Mac Pro 2009 Dual CPU Question

[Azeroth1]

if I plan to add dual CPUs, do I have to buy a model that comes with dual CPUs out of the box and then just swap the cpus, or can I just add an entire second tray to the case?

 

[h9826790]

if I plan to add dual CPUs, do I have to buy a model that comes with dual CPUs out of the box and then just swap the cpus, or can I just add an entire second tray to the case?

You can only buy the tray (with heatsinks)

But usually it often cost roughly the same as a whole used cMP.

IMO, it's better to buy a whole used cMP and upgrade it accordingly. If anything goes wrong. You still has your original one.

If success, then sell the remaining parts / cMP to recover the cost.

 

[tsialex]

if I plan to add dual CPUs, do I have to buy a model that comes with dual CPUs out of the box and then just swap the cpus, or can I just add an entire second tray to the case?

You need to buy the dual CPU tray, you have only one tray connection per Mac Pro.

If your Mac Pro is a 2009, you have to buy a 2009 tray. If is a 2012/2012, a 2010/2012 tray. 2009 and 2010/2012 trays are not interchangeable since the SMC versions differs and cannot be updated.

1.39f5 on 2009
1.39f11 on 2010/2012