PowerMacG5 Mid-2004

Released as a replacement for the single-processor Power Macintosh G5/1.8 (PCI-X), the Apple Power Macintosh G5/1.8 DP (PCI-X) was nearly identical, with the key distinction being its dual-processor configuration and a modest US$100 price increase.\n\nThis model boasted dual 1.8 GHz PowerPC 970 (G5) processors, each equipped with its own optimized AltiVec \"Velocity Engine\" vector processing unit and a 512k level 2 on-chip cache. The standard configuration featured 512 MB of 400 MHz PC3200 DDR SDRAM, a 160.0 GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 RPM, a 4X \"SuperDrive\" (DVD-R/CD-RW), and an NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 Ultra (AGP 8X Pro) video card with 64 MB of DDR SDRAM. Its connectivity array included USB 2.0, FireWire \"400\" and \"800\", ADC and DVI ports, optical digital audio in/out, and compatibility with AirPort Extreme (802.11g) and Bluetooth 1.1. In line with the model it succeeded, this dual-processor machine also supported PCI-X slots.\n\nThe exterior design, at first glance, might be mistaken for a blend of the \"Blue & White\" Power Macintosh G3 series and a modern art piece, but it was an entirely distinct and new design. The chassis, made of \"anodized aluminum alloy\", incorporated four separate thermal zones with nine computer-controlled fans to ensure optimal cooling. It also featured a removable side panel, allowing for straightforward access to its internal components. Various custom configurations were also available.

The dual-processor 1.8 GHz Power Mac G5 was lauded for making dual-processor computing more accessible. When it was introduced, it demonstrated a significant performance advantage in professional applications over its single-processor G5 counterparts and contemporary Windows PCs. For users in fields like film and graphic design, the ability to power through intensive tasks in applications like Final Cut Pro was a transformative experience compared to older G4 systems. The machine maintained the iconic and highly praised aluminum tower design known for its excellent, albeit sometimes noisy, thermal management. While not the absolute fastest G5 available, it was regarded as a formidable workstation that provided substantial power for creative professionals. For many, it hit a sweet spot, delivering the tangible benefits of dual-processor architecture and future-proofing via PCI-X slots, making it a capable and reliable workhorse for demanding creative and technical workflows.