At WWDC 2019, Apple introduced an all-new design for the Mac Pro. In a throwback to Apple's so-called "cheese grater" look, the new Mac Pro is packed with hardware updates starting with a new Intel Xeon processor that will have up to 28 cores. The 2019 Mac Pro was announced alongside the Pro Display XDR.
Designed for maximum performance, expansion, and configurability, the new Mac Pro also features a high-performance memory system with a 1.5TB capacity, eight PCIe expansion slots, and a graphics architecture featuring what Apple calls the world's most powerful graphics card. It also introduces Apple Afterburner, an accelerator card that enables playback of three streams of 8K ProRes RAW video simultaneously. With Apple Afterburner, you can work natively with 4K and 8K files from the start. In other words, no more transcoding, storage overhead, or errors during output.
Looking for more? The Mac Pro includes smooth handles that allow you to easily move it around your workspace, with or without wheels. With a stainless-steel space frame and aluminum housing, the Mac Pro offers 360-degree access with ease. The frame has been designed to provide a foundation for modularity and flexibility. Meanwhile, the lattice pattern maximizes airflow and quiet operation. For customers who want to rack mount their Mac Pro in edit bays or machine rooms, an optimized version for rack deployment will also be available.
At launch, the Mac Pro will be available from an 8-core to 28 core Intel Xeon W processor. The processor breakdown is as follows:
8-Core: 3.5GHz Intel Xeon W, 8 cores, 16 threads, Turbo Boost up to 4.0GHz, 24.5MB cache, Support for up to 1TB 2666MHz memory
12-Core: 3.3GHz Intel Xeon W, 12 cores, 24 threads, Turbo Boost up to 4.4GHz, 31.25MB cache, Support for up to 1TB 2933MHz memory
16-Core: 3.2GHz Intel Xeon W, 16 cores, 32 threads, Turbo Boost up to 4.4GHz, 38MB cache, Support for up to 1TB 2933MHz memory
24-Core: 2.7GHz Intel Xeon W, 24 cores, 48 threads, Turbo Boost up to 4.4GHz, 57MB cache, Support for up to 2TB 2933MHz memory
28-Core: 2.5GHz Intel Xeon W, 28 cores, 56 threads, Turbo Boost up to 4.4GHz, 66.5MB cache, Support for up to 2TB 2933MHz memory
Other notable specs include:
- Power Supply: 1.4 kilowatts
- Storage Configure up to 4TB of SSD storage
What Apple is saying
Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing explains:
We designed Mac Pro for users who require a modular system with extreme performance, expansion and configurability. With its powerful Xeon processors, massive memory capacity, groundbreaking GPU architecture, PCIe expansion, Afterburner accelerator card and jaw-dropping design, the new Mac Pro is a monster that will enable pros to do their life's best work.
Pricing and availability
The 2019 Mac Pro starts at $5,999. Both it and the Pro Display XDR arrive this fall.
Questions?
No doubt, the Mac Pro isn't for everyone. Nonetheless, it looks awesome, don't you think?
Do you plan on considering a 2019 Mac Pro? Do you have any questions about the monster computer? Let us know below.
