iMac Pro May Feature Intel's Server-Grade 'Purley' Processors, ARM Coprocessor

Thursday June 22, 2017 2:15 pm PDT by Joe Rossignol

Apple earlier this month unveiled the iMac Pro, a workstation-class desktop computer with up to an 18-core Intel Xeon processor, top-of-the-line Radeon Pro Vega graphics, up to 4TB of SSD storage, and up to 128GB of ECC RAM.

Apple didn't specify exactly which processors will be included in the iMac Pro, but if the blog Pike's Universum is to be believed, it could be powered by Intel's next-generation server-grade Skylake-EX and Skylake-EP processors, which are based on a platform codenamed "Purley."

The blog, which appears to be sourcing its information from firmware files in the macOS High Sierra developer beta, said the iMac Pro will use Intel's new server-class LGA3647 socket, not its high-end, desktop-class LGA2066 socket.

If the information is accurate, it suggests the iMac Pro could have truly server-grade Xeon processors, rather than using Intel's recently announced Core-X series of Skylake and Kaby Lake chips that still use the LGA2066 socket.

The blog added that the new iMac Pro appears to be coming with a Secure Enclave, suggesting it will have an ARM coprocessor like the MacBook Pro with Touch Bar for added security. It would also open the door to Touch ID on the iMac Pro, but Apple made no mention of the feature when introducing the computer.

Signs point to iMac Pro being the first desktop Mac with a Touch Bar-style ARM coprocessor https://t.co/i8oxM8ln8m — Steve T-S (@stroughtonsmith) June 22, 2017

Pike's Universum revealed some of the iMac Pro's tech specs in April, two months prior to it being announced, including that it would have Xeon processors, ECC RAM, faster SSD storage, AMD graphics options, and Thunderbolt 3 ports, but some of the specific details proved to be inaccurate.

Apple said the iMac Pro will be available to order in December, starting at $4,999 in the United States.

Related Roundup: iMac Pro

Tag: Intel

Buyer's Guide: iMac Pro (Don't Buy)

Top Rated Comments

keysofanxiety

48 months ago

It's sad when you already can foresee a product being recalled or having significant defects on their first shipment.

I'm sure the designers and QA engineers will completely rethink their processes based on your gut feeling. :D

Score: 53 Votes (Like | Disagree)

keysofanxiety

48 months ago

I'm not sure I see the point of devices like this anymore. The iPad Pro can literally do it all at a fraction of the cost.

You can't be serious. Don't take the bait... don't take the bait...

Score: 53 Votes (Like | Disagree)

keysofanxiety

48 months ago

I am serious.

I have the current Mac Pro and I never use it anymore. It's gathering dust while my iPad Pro devices help me get all my important work done.

The future Steve Jobs spoke of has finally arrived.

Then you misinterpreted his comment. Steve Jobs likened it to trucks and cars. Very few people use a truck but there will always be a need for them. This is the figurative truck.

It's incredibly short sighted to think that because you can't justify the usage, that means nobody else can.

There are people whose workflow requires this hardware power and a full-blooded mouse & keyboard OS with practically limitless desktop applications.

Score: 37 Votes (Like | Disagree)

v0lume4

48 months ago

It's sad when you already can foresee a product being recalled or having significant defects on their first shipment.

Xeon. AMD GPU. iMac form factor.

Heat dissipation issues? No, never! :P

Score: 35 Votes (Like | Disagree)

citysnaps

48 months ago

It's sad when you already can foresee a product being recalled or having significant defects on their first shipment.

Please contact Apple's system and hardware design engineers and let them know about these issues you foresee, that they're not aware of, and set them straight! Apple Senior VP Dan Riccio should also be in the loop on this as well.

Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Jsameds

48 months ago

"Intel is coming"

- Jon S̶n̶o̶w̶ Ive

Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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