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8-core --> 12-core Conversion Results

1

100Years

macrumors regular
Original poster
Mar 8, 2011
125
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After getting some good deals on a 2010 8-core, and a couple of Xeon hex-cores, I went ahead with the upgrade. Basically, I just replaced the two 2.4GHz Quads, with a couple of X5680 chips (3.33GHz, hex). Everything went smoothly, with no issues. I did some Geekbench tests (before & after), with the following results:

(64-bit): My 2010 SP model, with an i7 980x in it ---> 16,100
(64-bit): The 2010 8-core, with the stock 2.4GHz quads ---> 14,807
(64-bit): The machine above, with the upgraded CPUs ---> 27,230
 
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After selling off my other tower along with the CPUs and other parts I won't be needing, I'll break even. Considering the performace gains with the new system, I think it was worth it. I'm figuring that this machine has more than enough HP to last me many years to come.
 
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Nice score on the hex chips. Been wanting to upgrade my quad cores westmere PC to Hexes but have to sell my quads first. Hoping the price comes down a bit when the new ones get released end of the year. How long did it take you to do the swap?
 
The job took about 15-20 minutes. Really, the same procedure as a swap on the single-core model; just that now you have two heatsinks to remove, and two processors to swap out. The only difference I noticed, is that the heatsinks on this DP model, only had four screws to loosen (whereas, the SP had five).
 
Thats awesome :)

where did you get the CPU's from??? i read something about them needing to be some special version?

Can i exchange the two 2.26 Ghz CPU's from my eight core 2009 model, for the ones you used?

Also are there cheaper 6 core CPU's which work well? like the 2.93GHz ones??

Any temperature problems?

cheeers
 
I bought the chips on eBay (used); nothing special about them, other than making sure they were for an LGA 1366 socket.

My understanding is that you cannot add hex-cores to an '09, without using a logic board from a '10 in your '09; firmware processor support related. Also, I had heard that the DP models from '09, had chips with integrated heat spreaders, making CPU replacement very difficult.

I'm sure others on this forum could chime in about the '09s with more/better info for you.
 
So if you were going to buy a 2010 Mac Pro today...with the intention of upgrading it...

What system would you buy from Apple?
 
IceMacMac said:
So if you were going to buy a 2010 Mac Pro today...with the intention of upgrading it...

What system would you buy from Apple?
Click to expand...

I would guess the 2010 base quad 2.8 to go to a hex 3.2 or 3.33 or 3.46 these are the low end






or a 2010 base dual quad 2.4 to go to a hex x5680 the hi end way to go. see below



http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=52576 x5690 = $1663 3.46GH/z


http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=47916 x5680 = $1663 3.33GH/z


http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=52577 x5675 = $1440 3.06GH/z


http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=47920 x5670 = $1440 2.93GH/z


http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=47921 x5660 = $1219 2.8GH/z



http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=47922 these are the oem hex cores they both cost 996 and if you do

http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=47926 diy don't give bang for the buck,
 
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IceMacMac said:
So this system:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB871LL/A?mco=MTEzMzA3MDk

This system here could be upgraded to hex x5680?

(Edit: I had read previously that the x5680 doesn't work in the MPro. Are the other threads wrong?)
Click to expand...

that is a 2009 it is harder to do.




the 2010 is this one at 2969


http://store.apple.com/us/product/FC561LL/A?mco=MTkyMTM1ODQ

this will take the x5680 or even the x5690


the cpus are 3300 plus the 2969 is 6200 and some change


so basically you build a machine that will crush


the top of the line mac pro = a dual hex 2.93


for the same price and have a pair of e5620 cpus sitting in a drawer. they are the quad 2.4 GH/z you pulled..


I had to edit i am confusing my x with w time to sign off
 
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philipma1957 said:
that is a 2009 it is harder to do.




the 2010 is this one at 2969


http://store.apple.com/us/product/FC561LL/A?mco=MTkyMTM1ODQ

this will take the x5680 or even the x5690


the cpus are 3300 plus the 2969 is 6200 and some change


so basically you build a machine that will crush


the top of the line mac pro = a dual hex 2.93


for the same price and have a pair of e5620 cpus sitting in a drawer. they are the quad 2.4 GH/z you pulled..


I had to edit i am confusing my x with w time to sign off
Click to expand...

The dual 2.93 GHz is $5259 refurb so this $6200 'build' is not such a slam dunk in terms of price/performance.
 
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