I have been looking at the up-coming release of the Intel Nehalem architecture which is rumored to start next month: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nehalem_(microarchitecture)

While I think we can expect Apple to adopt the dual-socket Nehalem variant, Gainestown, and its chipset with reasonable speed, the same can not be said with respect to the single socket Nehalem variant, Bloomfield and the "high performance" x58 chipset which is expected to be released first: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_X58

Instead, I think we should expect Apple to not use the x58 at all, and to wait until late next year when Nehalem goes mainstream and the "mainstream" PCH chipset comes out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platform_Controller_Hub

Since Nehalem architecture eliminates the Northbridge by moving the memory controller on to the CPU die (like AMD), I am wondering what we should expect with running OSx86 on the x58 chipset for the year or so before Apple switches to mainstream Nehalem on PCH (and thereby supporting Bloomfield on x58).

Specifically:

(1) Should we expect standard OSx86 distros. to run on the x58 chipset at all?

(2) If so will it have similiar problems as running OSx86 on AMD systems?

(3) Is it reasonable for the OSx86 development community to consider fully supporting the x58 chipset by writing the low-level code necessary?

We really don't know yet, since it's not out, and Apple really haven't done anything towards Nehalem as far as we know. You'll just have to wait and see I guess.

I'd say, the Mac Pro would get a refresh as soon as Gainestown comes out, just like how they were updated as soon as Harpertown came out.

Meanwhile, all the other Macs use mobile processors so they won't be seeing Nehalem until next year. Although I think that the iMacs may be getting quad core the next time they are updated.

However, I think that it is possible that X58 can work with OSx86. There are many chipsets that Apple never used, that work well with Mac OS X nonetheless (like the older pentium 4 ones, etc).

You never know.

That's sounds about right..



This is the real issue for us.



I posted these questions in another thread and Netkas, who should have a good understanding of these types of issues, said he thought that OSx86 should run on the x58 chipset, but we will see.

With Nehalem working with Mac Os X i seen a Video of a Nehalem System Running Mac Os X. i think the build from what i saw in the Video it was 10.4.10 or 11 .what ever intel does apple will Follow and the x58 chipset will have native support For SLI with 4/6/8 core CPU ,64bit OS and GPU+Physics cards. My next upgrade will be a big one.

I wonder if you could find a link?

nice one

And what is so funny about it?

oh i thought you were jokin you belived him sry bout that, if he really seen it on x58 he would go crazy.