Mac Pro CPU upgrade -- Problems :(

[100Years]

Well, I've done a few of these already, and this is the first time I have a problem; I'm hoping someone here can help me out....

The system is a 2010 Mac Pro (2x2.4GHz version). I wanted to upgrade the chips to two X5670 hexcores. I only have one chip for now, so here is what I did:

I pulled out both original chips, and put the hexcore in the CPU A socket. I placed a CPU blank over socket B, and then placed the heatsink over it (gently, just enough to connect to the fan connector on the processor tray.

I attached the heatsink over CPU A as normal. I have filled up the four memory slots for CPU A, so as to have 16GB.

Then I turn it on. Everything works fine, except for two things:

1) About 15-30 seconds after arriving at my desktop, both "lower" case fans start running full blast -- very loud!

2) My 16GB RAM are recognized, but only at 1066 speed (should be 1333).

I tried resets on the SMC and PRAM, but nothing changes. I pulled out the processor tray to check heatsink connections, and all looked great.

Anyone know what the trouble might be? Rightnow, I'm stumped.

 

[100Years]

Well, it looks like I solved the problem.

I pulled the X5670, and dropped one of the old E5620 chips into the A socket. Fired it up, and got the same result -- fans roaring away shortly after power up. Then I dropped the second E5620 into socket B, and fired it up again. Everything worked perfect.

So, it would appear that either you can't run this tower on just one processor without side effects, or there is a solution to the side effects that I don't know about. Either way, I'll just wait until I pick up the next X5670 chip, and then install both at the same time.

 

[stupidassdrumer]

Sorry I cant be much help because I havent done this yet. I am planning on it soon though. Can you tell me where you go your chips from? If ebay, what user was it? Ordering the new chips soon. Thanks!

 

[saulinpa]

Did you try the CPU in the B socket with A blank?