Quad-Core and Eight-Core Mac Pros (2009 editions)

New Nehalem microprocessor; easier to upgrade internal components; lower price

Most routine apps perform better with fewer, faster processors

It’s harder to recommend that people spend $1400 more for the new $5,899 2.26GHz eight-core Mac Pro if they don’t run software written for the top-of-the-line Mac Pro’s eight processor cores. Though the 2.26GHz model was faster at most individual tasks...

Upon opening the case, you immediately notice major changes in the layout of the components. The memory modules are no longer installed on two sliding trays—instead, the memory and processor all rest on a sled at the bottom of the case, which you...