MP All Models Mac Pro CPU Compatibility List

[tsialex]

In reviewing the Intel chart, it seems to almost (but not quite) CPU specific. For example, W3690 won't get the remediation, but W3680 will.
Perhaps a footnote in the chart that references the Intel status: https://newsroom.intel.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/04/microcode-update-guidance.pdf

Intel choose to use the same nomenclature of Westmere Xeons for the only one with Gulftown core.

W3680 = Westmere
W3690 = Gulftown
[doublepost=1522967210][/doublepost]

I think that's exactly what tsialex want to express. Only W3690 won't be updated. So, suggest to state that in the table.

And the Bloomfield Xeons/i7 plus Gulftown i7-9xx, they’re on the table as well.

 

[saulinpa]

With the today’s news that Intel will not mitigate the microcode for Meltdown/Spectre on Gulftown Xeons (W3690/i7-9xx), maybe it’s a good time to update the Xeon table to correctly indicate what’s is what.

Since Apple doesn't have the new microcode patch for any CPU in the latest Boot ROM does it matter?

 

[tsialex]

Since Apple doesn't have the new microcode path for any CPU in the latest Boot ROM does it matter?

Maybe later on the road Apple will update the microcode. By the way, Bloomfield i7s/Xeons and Clarksfield i7s will not get the mitigated firmware, so a lot of changes on the table.

I almost bought a W3690 on AliExpress promo last week - if I had bought it, with today news, I’d be a little mad with myself.

 

[grooby]

Can the 1333 CPU pair with 1066 RAMs? I've acquired a 4,1 with already upgraded 32GB of 1066 RAM. I am thinking about upgrading the CPU (already purchased few to attempt delidding) and just want to make sure I don't need to spend more $$$ on RAM.

 

[h9826790]

Can the 1333 CPU pair with 1066 RAMs? I've acquired a 4,1 with already upgraded 32GB of 1066 RAM. I am thinking about upgrading the CPU (already purchased few to attempt delidding) and just want to make sure I don't need to spend more $$$ on RAM.

Yes

 

[kohlson]

Only W3690 won't be updated.

I think it may be more than that. On page 4 of the link, the update states that for many of the Mac Pro 4,1 CPUs - including W3520, W3530, W3540, W3550, W3565, W3570, W3580 - production status is now stopped. The associated color is yellow, which means this is a change from the previous update.

 

[skizzo]

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2568753

Basically it sounds like a very early Westmere/1333 firmware intended for 2010's but that made it into some very late 2009's.

Yes I can confirm that when I purchased, from Apple, a Mac Pro in either late July or early August of 2010, I actually received a 4,1 2009 Mac Pro model. It has that B08 firmware on it, which I discovered as I was flashing to the 5,1 firmware. When I started doing upgrades on my machine recently I was surprised to realize it was actually a 4,1 model and not 5,1 due to my purchase date. My assumption is I got one of the last 4,1's off the manufacturing line as they began to roll out the newer 5,1 model

 

[kzamor]

[doublepost=1454790632][/doublepost]Great work.
You can add to Mac Pro 5,1 dual CPU:
W5590 3.33GHz
I have a pair working well here

Hello, After 2 years, is the computer still working well? Is the fan a lot noisier than the stock processors?
Thanks.

 

[flowrider]

^^^^I had W5590s at one point but upgraded them to X5677s. Faster and run cooler.

Lou

 

[ibarnett]

Hello, After 2 years, is the computer still working well? Is the fan a lot noisier than the stock processors?
Thanks.

Now running with duel X5680 because I found them at a good price point.
However there was never any problem with the W5590's, used them until Oct 2016 when I changed to the above.

 

[zoomp]

Guys would this pair of X5690 work on my 5,1?

https://produto.mercadolivre.com.br...sadores-intel-xeon-x5690-slbvx-346ghz-12m-_JM

 

[h9826790]

Guys would this pair of X5690 work on my 5,1?

https://produto.mercadolivre.com.br...sadores-intel-xeon-x5690-slbvx-346ghz-12m-_JM

Yes

 

[Zeke D]

Bokkow and I have created a Mac Pro CPU compatibility list. The intent is to cover all relevant and compatible CPU upgrades for all Mac Pros. These are asked about over and over and over again, so I thought it would be nice to have it all in one place.

Can we add to the first post details on which CPU trays work for which units?

For example, if you have a 4,1 then you can use a 4,1 or a 5,1 tray or a 4,1 tray that's been firmware upgraded to 5,1.
If you have a 5,1 then you must use a 5,1 tray unless you abc/xyz.

Something like that...

 

[ActionableMango]

Can we add to the first post details on which CPU trays work for which units?

For example, if you have a 4,1 then you can use a 4,1 or a 5,1 tray or a 4,1 tray that's been firmware upgraded to 5,1.
If you have a 5,1 then you must use a 5,1 tray unless you abc/xyz.

As far as I know, what you are saying is incorrect and there is no intercompatibility to list. You must use the correct tray for your computer, period.

If you don't, there will be an SMC version mismatch and the fans will go crazy. The 4,1 to 5,1 firmware flash doesn't change that.

 

[flowrider]

Can we add to the first post details on which CPU trays work for which units?

For example, if you have a 4,1 then you can use a 4,1 or a 5,1 tray or a 4,1 tray that's been firmware upgraded to 5,1.
If you have a 5,1 then you must use a 5,1 tray unless you abc/xyz.

That is incorrect!

Lou

 

[handheldgames]

Using ECC Registered RAM, The Gulftown series 990X addresses the memory @1333Mhz, in up to 4 stick combinations such as 56GB RAM, using a 16-16-16-8. Attempting to boot with 64GB, 16-16-16-16, results in the mac booting to a grey screen without the option to login.

Using non-registered ram, 3x16 sticks run at 1333Mhz, 4x16 runs at 1066Mhz.

The 1st post could be updated to show the 990x is not limited to 1066Mhz support.

 

[LightBulbFun]

Using ECC Registered RAM, The Gulftown series 990X addresses the memory @1333Mhz, in up to 4 stick combinations such as 56GB RAM, using a 16-16-16-8. Attempting to boot with 64GB, 16-16-16-16, results in the mac booting to a grey screen without the option to login.

Using non-registered ram, 3x16 sticks run at 1333Mhz, 4x16 runs at 1066Mhz.

The 1st post could be updated to show the 990x is not limited to 1066Mhz support.

View attachment 762130

very interesting! thanks for reporting back your experiences

does System profiler under the "Memory" tab say if ECC is enabled or not?

and im surprised it even got to a grey screen with 4x16GB other reports with W36xx CPUs say that the machine just Beeps bad RAM when you do 4x16GB.

also im curious how does about this mac report the CPU? does it say Core i7 or 6-Core Xeon?

 

[handheldgames]

very interesting! thanks for reporting back your experiences

does System profiler under the "Memory" tab say if ECC is enabled or not?

and im surprised it even got to a grey screen with 4x16GB other reports with W36xx CPUs say that the machine just Beeps bad RAM when you do 4x16GB.

also im curious how does about this mac report the CPU? does it say Core i7 or 6-Core Xeon?

No beeps or anything. Just a boots to a soft-locked grey screen. Capslock works. I'm sure there is more going on I can't see without an EFI video card.

 

[ActionableMango]

The 1st post could be updated

Anyone can edit the first post.

 

[LightBulbFun]

very interesting thanks for posting.

its cool to see the i7 CPU will work with Registered DIMMs its a shame the Mac Pro firmware cant enable ECC functionality on the i7 CPU though

 

[frenchieisverige]

Hello,

I have a Mac pro 3,1 with a pair of Xeons @2.8Ghz. To get the maximum out of this machine, I recently ordered a pair of X5482s. I'll have them soon, but I already looked how to swap them. On ifixit.com, they say that X5482 "uses a special coating on the processor heatsink" which is very toxic. I don't want to bother with it. My question is simple:

- Can I use regular thermal paste such as Artic silver 5 with the stock heatsinks I already have?

PS: Will the Northbridge chipset will be fine too?

Thanks for your answers,

 

[tpivette89]

Hello,

I have a Mac pro 3,1 with a pair of Xeons @2.8Ghz. To get the maximum out of this machine, I recently ordered a pair of X5482s. I'll have them soon, but I already looked how to swap them. On ifixit.com, they say that X5482 "uses a special coating on the processor heatsink" which is very toxic. I don't want to bother with it. My question is simple:

- Can I use regular thermal paste such as Artic silver 5 with the stock heatsinks I already have?

PS: Will the Northbridge chipset will be fine too?

Thanks for your answers,

Yes, any thermal paste will work just fine. I used generic Thermaltake TG-7 bought from Best Buy for all my CPU installs, including the 3.4ghz ones installed in my 3,1.

 

[natymorris]

Could anyone answer a couple quick questions, couldn't find definitive answers in search.

I am looking at getting a mac pro 2010 duel 2.4 quad core.
I will aim to upgrade it to two x5690 or x5680 6 core

The guide mentions i would need 'dual xeon' type processors not 'i7 or single xeon types'. Do i then need to search for specific types or x5690/5690s or can i literally buy any two and put them in?

Anything else i should lookout for when buying these used, certain signs, specific cpu steppings?

Also regarding ram, currently it has 16GB 1066mhz, would it be likely that i need to eventually upgrade Ram, or do they tend to put in 1333mhz ram but is currently just running lower due to the current cpu.

 

[h9826790]

Could anyone answer a couple quick questions, couldn't find definitive answers in search.

I am looking at getting a mac pro 2010 duel 2.4 quad core.
I will aim to upgrade it to two x5690 or x5680 6 core

The guide mentions i would need 'dual xeon' type processors not 'i7 or single xeon types'. Do i then need to search for specific types or x5690/5690s or can i literally buy any two and put them in?

Anything else i should lookout for when buying these used, certain signs, specific cpu steppings?

Also regarding ram, currently it has 16GB 1066mhz, would it be likely that i need to eventually upgrade Ram, or do they tend to put in 1333mhz ram but is currently just running lower due to the current cpu.

Any 5690 EXCEPT "Engineer Sample" should be good. No need to buy match pair or any specific X5690.

You current RAM is fine.

 

[firedownunder]

Just a quick post to thank everyone who's contributed to this thread/forum. Upgraded yesterday (stock 2.66 to 3.46), went smooth as butter. Cheers