The Mac Pro (Tower, Early 2009), model MB871LL/A, marked Apple’s continued focus on delivering high-performance desktops tailored for professionals. Released on March 3, 2009, this version of the Mac Pro featured a 2.66 GHz 4-Core Xeon W3520 processor, making it a solid choice for users needing powerful computing performance for tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and other creative or scientific applications.
Processor: Intel Xeon W3520
At the heart of the Mac Pro MB871LL/A is the 2.66 GHz 4-Core Intel Xeon W3520 processor, part of Intel’s Nehalem microarchitecture. This 4-core, 8-thread processor delivers robust multitasking performance, making it ideal for handling demanding applications such as:
- Video and photo editing in programs like Final Cut Pro and Adobe Photoshop.
- 3D modeling and animation in software such as Autodesk Maya or Blender.
- Scientific simulations and data-intensive tasks that require efficient multi-threading.
The W3520 is known for its Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost capabilities, which dynamically adjust the processor’s performance depending on the workload. This flexibility is especially useful for professionals who need consistent and reliable power in their computing tasks.
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GT 120
The Mac Pro (Early 2009) comes with an NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 graphics card, featuring 512MB of VRAM. While it’s suitable for basic graphics tasks like photo editing, light 3D rendering, and general productivity, the GT 120 might show its age with modern, GPU-intensive workflows. However, the Mac Pro’s PCI Express slots allow users to upgrade to newer, more powerful graphics cards, extending the machine’s lifespan and performance capabilities.
Storage and Memory: Configured for Expandability
The Mac Pro MB871LL/A comes equipped with a 640GB 3.5″ hard drive, which was a decent amount of storage at the time of its release. However, with four internal drive bays, users can expand their storage capacity significantly, adding more drives or upgrading to modern SSD storage for improved speed and reliability. This expandability is one of the key selling points of the Mac Pro, as users can easily configure the machine to meet growing storage demands.
In terms of memory, this model ships with 3GB of PC3-8500 1066MHz DDR3 ECC RAM, which can be expanded up to 32GB. The inclusion of ECC (Error-Correcting Code) memory ensures data integrity and reduces the likelihood of memory errors—an important feature for professionals working on critical projects.
Classic Mac Pro Design: Aluminum and Efficiency
The Mac Pro (Early 2009) retains the iconic aluminum tower design, characterized by its robust construction and easy internal access. The tower measures 20.1 x 8.1 x 18.7 inches and weighs approximately 39.9 lbs, making it substantial but still manageable for office setups.
Apple’s attention to detail in the tower’s design includes tool-less access to the internal components, allowing users to easily upgrade or replace hard drives, RAM, and other components without needing any special tools. The efficient cooling system ensures that the workstation remains quiet and cool even under heavy workloads—a crucial feature for professionals who need to maintain focus during long hours of intensive work.
Connectivity and Ports: Equipped for Versatility
The Mac Pro (Early 2009) comes with a variety of ports, providing flexibility for a range of peripherals and accessories. It includes:
- Multiple USB ports for external devices like printers, hard drives, and more.
- FireWire 800 ports for high-speed data transfer, particularly useful for older external storage solutions.
- Optional AirPort Extreme 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, which could be added for wireless connectivity.
- Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR for wireless peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and speakers.
Though lacking modern standards like Thunderbolt or USB-C, the Mac Pro’s PCIe slots allow users to add expansion cards that can bring these new connectivity options to the machine.
Ideal for Creative and Professional Workflows
The Mac Pro MB871LL/A is tailored to meet the needs of professionals working in creative and technical fields. Here’s why it stands out:
- Video editors and content creators can benefit from the quad-core Xeon processor and upgradeable GPU options to handle HD video and light 4K projects.
- Photographers and graphic designers can easily run editing suites like Adobe Creative Cloud, utilizing the Mac Pro’s strong CPU and expandability to process large image files with ease.
- Scientists and researchers will appreciate the ECC RAM and Xeon processor for running simulations and analyzing complex datasets without sacrificing speed or reliability.
MSRP and Value
When it launched, the Mac Pro MB871LL/A had a starting price of $2,499, positioning it as a high-end workstation for professionals. While this price tag may seem steep, the expandability, power, and flexibility that this machine offers provide excellent value for creative and technical professionals. Today, it remains a solid option on the second-hand market for users looking to balance performance and cost, especially with upgrades to modern storage, memory, and graphics cards.
Conclusion: A Workstation That Stands the Test of Time
The Mac Pro (Tower, Early 2009), with its quad-core Xeon W3520 processor, upgradable storage, and iconic aluminum design, remains a testament to Apple’s dedication to performance and longevity. Even though newer models and technologies have emerged, the MB871LL/A still holds its own in many professional environments, particularly for users willing to invest in upgrades.
With its unmatched expandability, robust Xeon processing power, and ability to adapt to modern workflows through upgrades, the Mac Pro (Early 2009) continues to be a reliable workhorse for those in need of high-performance computing.
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Mac Pro MB871LL/A Specs
- Order Number
- MB871LL/A
- Identifier
- MacPro4,1
- Model Number
- A1289
- EMC
- 2314
- Processor Speed
- 2.66GHz
- Processors (Cores)
- 1 (4 Cores)
- Processor Type
- 4-Core Xeon W3520
- Hard Drive
- 640GB
- Hard Drive Type
- 3.5″
- RAM
- 3GB
- RAM Type
- PC3-8500-1066MHZ-DDR3-ECC-SDRAM
- Video Card 1
- GeForce GT 120
- VRAM
- 512MB
- Color
- Aluminum
- Input
- USB
- Optical Drive
- 18x DL SuperDrive
- AirPort
- 802.11a/b/g/n (optional)
- Bluetooth
- 2.1+EDR
- Power Cord
- Standard Mac Pro
- Dimensions
- 20.1 x 8.1 x 18.7 inches
- Avg. Weight
- 39.9 lbs
- Release Date
- March 3rd 2009
- MSRP
- 2499
