Intel Provides early 'Montevina'-Like Technology to iMac
Today's iMac updates provided a few surprising upgrades to the existing iMacs. The key changes include:
- Faster Penryn processors (2.4GHz-3.06GHz), up from 2.0-2.8GHz Merom processors.
- 1066MHz Front Side Bus, up from 800MHz.
- NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS 512MB on high end model
- More RAM (2GB) in mid-range models, up from 1GB
Montevina or Not?
First, some background: Intel delivers to its PC manufacturers specific "platforms" which are made up of the processor, chipset and wireless networking interface. These platforms go by specific codenames, such as "Santa Rosa" and "Montevina". While Apple technically does not adopt these platforms in their entirety, for simplicity's sake, we still refer to Macs using these specific named platforms.
Up until now, the MacBook, MacBook Pro and iMac have been based on the "Santa Rosa" platform which offers a 800MHz front-side bus. The front-side bus determines how fast the processor communicates with the rest of the computer. The "Santa Rosa" platform was first launched with the "Merom" processor, but recently gave way to the "Penryn" processors. The most recent MacBook and MacBook Pro updates adopted the new "Penryn" processors, but still on the 800Mhz front-side bus Santa Rosa chipset.
The introduction of the 1066MHz front-side bus iMac alongside faster Penryn processors suggested that Apple may have been able to launch the Montevina (1066MHz) chipset earlier than the expected June timeframe. When directly asked, however, Intel simply describes them as being "special" faster versions of the existing Santa Rosa chipset. The main difference, however, appears to be that these new chips consume more power than the upcoming Montevina chipsets.
For iMac buyers, however, it makes little difference. These new machines effectively provide the key benefits of the Montevina platform: faster processors and a faster front-side bus.
Besides the processing advantages, the addition of the NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS 512MB is claimed to offer 2.2x the graphics performance of the ATI Radeon HD 2600 Pro.
Buy or Not?
The new iMacs should be in Apple's retail stores now. However, Apple is currently providing substantial ($250-$700) discounts on refurbished previous generation iMac stock, which may better fall in your price range if absolute performance is not your top priority. Unlike with the recent MacBook and Macbook Pros revision, however, modest retailer discounts ($50-$250) on new-in-box previous generation iMacs offer no added value over simply buying today's models. For those who can wait a few more days for delivery, MacMall is already offering $50-100 mail in rebates on the new machines, and Amazon typically follows suit with their own rebates.
Our iMac Buyer's Guide recommendation has been changed to "Buy Now" and the days-since-release counter reset. Ongoing iMac discussion can be directed to our iMac forum.
- Faster Penryn processors (2.4GHz-3.06GHz), up from 2.0-2.8GHz Merom processors.
- 1066MHz Front Side Bus, up from 800MHz.
- NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS 512MB on high end model
- More RAM (2GB) in mid-range models, up from 1GB
Montevina or Not?
First, some background: Intel delivers to its PC manufacturers specific "platforms" which are made up of the processor, chipset and wireless networking interface. These platforms go by specific codenames, such as "Santa Rosa" and "Montevina". While Apple technically does not adopt these platforms in their entirety, for simplicity's sake, we still refer to Macs using these specific named platforms.
Up until now, the MacBook, MacBook Pro and iMac have been based on the "Santa Rosa" platform which offers a 800MHz front-side bus. The front-side bus determines how fast the processor communicates with the rest of the computer. The "Santa Rosa" platform was first launched with the "Merom" processor, but recently gave way to the "Penryn" processors. The most recent MacBook and MacBook Pro updates adopted the new "Penryn" processors, but still on the 800Mhz front-side bus Santa Rosa chipset.
The introduction of the 1066MHz front-side bus iMac alongside faster Penryn processors suggested that Apple may have been able to launch the Montevina (1066MHz) chipset earlier than the expected June timeframe. When directly asked, however, Intel simply describes them as being "special" faster versions of the existing Santa Rosa chipset. The main difference, however, appears to be that these new chips consume more power than the upcoming Montevina chipsets.
For iMac buyers, however, it makes little difference. These new machines effectively provide the key benefits of the Montevina platform: faster processors and a faster front-side bus.
Besides the processing advantages, the addition of the NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS 512MB is claimed to offer 2.2x the graphics performance of the ATI Radeon HD 2600 Pro.
Buy or Not?
The new iMacs should be in Apple's retail stores now. However, Apple is currently providing substantial ($250-$700) discounts on refurbished previous generation iMac stock, which may better fall in your price range if absolute performance is not your top priority. Unlike with the recent MacBook and Macbook Pros revision, however, modest retailer discounts ($50-$250) on new-in-box previous generation iMacs offer no added value over simply buying today's models. For those who can wait a few more days for delivery, MacMall is already offering $50-100 mail in rebates on the new machines, and Amazon typically follows suit with their own rebates.
Our iMac Buyer's Guide recommendation has been changed to "Buy Now" and the days-since-release counter reset. Ongoing iMac discussion can be directed to our iMac forum.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)
50 months ago
nice background, helps me, being someone who doesn't know much about processors, out a lot.
50 months ago
I think its a good upgrade. I would buy one if I had the money. :)
It's a bigger upgrade than most expected. Seems like a good time to buy. The next really major processor upgrade won't be into 2009. So it could be a year away.
The buyers guide predicts the next update in about 7 months based on average-cycle length, but I don't know if there are any Intel processor upgrades in that timeframe.
arn
50 months ago
It's a bigger upgrade than most expected. Seems like a good time to buy. The next really major upgrade won't be into 2009. So it could be a year away.
The buyers guide predicts the next update in about 7 months based on average-cycle length, but I don't know if there are any Intel processor upgrades in that timeframe.
arn
With this special revision of SR, Apple could go all the way until Nehalem comes to light.
50 months ago
Well done Apple, finally an Imac that has a worthy video card. This addition will cover a market that was much lacking in the past and prove to be a carrot for pc users that felt the Imac (old hd2600 in bootcamp) just didn't cut it.
50 months ago
I like that MacRumors is telling the updated info on the "Buyer's Guide" on the front page. Good insight behind the recommendations they provide as well as make those unaware of the Buyer's Guide, aware.
50 months ago
There will still be a lot of people crying over the fact it's not Montevina, but it really isn't a big deal.
I'm very interested, especially with the 24" getting the 8000GS. :)
I'm very interested, especially with the 24" getting the 8000GS. :)
50 months ago
There will still be a lot of people crying over the fact it's not Montevina, but it really isn't a big deal.
I'm very interested, especially with the 24" getting the 8000GS. :)
It might be a big deal if the temps go up and make the fans whirr constantly - or even occaisionally - my current 2.8GHz extreme is silent. Noisy computers cheese me right off
50 months ago
There will still be a lot of people crying over the fact it's not Montevina, but it really isn't a big deal.
I'm very interested, especially with the 24" getting the 8000GS. :)
When I look at prices of the high end iMacs.. I can't help but wonder if the better deal isn't just buying a refurb Mac Pro with dual 3.0's. It's practically the same price.
At this point, I'm kinda torn between the 2.8 refurb or if I were to go over $2k to just get a refurb mac pro.
50 months ago
This is why I love Apple...
But why have they announced their products lately on a Monday? The MB, MBP revision was on a Monday, as was todays. Are Tuesdays out?
But why have they announced their products lately on a Monday? The MB, MBP revision was on a Monday, as was todays. Are Tuesdays out?
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