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dabotsonline

macrumors member
Apr 14, 2014
46
15
Mac Pro 7,1
  • 1TB or 2TB maximum RAM depending on processor

ArchitectureCoresGradeCPU-ModelGHzTurboRAMWattMax RAM
Cascade Lake28 coreXeon WW-3275M2.54.42933205W2TB
Cascade Lake28 coreXeon WW-32752.54.42933205W1TB
Cascade Lake24 coreXeon WW-3265M2.74.42933205W2TB
Cascade Lake24 coreXeon WW-32652.74.42933205W1TB
Cascade Lake16 coreXeon WW-3245M3.24.42933205W2TB
Cascade Lake16 coreXeon WW-32453.24.42933205W1TB
Cascade Lake12 coreXeon WW-32353.34.42933180W1TB
Cascade Lake8 coreXeon WW-32253.74.32666160W1TB
Cascade Lake8 coreXeon WW-32233.54.02666160W1TB
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Which CPU is the one that Apple is including in the Mac Pro 7,1 as the 3.2ghz 16 core? Will it handle 1TB or 2TB? Is it the W3245M?

Not that I need this much, but I am about to buy a 7,1 new. My attempt at buying through eBay failed (refunded).

Just buy the cheapest 7,1 you can get and upgrade it with a non-M CPU bought from a reliable seller.
The 2tb ram are ridiculous, even for the heaviest 3D render jobs 128gb of ram is enough, 256gb at most.
No idea why Apple uses the M series.. probably to rip off more money from their customers.
This will cut your cost in half or give you a way faster CPU.

Per p117 of 2019_Mac_Pro_Service_Technician_Manual.pdf , https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT210103 and https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT210405 , I have a couple of questions regarding the 12 DIMM slots of the Mac Pro 7,1 :

I appreciate that, on the Cascade Lake Xeon W CPUs *without* the 'M' suffix, Apple *officially* supports 768GB RAM, whether that is:

1. 12 x 64GB 2933MHz (PC23400) DDR4 ECC full-length 288-pin LR-DIMM without a heatsink
or
2. 12 x 64GB 2933MHz (PC23400) DDR4 ECC full-length 288-pin R-DIMM without a heatsink
or
3. 6 x 128GB 2933MHz (PC23400) DDR4 ECC full-length 288-pin LR-DIMM without a heatsink
or
4. 6 x 128GB 2933MHz (PC23400) DDR4 ECC full-length 288-pin R-DIMM without a heatsink

but that, per https://everymac.com/systems/apple/...-xeon-w-silver-rack-mountable-2019-specs.html and https://eshop.macsales.com/blog/57013-owc-confirms-1tb-of-memory-in-the-8-12-and-16-core-mac-pro/ , Apple *unofficially* supports 1024GB, whether that is:

5. 8 x 128GB 2933MHz (PC23400) DDR4 ECC full-length 288-pin LR-DIMM without a heatsink
or
6. 8 x 128GB 2933MHz (PC23400) DDR4 ECC full-length 288-pin R-DIMM without a heatsink

and on the Cascade Lake Xeon W CPUs *with* the 'M' suffix, per https://everymac.com/systems/apple/...-xeon-w-silver-rack-mountable-2019-specs.html and https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/owc/apple-mac-pro/2019 , Apple *officially* supports 1536GB RAM, whether that is:

7. 12 x 128GB 2933MHz (PC23400) DDR4 ECC full-length 288-pin LR-DIMM without a heatsink
or
8. 12 x 128GB 2933MHz (PC23400) DDR4 ECC full-length 288-pin R-DIMM without a heatsink

However, to get to 2048GB, is this the *unofficial* configuration?

9. 8 x 256GB 2933MHz (PC23400) DDR4 ECC full-length 288-pin LR-DIMM without a heatsink
or
10. 8 x 256GB 2933MHz (PC23400) DDR4 ECC full-length 288-pin R-DIMM without a heatsink

Presumably, as of macOS 13.2.1 BIOS version 1916.80.2.0.0 Boot ROM MP71.88Z.F000.B00.2212212025 [ https://github.com/acidanthera/OpenCorePkg/blob/master/AppleModels/DataBase/MacPro/MP71.yaml ], the MacPro7,1 does *not* support 2560GB:

11. 10 x 256GB 2933MHz (PC23400) DDR4 ECC full-length 288-pin LR-DIMM without a heatsink
or
12. 10 x 256GB 2933MHz (PC23400) DDR4 ECC full-length 288-pin R-DIMM without a heatsink

nor 3072GB?

13. 12 x 256GB 2933MHz (PC23400) DDR4 ECC full-length 288-pin LR-DIMM without a heatsink
or
14. 12 x 256GB 2933MHz (PC23400) DDR4 ECC full-length 288-pin R-DIMM without a heatsink
 
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ActionableMango

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Original poster
Sep 21, 2010
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However, to get to 2048GB, is this the *unofficial* configuration?

Historically speaking, the officially supported memory configurations tend to just list the maximum that was tested at the time and never get updated.

The only way we’ve known when Mac Pros were capable of more memory are when (A) an enthusiast tries and posts the results, or (B) when a Mac-focused memory retailer such as DMS or OWC posts the information.

The highest I’ve seen from (B) is OWC offering 1.5 TB. If you cannot find anything higher capacity than that, it seems you will need to take on the (A) role yourself. I suggest buying memory from a company with a 100% return guarantee and low/no restocking fee, because there is a high risk that it won’t work.

If you decide to do this, please share your results whether it worked or not. It is helpful to future people who may also want to attempt this.
 
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zzzachi

macrumors regular
Jun 16, 2012
231
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@dabotsonline
if you read apples specs, it is likely that they use the M cpus for the 24/28 core models, the rest uses the non-M versions. in my opinion this was a ridiculous decision because it almost doubles the price for the cpu even though 99.99% of all users don't even get close to such memory needs. apple simply wanted high numbers to show off and did not care $ about making the top models affordable. (here the W-3275M costs about 8.2k, the W-3275 about 4.8k) the majority of users is wasting almost 4k for a CPU they dont need.

according to intels tech specs 2tb is the max for an M, so supporting 2560gb or 3072gb is impossible.
also apple for sure wouldn't say 1.5tb is max if the top models could support more.
 
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StormLord

macrumors member
Dec 23, 2009
74
10
I got a pair of X5675 CPUs for my 4,1 upgraded to 5,1 Mac. I didn't delidd them but I created proper stand offs for the heatsink and got a replacement thermal pad (actually a very thick paste that was made to replace pads).
But the Mac does not chime/boot.
My memory is 8x2GB DDR3 1066 ECC, maybe it needs 1333 memories to be able to startup?
I thought it would startup and play the memory at the lower 1066 speed....
 

h9826790

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Apr 3, 2014
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I got a pair of X5675 CPUs for my 4,1 upgraded to 5,1 Mac. I didn't delidd them but I created proper stand offs for the heatsink and got a replacement thermal pad (actually a very thick paste that was made to replace pads).
But the Mac does not chime/boot.
My memory is 8x2GB DDR3 1066 ECC, maybe it needs 1333 memories to be able to startup?
I thought it would startup and play the memory at the lower 1066 speed....
No, not DIMM issue. your existing RAM is fine.

My suggestion is do one CPU at a time. In your case, only install CPU A first, leave socket B empty. Then test boot the cMP.

If can boot, then further install CPU B. Otherwise, it's no way to tell which CPU haven't install properly (heatsink screws tension not correct etc).
 

MrScratchHook

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Dec 17, 2022
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I got a pair of X5675 CPUs for my 4,1 upgraded to 5,1 Mac. I didn't delidd them but I created proper stand offs for the heatsink and got a replacement thermal pad (actually a very thick paste that was made to replace pads).
But the Mac does not chime/boot.
My memory is 8x2GB DDR3 1066 ECC, maybe it needs 1333 memories to be able to startup?
I thought it would startup and play the memory at the lower 1066 speed....
you should really have delidded them...thats my best guess. i just upgraded and repasted my 2010 dual today..
 

StormLord

macrumors member
Dec 23, 2009
74
10
No, not DIMM issue. your existing RAM is fine.

My suggestion is do one CPU at a time. In your case, only install CPU A first, leave socket B empty. Then test boot the cMP.

If can boot, then further install CPU B. Otherwise, it's no way to tell which CPU haven't install properly (heatsink screws tension not correct etc).
Thanks!, the problem was 0.5mm difference on the fabricated stand offs I made, after I measured the difference and printed proper thickness stand offs the problem eliminated and all are working correctly (I had 1.7mm thickness and it needed 2.2mm to work correctly)

you should really have delidded them...thats my best guess. i just upgraded and repasted my 2010 dual today..
I managed to make them work without deliding, but today I delidded both my 2 pairs of X5675 I had, and I have tested them and all 4 CPUs are working correctly.
BTW, 1 out of 4 CPUs I got had few missing caps from underside, and I replaced them from one of my old E5520 and now even that X5675 is working correctly, stressed for more than 6 hours without any hiccup.
 

jrstrong69

Suspended
May 25, 2023
10
4
No one ever did a thread consolidating the knowledge about the rev.A early-2009 dual CPU tray, the info are scattered over dozens of threads. From what I remember the Apple internal GSK revision notes and posts here:

  • red solder mask PCBs are prototypes and only work with Nehalem Xeons, usually only with the already installed Xeons.
  • green solder mask PCBs are pre-production and usually can work with 95W Westmere Xeons, some only work with Nehalem Xeons.
  • black solder mask PCBs that have all the diag buttons installed are qualification and work up to 95W Westmere Xeons.
  • black solder mask PCBs that have just the main diag button installed and have the build date up to the end of April May 2009 are rev1 and usually only work with 95W Westmere Xeons. Some can work with X5680s, but most won't even POST with X5690s. Most autodestruct over time with 130W Westmere Xeons.
  • different factories over the world have different dates for the start of rev.B production. I try to buy early-2009 CPU trays only after July because of this. From previous experience with BootROMs, the Cork factory usually is the slowest one to implement any changes.
  • The CPU tray production date week is easy to identify, for example, J5929xxxxxxxx was made back in the 29th week of 2009 (3rd digit is the year, 4th and 5th are the week number). This is valid for all 11-digits SSNs.

There are several posts about these early made dual CPU trays not working correctly with X5680s, or not even completing POST with X5690s installed, but working with X5675. If I remember anything more, I"ll add to this post.
These 'forum' rules! Or YOUR rules?

I've seen MANY other 'concerns' about delidding and so forth and that's not 'standard practice' is it?



MacRumors attracts a BROAD AUDIENCE of BOTH consumers and professionals interested in the latest technologies and products. We also boast an active community focused on PURCHASING DECISIONS <<<<<and>>>>> technical aspects of the iPhone, iPod, iPad, and Mac platforms.

Again, I'm sorry, but I really don't think I should be?

Jeff
 

MrScratchHook

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Dec 17, 2022
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Macschrauber

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yes firmware update is needed for newer processors. but you could easily stay at 4,1 with x5675 and call it a day

this is wrong, X5675 is Westmere and needs the MP5,1 firmware

to add my 2 cents: Delidding is the way to go for dual 4,1 systems. Too much can go wrong.

Heating up the Xeons, doing the vice method (or a special tool as I have), polishing and removing the silicon remains is a need to make the Xeons identical to the originals.

As other approaches could lead to thicker Xeons and not close contact to the heatsink for the processors and the voltage regulators. This is a risk.

Do it properly or buy perfect prepared Xeons.

Avoid 1st generation MP4,1 dual cpu boards.
 
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MrScratchHook

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Dec 17, 2022
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this is wrong, X5675 is Westmere and needs the MP5,1 firmware

to add my 2 cents: Delidding is the way to go for dual 4,1 systems. Too much can go wrong.

Heating up the Xeons, doing the vice method (or a special tool as I have), polishing and removing the silicon remains is a need to make the Xeons identical to the originals.

As other approaches could lead to thicker Xeons and not close contact to the heatsink for the processors and the voltage regulators. This is a risk.

Do it properly or buy perfect prepared Xeons.

Avoid 1st generation MP4,1 dual cpu boards.
i miswrote, my apologies, i believe its the x55 series
 

jrstrong69

Suspended
May 25, 2023
10
4
yes firmware update is needed for newer processors. but you could easily stay at 4,1 with x55 series and call it a day
yes firmware update is needed for newer processors. but you could easily stay at 4,1 with x5675 and call it a day




I've already flashed to 5,1, and my 2009 MacPro was made in the 26th week, so I 'think' it is past the Rev. A stage, but I haven't checked 'under' the backplane of the 'secondary' dual board I bought for my original single 2.66 4 xeon?

It worked fine at 2 x 4 2.26 ghz xeon's!

But, I already bought 2 x 6 x 5680 xeon's? for a 12 core 2009 with 'similar' performance to a 2019 MacPro!

I'm 'hoping' they are compatible, with the lids ON?


Jeff

Jeff Strong
217-254-8 1 0 1 cell
 
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MrScratchHook

macrumors 6502
Dec 17, 2022
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yes firmware update is needed for newer processors. but you could easily stay at 4,1 with x5675 and call it a day




I've already flashed to 5,1, and my 2009 MacPro was made in the 26th week, so I 'think' it is past the Rev. A stage, but I haven't checked 'under' the backplane of the 'secondary' dual board I bought for my original single 2.66 4 xeon?

It worked fine at 2 x 4 2.26 ghz xeon's!

But, I already bought 2 x 6 x 5680 xeon's? for a 12 core 2009 with 'similar' performance to a 2019 MacPro!

I'm 'hoping' they are compatible, with the lids ON?


Jeff

Jeff Strong
217-254-8 1 0 1 cell
with the lids on you would need a spacer so you don't over tighten them. its tricky to get it right(so ive heard) i would delidd them, or sell them and buy delidded...you decide whats worth it
 

Macschrauber

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Dec 27, 2015
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with the lids on you would need a spacer so you don't over tighten them. its tricky to get it right(so ive heard) i would delidd them, or sell them and buy delidded...you decide whats worth it
You will also need to fiddle with the plug for the temperature sensor and with the thermal pads for the voltage regulators.

Lots of people oversee the latter. The components do not get cooled properly if they do make little to no contact to the heat sinks.
 
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zzzachi

macrumors regular
Jun 16, 2012
231
111
fyi, i run a 5,1 with an upgraded CPUs for the 4th or 5th yr now. no problem at all.
the only thing tricky was the thermal paste. either i have done that right or there is a lot of tolerance.
(guess the latter)
together with replacing all drives by ssds it was well worth the investment
now things slowly come to an end bc you're stuck with old systems. (max possible is monterey)
 

macguru9999

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Aug 9, 2006
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with the lids on you would need a spacer so you don't over tighten them. its tricky to get it right(so ive heard) i would delidd them, or sell them and buy delidded...you decide whats worth it
I think at this point if you really need more power you would be better off getting an M2 mac mini and duct taping it to the mac pro ..... (I put dual 5690s in mine and i love it etc but its never gonna beat an M2)
 

MrScratchHook

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Dec 17, 2022
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I think at this point if you really need more power you would be better off getting an M2 mac mini and duct taping it to the mac pro ..... (I put dual 5690s in mine and i love it etc but its never gonna beat an M2)
Quite honestly, on my mac(you can see the specs at the bottom signature) i dont need any more power than i already have, im only into audio with protools and alot of plugins and it runs great, i have 2 nvme pcie as well as a universal audio pcie. buying an m2 would require an enclosure which im not willing to do. im truly satisfied with it. Also im using legacy patcher with Sonoma and everything runs fine(surprisingly). I couldnt be any happier with it, not even an m2 will make it better.
 
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MrScratchHook

macrumors 6502
Dec 17, 2022
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fyi, i run a 5,1 with an upgraded CPUs for the 4th or 5th yr now. no problem at all.
the only thing tricky was the thermal paste. either i have done that right or there is a lot of tolerance.
(guess the latter)
together with replacing all drives by ssds it was well worth the investment
now things slowly come to an end bc you're stuck with old systems. (max possible is monterey)
ohhh nooo sir, you can go to sonoma with legacy patcher, i have it, runs good, unless your doing video then you must stay on monterey
 
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