Tuesday August 29, 2006

- Apple Introduces OpenGL Multithreading with the MacPro - Lionel - 21:23:39

Source : MacWorld

Today, only few games (on PC or Mac) are really able to benefit of multicore processors. In this case, the second core will manage the artificial intelligence of opponents or sound tracks.

With the release of the MacPro, Apple has introduced a new system allowing OpenGL multithreading, allowing to split the rendering work over more than one core.
The gain of such system could be substantial and might avoid limited video rendering due to maximal GPU capabilities.

If one can immediately imagine the benefit of such technology for games, one should not forget that Pro applications such as Motion could see a dramatical improvement of performances.
If this technology becomes really popular for Pro customers, apple might decide to restrict it to this market, however, if Mac Games Editors wish to take advantage of it, then Apple might be forced to make it available for its entire hardware models.

[translation by Eric]

- Apple Cuts Price of the ATI X1900 XT - Lionel - 20:56:35

Source : XLR8yourMac

On the US AppleStore, the price of the Radeon X1900 XT is now US$100 lower, as a Mac Pro BTO or as a retail product.
This decrease is certainly due to the recent price cuts decided by ATI for its current models.
This change is not valid from other worldwide AppleStores yet.

[translation by Eric]

- NeoOffice Beta3 Available For Free - Lionel - 20:50:34

As noted by Patrick, NeoOffice 2.0 beta 3 is now available for download from NeoOffice.org.
Direct link to the download page: http://www.planamesa.com/neojava/en/index.php
A .torrent file should be seeded soon in order to improve access to this free office application.

[translation by Eric]

- Apple USB Modem: It Can Have a Shorter Lifespan Than an Airport Express - Lionel - 17:13:34

Before giving details, we want to mention that it is so far the only case reported to us.
Alain has taking photo of a Apple USB modem plugged into a MacBook Pro while being connected to the net. During a recall procedure trial, the modem simply started to melt less than 3 minutes of operation.



It remains so far unclear how the USB port can have provided enough current or voltage to induce such damages.

[translation by Eric]

- Mac Pro Memory: A Hot topic - Part II - Lionel - 14:15:22

The huge heatsink covering RAM modules installed by default in Apple Mac Pro have been the subject of numerous rumors, hypothesis on the web; especially due to its size.


Many users have questioned the real benefit of heatsinks sitting on the FB-DIMM found in the MacPro; making those RAM modules looking like those modules highly priced because supposed to better perform when overclocking them.

One should not forget that the FB-DIMM is designed differently than the current DDR2 memory.


If the RAM chips are indeed standard DDR2, a small processor located in the middle of the FB-DIMM module is controlling input, output, as well as ECC and buffering. The main heat released by a FB-DIM module is originating from this processor.

However, as shown on the photo below, a Samsung FB-DIMM module sports a much smaller heatsink than the Apple's one.

Apple has released information concerning the reason behind this huge heatsink: silence.
Having a large heatsink featuring a important exchange surface will dramatically improve cooling efficiency while reducing the air flow required to keep RAM modules cool. So, fans can rotate with a lower speed, keeping the machine silent.
So using non Apple FB-DIMM RAM modules might simply translate into higher working temperature and consequently a noisier MacPro. The raizer cards contain temperature sensors.

Already, some US RAM module providers, such as Transintl are proposing RAM modules following Apple's specifications.


Their heatsink looks really similar to Apple's one. However, one will need some tests, feedbacks and in-depth analysis to get a more precise idea of the real specifications required to keep the MacPro silent while maintaining RAM performances.

To conclude, after switching off the Mac Pro, Apple recommends waiting 5 to 10 minutes before touching RAM modules. Apple is even mentioning that overheating of RAM modules can be the source of system instability, and should be check by Apple Certified Center/Support when getting a Mac Pro for service.

[translation by Eric]