Mac Pro CPU Experts! I need a simple piece of clarification (5,1)

[SkweeGee]

I'm narrowing down my search to buy a (Aluminum Tower) Mac Pro and have it down to the two least expensive refurbs:

• 2010 Mac Pro 2.8GHz Quad-Core (W3530)
• 2012 Mac Pro 3.2GHz Quad-Core (W3565)

I plan to upgrade the processor with either machine to the hex (6-core) W3680 (or greater).

Now the question I had was whether the architecture for the two machines are exactly the same? Meaning, if I theoretically had both machines with the same components (RAM, Video, etc) would I achieve the same results with either of them having the W3680 processor? If this is the case, I'm looking to save even more money and go with the 2010 model.

Thanks so much for any help!

 

[Donar]

The architecture for both models (2010/2012) is the same. Even the 2009 MacPro (MP 4,1) is the same and can be flashed with firmware from the MacPro 5,1 through a hack.

 

[pastrychef]

Yes, they are the same. Either of those machines can be upgraded to W3680 or greater.

 

[SkweeGee]

The architecture for both models (2010/2012) is the same. Even the 2009 MacPro (MP 4,1) is the same and can be flashed with firmware from the MacPro 5,1 through a hack.

Yes, they are the same. Either of those machines can be upgraded to W3680 or greater.

Thanks for the reply guys! It makes my decision a lot easier!

 

[MassMacMan]

The architecture for both models (2010/2012) is the same. Even the 2009 MacPro (MP 4,1) is the same and can be flashed with firmware from the MacPro 5,1 through a hack.

That's what I did with mine, installing a W3680, and getting a Geekbench2 score of 15,317. It's every bit as fast as it should be.