David Hanak All those who for some reason are not satisfied with the performance of the iMac Pro have been impatiently waiting for many months to see what Apple will come up with this year. The original Mac Pro, which was intended for everyone who needs extreme performance on the macOS platform, is not worth talking about today, and everyone's eyes are on the new, completely redesigned model that should arrive this year. It will be super powerful, probably super expensive too, but above all modular.
Last year, representatives of the Apple company commented on the upcoming Mac Pro several times in the sense that it will really be a high-end and extremely powerful machine that will have a certain amount of modularity. This information has triggered quite a wave of enthusiasm, as it is the modularity that will allow the device to both survive longer at the top of its product cycle, but also allow potential users to specify their system exactly to their liking.
One of the first concepts of a modular Mac Pro:
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A completely new solution
Modularity can take many forms, and it's highly unlikely that Apple will ever again use a solution similar to the one used in the G5 PowerMacs. This year's solution should be due in 2019 and should therefore combine a certain amount of elegance, a feeling of premiumness and functionality. And last but not least, it should be worthwhile for Apple to produce, because it is necessary to keep such a platform alive as long as possible. The concept presented in the video below could be close to reality.
The new Mac Pro could consist of hardware modules that will be based on the design of the Mac Mini. The core module would contain the heart of the computer, i.e. the motherboard with the processor, operating memory, data storage for the system and basic connectivity. Such a "root" module would be able to function on its own, but it could be further expanded with other modules that would already be more specialized according to the needs of users.
So there could be a purely data module with a constellation of SSD disks for server use, a graphics module with an integrated powerful graphics card for the needs of 3D calculations, rendering, etc. There is space for a module focused on extended connectivity, advanced network elements, a multimedia module with ports and many another one. There are practically no limits to this design, and Apple could come up with any module that would make sense from the point of view of the usability of the target group of customers.
Two problems
However, such a solution would face two problems, the first being connectivity. Apple would have to come up with a new (probably proprietary) interface that would allow connecting individual Mac Pro modules into a single stack. This interface would have to have sufficient data throughput for the needs of transferring a huge amount of data (for example, from a module with an expansion graphics card).
The second problem would be related to the price, as the production of each module would be relatively demanding. Quality made aluminum chassis, installation of quality components together with communication interface, dedicated cooling system for each module separately. With Apple's current pricing policy, it is very easy to imagine at what price Apple could sell such modules.
Are you drawn to this particular idea of modularity, or do you think Apple will come up with something else, a little more traditional?
each module one chassis and one cooling... it will be such a waste that even professional studios won't buy it :)
They will make the Mac Pro even more expensive, non-repairable and non-upgradable. A minimum of people and companies will buy it, then they will cancel it due to lack of interest.
If they would rather sell ordinary ATX boards with their BIOS, and let the customer buy a processor, RAM, disk, graphics card and install macOS with their programs. Let me add the price for the license for macOS and their other programs to the price of the board. And everyone will be able to make their own mac for a normal price.
They say to legalize Hackintosh :) But I would be for all ten…
As a result, customers will be happy if they have at least 2 USB Type-C and can add RAM or SSD/HDD.