New PMG5: small evolution before a revolution?? [updated]
by linathael
The recent revision of the PMG5 has provided fuels to Mac users who are complaining about the lack of hardware evolution in the last PMG5 models since 10 months. PCIexpress-based graphic cards is the main wish, as well as internal hardware-based RAID, better default graphic cards, and anticipated multicore PPC970 (aka 970MP).
The update was simply a small speed bump associated to a better, but aging, default graphic card (when compared to the previous 5200Ultra), and 512MB of RAM. But the Radeon 9600XT disappeared from the BTO options… If we look at the dual 2GHz model, within a bit less than 2 years it moved from the high-end model position in June 2003 to the entry-level model in April 2005 (when considering real availability, it has even been less than 18 months).
I do not want to support Apple regarding the rather low-end graphic cards installed in the Pro-dedicated PMG5 models; but on this side, Apple is also depending on the good willing of ATI and nVIDIA. The fact that following Doom3 clash, Apple has decided to initiate an OpenGL team in order to improve 3D experiences, especially for gamers, on the Mac platform is a proof that one needs to consider, as for the PC market, that customers are mostly using computers to play games (at least at home), in addition to web surfing, a bit of bank account management; and text editing. So, one should expect to see the iMac, in a future revision, with a graphic card at least equivalent to a Radeon 9600XT.
So, why Mac users were disappointed by the PMG5 revision? Well I guess because most of them have been expecting Apple to launch a multicore-based computer, and or a PMG5 sporting a mythic 3GHz clock speed processor, promised 2 years ago by Steve Jobs. Well, during years, Mac users have been claiming that MHz does mean anything and now they are complaining that Apple/IBM can not propose a 3GHz PPC970. A bit odd is not it?? What is true: it took 10 month to Apple/IBM to propose a 2×200MHs speed bump for the high end model; which is rather long when considering that it took them 12 month to propose 2×500MHz speed bump in June 2004…
So what is the reason of such a small evolution in PMG5 models? Well, let’s consider the hardware modification in the recent revision: none… the IBM chipset which was originally validated to run at 1.25GHz, is probably now overclocked to 1.35GHz… the PPC970FX running 2.7GHz is probably an overclocked 2.5GHz model. When looking back at the expected frequency in IBM processor roadmaps which have been floating around on the web, it remember that the PPC970FX was supposed to top @ 2.8GHz, and this was post IBM’s problems with the heat management on the 970FX. So, is Apple once again in a no-exit position as it used to be the case with Motorola few years ago?? Probably not…hereafter are my expectations for the next 6 months.
The last PMG5 update is a small revision. Why? To my point of view, Apple is and has been working on a totally new hardware for now months. It probably includes PPC970MP (dual core 970 with 1MBL2 cache/core) and PPC970GX (a single core 970MP sporting a larger L2 cache, 1MB). It is for sure also concerning PCIe-based graphic cards, a potential SATAII and/or SATAe (extern). Regarding DDR2, Apple might follow AMD and not implement DDR2 , waiting for DDR3 which is already forecasted for 2006-2007. It will also include a deeper integration of HyperTransport 2.0, as well as (potentially) the new set of “IBM altivec”, VMX2.
Taking all together, incorporating all those technologies will require a totally new hardware, and probably a new OS. I am part of the Mac users thinking that as for Panther for the PMG5, Tiger is the first step of a new hardware introduction. I think Apple is now taking a bit more care about the real availability of its new hardware products, and is probably avoiding preliminary announcements. If one looks back to the last 6 month, all new Apple products have been available quite fast, the worst delay between announcement and availability has been for the Mac mini, but it was a totally new product, not a simple update of an already existing model.
Another reason for a potential new hardware is that Apple did not wait for WWDC for the revision of the PMG5. Why? For many reason serving the same objective. First, the revision is small, so no reason to wait more time to make it available. Announcing 2×200MHz speed bump at the WWDC would have been marketing-wise a mistake. And finally, those new models need to be available for a couple of months, for a financially viable update. That’s actually why all models are immediately available; in order to give 4 months delay to Apple/IBM to finish up the new hardware which will be announced at the Paris AppleExpo (at the earliest), with an availability which could be delay by a couple of weeks. I do not think that Apple has proposed a 2×200MHz update which will be running till January 2006…
I think the next 6 months will be crucial for Apple, with the “iPod Halo effect” adding everyday hundreds of potential new switchers, Apple needs to propose quickly an iMac with a better graphic cards and 512MB of RAM; and by the end of the year a PMGx based on 970MP and 970GX. The PPC970GX will find its way to iMac G5 in January 2006 allowing better performance while maintaining a good control of the heat management. The Mac mini could also be updated by the end of the year, right before Christmas…
To conclude my predictions, I would also like to point out that with the “around the corner” update of iMac G5 and eMac, as well as iBook; Apple will have updated ALL its hardware models within 3 months… I really think that Apple is preparing a “revolution” for its Pro-desktop models. We should have an answer in September, with probably some hints in June at the WWDC. We will be there at the Paris AppleExpo to share it with you.
After the recent update of the iMacG5, it becomes quite clear that the current PMG5 models will be “end of life” really soon!! The reason? many things are pointing to that evolution:
Bluetooth 2 on iMacG5 not on PMG5
same class of graphic card on both consumer and Pro models (aka, iMacG5 and PMG5)
Apple has already redesigned the iMacG5 motherboard, and added many new features.
The last PMG5 revision is simply a speed bump, without any new hardware. Apple did not even add Bluetooth2 to its Pro models!!
It was probably considered a waste of time; and the future PMGx might have simply sequestered all Apple engineers in order to finish it up for September release!
The revision of the eMac is quite impressive too, with a Radeon 9600 as graphic card, making it an alternative to the current Mac mini; even though both machines have completely different design and function. For sure this is the confirmation for a revision of the Mac mini in September, making it perfect for Christmas.
To finish, did you realize that all revisions include a 64MB-based graphic card,… probably to allow users in a near future to use the Quartz 2D extreme function by default.
May 15th, 2005 at 12:13 CEST
Dear Sir/Miss
As a young Macintosh-addict I have a few questions about the processor Apple uses in its machines. At forums all around the internet I’ve read that the PowerPc-architecture is a cooperation between Apple, IBM and Motorola (AIM). The thing that’s also mentioned many times is that it’s not going very well with the processors because of the fact that Steve Jobs said in 2003 that the 3Ghz barrier would be reached. But today, 2005, we’re still at 2,7Ghz.
They also say that Apple may change over to the x86 platform, the Intel/AMD processors.
Because of the lack of knowledge about the Macintosh in the past, I would like to know what you think about the processors Apple will use in the future. Are they going to use a specific processor Macintosh-only [either a total new idea or a renewal of the current existing processor (chip) - G5] or will they change to Intel?
What will be the consequences for the OSX when they (Apple) change? The multi-tasking which is used in the G-series, can it also be implemented in the x86 processors? I think that it is a very good system. Will Apple ever swith to the x86 processor platform? But when they ever change to it, will this mean that OSX will be subject of virus attacts or will the unix upon it is based not be changed? Then Apple would also sell its operating system without the hardware to others like Dell,… or not?
With the dual-core processors recently being introduced and the cell-architecture around the corner I think there’s a bright future for processors. But will all the pc assembliers like Dell, HP, Apple adopt those technologies?
And what about the far future? What about the processor after the dual-core processor, will they try to continue their work and add more than 2 cores on one processor? In my opinion there has to be an end at how fast and how functional processors can run, or not?
I’m very interested into the future of the processor Apple will use.
Hoping for an answer, thank you very much
May 15th, 2005 at 20:42 CEST
Hello Tomcat,
Yes Steve Jobs promised 3GHz for June 2004 and we got “only” 2.5GHz… but in between, IBM was having major problem with mass production of the PPC970FX (due to a “thermal pad” which was not supporting the rather high level of heat generated by the 960Fx when clocked over 2.3GHz).
But as I mention in my article I am convinced that we will see dualcore processor in top end Apple’s hardware before the end of the year.
Regarding OSX on x86 platform, it does exist. This project probably originated at the time when Apple was stacked with Motorola and its incapacity to improve clock speed as well as production rate of the G4 processor. When looking for a new processor, Apple had to envisage x86 processor as a solution, probably AMD processor. So, OSX was ported to x86 platform, at least to last recon for Panther version. It is currently not known if the project is still on-going, and a x86-compatible version of Tiger in preparation…
Regarding the processor for Apple’s computers, if IBM can deliver multicore 970 processor, then we should have it running in the next PMG5 revision… however, dualcore 970 aka 970MP will only be a transition to a more expected Power5-derived PPC which is still to be revealed. But it is an issue only for high end PMG5… the future 970GX (1MB of L2 cache) will find its way into the iMacG5 then into the Mac mini when the iMac G5 will receive a lower clocked 970MP. It is clear that OSX is definitely better regarding multicore processing management than x86 platform with WinXP… so far dual core AMD or Intel processor will not really bring significant improvement in term of performance till specific applications are developed. WinXP itself does not really speed up with a multicore processor. (I am not talking about server and Linux)
Apple has been generating its profit mostly from its hardware business…but recently, this has changed a lot, and software and iPod/iTMS are now contributing over 30% to Apple quarter financial results. iPod halo effect is starting to show up, such as in UK where Mac hardware are reported to be +20% up fro the last quarter. This could help Apple to generate higher profit and at the same time keep up with its current proposal of “cheaper Macs for all”.
To conclude, Apple will only switch to x86 processors if IBM deeply failed to deliver processors that will meet Apple’s requests. And with IBM scaling up production for both Xbox360 and PS3 processors, it is clear that PPC are also evolving? I think what will be announced at the WWDC and at Paris AppleExpo will give us a quite good idea of Apple’s future regarding processors and hardware.