PowerMacG5 Late 2005

The Power Macintosh G5 Dual Core (2.3) was part of the first and final series of Power Macintosh G5 models to incorporate dual-core PowerPC 970MP (G5) processors, which feature two independent processing \"cores\" on a single chip. This lineup also included the 2.0 GHz and \"Quad Core\" 2.5 GHz models.\n\nThe Power Macintosh G5 Dual Core (2.3) is equipped with a single \"dual core\" 2.3 GHz PowerPC 970MP (G5) processor. This CPU includes dual optimized AltiVec \"Velocity Engine\" vector processing units (one per core), four double-precision FPUs (two per core), and a 1 MB on-chip level 2 cache for each core, all communicating through a 1.15 GHz frontside system bus. It was delivered with 512 MB or 1 GB of 533 MHz PC2-4200 DDR2 SDRAM, a 250 GB Serial ATA hard drive (7200 RPM), a reported \"16X\" dual-layer \"SuperDrive,\" and a powerful NVIDIA GeForce 6600 video card with 256 MB of GDDR SDRAM.\n\nConnectivity was robust, featuring USB 2.0, FireWire \"400\" and \"800,\" a single-link DVI and a dual-link DVI port, optical digital audio in/out, two independent Gigabit Ethernet ports, and built-in support for AirPort Extreme (802.11g) and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR.\n\nAll models in the \"multiple core\" Power Macintosh G5 family were upgraded with three open PCI-Express (PCIe) expansion slots. The Dual Core (2.3) continued to use the acclaimed, easily accessible \"anodized aluminum alloy\" case with its removable side panel. It also retained the sophisticated thermal design, featuring four distinct zones and nine computer-controlled fans for optimal cooling.

The Power Mac G5 Dual Core 2.3 GHz model was widely regarded as the best-balanced option in the final PowerPC lineup. It offered a significant performance increase over the 2.0 GHz entry model and provided much of the power of the top-end Quad-Core machine, but without the complexity and potential reliability issues of liquid cooling. Users and reviewers consistently praised this model for its quiet operation, a stark contrast to the noisy fans of some earlier G5s and the concerns over leaking radiators. The combination of a fast dual-core processor, a capable NVIDIA GeForce 6600 graphics card, and the modern architecture featuring PCI Express and DDR2 memory made it a potent and versatile workstation. It was often recommended as the most sensible choice for those seeking maximum air-cooled performance and reliability, hitting the sweet spot for power users before Apple's transition to Intel processors.