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Sure, it's pretty, and if you want an completely un-upgradeable appliance, it's probably wonderful. The point is, most professionals upgrade the same computer

Sure, it's pretty, and if you want an completely un-upgradeable appliance, it's probably wonderful. The point is, most professionals upgrade the same computer multiple times over it's life, particularly for fast-moving components (the GPU, in this case). Making them basically completely impossible to upgrade significantly reduces the long-term value of the mac pro.

Lio 10y ago
The thing is that they could be upgraded if Apple had released new GPU or SSD cards since the current Mac Pro launched. Alternatively they could have used industry standards in the first place, certainly for the internal SSD connection. It doesn't help that they've also failed to keep either their openGL, openCL or Metal drivers competitive either.
pmarreck 10y ago
Upgrading components has never been a Macintosh thing. Arguably because simply upgrading 1 component just exchanges 1 bottleneck (graphics) for another one just behind it (motherboard or memory clock speed etc.) It's better and far more long-term cost-effective to simply upgrade the entire system at once IMO. I believe you're vastly overestimating the number of professionals who upgrade individual components (other than memory or hard drive which were always upgradable on Macs).
- kalleboo 10y ago
  Why did they make the PowerMac G3/G4 series so easy to open you could do it with one finger if upgrading components "wasn't a Macintosh thing"? To dust the machine out?
acdha 10y ago
Some pros expect to upgrade but many replace systems for simplicity: if you make money off of your computer, spending a few grand every couple of years just isn't that significant. If you have a 4 year old system break after years of heavy (i.e. heat-generating use) the downtime cost can quickly hit the same amount and it's less predictable compared to simply budgeting n-thousand a year as a business expense just like you do with a desk, coffee, etc. The problem is that Apple has chosen not to put any resources into non-portable devices and so the problem isn't an expense but an absolute lack of options other than switching platforms.

Lio 10y ago

The thing is that they could be upgraded if Apple had released new GPU or SSD cards since the current Mac Pro launched. Alternatively they could have used industry standards in the first place, certainly for the internal SSD connection. It doesn't help that they've also failed to keep either their openGL, openCL or Metal drivers competitive either.

pmarreck 10y ago

Upgrading components has never been a Macintosh thing. Arguably because simply upgrading 1 component just exchanges 1 bottleneck (graphics) for another one just behind it (motherboard or memory clock speed etc.) It's better and far more long-term cost-effective to simply upgrade the entire system at once IMO. I believe you're vastly overestimating the number of professionals who upgrade individual components (other than memory or hard drive which were always upgradable on Macs).

kalleboo 10y ago
Why did they make the PowerMac G3/G4 series so easy to open you could do it with one finger if upgrading components "wasn't a Macintosh thing"? To dust the machine out?

acdha 10y ago

Some pros expect to upgrade but many replace systems for simplicity: if you make money off of your computer, spending a few grand every couple of years just isn't that significant. If you have a 4 year old system break after years of heavy (i.e. heat-generating use) the downtime cost can quickly hit the same amount and it's less predictable compared to simply budgeting n-thousand a year as a business expense just like you do with a desk, coffee, etc. The problem is that Apple has chosen not to put any resources into non-portable devices and so the problem isn't an expense but an absolute lack of options other than switching platforms.