Intel

interlude · Jun 2nd, 2006, 08:51 PM

I've noticed that Dell desktops are already up to Pentium D Processor 950 with Dual Core Technology (3.40 GHz, 800FSB). Why are Intel Macs only 2.0 - 2.16 GHz?

And why doesn't Apple offer a variety of Intel Dual Core processors like, for example:
Intel® Pentium® Extreme Edition Dual Core Processor with HT Technology?

scootsandludes · Jun 2nd, 2006, 09:38 PM

Probably saving it for a professional machine to replace the Power Mac with.

planders · Jun 2nd, 2006, 10:13 PM

So far, ever Intel Mac is running on Intel's notebook CPUs and chipsets. This includes the iMac. So the 2.16 is pretty much cream of the crop in that product line.

No doubt the Mac Pro, when it arrives, will use the full-size desktop CPUs.

retrocactus · Jun 2nd, 2006, 10:18 PM

Apple's not famous for having a confusing product lineup....that's why they don't have 82 flavors of their products at a given time. They spread them out over time to ensure fanboys like me buy every iteration of their products.

interlude · Jun 2nd, 2006, 10:22 PM

	Quote:			Originally Posted by retrocactus
	Apple's not famous for having a confusing product lineup....that's why they don't have 82 flavors of their products at a given time. They spread them out over time to ensure fanboys like me buy every iteration of their products.

hahaha... what an excuse

ender78 · Jun 2nd, 2006, 10:23 PM

The Pentium D is an older processor. MHz is no longer an accurate measure of processor speed. The Core Duo is equivalent or faster than the Pentium D. The Pentium D replacement, the Core Duo 2 is on its way.

interlude · Jun 2nd, 2006, 10:25 PM

	Quote:			Originally Posted by planders
	So far, ever Intel Mac is running on Intel's notebook CPUs and chipsets. This includes the iMac. So the 2.16 is pretty much cream of the crop in that product line. No doubt the Mac Pro, when it arrives, will use the full-size desktop CPUs.

Why did Apple choose to use notebook CPUs in iMacs?

To fit it into the slim design? So for as long as the dimensions of an iMac remains the same (or gets slimmed down even more) they will use notebook CPUs? Doesn't make sense

interlude · Jun 2nd, 2006, 10:27 PM

	Quote:			Originally Posted by ender78
	The Pentium D replacement, the Core Duo 2 is on its way.

The 64bit one, correct?

planders · Jun 2nd, 2006, 10:31 PM

	Quote:			Originally Posted by interlude
	Why did Apple choose to use notebook CPUs in iMacs? To fit it into the slim design? So for as long as the dimensions of an iMac remains the same (or gets slimmed down even more) they will use notebook CPUs? Doesn't make sense

Have you seen the heat sinks required for desktop Pentium processors? My 3.2 GHz P4 has a 1 lb heat sink with fan on top. If Apple wanted to retain the slim figure of the iMac, laptop chips were the way to go. That, and the fact that Intel's upgrading them first due to the rise in demand for notebooks.

Really, there's nothing wrong with this choice at all.

But it does mean that we can probably expect some impressive Pro desktops...

dona83 · Jun 2nd, 2006, 10:54 PM

Notice how AMD always names their CPUs like AMD X64 3500+ even though it only runs at 2.2Ghz, the 3500 is put there to represent that it is equivalent to the speed of a P4 3.5Ghz. the Pentium line of chips is fast but highly inefficient. Macs have always dissed the Pentium chip, but Intel has taken many steps forward with the newer more efficient chips like the Core line.