Mac Pro

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Overview

Apple introduced the first Mac Pro with tw dual-core 2.0, 2.66, or 3.0 GHz Intel Xeon CPUs in August 2006 with 1 GB of RAM, a 250 GB hard drive, and Nvidia GeForce 7300 GT graphics. Bluetooth and AirPort Extreme were both optional on the original Mac Pro.

An 8-core version with two quad-core CPUs was added in April 2007.

The second generation Mac Pro was released in January 2008, and every configuration used quad-core Intel Xeon CPUs. A single quad-core 2.8 GHz CPU entry-level model was available alongside a dual quad-core 2.8 GHz model and a 3.2 GHz one. Bluetooth became a standard feature, but AirPort Extreme remained an option.

The third generation Mac Pro was released in March 2009; every configuration uses quad-core Intel "Nehalem" Xeon CPUs. A single quad-core 2.66 GHz CPU entry-level model is available alongside a dual quad-core 2.26 GHz model, and there are a host of build-to-order options.

The 2010 Mac Pro was released in July 2010; the single-CPU model uses quad-core Intel "Nehalem" Xeon CPUs running at 2.8, 3.2, or 3.33 GHz. The dual-CPU model uses Intel's newer "Westmere", a version of Nehalem that uses a 32nm die (vs. 45nm) for higher speed, lower power consumption, and reduced heat. The base dual-CPU Mac Pros use two 2.8 GHz 4-core CPUs, and 6-core CPUs running at 2.66 and 2.93 GHz are options, creating the first 12-core Macs. Westmere CPUs have new instructions to better support encryption and are designed to reduce latency when used for virtualization. As always, there are a lot of build-to-order options.

Online Resources

Best Mac Pro deals, updated biweekly.
Apple Specs: Mac Pro

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