64-Bit Macs May Outpace Panther

64-Bit Macs May Outpace Panther
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Sources report that Apple's first Macs based on the 64-bit PowerPC 970 processor will ship with a version of Mac OS X 10.2, a k a "Jaguar."Apple Computer Inc. is nearing the release of desktop systems featuring IBMs 64-bit PowerPC 970 chip, sources report—but a 64-bit version of Mac OS X may lag behind by a month or two.

Sources said that the IBM chip will make its first appearance in a new Power Mac known internally as Q37. However, sources said, Q37 wont ship with a 64-bit version of Mac OS X, limiting OS performance gains in the initial release. Instead, Q37 will launch with a special build train of the current Mac OS X Version 10.2, a k a Jaguar.

Resource Library:

This build, code-named Smeagol, will run on the new chip but wont take advantage of many of its key features, including 64-bit support. Sources said Apples goal for Smeagol is to deliver Mac OS X performance at least "on par" with what Jaguar could achieve on Motorola G4 chips running at the same speed; the move will allow Apple to ship the new hardware before Mac OS X 10.3, a k a Panther, can take advantage of all the new processors capabilities.

Even before Panther ships, early adopters of the new Mac system should also apparently be able to take advantage of the new processors fast new front-side bus and cache.

Part of the issue with OS compatibility lies with Mac OS Xs compiler, GCC 3, which lacks scheduling support for the PowerPC 970. Apple and IBM are reportedly working to add 970-specific support to the latest version, GCC 3.3. The development effort is proceeding well, sources report, but the compiler isnt yet ready for full use.

While Smeagol will be built using GCC 3.1, Apple plans to compile Mac OS X 10.3 with GCC 3.3. Apple has said it will show off Panther later in June at the Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco, an event which sources said will also mark Apples first discussions of the PowerPC 970; its unclear whether a developer preview will include support for the new chip. Apple does, however, plan to release a 64-bit version of the OS when it ships in September, according to sources.

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