AppleInsider StaffHighlighted by Ars Technica, the issue applies to both early 2009 and late 2009 Mac Pro models. When playing audio through iTunes or a number of other applications, users have seen CPU temperatures double, while performance can take a serious hit.
Various user test have found that running Windows 7 via Boot Camp eliminates the issue, leading some to believe the issue is related to power management kernel extensions in Mac OS X.
"Further tests using benchmarks that run the CPU to full utilization show less dramatic temperature increases and, despite the high heat during audio playback, the Mac Pro's fans do not come on," the report said. "Confounding the issue even more is the fact that using audio doesn't seem to show any corresponding increase in processor load, just increases in power draw and heat."
Users have reported attempts to discuss the issue with AppleCare representatives, but have allegedly been told that the temperature range for the processor is considered "normal." Speculation on what could cause the issue from a variety of sources is available in the full article at Ars Technica.
Apple's Mac Pros with Intel Xeon processors based on the Nehalem architecture were introduced in March 2009. in December, Apple added a 3.33GHz quad-core option
Recent reports have suggested Intel's new six-core "Gulftown" processor could be headed to the Mac Pro in a future upgrade. Apple could stick with the workstation-focused Xeon line of chips, though some rumors have suggested Apple could switch to the new Core i7-980X processor, based on the same architecture.
Malcolm Owen
Amber Neely
Andrew Orr
Christine McKee
28 Comments
That is a bummer - expect performance and get less. I have been reading about this for at least a couple months now i.e., not really news .
The first thread I saw about this issue is four months old now Luckily I grabbed a 2008 model last September
July 2009 Macbook Pro 15" nothing to report here.
That is a bummer - expect performance and get less. I have been reading about this for at least a couple months now i.e., not really news .
AppleCare is claiming that it is not an issue, that is is within 'normal'. I would think that they wouldn't make sure a claim out of their butts. and a Pro tower user is just as likely to hit a store instead of making a call, or in addition to the call so one would think if there was an issue it would be in the files. course that's also why there are fans. if things were getting that warm and the fans were a no go, I"d be worried.
course I"m the one with the system that gets several degrees hotter every time I am running anything flash for more than ten minutes, but Adobe assures me that there are no bugs with their software
It wouldn't have surprised me if the numbers and OSs were reversed, where Windows was having the CPU usage shoot up when using audio. But the fact that Win 7 on the same machine doesn't produce the same results is embarrassing for Apple.
It wouldn't be nearly as embarrassing if Apple didn't make the computer, but they do and tie their OS solely to the hardware. They should have figured out their drivers before this since they know their hardware so well. Add on top of this, its a Mac Pro, their top model computer used in many audio recording houses.