Apple Boosts Power Mac G5s to 2.7GHz

The new Power Mac G5 line with dual 2.7GHz, 2.3GHz or 2.0GHz CPUs delivers higher performance graphics options with more memory and built-in support for Apple’s breakthrough 30-inch Cinema HD Display on the 2.7 GHz model. The new line also includes larger hard drives, a faster 16X SuperDrive with double-layer support and 512MB of memory across the line. The new dual G5 Power Macs cost from $1999 to $2999. Apple retained the single 1.8GHz model at $1499.

A new ATI graphics card, the Radeon 9650 with 256MB VRAM, supports a single 30" Cinema Display. It comes with the dual 2.7GHz model and is a $50 option on the other dual models. The Nvidia 6800 Ultra DDL which can drive two 30" Cinemas is a BTO option across the line for $500 or $450 depending on model.

The new Power Mac G5 line contains a marginal increase in CPU performance but substantially more value in drives and graphics, especially if one wants to use the 30" Cinema Disaplay. [Bill Fox]