Known as a brilliant innovator, Apple is technically the largest producer of computers in the United States and also in many other parts of the world. Right from the start, Apple has been up right there on the top when it comes to production, sales, customer satisfaction, design, features, performance, and design. It has been producing world beating products and is also an inspiration to several other manufacturing companies. Out of all of its worldwide hits, the Apple Mac stands out as the best, since it has provided a platform for innovation in the field of computer hardware. Since the advent of the Mac, every other desktop computer has been compared to it in each and every aspect. And that is how imposing, in the minds of everyone, the Mac is. The Apple Pro is a recent development of the original Mac version and has got the better off its very successful predecessor. Though it was such a daunting task, Apple has managed to bring out a model that bettered the Mac. And now today, we have an even better version of the Mac pro, which comes with a 12 core multiprocessor, the very first of its kind in the history of personal computers. Let us dive into the details of the Mac Pro 12 core, the very luring desktop computer from Apple.

Design:
Apple is known for its wondrous designs, which it somehow manages to do to all its electronic goods. These designs from Apple always stand out as the best. The Mac Pro 12 core comes with a very impressive tower, which has got a shape that only Apple can manage to design. Weighing about 41.2 pounds (18.7 kg), the tower measures about 20.1 x 8.1 x 18.7 inches (H x W x D). Apart from being an imposing figure on your desk, this Mac Pro tower also suits almost any kind of environment since it does not come in basic colours, but silver. Silver suits almost all backgrounds and it also adds a very rich look to your desk. Hence, the Mac Pro is always something you are proud of having. The rest if the design is as usual, a trademark of Apple desktop PCs. You have two FireWire 800 ports and two USB ports on the front panel and the rest of the ports and connectivity options feature on the rear side of the tower. Anyways, this Mac Pro has got everything in it that will make you stand and wonder in awe.
Features:
Apple is known as the king of features and no wonder there are quite a lot of features on the Mac Pro. This one aspect called Features is the only difference between Apple and the other top producers of computer around the world. Apple not only provides scores of features, but makes them innovative and also at the same time, user friendly too. More and more features are listed each and every time a new computer from Apple is release and that is the reason why its products still have such a great following, given the high price tag of its products in comparison with similar products elsewhere. Speaking of innovative features, let us see what’s in store for us when it comes to features of the Mac Pro and also see whether or not they live up to our expectations.
Processor:
Speed is the order of the day and people are looking for speed everywhere. Response time is slowly becoming a prime factor in deciding the performance of a computer. Quit worrying about speed when it comes to the Mac Pro, as it is going to sport a 12 core processor, which is referred to as one of the best as well as the fastest processor in the world today. And to add to that, the all new Hyper threading technology can enhance the virtual cores to as many as 16, and hence there is no way stopping your Mac Pro from going at great knots. Some of the interesting features regarding this processor are: It comes with as many as two 2.4GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon E5620 ‘Westmere’ processors, which are specially made to boost up the performance levels of your computer, a fully shared L3 cache of 12 Mega bytes per each processor, special boosting by Turbo Boost which increases the dynamic performance up to 2.66GHz, and last but not the least, the Hyper-Threading technology, which was mentioned earlier. Then there is the advanced Intel micro architecture which features an integrated memory controller which maintains and controls your system’s memory, a 128 bit SSE4 SIMD engine, 64 bit data paths and registers which are optimized for energy efficiency, which can save you power while still being efficient. All these features combined give you a solid processing performance and your system will very seldom experience problems so you can stay happier than ever.
Operating System:
The Mac Pro comes with a new and revamped Mac OS X which comes with some of the advanced features that are specially designed to meet the requirements of the new architecture of the Mac Pro. The Mac OS X is built on a rock solid platform of UNIX and it also delivers a full 64 bit performance that lets you utilize your computer to the core, and to the best of its abilities. It also features a few tools which are industry developed and aimed at providing great serviceability to the users. Let us elaborate a bit on the two most important features of the operating system. The UNIX based platform means that you have a pretty solid infrastructure, which makes your operating system very stable, unlike some other operating systems which keep crashing quite often. And your software programs work like magic and never bother you with virus or crashes. And then regarding the 64 bit thing, it is a powerful engine that drives your system with speed and accuracy. The full potential of your system can be revealed when you use a 64 bit operating system. And since the Mac 64 bit compliant supports the 32 bit programs too, you do not need to purchase new drivers in case you need to confront the 32 bit programs. All these are hence aimed at benefiting the users so that you will not have to face issues.
Storage and RAID:
The Apple Mac Pro 12 Core Desktop PC features as many as four 3.5-inch drive bays which contribute towards a humongous amount of internal storage, which can go up to 8TB. You can add four 2 TB drives for this, which is a simple process and you need no technician for this. Apple has made its computer so user friendly that there is no more confusing circuit. There are only slots which you need to fill with the drives of your choice. Either you can choose four 2 TB drives, or you can go with four 512 GB drives. Now that gives you enormous space for your files, and you can be extravagant when it comes to storing of files. Now, the Mac Pro’s drives also come with a special mechanism, called the solid state mechanism. These drives are known as solid state drives or SSDs. They have twice the spindle speeds of normal Hard disk drives, and they are also more secure, and hence your data is not that easily lost. These SSDs are known for their fast encoding, faster reading and writing speeds, and more efficient. You are also provided with a super fast 18x Super drive, which can read and write disks at alarming paces. You also have the option to install a second optional Super Drive. This helps you when you need to back up your data, on two different drives simultaneously, at a great speed. You can burn images to files quickly, copy paste files on to your desktop, and do a lot of other crazy stuff within the blink of an eye.
Graphics:
For those of you who had very bitter experiences while playing high end games with real time graphics on normal computers, the Mac Pro is a big boon from Apple. Sporting a 1GB ATI Radeon HD 5770/5870 Graphics card which boosts up your graphics and your games and videos run at rocket speed. On an average, this card is 5 times as faster when compared to other graphics cards from notable makers, and this really is great news for all those Gaming freaks and movie lovers. From now on, your movies and games will run more than just smoothly and there will not be cases where you see frame lags or VSync problems. While Double-wide, 16-lane PCI Express 2.0 graphics slot is already filled with one graphic card, there is also an option for you to install two ATI Radeon HD 5770 cards. There is also support for as many as six displays, and for image resolutions up to 2560 by 1600 pixels. All these numbers mean that you have finally got a permanent solution to your graphics woes and hence you can sit back and relax while your Mac Pro unveils its full potency.

Memory:
Memory is also one of the most important features of a computer and it will also be a deciding factor when it comes to choosing between different computers. Coming to the Mac Pro, you have got two types of memory to choose from, and you can choose between a dual processor system or a single processor system. The dual processor system has a 2.4 GHz system which has a 1066 MHz DDR3 ECC SD RAM. There are eight memory slots, four per each processor, supporting up to 64GB of RAM, using 1GB or 2GB or 4 GB or 8 GB RAM slots. When it comes to single processor systems, there is a choice between 2.8 GHz and 3.2 GHz processing systems with 1066 MHz DDR3 ECC SD RAM. There are four memory slots similar to that of a dual processor system, which can add up to a memory space of 32 GB. Hence, depending upon how much of memory you will need from your computer, you can choose between the different combinations. Of course, even if you a select a single processing system when purchasing, you can add to those memory slots in the future.
Communications:
Apple has always been ahead of all its competitors regarding communication features on its computers. To start with, there are two independent RJ-45 Base-T Ethernet interfaces (10/100/1000), which help you connect to the internet or you can also transfer files between two different computers simultaneously. Though you can get connected to the internet using the Ethernet cable, there is always a wireless option with Mac computers. The Mac Pro comes with a Built in Airport Extreme 802.11 n Wi-Fi wireless networking. This feature is compatible with IEEE 802.11 a / b / g. Hence you can surf the web without the involvement of wires at all. This new format of Wi-Fi, the 802.11 n is a revamped mechanism that allows you to connect to weak signals easily and also the connection is secure. Your connections are also safe for longer intervals of time and you do not experience frequent network problems. Last but not least, the Mac Pro features a newer version of Bluetooth, called Bluetooth 2.1, which enables secure Bluetooth connections between your Mac and the other computers. This means that the searching of devices is faster than normal and the files are sent at a more rapid pace. A new technology, known as the Enhanced Date Rate technology, is also used here, and this is responsible for the high speed data transfer. Hence the Mac Pro is always on its toes when it comes to communications.
Ports and Connectivity:
As we have already seen under Design, the Mac Pro certainly has a great deal of ports and connectivity options. While on the front panel of the tower, there are two USB 2.0 ports and 2 FireWire 800 ports, there are two FireWire ports and there USB 2.0 ports again on the rear panel. And an interesting feature here is that the keyboard comes with two USB slots, which is a bit of a surprise. The other connectivity options seen on the Mac Pro are: Analog stereo line-level input and output mini jacks, Front-panel headphone mini jack and internal speaker, a Multichannel audio through a Mini Display Port and Optical digital audio input and output TOSLINK ports. These ports help you in connecting your computer to other electronic devices, sync with them and share data at a very fast pace. Clearly, there are more ports on the Apple Mac Pro 12 than there are on any other desktop computer today. Apple scores over its counterparts in this aspect.
In The Box:
Have you started wondering what all you get in the complete package given by Apple? Well, here is what all you receive in the package: Mac Pro, a power cord, a keyboard that includes a numeric keypad, the magic mouse which is a trademark design of Apple, USB keyboard extension cable that lets you connect the keyboard to the Mac Pro, Printed and electronic documentation authorized by Apple, and last but not least, install and restore disks which will be useful when you need to restore your back up files or when you need to re install the Mac OS X again.
Software:
Lots of software is provided along with the Mac Pro so that you do not need to buy software packages separately from the stores. The list of software items provided are: iTunes, Time Machine, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, QuickTime, iCal, Safari, Address Book, Front Row, and Xcode Developer Tools. Along with these primary software packs, Apple also provides you with the all new iLife Package, which consists of iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, and GarageBand. All these are related to fun and entertainment. You can also download some extra software or features if at all you think these are not enough.
Environment Status Report:
The computers from Apple conform to the Environmental protection laws and so does the Mac Pro. Mac pro has of late received an Environment status certificate which states that the desktop computer is BVR free, PVC free, and is also reported to have a highly recyclable aluminium enclosure, which obviously does a world of good to the surroundings, instead of polluting them in return. The Mac Pro also meets stiff conditions like Energy Start 5.0, and is rated EPEAT Gold. Hence, there is no worry regarding harmful emissions or pollutions which may affect children and the surroundings.
Now that’s a great list of features indeed. You might have encountered similarly priced computers in the market, but you will never find a computer that has features so robust and imposing. The features list itself is the main reason behind the success of the Mac Pro 12, and at this point, none can ask for more from a desktop computer. But, the million dollar question is, can the Mac Pro sustain the pressure of expectations and perform better than any of its predecessors? Can its performance complement the staggering features that attained a lot of fame? Well, let us see.
Performance:
After having considered the fact that the Mac Pro has a solid processing mechanism and also has robust memory, it can be considered that you are going to see a wondrous computer on your desk. It is going to be fast, accurate, full of power, and almost no problems. Its performance levels are calculated in the test centres and the results were so good. We would rank this is as one of the best desktop computers in the world today and is also one of the greatest product of all time from Apple. The processor is super fast, the operating system is great in its own manner, and you have got massive memory options, the graphics are stunning as well as unforeseen, and there are lots of software packages provided. And the aftermath of all these provisions by Apple is that there is almost a super computer in front of you, and you need to only know how to use it to its full potency. We are completely satisfied with the overall performance of the system and would recommend the Mac Pro ahead of any other contemporary desktop computers under the sun.
Power Consumption:
Apple has always followed the EPA power requirements and so did the Apple Mac Pro 12. It is designed to optimize its performance by using minimum energy. The EPA has given it a Energy Star rating, meaning that the computer is energy efficient and does not either waste the energy or pollute the environment. Its power consumption, hence, is lower than what most other desktop computers can guarantee. At the end of the day, your bills will not be as high as they were in the past.
Warranty:
Apple has warranted the Mac Pro for a period of one year, starting from the date of purchase.
Verdict:
The Mac Pro is hence an incredibly powerful system that has all the latest technology and features in it. It comes with a very huge price tag, but still everything in it is worth the huge amount. You have already made a great choice if you have gone for the Mac Pro. But if you do not want to be so extravagant on your desktop computer, you can check this website for other products from both Apple as well as other potential manufacturers. Our opinion is, since there is no provision of a monitor along with the whole system, you would obviously want to buy a new piece separately. And given the already high pricing of the Mac Pro, it would be a tad too extravagant to spend so much on a desktop computer if your goal is only to buy a domestic computer. The high end technical details of the computer also indirectly inform you that this is an industrial computer and can be used in offices and work places. But should you need a domestic and a reasonably priced desktop computer, there are scores of options for you.
Apple Mac Pro 12-core Desktop PC – Technical Specification Table
| Manufacturer |
Apple |
| Model Name |
Mac Pro 12 |
| Type |
Desktop |
| Series |
Mac Pro 12 core series |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) |
20.1 x 8.1 x 18.1 inches |
| Colours available |
Silver |
| Hard drive Capacity |
Up to 8TB |
| RAM capacity |
6GB |
| Memory type |
DDR3 |
| Bluetooth |
Yes, version 2.1 |
| Security |
No |
| Graphics hardware |
ATI Radeon HD 5770 |
| Graphics Memory |
Dynamic |
| Processor |
Two 2.4GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon E5620 “Westmere” processors |
| Clock speed |
2.44 – 3.32 GHz max. |
| Memory Type |
SSD |
| Integrated Memory Controller |
Yes |
| Audio chipset |
Stereo Audio |
| Built-in speakers |
Yes |
| Operating system |
Mac OS X |
| Web Camera |
No |
| Audio Jack |
Rear panel |
| Networking |
Ethernet
Wireless networking |
| Power Consumption |
Energy Star |
| Warranty |
1 year |