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Firmware hack for running Westmere 6 cores in 2009 MP...

Thanks. I was surprised a thread wasn't already started when I posted this. Though, given the poor thread title, you can hopefully forgive my mistake. :rolleyes:
 
I just like to note that everyone should read the transplant threads as its very delicate deal. The (very small) pins are in the socket and not in the CPU. Very easy to damage you board. They are slightly curved so if you pull the CPU and see that dont freak out ( I did ).

-Cheers
 
Just when I was about to upgrade to a 2011 iMac, a hacker has given a really good reason not to. When the hex core becomes reasonably priced and release of a new graphics card (ATI 6890?), I'll be a happy camper!
 
sammyman said:
SUCK! I just bought a w3565! What a waste if I could go to 6 cores!!!
Click to expand...

Unless you have extra dough lying around or you really need it for a project, the w3565 is probably a good option until the price of the hex cores come down in price.

I'll wait until the hex cores are closer to $600.
 
the w3670 hex core is 605 from buy.com



sammyman don't fell bad run the new quad and if you want to do the 6 core hack wait until aug or sept. you are much less cash out of pocket this way also buy.com would give you full credit to trade up
 
philipma1957 said:
the w3670 hex core is 605 from buy.com



sammyman don't fell bad run the new quad and if you want to do the 6 core hack wait until aug or sept. you are much less cash out of pocket this way also buy.com would give you full credit to trade up
Click to expand...

Well I could return it. I just ordered it today. Very tempted by the W3670. Does that one work fine too? Any side issues with running a firmware hack like this?
 
I need the W3670. Gotta cancel my order! Will this thing work in my 2009? Sorry for repeating myself, but I am psyched. Does this mean I need 1333mhz RAM?
 
sammyman said:
I need the W3670. Gotta cancel my order! Will this thing work in my 2009? Sorry for repeating myself, but I am psyched. Does this mean I need 1333mhz RAM?
Click to expand...
Given what's been posted on the firmware hack, the W3670 will run on a 2009 SP daughterboard once it's been flashed (provides support for B1 stepped parts). But due to the QPI configuration, the W3670 will not run in a DP daughterboard (has to do with the chipset, not the firmware).

1333MHz memory is not a necessity, but the CPU is capable of running it if you wish to replace your existing RAM.
 
Ive been reading up on how to do this to my 2009 MP but can anyone tell me which strings i have change? and what do i change them to? Is that all i have to do?

I found the article a bit confusing to read.
 
mjsmke said:
Ive been reading up on how to do this to my 2009 MP but can anyone tell me which strings i have change? and what do i change them to? Is that all i have to do?

I found the article a bit confusing to read.
Click to expand...

??? Just download the app from netkas.org

You need to register first.
 
nanofrog said:
Given what's been posted on the firmware hack, the W3670 will run on a 2009 SP daughterboard once it's been flashed (provides support for B1 stepped parts). But due to the QPI configuration, the W3670 will not run in a DP daughterboard (has to do with the chipset, not the firmware).

1333MHz memory is not a necessity, but the CPU is capable of running it if you wish to replace your existing RAM.
Click to expand...

Sorry I read this 3 times and can't figure out if you are saying the w3670 will run, or will not run in the 2009 MP???
 
nanofrog said:
Given what's been posted on the firmware hack, the W3670 will run on a 2009 SP daughterboard once it's been flashed (provides support for B1 stepped parts). But due to the QPI configuration, the W3670 will not run in a DP daughterboard (has to do with the chipset, not the firmware).

1333MHz memory is not a necessity, but the CPU is capable of running it if you wish to replace your existing RAM.
Click to expand...
sammyman said:
Sorry I read this 3 times and can't figure out if you are saying the w3670 will run, or will not run in the 2009 MP???
Click to expand...

SP = Single processor
MP = Multiple processor

He's saying it will work on a flashed SP Mac Pro, but probably not a flashed MP Mac Pro.
 
sammyman said:
Phew! Just dropped about a grand on 32GB of RAM and a w3670.
Click to expand...
I presumed you knew what SP and DP mean. :eek:
  • SP = Single Processor (aka UP for Uni-Processor)
  • DP = Dual Processor
  • MP in terms of CPU's = Multiple Processors (Mac Pro's do not use this type of CPU), but as this is Mac Rumors, MP is usually short hand for Mac Pro. ;)
So long as your daughter board only holds one CPU (single socket, not dual), and you've flashed the firmware, the W3670 will work in the 2009, as should the RAM (presume it's the right type for your system).

The reason a W36xx cannot work in a DP board, is there's a different chipset for the different processor series' (X58 is used on SP boards, the 5520 is used for the DP boards), and the 5520 cannot shut down an unused QPI channel. CPU's can, which is why a DP processor model will work in an SP board.

Before the flash was available, that CPU would only work in the SP 2010 models, as Apple's not provided a firmware update for 2009 owners (2010 firmware provides the B1 stepping support needed for the 36xx and 56xx series processors).
 
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