2009 vs 2010 for hex core upgrade

[fastlanephil]

From what I can gather if I want to purchase a used quad core Mac Pro and later swap out the CPU for a six-core CPU then the 2010 can be easily upgraded with a some technical know how. The 2009 Mac Pro requires a firmware hack that may or may not work. So it sounds like the 2010 Mac Pro is the sure thing and maybe worth the extra money compared to the 2009 Mac Pro.

Is this correct?

 

[bax2003]

Why do you think that update would not work ?

It is very easy procedure, many people did it without problem.

 

[xcodeSyn]

The 2009 Mac Pro requires a firmware hack that may or may not work.

Never heard that anyone ever failed the firmware switch, and it's such a straightforward process. Care to share your source of this failure?

 

[fastlanephil]

Well, I have not had or heard of any first hand experience where the firmware update failed but I have read people's posts on MR who did the firmware update on their 2009 Mac Pros and that it did work but they would make the comment that there was a chance that it could fail and that they were relieved it worked. It was something about they're 2009 Mac Pro having the later boot ROM or something to that order that did it.

So you're saying that the correct firmware update should install without a hitch for all 2009 Mac Pros if it is done properly.

That's what I needed to know.

 

[Durex]

Well, I have not had or heard of any first hand experience where the firmware update failed but I have read people's posts on MR who did the firmware update on their 2009 Mac Pros and that it did work but they would make the comment that there was a chance that it could fail and that they were relieved it worked. It was something about they're 2009 Mac Pro having the later boot ROM or something to that order that did it.

So you're saying that the correct firmware update should install without a hitch for all 2009 Mac Pros if it is done properly.

That's what I needed to know.

As with any firmware upgrade (e.g. to your digital SLR, or GPU, or TV, or ...), there is the potential for something to screw up --- e.g. you have a power outage at the exact moment you are doing the firmware upgrade, and it renders your system unusable. You can plug your Mac Pro into a UPS to protect yourself against such events.

That issue aside, I've not heard of one failure to do the firmware upgrade. Also, there is only one firmware installer (on netkas) to choose from (for the 2009 Mac Pro), so choosing the correct firmware update is foolproof.

Personally, I'm rocking a 2009 Mac Pro 4,1 with hex core W3690 for almost 2 years --- never a problem.

 

[fastlanephil]

As with any firmware upgrade (e.g. to your digital SLR, or GPU, or TV, or ...), there is the potential for something to screw up --- e.g. you have a power outage at the exact moment you are doing the firmware upgrade, and it renders your system unusable. You can plug your Mac Pro into a UPS to protect yourself against such events.

That issue aside, I've not heard of one failure to do the firmware upgrade. Also, there is only one firmware installer (on netkas) to choose from (for the 2009 Mac Pro), so choosing the correct firmware update is foolproof.

Personally, I'm rocking a 2009 Mac Pro 4,1 with hex core W3690 for almost 2 years --- never a problem.

Thanks for the information about the software and power loss precautions. We do get occasional year-around power outages here from toasted raccoons and squirrels.

 

[MassMacMan]

I can add that I recently went this route with a 2009 Mac Pro, and everything went as smoothly as possible. The firmware upgrade was easily downloaded and installed. That took about 15 minutes. Then a week later I upgraded my CPU to a 3.33 hex core, and that job took about 25 minutes. In under an hour, I had upgraded my old 2.66 quad-core 2009 to a speedy 3.33 hex-core. I'm running 10.8.3, and the CS6 apps run ever so much faster.

 

[xDeLiRiOuSx]

I've done the upgrade to W3690 (3.46Ghz) for both the 2009 as well as the 2010. Never had a problem with either. Good luck!