Apple rumored to be prepping 6, 12 core Mac Pros


Bigger, not faster may be in the cards for the next Mac Pro update.

AppleInsider is reporting that it feels Apple will be soon releasing a MacPro update. The timing is about right, as Apple typically updates its pro line once a year, and the Nehalem update was last March. Beyond expected chips shipping from Intel, details are sparse.

AppleInsider says Apple will go to Intel's Xeon Gulftown processors in singe and dual CPU designs for 6 or 12 cores. Since Nehalem, Mac Pros prices have been higher than previous recent revisions, likely these boxes will continue that trend. The biggest cost factor is the Xeon CPU pricing, which can run over $1600 per CPU. Apple could use the much less expensive i7 version of the processors, but they lack dual CPU configuration.

Still, single CPU i7 Mac Pros would likely be hot sellers given proportionally attractive pricing. Even though it would bump into the iMac line, many Mac buyers would probably appreciate the expansion possibilities and help fill the gulf between the Pro and iMac desktops.

AppleInsider notes that the 5600 series Gulftown CPUs are expected to ship in the next 45 days in 2.66, 2.8, 2.93, and 3.33 GHz configurations. Mac Pro fans should remember that Apple has managed to get first dibs on Intel chips prior to official availability.

AppleInsider.