MP 7,1 CPU upgrade in 2019 Mac Pro

[giggles]

Not to mention 4 non-MPX GPUs could be installed in 4 16x slots..

And I don’t “want this Mac Pro to be great”, actually it looks to me that for once almost everybody “gets” this Mac Pro, except the usual suspects (home pc builders and anti-apple sysadmins that are a little too confident in their capability to comprehend the needs of every kind of pro user and workflow under the sun, and what apple should have done, etc. their weakly substantiated claims simply put a smile on my face..that’s it..when the cringe for some kind of superficial arguments gets too strong I may leave a reply or two..)

 

[Passingby]

You realize how little sense you make?

To you, bro, to you and a small minority like you.

Go out there and see how many video editors, colorists and CG artists will laugh at this 'WHY DONT I HAVE 48 PCIE LANES?!!!'

They aren't even counting lanes. They aren't even bragging about their motherboard's maximum amount of potential memory. They have awesome RTX cards, incredible fast previews, high CPU clock speeds. You don't have any of these three because you are settling for bragging about how many PCIE lanes and potential memory you can install.

It's like...


A Brah I can install 1.5TB and have 48 PCIE lanes

B Bruh that's cool but how much you installed?

A Brah I installed 128GB because I'm not even using more than that in my apps

B Bruh then why you keep talking about this 1.5TB? Did you even use 48 PCIE lanes with your Radeon and SATA card?

A Nah, but it make me feel comfortable and distract from lack of Nvidia cards and fast CPUs

 

[DoofenshmirtzEI]

God knows what you want to use this Mac Pro for. Secure your network, enable FileVault, block bad sites, keep bad players and bad apps off the network. We don't see all those millions of video editors and CG artists out there on PCs who are just dying for a T2 chip and proprietary SSD. Nobody is asking for that because the IT guys are doing their job and so should you.

"I'm so good I don't need all these security tools," said no security professional ever.

 

[Passingby]

"I'm so good I don't need all these security tools," said no security professional ever.

'We all need T2 ship and locked down boot drive because we don't know how to secure our networks or enable FileVault!!!!' said no security professional ever.
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Not to mention 4 non-MPX GPUs could be installed in 4 16x slots..

4xVII = 1200W
4x5700XT = 900W

Both of them would be trounced by Nvidia in processing and energy consumption (performance per watt). Would be good to see Nvidia options back.

 

[Snow Tiger]

For those of you who are following my progress , I removed the 6212U from the MP 7,1 and installed it in my Supermicro Cascade Lake Workstation . I also reinstalled the factory 8 core 3.5 GHz processor back into my MP 7,1 and she's running fine again . I did not need to worry about reviving the firmware . None of the silicon got damaged . I was never so happy in my life to be bored .

Also , the boot ROM and the iBridge versions did not change , so the Mac wasn't busy updating those during the restart / refresh NVRAM I performed when the 6212U was still installed . I was worried a botched automatic firmware update upon restart knocked my Mac out of commission . It didn't . tsialex must be right , it seems to be bridgeOS related . He's pretty smart when it comes to Mac firmware and I trust his opinion .

Firmware updates occur when an user deliberately installs a macOS version of some sort these days , but since this is such a new Mac I was a bit concerned Apple was forcing an update upon me from a web server . They didn't .

However , that said , I might have done something a bit foolish . I should have let my Mac fully shut down upon starting her up the first time after I installed the upgraded silicon . It might have made the upgrade more permanent .

 

[DoofenshmirtzEI]

'We all need T2 ship and locked down boot drive because we don't know how to secure our networks or enable FileVault!!!!' said no security professional ever.

So you're on record stating that secure boot is completely unnecessary, and enabling FileVault and securing the network is all you need to do to avoid compromise?

 

[tsialex]

For those of you who are following my progress , I removed the 6212U from the MP 7,1 and installed it in my Supermicro Cascade Lake Workstation . I also reinstalled the factory 8 core 3.5 GHz processor back into my MP 7,1 and she's running fine again . I did not need to worry about reviving the firmware . None of the silicon got damaged . I was never so happy in my life to be bored .

View attachment 884351

Also , the boot ROM and the iBridge versions did not change , so the Mac wasn't busy updating those during the restart / refresh NVRAM I performed when the 6212U was still installed . I was worried a botched automatic firmware update upon restart knocked my Mac out of commission . It didn't . tsialex must be right , it seems to be bridgeOS related . He's pretty smart when it comes to Mac firmware and I trust his opinion .

Firmware updates occur when an user deliberately installs a macOS version of some sort these days , but since this is such a new Mac I was a bit concerned Apple was forcing an update upon me from a web server . They didn't .

However , that said , I might have done something a bit foolish . I should have let my Mac fully shut down upon starting her up the first time after I installed the upgraded silicon . It might have made the upgrade more permanent .

You still have the original macOS release for MP7,1, update it at least to 10.15.2. I don't follow BridgeOS releases as closely as I track the non-BridgeOS firmware updates, but I know that at least three BridgeOS were released after the one you have.

I wouldn't try to change the CPU without updating BridgeOS.

 

[Snow Tiger]

You still have the original macOS release for MP7,1, update it at least to 10.15.2. I don't follow BridgeOS releases as closely as I track the non-BridgeOS firmware updates, but I know that at least three BridgeOS were released after the one you have.

I wouldn't try to change the CPU without updating BridgeOS.

Now up to 10.15.2 . I'll try to install a beta 10.15.3 later to see what firmware I get and maybe obtain another unofficial Xeon to keep on hand just for testing with quickly . Something not quite as nice as my 24 Core @ 2.4 GHz , which is now installed in another System . Do you suppose that beta firmware version will stick even if I downgrade the macOS ( fresh reinstall ) ?

 

[zhpenn]

got the mac pro and replaced the 28 cores 3275M already, works perfect but the geekbench is 17000, I saw a low of 20000 28 cores, does anyone know is the RAM matters as well?

 

[tsialex]

Do you suppose that beta firmware version will stick even if I downgrade the macOS ( fresh reinstall ) ?

BridgeOS only install newer versions, like iOS. So if you install 10.15.3 DP1 and then go back to 10.15.2, BridgeOS won't downgrade, since the version installed by 10.15.3 DP1 is newer than the BridgeOS from 10.15.2.

 

[Snow Tiger]

got the mac pro and replaced the 28 cores 3275M already, works perfect but the geekbench is 17000, I saw a low of 20000 28 cores, does anyone know is the RAM matters as well?

What was your original processor ?

You upgraded to a W-3275M 2.5 GHz 28 Core ?

Memory configuration is critical . The best educated guess is to install matching memory modules in groups of six or twelve for the highest bandwidth possible . There is a memory tab in the main "About This Mac" screen . Click it to verify proper memory module installation .

 

[zhpenn]

What was your original processor ?

You upgraded to a W-3275M 2.5 GHz 28 Core ?

Memory configuration is critical . The best educated guess is to install matching memory modules in groups of six or twelve for the highest bandwidth possible . There is a memory tab in the main "About This Mac" screen . Click it to verify proper memory module installation .

thanks a lot, I add 4x32g on top of original 4x 8g
my original processor is 8 cores

 

[Passingby]

So you're on record stating that secure boot is completely unnecessary, and enabling FileVault and securing the network is all you need to do to avoid compromise?

To avoid compromise, also avoid malware, bad actors and **** websites. Add that to my statement that you want to put "on record".

T2 doesn't prevent compromise by the way. FFS as if anyone needs to explain that.

In PCs they have optional TPM (Trusted Platform Module) to lock down the encrypted hard drive to the user account. You add the chip to the motherboard. They implemented that without sacrificing upgradability or repairability.

There is absolutely ZERO reason why the boot drive needs to soldered or a proprietary format and not user upgradable. Making excuses for that means you sleepwalk towards your computer and data being fully controlled by a corporation. You're just giving that away bit by bit by bit.

If Apple does that, then Huawei gets the green light to do it too, then another corporation, then governments, then you've been goose marched into the Orwellian nightmare that you didn't sign up for. They get to control your data, where you store it, how you store it, and what level of access they have to it. Mr Tim Cook can make big promises of privacy and security today but he can't guarantee future CEOs or leaders of other companies will do the same. So his promise is empty if he isn't empowering users to have physical control of their data. Not digital control, physical control....as in removing and carrying your drive.


Your computer is yours, you paid for it (a lot), and you should have the right to replace the main system drive and recover data easily when it there is a failure and it is no longer under warranty.

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got the mac pro and replaced the 28 cores 3275M already, works perfect but the geekbench is 17000, I saw a low of 20000 28 cores, does anyone know is the RAM matters as well?

This 'Geekbench' test also tests memory bandwidth.

 

[sirio76]

got the mac pro and replaced the 28 cores 3275M already, works perfect but the geekbench is 17000, I saw a low of 20000 28 cores, does anyone know is the RAM matters as well?

Geekbench is not a reliable test for CPU, use something like Cinebench. Also you can install Intel power gadget and see the effective core speed.

 

[Snow Tiger]

thanks a lot, I add 4x32g on top of original 4x 8g
my original processor is 8 cores

Good . MR folks - he went from a W-3223 to a W-3275M ( I reviewed his posts on another thread here ) . This is a known compatible processor change . Have you reset the NVRAM after you installed the processor ?

 

[_Kiki_]

What's the impact of Zombieload on Cascade Lake CPUs ? Is there any slow down ?

 

[deconstruct60]

To avoid compromise, also avoid malware, bad actors and **** websites. Add that to my statement that you want to put "on record".

T2 doesn't prevent compromise by the way. FFS as if anyone needs to explain that.

In PCs they have optional TPM (Trusted Platform Module) to lock down the encrypted hard drive to the user account. You add the chip to the motherboard. They implemented that without sacrificing upgradability or repairability.

There is absolutely ZERO reason why the boot drive needs to soldered or a proprietary format and not user upgradable. Making excuses for that means you sleepwalk towards your computer and data being fully controlled by a corporation. You're just giving that away bit by bit by bit.

TPM does NOT do exactly what the T2 does. Microsoft wouldn't need "Secure Core" if it did. It doesn't so they need more.

"... Secure Boot on its own does not protect from threats that exploit vulnerabilities in the trusted firmware. That’s why we worked with our partners to ensure these new Secured-core capabilities are shipped in devices right out of the box. ..."

Microsoft and partners design new device security requirements to protect against targeted firmware attacks | Microsoft Security Blog

We’ve been working with partners to design what we call Secured-core PCs, devices that meet a specific set of device requirements that apply the security best practices of isolation and minimal trust to the firmware layer.

www.microsoft.com

Even with "Secure Core" outlined here, it still isn't as secure at the T2 set up. But if you are hand waving at TPM ... that isn't even close to closing the hole in the "out of the box" default settings.

P.S. and the whole "firmware attack vectors aren't a big thing we've got them covered" ... read the rest of the article linked above. It isn't covered all that well at all.

 

[Passingby]

TPM does NOT do exactly what the T2 does. Microsoft wouldn't need "Secure Core" if it did. It doesn't so they need more.

"... Secure Boot on its own does not protect from threats that exploit vulnerabilities in the trusted firmware. That’s why we worked with our partners to ensure these new Secured-core capabilities are shipped in devices right out of the box. ..."

Microsoft and partners design new device security requirements to protect against targeted firmware attacks | Microsoft Security Blog

We’ve been working with partners to design what we call Secured-core PCs, devices that meet a specific set of device requirements that apply the security best practices of isolation and minimal trust to the firmware layer.

www.microsoft.com

Even with "Secure Core" outlined here, it still isn't as secure at the T2 set up. But if you are hand waving at TPM ... that isn't even close to closing the hole in the "out of the box" default settings.

P.S. and the whole "firmware attack vectors aren't a big thing we've got them covered" ... read the rest of the article linked above. It isn't covered all that well at all.

True, sort of, but the point remains. I didn't initially want to mention TPM but just made an example that you can implement more security in hardware and that your storage has no need to be proprietary, unupgradable, fixed to one computer, etc. That's just a corporate trick to lock you in, control you, and push you to get repairs, warranty extensions and upgrades from them.

 

[blackrnnero]

Hi all
And thank you for bringing comments from all sorts of perspectives, I always find it a good thing.
Now,
I am an Digital Image Technician and the way a machine works has a huge impact on my work. All taken into consideration, security, CPU speed, GPU performance, storage speed.
I avoided the trashcan MP and put the last aluminium MP on steroids until I needed more resources. When this happened I swapped to PCs and Windows BUT, with Windows I am always carrying a backup machine with me )) no time for swapping system drives or servicing.
Reading all the posts above makes me think that upgrading to the new rackable MP involves carrying a backup one ))
A huge impact on my work timings is the OS’s user interface and personally find macOS way advanced in that, with less unexplainable system errors so I would love the new MP just for that. On top, Thunderbolt options, 99% of my clients are bringing thunderbolt storage and Windows thunderbolt experience is a hell due to poor software.
I feel like going to the wrong direction so let me conclude this
I don’t make a lot of money so the price of these new Apple machines seems too big, I can build 3 dual CPU machines with the money spent on a new MP.
Upgrading the CPU on 7,1 is of interest for me and please comment on the stepping. Some of the posts above say that the factory fitted by Apple are B0, some say H0.
Also,
Did any of the new owners tried to boot from an NVME installed in a pcie adapter inserted in one of the free slots? Is this a way to avoid the failure of the custom apple boot drive?

I wish you all a lovely Christmas

 

[Onelifenofear]

To you, bro, to you and a small minority like you.

Go out there and see how many video editors, colorists and CG artists will laugh at this 'WHY DONT I HAVE 48 PCIE LANES?!!!'

They aren't even counting lanes. They aren't even bragging about their motherboard's maximum amount of potential memory. They have awesome RTX cards, incredible fast previews, high CPU clock speeds. You don't have any of these three because you are settling for bragging about how many PCIE lanes and potential memory you can install.

It's like...


A Brah I can install 1.5TB and have 48 PCIE lanes

B Bruh that's cool but how much you installed?

A Brah I installed 128GB because I'm not even using more than that in my apps

B Bruh then why you keep talking about this 1.5TB? Did you even use 48 PCIE lanes with your Radeon and SATA card?

A Nah, but it make me feel comfortable and distract from lack of Nvidia cards and fast CPUs

Brah? Bro...are you in a frat house? Hmm what’s the best describe people who create A/B conversations in posts...

Anyways as film editor and VFX artist i’ll take (not brag because I am not a child) those 48 lanes and Ram potential thanks. Dual red rocket / 4GPU / afterburner/ 6000mb/s NVMe far far outweighs Any RTX Benefits as not much uses that professionally.

As for CPU clock speeds... I am fairly sure that is the same for Mac and PC.. or you are talking pentiums or AMD in which case you don’t understand the differences...Brah.

 

[zhpenn]

28 Cores upgrade done! I remove the 2x8gb use only 4x 32 , the geekbenck from 170000 jump to 19000+, I think if using 6 x 32 will jump to 20000+

 

[John_B Beta]

28 Cores upgrade done! I remove the 2x8gb use only 4x 32 , the geekbenck from 170000 jump to 19000+, I think if using 6 x 32 will jump to 20000+

View attachment 884680

Nice! Dare I ask where you got the new processor from and how much it was?

 

[zhpenn]

Nice! Dare I ask where you got the new processor from and how much it was?

from Taobao, and about $4000 but now price increase quite a few

 

[_Kiki_]

Brah? Bro...are you in a frat house? Hmm what’s the best describe people who create A/B conversations in posts...

Anyways as film editor and VFX artist i’ll take (not brag because I am not a child) those 48 lanes and Ram potential thanks. Dual red rocket / 4GPU / afterburner/ 6000mb/s NVMe far far outweighs Any RTX Benefits as not much uses that professionally.

As for CPU clock speeds... I am fairly sure that is the same for Mac and PC.. or you are talking pentiums or AMD in which case you don’t understand the differences...Brah.

The WAR between Eternal Enemies isn't OVER !!! ?

 

[Snow Tiger]

28 Cores upgrade done! I remove the 2x8gb use only 4x 32 , the geekbenck from 170000 jump to 19000+, I think if using 6 x 32 will jump to 20000+

View attachment 884680

Did you remember to reset your NVRAM ?

After making a hardware upgrade with a Mac , it is advisable to reset the NVRAM to improve performance and stability .

Shut down your Mac, then turn it on and immediately press and hold these four keys together: Option, Command, P, and R.

On Mac computers that have the Apple T2 Security Chip ( like your Mac Pro 7,1 ) , you can release the keys after the Apple logo appears and disappears for the second time.