Mac Pro Firmware "Hack" W/O new processors

[AkuskaUK]

Hi all,

I know about the Netkas firmware hack bringing a 4,1 Mac Pro to a 5,1. Would you have to change the processors or can i just update my current 4,1 8core 2.26 model and not change anything?

A bit confused about this...

Thanks in advance!

 

[ybz90]

Hi all,

I know about the Netkas firmware hack bringing a 4,1 Mac Pro to a 5,1. Would you have to change the processors or can i just update my current 4,1 8core 2.26 model and not change anything?

A bit confused about this...

Thanks in advance!

You don't have to change anything. All it does is make the Mac Pro a 5,1. This gives you the option to use 1333 RAM and the newer processors, but there's nothing wrong with keeping it the same.

 

[AkuskaUK]

Brilliant, thank you! I was worried that it would not boot unless i upgraded the processors too. Ill do it now, thanks again!

 

[calaverasgrande]

will it not need a new CPU in order to exploit the faster ram speed? I was under the impression that most modern CPU's have the memory controller on the CPU. So while a new BIOS enables 1333 DDR ram, it is the CPU that "makes it happen".
I am not positive about this as I haven't done the hack yet. And I am not familiar with all the various Xeons. (who has time to keep track of all these CPUS and GPUS?)

 

[Mac Gus]

will it not need a new CPU in order to exploit the faster ram speed? I was under the impression that most modern CPU's have the memory controller on the CPU. So while a new BIOS enables 1333 DDR ram, it is the CPU that "makes it happen".
I am not positive about this as I haven't done the hack yet. And I am not familiar with all the various Xeons. (who has time to keep track of all these CPUS and GPUS?)

Let's wait for an expert to clarify this, but yes, I believe you need to change the CPU to use higher RAM in addition to the firmware upgrade. I'm going to be doing this whole procedure in the coming weeks. My x5660s are in the mail as is my new RAM.

 

[ybz90]

will it not need a new CPU in order to exploit the faster ram speed? I was under the impression that most modern CPU's have the memory controller on the CPU. So while a new BIOS enables 1333 DDR ram, it is the CPU that "makes it happen".
I am not positive about this as I haven't done the hack yet. And I am not familiar with all the various Xeons. (who has time to keep track of all these CPUS and GPUS?)

This is correct. All the firmware does is enable the new CPUs, the use of which is what enables faster RAM.

 

[calaverasgrande]

I've got a dusty old 2008 and a 2009 Mac Pro I have no use for other than to beat on. So I'll probably be doing this as well.
Possibly with e-wasted servers parts.
(I can dream right?)

 

[Loa]

FYI: faster ram alone won't make a single % performance improvement in the real world.

Loa

 

[GP-SE]

I updated my 4,1 to 5,1 firmware, I'm still using my original CPU, no issues to report!
There is no negative\issues to updating the firmware from 4,1 to 5,1

 

[AkuskaUK]

I updated my 4,1 to 5,1 firmware, I'm still using my original CPU, no issues to report!
There is no negative\issues to updating the firmware from 4,1 to 5,1

Thank you! Exactly what i was going to ask Ill be doing it today when i am back from Uni