Apple Computer has reportedly unveiled two new Mac Pro desktops equipped with the world's first 3.0GHz, 8-core Intel Xeon processors.

The 8-core Mac Pro offers the power of two Quad-Core Intel Xeon 5300 series processors with 3.0GHz, and runs up to 2x faster than the Power Mac G5 Quad.

According to the company spokesperson, the 8-core Mac Pro gives Pro software developers a platform to prepare new versions of their applications for the future, when 8-core technology is expected to be more prevalent on the desktop.

The 8-core Mac Pro configuration includes: two 3.0GHz quad-core Intel Xeon 5300 series processors, 8MB of L2 cache per processor (16MB), 667MHz DDR2 ECC fully buffered DIMM (FB-DIMM) memory, eight FB-DIMM slots on two memory riser cards (four slots per card) supporting up to 16GB of RAM, 256-bit-wide memory architecture, and 1.33GHz, 64-bit dual independent frontside buses.

In addition, the 8-core Mac Pros include 16-lane PCI Express graphics slot with the option to install an Nvidia GeForce 7300 GT with 256MB of GDDR2 SDRAM, one single-link DVI port, and one dual-link DVI port; an ATI Radeon X1900 XT with 512MB of GDDR3 SDRAM and two dual-link DVI ports; or an Nvidia Quadro FX 4500 with 512MB of GDDR3 SDRAM, two dual-link DVI ports, and one stereo 3D port.

Mac Pro accommodates up to four drives and 3TB of storage, and provides up to two SuperDrives. It also gives four PCI Express slots, lots of I/O options for ultimate flexibility, and direct-attach hard drive bays. The new Mac Pros also feature AirPort Extreme wireless ready and optional Bluetooth 2.0 support.

Moreover, the machines support up to eight displays, digital resolutions of up to 1920 by 1200 pixels; dual-link DVI ports with support up to 2560 by 1600 pixels; and analog resolution support up to 2048 by 1536 pixels.

The new Pros are available with build to order option. An 8-core machine from the Apple Store with high-end processor spectrum will cost about $3,997 (Rs 172,382). However, the price conscious can go in for the same Mac Pro with two 2-GHz processors for $2,200 (Rs 94,875).