Mac Pro Gains New AMD Radeon PRO W6600X GPU Upgrade Option
Following the launch of the new Mac Studio with M1 Ultra chip, AMD today announced that it has introduced the AMD Radeon PRO W6600X GPU for the existing Intel-based Mac Pro lineup.
The AMD Radeon PRO W6600X GPU is built on AMD's RDNA 2 architecture, which AMD says offers "stunning visuals and exceptional performance" for the Mac Pro.
The GPU supports up to 8GB of GDDR6 memory with up to 256 GB/s bandwidth, 32MB of last-level data cache integrated on the GPU die to reduce latency and power consumption, and enhanced video compositing and editing for professional workflows.
The W6600X is a $300 upgrade for the base Mac Pro, and it joins other higher-end graphics options like the W6800X and the W6900X.
Apple confirmed today that it is working on an Apple silicon-based version of the Mac Pro that will see the company transitioning away from Intel chips and AMD graphics, but there is no word on when such a machine might launch.
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Top Rated Comments
- To run software or plugins not yet ARM native.
- Need for lots of GPU power (multiple GPU rendering)
- Need for lots of high speed storage (NVMe RAID)
- Lots of RAM (256GB to 1.5TB)
- Various other PCIe Expansion
The ARM chips offer tremendous CPU speed per watt. But they still have serious drawbacks. In terms of expandability and software support. But this affects a niche market. Although it's also a market which is willing to pay very high premiums for hardware.
I am still using the MacPro 5,1 primarily because of how easy it is to expand storage solutions through internal PCI-e slots based HBAs. Agreed memory/processor bus speeds are frozen for many years, however, once invested in a lot of internal and external solutions, these small/mid studio will not reinvest for probably another 5-8 years depending on their profit margins and investments.