2010 vs 2012 Mac Pro - 12 core - 3.46GHz

[sparkie7]

These are the last of the iconic cheese graters.

My understanding are these are custom built. But presumably most of these on the market are not done from Apple. Where were these 3.46GHz processors sourced from and how much do these cost?

Quick research suggests these are almost identical, but there a slight differences. Are these note worthy and worth tracking down a 2012 over a 2010 model? What to look for and best places (trustworthy and professional) to source?

Any owners car to chime in, on their experiences.. TIA

 

[h9826790]

2012 and 2010 are identical, just manufacture later. So, should last longer from now.

Apple never ship dual 130W CPU options. So, yes, all of them are after market upgrade. In fact, the CPU wasn't even exist back in 2010.

The best source now should be from server company. They will sell the old used CPU for cheap. Since they never OC the chip, and always have good maintenance by professional. That's should be the best choice. They will sell those chip on eBay. All you need is some time to search and study. Usually the review can help. Also, they know how to properly pack the CPU before shipping.

Of course, difference location will have different options. e.g. In Europe, buy from eBay may be considered expensive because of tax and shipping. Search for local computer parts / server company may be a better option.

Or like me, looking for any source from China is the cheapest way to do it.

But in general, eBay is the way to go.

 

[Auggie]

The best source now should be from server company. They will sell the old used CPU for cheap. Since they never OC the chip, and always have good maintenance by professional. That's should be the best choice. They will sell those chip on eBay. All you need is some time to search and study. Usually the review can help. Also, they know how to properly pack the CPU before shipping.

Leveraging off what '790 said, if you plan to purchase a cMP, I would scrutinize the SN and compare it to the data plate. If an online SN lookup does not match the description, or the data plate, or if the data plate is missing entirely, I would avoid it at all costs. I bought mine through an eBay Mac reseller and only after the fact did I discover that he cannibalizes cases and parts while removing the data plate as it no longer matches the internal boards. The first machine I purchased came with a bad main board. The replacement (that he claims was his "personal" computer) worked for about a month before it, too, succumbed to some major circuit board failure that Apple is still trying to diagnosis. He stopped responding to me the moment eBay's buyer guarantee ran out.

I recommend buying an unaltered or slightly altered cMP from an actual user of the machine and upgrading the CPU's yourself. It's really easy to do and you will always find matching CPUs since there is only one stepping widely available for the 3.46 6-core (SLBVX). Last time I was hunting, these were going for $150-$350 USD each, used.

 

[sparkie7]

I would scrutinize the SN and compare it to the data plate. If an online SN lookup does not match the description, or the data plate, or if the data plate is missing entirely, I would avoid it at all costs.

Good advice thanks. Where is the data plate located, - on the rear of the machine, by the expoansion slots? -- you mean the bar code and machine bar codes?

I bought mine through an eBay Mac reseller and only after the fact did I discover that he cannibalizes cases and parts while removing the data plate as it no longer matches the internal boards. The first machine I purchased came with a bad main board. The replacement (that he claims was his "personal" computer) worked for about a month before it, too, succumbed to some major circuit board failure that Apple is still trying to diagnosis. He stopped responding to me the moment eBay's buyer guarantee ran out.

Which ebay seller? heck, avoid!

I recommend buying an unaltered or slightly altered cMP from an actual user of the machine and upgrading the CPU's yourself. It's really easy to do and you will always find matching CPUs since there is only one stepping widely available for the 3.46 6-core (SLBVX). Last time I was hunting, these were going for $150-$350 USD each, used.

Thanks. Is SLBVX the code for these processors?

 

[Auggie]

Good advice thanks. Where is the data plate located, - on the rear of the machine, by the expoansion slots? -- you mean the bar code and machine bar codes?

Yes, right under the slots for the PCIe cards, on the edge of the opening facing up.

Which ebay seller? heck, avoid!

Mike aka soupsr

Although he was very helpful through my initial problems, he implied that I had done something to the computers to cause these issues or blaming the fact that I was using beta Sierra versions. No and no way, other than installing an SSD. To have two machines have main and/or processor board failures within a month of each other is just too coincidental (though yea, I guess from his point of view, he may truly believe I'm mucking around hardware-wise with these machines). But the fact remains that these are somewhat akin to "Hackintoshs" in that they are built from parts of separate Mac Pros with both computers having had their data plates removed.

Thanks. Is SLBVX the code for these processors?

That's the stepping code for the 3.46 6-core. When attempting to match CPU's, you are matching the stepping, which Intel distinguishes by assigning unique stepping codes. Since there is essentially only one stepping available on the 3.46, you can pretty much buy your CPUs from different vendors, but I would still want to make sure they explicitly state SLBVX in their description. You just need a $5 extended-reach 3mm hex wrench, and some thermal paste (Arctic Silver). I also used Arctic's cleaning solutions to remove the old paste, which is selling on Amazon at $11 for a complete kit of cleaning drops and tube of thermal paste.

 

[yurc]

2010/2012 is actually same, since 2010 model likely get status vintage in near future, get 2012 model if you can. Just to get a longer "supported" status longer. But yeah, both of them will operate same.

I'm get my 2012 model from home user so their machine is still in good shape (no dent no annoying scratch), just a little dirt. Magic eraser do the job for make it shiny again.

Or like me, looking for any source from China is the cheapest way to do it.

Yeah, I'm living in Asian and pick X5690 for cheap from AliExpress in very good condition also free shipping since most of Mac Pro related stuff are mainly from US/Europe E-bay seller which is cost highly for shipped from there.

 

[sparkie7]

But the fact remains that these are somewhat akin to "Hackintoshs" in that they are built from parts of separate Mac Pros with both computers having had their data plates removed.

Makes me nervous to buy any FrankenPro.

Here's a couple of replies from ebay sellers when asked for S/N, data plate etc...

"
• we don't make photos of these machines cause there is nothing special we can make photos of.

the cosmetic condition is like new. means, you will not find scratches or other damages.

• the serial number is a MID 2012 mac pro serial number.

• what do you mean with order number and data plate?

• the model of the installed processors is the intel xeon X5690.

• yes, we have upgraded the mac pro by installing the graphicscard and the cpus.

you can not find that special machine factory build from apple."

-- I'm wondering if it's better to buy from somewhere like OWC, who sell customised mac Pros..

https://eshop.macsales.com/Search/S...94922309+4294922279+4294922289&Ntt=OWCUsedMac

-- But these are only 2010 models, no 2012..

[QUOTEThat's the stepping code for the 3.46 6-core. When attempting to match CPU's, you are matching the stepping, which Intel distinguishes by assigning unique stepping codes. Since there is essentially only one stepping available on the 3.46, you can pretty much buy your CPUs from different vendors, but I would still want to make sure they explicitly state SLBVX in their description. You just need a $5 extended-reach 3mm hex wrench, and some thermal paste (Arctic Silver). I also used Arctic's cleaning solutions to remove the old paste, which is selling on Amazon at $11 for a complete kit of cleaning drops and tube of thermal paste.[/QUOTE]

I don't know if I can be bothered to mess around with doing it myself. Is it worth it? I've got to find a 2010 or 2012 Mac Pro, find all the components, materials, tools, power cables etc...
[doublepost=1493264716][/doublepost]

2010/2012 is actually same, since 2010 model likely get status vintage in near future, get 2012 model if you can. Just to get a longer "supported" status longer. But yeah, both of them will operate same.

I'm get my 2012 model from home user so their machine is still in good shape (no dent no annoying scratch), just a little dirt. Magic eraser do the job for make it shiny again.

These 2012 models are kind of hard to find no?

 

[Macsonic]

Makes me nervous to buy any FrankenPro.

Here's a couple of replies from ebay sellers when asked for S/N, data plate etc...

"
• we don't make photos of these machines cause there is nothing special we can make photos of.

the cosmetic condition is like new. means, you will not find scratches or other damages.

• the serial number is a MID 2012 mac pro serial number.

• what do you mean with order number and data plate?

• the model of the installed processors is the intel xeon X5690.

• yes, we have upgraded the mac pro by installing the graphicscard and the cpus.

you can not find that special machine factory build from apple."

-- I'm wondering if it's better to buy from somewhere like OWC, who sell customised mac Pros..

https://eshop.macsales.com/Search/SearchPromo.cfm?Ntk=Primary&N2=4294922289&Ns=P_ID|1&Ne=4294922324&N=100518+4294922309+4294922279+4294922289&Ntt=OWCUsedMac

-- But these are only 2010 models, no 2012..

These 2012 models are kind of hard to find no?

You can check out this eBay seller as I purchased classic Mac Pros from him on 2 transactions HERE He usually discloses the serial number. If the cMac Pro is an upgraded 2009 model, he discloses this too. I am satisfied with his services. I prefer dealing with a seller who shows the actual photo of the cMac Pro and not a stock photo. OWC uses stock photos and you don't have an idea on the condition of the unit.

 

[sparkie7]

You can check out this eBay seller as I purchased classic Mac Pros from him on 2 transactions HERE He usually discloses the serial number. If the cMac Pro is an upgraded 2009 model, he discloses this too. I am satisfied with his services. I prefer dealing with a seller who shows the actual photo of the cMac Pro and not a stock photo. OWC uses stock photos and you don't have an idea on the condition of the unit.

Thanks. Doesn't look like he ships out of the US though. What cMP's did you buy from him?

 

[Macsonic]

Thanks. Doesn't look like he ships out of the US though. What cMP's did you buy from him?

I didn't know you're based outside the USA, sorry. I purchased from him a 2009 cMac Pro 2.93Ghz 8 cores and a mid 2010 cMac Pro with upgraded CPUs to a 12 core 2.93Ghz. This cMac Pro originally had 2.4Ghz 8 cores.

 

[sparkie7]

I didn't know you're based outside the USA, sorry. I purchased from him a 2009 cMac Pro 2.93Ghz 8 cores and a mid 2010 cMac Pro with upgraded CPUs to a 12 core 2.93Ghz. This cMac Pro originally had 2.4Ghz 8 cores.

No worries. I think I might just have to pass, and hope that the new Modular MP that  say are in the 'works' is not a disappointment. They could not do worse than the Darth Vader spittoon right?

 

[flowrider]

2012 and 2010 are identical, just manufacture later. So, should last longer from now.

But in general, eBay is the way to go.

It's not build date, but hours of operation. Something you just can't tell. For a point of reference, my 2010 was built in late 2011. So the 2010 identification really means nothing.

Over the years I have become more and more leery of eBay, and have recently been burnt. eBay will be my last choice to purchase an item, and it will never be an item that costs more than $20.

Lou

 

[BillyBobBongo]

Thanks. Doesn't look like he ships out of the US though. What cMP's did you buy from him?

Might help to know where you are actually based so that we can offer you a trustworthy source more relevant to your location.

 

[sparkie7]

Might help to know where you are actually based so that we can offer you a trustworthy source more relevant to your location.

I'm based in Melbourne, AUSTRALIA

 

[yurc]

I'm based in Melbourne, AUSTRALIA

I cannot help you more, but I'm found Australian E-Bay user which offer tower mac pro and looks good. In Japan there's a site called yahoo auction/mac-paradise which offer second hand mac pro for sale, I'm don't know equivalent local shop like these in Australia, so I'm only get into E-bay within Australian location so it's easier to contact and meet up in case you interest.

Here some result :
Mid 2012 Single CPU
Mid 2010 Dual Processor (real 2010 model not 2009 with firmware upgrade)
Another 2012 with Dual Processor

I'm picked post which using actual photos (not stock mac pro icon) so you can see visual or any cosmetic scratch, but so far they look good for me.

Hope you find your luck!!

 

[ActionableMango]

Mid 2010 Dual Processor (real 2010 model not 2009 with firmware upgrade)

$2900AUD ($2160USD)??? Wow Mac Pros are expensive in Australia.

For that kind of money Sparkie could get round trip airfare to the USA and buy a Mac Pro on Craigslist.

 

[yurc]

$2900AUD ($2160USD)??? Wow Mac Pros are expensive in Australia.

For that kind of money Sparkie could get round trip airfare to the USA and buy a Mac Pro on Craigslist.

Same bitter price here. Most of dual processor model (2012) the cheapest one with 2.4 GhZ cpu (which I'm choose and swap with x5690) starts 225,750 yen (around 2316 USD) and the top expensive one priced 442,750 yen (about 3979 USD). All price include tax. The only bonus is just most of them is pristine clear.

Still, is not cheap for outdated X58 chipset...urgh. Even I'm not including total price after I'm do some upgrade (bluetooth-wifi AC/GPU/RAM/SSD)

Some Australian E-bay link above include some 4K monitor, so I think they still okay compared price here.