Mac Pro Gets Nehalem Processor

Apple introduced new Mac Pro models on Tuesday that sport Intel's "Nehalem" Xeon processors and a new system architecture. The Mac Pro is available in quad-core and 8-core configurations with processors running at up to 2.93GHz.

Apple's new Mac Pro

The quad-core Mac Pro includes a single 2.66Ghz Quad-Core Intel Xeon 3500 processor with 8MB of L3 cache, 3GB RAM expandable up to 8GB, Nvidia GeForce GT 120 graphics with 512MB memory, a 640GB 7200RPM SATA 3Gb/s hard drive, four PCI Express 2.0 slots, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, an 18x SuperDrive, five USB 2.0 ports, four FireWire 800 ports, Mini DisplayPort and DVI (dual-link) video ports, keyboard and Mighty Mouse for US$2,499.

The 8-core Mac Pro includes two 2.66Ghz Quad-Core Intel Xeon 5500 processor with 8MB of L3 cache, 6GB RAM expandable up to 32GB, Nvidia GeForce GT 120 graphics with 512MB memory, a 640GB 7200RPM SATA 3Gb/s hard drive, four PCI Express 2.0 slots, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, an 18x SuperDrive, five USB 2.0 ports, four FireWire 800 ports, Mini DisplayPort and DVI (dual-link) video ports, keyboard and Mighty Mouse for US$3,299.

New Mac Pro on the inside.

Apple is also offering a 2.93GHz processor built to order options.

The new Mac Pro models are scheduled to be available in Apple's retail and online stores in about a week.