14 DAY TRIAL // It looks like the Intel chips inside the new 8-core Mac are one of a kind, according to an e-mail note sent by the semiconductor company. The special version of the Xeon workstation-class processor is a 3GHz quad-core unannounced model, which not only sits at the top of the company's performance range but is also currently used only by Apple.
"We are indeed shipping a 3.0GHz Xeon version [and] expect to see faster gigahertz speeds for our high-end [Core 2] Extreme PCs very soon, too," said Intel's Bill Kircos. "For now, the product is in limited production and Apple has chosen to adopt it. We will introduce another 3.0GHz Xeon SKU later on as well."
The chip currently outpaces the official fastest quad-core processor from Intel, the 2.66GHz Xeon 5355, while maintaining the 8MB of total level 2 cache and 1333MHz system bus of its predecessors.
This is not the first time that Apple is making use of special hardware from Intel, the Apple TV sporting a special 1GHz Pentium M modified to run at lower power levels. The partnership between the two companies could not be better. Intel has someone that can quickly make use of all their technological breakthroughs while Apple has someone that keeps pushing the envelope.
The new Mac Pro is a clear example of this. Intel's latest gets used in high profile computers that can make full use of all the power the chip can put out, while at the same time, the top end of the Mac Pro line is exclusive enough for them not to need a lot of the chips. It could very well be that the future will have us seeing more and more such arrangements and limited supply concept computers, such as the Cube was back in its day.