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Best info on 2010 MacPro CPU upgrade?

E

echoout

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Aug 15, 2007
600
16
Austin, Texas
Hey everyone, long time. I will apologize ahead of time as this place has such a wealth of information (that I've read in the past) that I can't seem to find any definitive guide for upgrading a 2010. I'm considering a dual processor upgrade and found a great write-up on upgrading the 2009, but it seems like a somewhat different beast.

Any links or resources for doing this upgrade? I'm comfortable working on computers but admittedly don't know a ton about the Xeon compatibilities etc. for this job. People keep saying they were able to do it in 20 minutes or so and that sounds good to me!

Thanks for any help you all can provide. You're the best. :)
 
echoout said:
Hey everyone, long time. I will apologize ahead of time as this place has such a wealth of information (that I've read in the past) that I can't seem to find any definitive guide for upgrading a 2010. I'm considering a dual processor upgrade and found a great write-up on upgrading the 2009, but it seems like a somewhat different beast.

Any links or resources for doing this upgrade? I'm comfortable working on computers but admittedly don't know a ton about the Xeon compatibilities etc. for this job. People keep saying they were able to do it in 20 minutes or so and that sounds good to me!

Thanks for any help you all can provide. You're the best. :)
Click to expand...

The 2010 is just like the 2009 except that on the dual CPU versions the 2009 is configured for lidless CPU's by default. So replacing the CPU's on the 2010 is even easier since you don't have to adjust the height of the heatsink.
 
azentropy said:
The 2010 is just like the 2009 except that on the dual CPU versions the 2009 is configured for lidless CPU's by default. So replacing the CPU's on the 2010 is even easier since you don't have to adjust the height of the heatsink.
Click to expand...

Okay, awesome. So just disregard that part, and the processor compatibility is the same?

What would be the fastest processor for a dual system that isn't just crazy, price-wise?

THANKS!
 
echoout said:
Okay, awesome. So just disregard that part, and the processor compatibility is the same?
Click to expand...

Yes.

echoout said:
What would be the fastest processor for a dual system that isn't just crazy, price-wise?
Click to expand...

Which CPUs do you currently have? Do you want to go to 8 or 12 cores?

I recently upgraded to two W5580s (quad core, 3.2GHz). The W5580s cost me $100 each and I sold my old CPUs for $75 each.
 
pastrychef said:
Yes.



Which CPUs do you currently have? Do you want to go to 8 or 12 cores?

I recently upgraded to two W5580s (quad core, 3.2GHz). The W5580s cost me $100 each and I sold my old CPUs for $75 each.
Click to expand...

I'm buying a used system locally to upgrade. I'd like as powerful a 12-core as is reasonable.
 
pastrychef said:
A quick search on Ebay showed some E5670s for about $500-600 each. E5640s can be found for under $200 each...
Click to expand...

Cool. Any advice on buying them on eBay? Is that risky?

----------

And basically I'm looking for a serious Cinema 4D render mule. So, more cores is def better.
 
When shopping on Ebay, I always try to buy from sellers who have good ratings/feedback. Also, read descriptions carefully and make sure they accept returns in the event that you receive a defective item.
 
echoout said:
Cool. Any advice on buying them on eBay? Is that risky?

----------

And basically I'm looking for a serious Cinema 4D render mule. So, more cores is def better.
Click to expand...

You can try to communicate with the seller and get more details, ask some questions. From there you can gauge the manner the seller replies and explains the item. There are other sellers who don't reply at all. And best if the seller posts the actual item and not a stock photo.
 
I don't mind buying new processors as this is a machine for my freelance business. Looking for the magic balance of price/speed. Would be great if I could spend less than $1200 for the two CPUs. Thoughts?
 
two x5690's are as fast as you'll get realistically. they will fit in and work fine. they have the same TDP as the next model down too.

Nox
 
One can still purchase new Nehalems and Westmeres online at eoptionsonline.com . The prices are reasonable, but have risen a little in anticipation of those CPUs no longer being released by Intel at the end of this year. So act fast if you want that new CPU smell.
 
just have a question about mac pro early 2009

is there any where they sale 8-core module if I want to upgrade from 4-core on my machine now, tks
 
Okay, so it looks like I'm buying 2 2009 8-core Mac Pros this weekend. If the 5690 is the fastest 6-core to "reasonably" buy, what about 4-core?
 
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