Mac Pro 2008 2.8 Single CPU

[daustin21]

After browsing the threads from search I have a question.

Most people who do this upgrade (to two CPUs) upgrade the speed of the processors at the same time so they do end up needing to buy matched pairs.

But if I am just wanting to add the second processor to what I have, am I still stuck with needing to buy a matched set or is it possible to stick the exact model CPU in with heatsink and power up?

If so, what is the exact model I should be looking for?

Sorry if this is such a basic question but I am always confused with the seemingly countless different steppings and listings I see on auction/used sites.

 

[hyram]

You need to match what you have. There are tool out there that will spit out the details.

 

[Hellhammer]

Intel Xeon E5462 with sSpec code SLANT as that uses C0 stepping which will work in Mac Pro (SLBBN uses E0 which doesn't work due to lack of support by the EFI)

 

[Mancer619]

Does all Intel Xeon E5462 have sSpec code SLANT? I tried doing what daustin21 is thinking but when I install the 2nd CPU the system would not boot up.

 

[CaptainChunk]

That question was already answered in Hellhammer's post above yours. There are two variants of the E5462 and you would need the one with the SLANT spec code. SLBBN uses a different stepping and is not compatible with the 3,1's EFI.

 

[Mancer619]

CRAP! Many Thanks! Pardon my ignorance, just a graphic geek and not a system geek.

 

[Squonk]

After browsing the threads from search I have a question.

Most people who do this upgrade (to two CPUs) upgrade the speed of the processors at the same time so they do end up needing to buy matched pairs.

But if I am just wanting to add the second processor to what I have, am I still stuck with needing to buy a matched set or is it possible to stick the exact model CPU in with heatsink and power up?

If so, what is the exact model I should be looking for?

Sorry if this is such a basic question but I am always confused with the seemingly countless different steppings and listings I see on auction/used sites.

Did you ever upgrade your system to dual quads? Where did you purchase your parts from and how much did it cost?

Thank you