The quad-core models are available with two 2.0GHz, 2.66GHz, or 3.0GHz dual-core Intel Xeon 5100 series ("Woodcrest") processors with 4MB of shared L2 cache per processor, 64-bit data paths and registers, and 1.33GHz 64-bit dual front-side buses.
The new Mac Pro models support up to 16GB of RAM, up to 3TB of internal hard drive storage, and include a 16x SuperDrive with double-layer support, two FireWire 800 ports, two FireWire 400 ports, five USB 2.0 ports, TOSLINK optical digital audio in and out ports, analog stereo line-level in and out minijacks, two Gigabit Ethernet ports, and three full-length PCI Express expansion slots.
The front panel sports a FireWire 800 port, a FireWire 400 port, two USB 2.0 ports, and a headphone jack. Unfortunately, 802.11n AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0 EDR are still optional add-ons rather than built-in as standard.
The Mac Pros have a double-wide, 16-lane PCI Express graphics slot with the option to install an NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT with 256MB of GDDR2 SDRAM, one single-link DVI port, and one dual-link DVI port; an ATI Radeon X1900 XT with 512MB of GDDR3 SDRAM and two dual-link DVI ports; or an NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 with 512MB of GDDR3 SDRAM, two dual-link DVI ports, and one stereo 3D port.
The systems have support for up to eight displays and digital resolutions up to 1920 by 1200 pixels; dual-link DVI ports support up to 2560 by 1600 pixels. Analog resolution support is up to 2048 by 1536 pixels.
Prices start at US$2,499 for 2.66GHz quad-core models. The biggest, beefiest of the Mac Pro configurations will run you almost $4,000. The systems ship within three to five days from the online Apple Store.
So why is Apple not making more hoopla over the eight-core Mac Pros?
