Unveiling the Last Intel-based Mac Pro: Prepare for Insanity

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Unveiling the Last Intel-based Mac Pro: Prepare for Insanity

Introduction
Old Leaks and Rumors
The Need for an Intel-based Mac Pro
Potential Design Reuse
Leaks and Rumors Supporting the Intel-based Mac Pro
Release Date Speculation
The Leak of the AMD Radeon Pro W6900X GPU
Support for Navi 21 GPUs in macOS
Advantages of Releasing the Mac Pro in December
Intel's New 3rd Gen Xeons and the Challenges they Pose
Conclusion

💻 A New Intel-based Mac Pro: What We Know So Far

The tech community has been abuzz with rumors and leaks about a new Intel-based Mac Pro from Apple. While the company has been showcasing the impressive performance of its Apple Silicon chips, there are indications that an Intel-based Mac Pro is in the works. In this article, we will delve into the evidence supporting this claim and explore the potential reasons behind Apple's decision. So buckle up and get ready for an intriguing journey into the world of Mac Pros!

📜 Old Leaks and Rumors

Over a year ago, Twitter user Rogame stumbled upon some intriguing bits of code within macOS beta. These code snippets pointed to the possibility of new Navi 21 and Navi 31 graphics card support coming to the Mac. Although initially thought to be intended for the 27" Intel-based iMac, which later turned out to be based on Navi 10, these discoveries hinted at Apple's plans to incorporate newer graphics architectures in future machines. This implies the existence of additional Intel-based Macs before the transition to Apple Silicon is complete.

⚙️ The Need for an Intel-based Mac Pro

The current Mac Pro, released in 2019, remains the only option with a XEON chip. This specific chip is essential for demanding workflows like high-end mathematical and scientific computations due to its ability to efficiently handle complex tasks with wider bit depths. Moreover, the Mac Pro's support for ECC RAM, coupled with its astronomical maximum RAM capacity of 1.5TB, further solidifies its appeal to professionals requiring immense computational power. It is unlikely that Apple would abandon these features and the extensive research and development invested in the current Mac Pro when transitioning to Apple Silicon.

🔄 Potential Design Reuse

Considering Apple's recent preference for sleek and compact designs, it seems plausible that the current Mac Pro's chassis could be reused for at least one more Intel-based Mac Pro refresh. By examining the 24" iMac and Apple's inclination to downsize with their new Apple Silicon Macs, this hypothesis gains credibility. Various leaks and rumors reinforce this Notion, indicating that Apple is indeed working on two new Mac Pro high-end desktop machines.

🔍 Leaks and Rumors Supporting the Intel-based Mac Pro

Renowned Apple analyst Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has claimed that Apple is actively developing two new Mac Pro models: one being a refreshed version with Intel processors, and the other an Apple Silicon variant that is significantly smaller. These statements Align with previous leaks, creating a compelling case for the existence of an Intel-based Mac Pro. It is not a matter of "if," but rather "when" Apple will release it.

📆 Release Date Speculation

Apple has a history of launching its super high-end machines in December, targeting large businesses aiming to make tax-write offs before the year's end. Thus, it is reasonable to expect the release of the Intel-based Mac Pro in December. Additionally, Apple's two-year timeline for the transition to Apple Silicon suggests that December marks the release window for the Apple Silicon Mac Pro. These factors combined make December a likely release month for the new Intel-based Mac Pro.

💪 The Leak of the AMD Radeon Pro W6900X GPU

A massive leak recently surfaced, unveiling an Apple Mac Pro exclusive: the AMD Radeon Pro W6900X GPU. This GPU achieved the highest Metal score ever recorded on Geekbench, surpassing even the regular 6900 XT. While some skeptics argue that this leak is a result of a hackintosh system, several factors support its authenticity. The W6900X is a WX series card, specifically designed for Apple's custom MPX slot, making it incompatible with hackintosh configurations. Furthermore, recent additions to macOS code indicated Apple's preparations for the Navi 21 generation of AMD GPUs, which further solidifies the likelihood of this leaked GPU's existence.

🖥️ Support for Navi 21 GPUs in macOS

The recent implementation of support for the Navi 21 generation of AMD GPUs in macOS provides evidence of Apple's ongoing work for incorporating these new cards into their machines. This, in turn, substantiates the claims of an upcoming Intel-based Mac Pro, as the leaked W6900X GPU utilizes the Navi 21 architecture. The expected inclusion of 32GB of VRAM instead of the regular 16GB adds another layer of performance enhancement for professional users.

📅 Advantages of Releasing the Mac Pro in December

The availability of AMD's new 6000 series desktop GPUs, including the 6900 XT, motivates Apple to release the Mac Pro sooner rather than later to maintain its cutting-edge status. Additionally, Intel's recent launch of their 3rd gen Xeons, based on the 10nm Ice Lake architecture, provides compelling advantages that Apple would undoubtedly want to incorporate into the refreshed Mac Pro. However, these latest Xeon chips require a new socket and subsequently a new motherboard design. Hence, it is probable that the Intel-based Mac Pro will be dubbed the 2021 Mac Pro, featuring the redesigned motherboard.

❗ Intel's New 3rd Gen Xeons and the Challenges they Pose

The introduction of Intel's 3rd gen Xeons poses certain challenges for Apple in terms of hardware design. The requirement for a new socket necessitates a redesigned motherboard, potentially prompting Apple to release the new Intel-based Mac Pro as a distinct model rather than a simple refresh. This poses logistic hurdles, but Apple's commitment to delivering the best performance and user experience suggests that they will overcome these challenges to provide professionals with a top-tier desktop workstation.

✍️ Conclusion

Taking into consideration all the evidence presented in this article, it becomes evident that Apple's plans include the release of a new, Intel-based Mac Pro. The upcoming Mac Pro is likely to retain the current cheesegrater chassis, while incorporating the latest Intel processors and AMD GPUs. December appears to be a probable release window, aligning with Apple's previous launches and the timeline for transitioning to Apple Silicon. As the tech community eagerly anticipates further information, only time will tell how Apple's diverse lineup of Macs will evolve in the coming years.

Highlights

The possibility of a new Intel-based Mac Pro is supported by leaked code snippets and rumors.
The current Mac Pro's design and capabilities make it a likely candidate for an Intel-based refresh.
Multiple leaks and reports from reliable sources reinforce the existence of an Intel-based Mac Pro.
December is a plausible release window, considering Apple's past release Patterns and the transition to Apple Silicon.
The leak of the AMD Radeon Pro W6900X GPU and the addition of Navi 21 support in macOS further validate the upcoming Intel-based Mac Pro.
Intel's new 3rd gen Xeons bring advantages but also pose challenges in terms of hardware design.

FAQ

Q: Will the new Intel-based Mac Pro be the last Mac Pro with Intel processors? A: It is highly likely that the new Intel-based Mac Pro will be among the last Mac Pro models to feature Intel processors, as Apple is steadily transitioning its entire lineup to its in-house Apple Silicon.

Q: How will the performance of the new Intel-based Mac Pro compare to Apple Silicon Macs? A: While Apple Silicon Macs have showcased impressive performance, the new Intel-based Mac Pro is expected to offer unparalleled computational power and compatibility with specific workflows due to its XEON chip and ECC RAM support.

Q: What advantages do AMD's new GPUs bring to the Intel-based Mac Pro? A: AMD's latest GPUs, such as the Radeon Pro W6900X, offer superior performance and larger VRAM options compared to previous models. This means improved graphics capabilities and better support for resource-intensive tasks.

Q: Will the new Mac Pro support Apple's M1 chip? A: The new Intel-based Mac Pro is not expected to support Apple's M1 chip. It will likely stick with Intel processors, providing users with the power and versatility required for demanding professional workflows.

Q: Should I wait for the Apple Silicon Mac Pro or consider purchasing the Intel-based Mac Pro? A: The decision ultimately depends on your specific needs and timeline. If you require immediate access to the power and features offered by the Intel-based Mac Pro, it might be a suitable option. However, if you can wait, the Apple Silicon Mac Pro is expected to offer even better performance and power efficiency.

Q: Will the new Intel-based Mac Pro be compatible with future macOS updates? A: Apple has confirmed that they plan to support new versions of macOS for Intel-based Macs for years to come. This indicates that the new Mac Pro will receive software updates and support for the foreseeable future.