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3.2 Ghz Processors in 2008 MP

N

NoManIsland

macrumors regular
Original poster
Feb 17, 2010
207
0
I've noticed that on apple parts sites, such as this one, the logic boards for the 3.2 Ghz and the 2.8/3.0 Ghz models are listed separately: what are the differences, and does this mean I can't buy two 3.2 Ghz processors and put them into my 2.8 Ghz octo?
 
i am not too sure that thread applies as they are talking about going from one socket to two, where as old mate already has an Oct (read dual socket)...

that said though, there are not many threads about that talk about upgrading the cpu's in the 2008 mac pro, theres plenty for the 2006/2007, but hardly any for the 2008.

i would be pretty intrested in this aswell, and i would be putting a bit of hope into a pin mod as the 3.2 is actually the same chip... (or so i am led to believe)

anyone have any real time experience with this?
 
You can put two X5482 in any 2008 Mac Pro. The difference between the logic board has most likely something to do with the cooling as X5482 is 150W while others are 80W, meaning that better cooling is needed to dissipate the extra 70W :)eek:). It will still work though, the fans just may run at a higher rpm.

However, make sure to get SLANZ model as that has C0 stepping that will work with Mac Pro. SLBBG has E0 stepping that is not compatible with Mac Pro (thus X5492 does not work).

The single CPU 2008 Mac Pro actually came with a single CPU but with two sockets, so it was possible to add another CPU later on to make it an 8-core.
 
Would suggest you use smcfancontrol to bump up the fans if your going to do the upgrade. I used this program on both of my 06 and 08 Mac pro's when I edited video on them to help keep it cool instead of waiting for the system to increase them after a certain threshold.
 
thanks for the fast reply HellHammer, mate, do you also know if its possible to pin mod the E5462 to a E5472?

cheers
 
VanneDC said:
thanks for the fast reply HellHammer, mate, do you also know if its possible to pin mod the E5462 to a E5472?

cheers
Click to expand...

No idea about the pin mod but you could overclock it with this utility. 200MHz OC should be fine as E5462 and E5472 are the same chips with different CPU multiplier. You could even clock it higher as long as you're fine with the noise level and it stays stable.
 
So with the logic board accepting the 3.2, can the 2.8/3.0 heatsinks suffice with upgraded fan control?

I assume the 3.2 heatsinks are purpose built to diffuse that extra 70W, but that would be a big expense to need to upgrade those at 150+ea in addition to the CPUs.
 
daustin21 said:
So with the logic board accepting the 3.2, can the 2.8/3.0 heatsinks suffice with upgraded fan control?

I assume the 3.2 heatsinks are purpose built to diffuse that extra 70W, but that would be a big expense to need to upgrade those at 150+ea in addition to the CPUs.
Click to expand...

With extra fan speed, definitely. Here is one thread about such upgrade
 
Are there any CPUs more powerful than the 3.2 Ghz that can be installed in the 2008 Mac Pro? I seem to remember a 3.4 Ghz in the same family...
 
yeah, we know there are /other/ higher ghz cpus, listed in the same xeon family, but is there micro code in the 2008 pro that allows these to boot, i would imagine that is what old mate is wondering about...
 
NoManIsland said:
Holy cow! Found this on eBay, seems too good to be true, and they have two :eek:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Xeon-X5482-Quad...033?pt=CPUs&hash=item53e6aa3179#ht_1863wt_907
Click to expand...

I would probably consider selling your current Mac Pro and buy a new one, once it gets updated.

I doubt you will see that much of a difference going from 2.80 Ghz to 3.20 Ghz and if it is worth spending $600 in the progress.

You should easily be able to hit 3.20 Ghz by overclocking with your current processors.
 
Pressure said:
I would probably consider selling your current Mac Pro and buy a new one, once it gets updated.

I doubt you will see that much of a difference going from 2.80 Ghz to 3.20 Ghz and if it is worth spending $600 in the progress.

You should easily be able to hit 3.20 Ghz by overclocking with your current processors.
Click to expand...

I made a decision when I bought this computer that I wished to keep it indefinitely. I'm sick of the cycle of consumption and waste that shows up more prevalently in electronics then in virtually any other category of product. I'm allowing myself to upgrade the MP to the limit of its capacity, and I've been collecting replacement parts to keep the machine going as components fail, but I have no interest in discarding the machine for a new one. That said, upgrading the processors is a natural step, and I do not want to overclock as the increased strain on the processors makes me concerned that it may shorten their lifespan.
 
By all means, didn't mean to disrespect you.

I am still rocking a 2008 Mac Pro with some upgrades myself.
 
Pressure said:
By all means, didn't mean to disrespect you.

I am still rocking a 2008 Mac Pro with some upgrades myself.
Click to expand...

Oh no, don't worry, I didn't mean to come off as offended, just explaining my rationale for this upgrade :)
 
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