Anybody have success at upgrading CPUs in a 2009 Mac Pro flashed to 5,1 I would like to upgrade to 6 core CPUs but the "De-liding" and screwing down the Hex bolts on the Heat Sinks to the right toque scary you could well f**k it up? it seems straight forward apart from that. The De-liding again looks easy but can go wrong hum
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Mac Pro 2009 2.66 8 Core CPU Upgrade
- Thread starter Sg335man
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Yes, I've delidded four processors. Using the vice method it was quite easy. If I had to do it again, I'd do it again the exact same way.
But I've seen people here fail with every method tried so far, so there is risk. I used to think the washer method was ultra-safe, but someone here has had that fail too.
But I've seen people here fail with every method tried so far, so there is risk. I used to think the washer method was ultra-safe, but someone here has had that fail too.
Out of the upgrade I think screwing down the heat sink hex bolts is the killer make or break. The guys making videos all seem to have had more luck then design? Touque Rench I guess is used at the factory? OWC in the US does a replacement swap the whole mother board heat sinks the lot. Here in the U.K. we have companies doing it but costs $800 bucks crazy. Anyway somebody may have a risk free method ? Maybe not
I am not aware of a risk free method other than having someone else do it who is reputable and guarantees his work.
For keeping the lids, using washers lowers your risk quite a bit because in theory it should prevent overtravel, but still one person here had a problem.
For delidding I think the best is vice method. This is the only one I have experience with.
Having done this on a single-socket system, it was easier than I thought. But, no delidding. I watched a couple of videos, which at some point varied from the Mac Pro Technician Guide. I am very comfortable taking things apart and putting things back together, and have a sense for how tight is "tight." No need to buy a 3mm allen driver, because I already had 2 in my various toolboxes. Elapsed time was about 20 minutes.
All that said, be very familiar with how things come apart (lids and coolers), thoroughly clean up thermal paste and re-apply, tighten the 3mm screws according to the guide, and to spec. Make sure they are seated properly. You cannot be too careful.
All that said, be very familiar with how things come apart (lids and coolers), thoroughly clean up thermal paste and re-apply, tighten the 3mm screws according to the guide, and to spec. Make sure they are seated properly. You cannot be too careful.
Single CPU cMP 2009 uses lidded CPU as well. So upgrading it to lidded W3690 or X5690 or the like is very straight forward. It is different for Dual CPU cMP 2009 which uses unlidded CPUs.
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Not a recommendation but just sharing from my experience upgrading 5-6 dual CPU cMP 2009 sets.
1) Washer height adjustment method (seems to be the safest). I tried this only once and I killed the board by squashing the cpu PINs. It works for others but not for me.
2) De-lidding method - never try
3) Without de-lidding using lidded CPU as is - by feel of the tightness (tighten the four hex screws with 1/4 turn each round). You should feel slight 'resistance" after 2-3 full 360degree turn per screw. Stop. Boot up and test if ok. if not, go for another 1/4 turn (90 degree), boot up again). Just remember that you should never go beyond the point where you feel that it is tight at all.
(3) seems to be the most dangerous and least scientific way but personally for me, it is the most risk free and comfortable way. All my 5-6 upgrade using this method work 100%.