your EFI hacking today. Yes, the boot rom has more sophisticated checksums and security checks, but this has been quite well researched in the past (e.g. Thunderstrike).
So I guess there would still be inofficial ways to get a 7,1 GPU work (well, at least if physical connectors stay compatible). Wouldn't be worth the trouble if 7,1 GPUs won't be available separately though (and they won't).

 

[MacVidCards]

yes, except nobody has done it before.

So your big chance to do something beyond reverse reverse engineering our Nvidia roms

look forward to your reports, maybe help that kid doing NVME?

 

[Fl0r!an]

So your big chance to do something beyond reverse reverse engineering our Nvidia roms

Now that's a little unfair. I've always been completely honest when talking about my intensions and the ways I've figured something out, and I never published anything that wasn't 100% my own work.

yes, except nobody has done it before.

Well, that's what hacking is about
At least for some people. Others just see it as necessary work to sell GPUs for many $$$ (have to be a little unfair here, too ).

We might discuss that via PM, going a bit too off topic here...