Mac Pro Quad 2.66Ghz upgradable to 12-core?

[nanofrog]

AFAIK that bootrom is mostly found in refurbs.

That's a possibility (easy way of testing out a new firmware revision by way of automated reporting in the wild before making it public).

I found something weird on Geekbench database. It does not imply anything as the info can be easily faked in the hackintosh world. but still.... weird.

http://browse.geekbench.ca/geekbench2/view/270413

Assuming this is correct (information's not been altered in any way), that would be great news for 2009 MP owners, as B07 is on the Firmware Update disk/image IIRC. Which would allow them a means of upgrading to B1 stepped parts (36xx and 56xx parts for SP and DP systems respectively) as a potential means of extending their systems' usable lifespan.

We'd need independent confirmation to be sure the B07 firmware revision is actually capable of running B1 stepped CPU's though.

But I will remain cautious until this occurs, as it could cause a mess to just assume the information is 100% correct and later discover it's wrong (no special circumstances, no manipulated report data/results, ...).

 

[voodoochild16]

I'm still curious about ddr3 ram. Say you had a mac pro with ddr2 ram maxed up to 32gb's. And you had a mac pro with ddr3 ram maxed out to 32gb's. Would mac pro B perform dramatically faster?.

 

[nanofrog]

I'm still curious about ddr3 ram. Say you had a mac pro with ddr2 ram maxed up to 32gb's. And you had a mac pro with ddr3 ram maxed out to 32gb's. Would mac pro B perform dramatically faster?.

In theory, Yes.

But it depends on if the software can actually utilize the additional bandwidth available in the Nehalem or Westmere based systems. Unfortunately, software that can actually do this is rare (video editing and animation software currently available isn't capable of utilizing the additional bandwidth; most that can, <workstation based> is for scientific/engineering modeling).

 

[djulz]

I'd want some confirmation of some sort, such as a screen shot showing the MP Identifier with a Hex core CPU (i.e. 4,1 and W3670, 3680, or 3690).

It does work with the 5,1 as it's a proven fact it supports B1 steppings.

In the case of the Macbidouille link you posted, with the pics of both the 2009 (4,1) and 2010 (5,1) CPU trays, I'm wondering if the test was done on the 2010 and presumed it would also work on the 2009. This is why I'm after a screen shot to show otherwise.

The previous attempts I'm aware of did not work, as only D0 steppings were available at the time 2009 systems released. So far, no one's gotten the firmware to update to that used on the 2010 units via a software only method (not desolder the firmware chip, manually reprogram the ROM chip with a dumped copy of the 2010 code, then resolder the ROM with the new firmware - that has been done as I understand it>).

The only other possibility that would make any sense to me, is that the specific firmware revision on the 2009 system used, was a beta version of what was the first final release used in the 2010's (i.e. I have heard of a B08 version, though officially, B07 was the latest for the 2009's). Assuming this is the case, it wouldn't be viable for all 2009 users (likely a very small number).

Totally agree Nanofrog, thats why I sent a mail to those guys, mentioning the screen capture that was very disturbing, considering it was on a 5,1 and the answer was that the test had been done on a 5,1 and a late 4,1. Anyway upgrading might prove useful in a few months when the prices of Hexacores has lowered a bit, and then we will get more precise informations on theses upgrades feasability.

 

[nanofrog]

Totally agree Nanofrog, thats why I sent a mail to those guys, mentioning the screen capture that was very disturbing, considering it was on a 5,1 and the answer was that the test had been done on a 5,1 and a late 4,1. Anyway upgrading might prove useful in a few months when the prices of Hexacores has lowered a bit, and then we will get more precise informations on theses upgrades feasability.

Hopefully, this will settle whether or not they actually pulled it off in the 4,1 and not just assume it would after testing in the 5,1.

 

[voodoochild16]

In theory, Yes.

But it depends on if the software can actually utilize the additional bandwidth available in the Nehalem or Westmere based systems. Unfortunately, software that can actually do this is rare (video editing and animation software currently available isn't capable of utilizing the additional bandwidth; most that can, <workstation based> is for scientific/engineering modeling).

Ok cool, but also in theory its not worth upgrading mobos just to support ddr3 ram, because im sure the speed versus ddr2 isnt significantly better. But, then again upgrading mobos may be worth it if anyone wants 12 cores and ddr3 ram and pci-e 2.0.

 

[nanofrog]

Ok cool, but also in theory its not worth upgrading mobos just to support ddr3 ram, because im sure the speed versus ddr2 isnt significantly better. But, then again upgrading mobos may be worth it if anyone wants 12 cores and ddr3 ram and pci-e 2.0.

Swapping boards isn't as easy as you might think in this case, as the internal metal works changed to accomodate the new board layouts (there's even minor differences between the '06/7 machines and '08's, and it's significant from those to the '09/10's).

You'd end up having to buy new internal case parts, and possibly modify things that can't be removed (i.e. welded, not screwed down) or if it is held with screws, drill and tap new holes that were never made in the existing case.

Combine the additional cost and headache, it's likely not worth it (cheaper to sell off the old system, and get a new one). Preferably a refurb to lower the out of pocket expense (refurb system - selling price for existing system = lowest possible cash cost).

Now if the software used can actually utilize the additional bandwidth of DDR3, and particularly if that system is used to earn a living, replacing the old system for a newer one (designed to run DDR3) makes sense financially (i.e. increased bottom line due to improved workflow <less time spent on each job, so more can be taken over a given period of time>).