Mac Pro with Westmere x5690 (3.46GHz)

[h9826790]

I have done a similar project on my Model 1,1 (early 2008). from a 2- 2.66 Ghz. Intel Xeon 5150-Woodcrest, I upgraded to a 2- 3.00 Ghz. Intel Xeon 5160-Woodcrest. Eight years ago-as you know the processors were super-expensive. Then if I remember right I got a great deal for 2 - 5160 Woodcrest. I only paid $45/ each for a total of $90 for the 2. That processor swap then was a little more difficult than the model 5,1s which have the processor pull-out trays. But my Model 1,1 is working fast and beautifully---never, never experienced any errors in any of my legacy apps. They still work up to now. The only little hitch I got was: the "About this Mac" couldn't fully identify the 3.00 Ghz. Woodcrest. It only says: 2 X 3 Ghz. Unknown. Otherwise it works beautifully. I just got another MacPro model 5,1 (2010) with 2 - 2.4 Quad Core and like you I got 2- 6-core X5690 Westmere. What my concern is if I do the same swap that you did from 2- quad core to 2 - 6 core------Is there any firmware update that I have to do? Did you do a firmware update in yours? I'm not familiar with what I have to do for A "firmware update". Thanks.

X5690 has native support on the 5,1, no need to update the firmware.

 

[mancris]

X5690 has native support on the 5,1, no need to update the firmware.

Amen. Thank you.

 

[pastrychef]

I think 1,1 is 2006 model.

 

[mancris]

You're right. It's 2006.Miss-typed wrong year

 

[Stephen Valente]

I was debating the single versus dual processor route, and decided I don't do anything heavy enough to justify going dual at this moment in time. However, allowing for a degree of future proofing, I'd like to get a 3.46GHz cpu to put in my 4,1 Mac Pro (which I'll do the firmware update on when I get everything set up). Hopefully if I ever got hold of a reasonably price dual CPU tray/setup, I could then get another 3.46GHz CPU, and transplant everything if costs were a significant factor. Is there a specific 3.46GHz part I should be looking for?

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

I was debating the single versus dual processor route, and decided I don't do anything heavy enough to justify going dual at this moment in time. However, allowing for a degree of future proofing, I'd like to get a 3.46GHz cpu to put in my 4,1 Mac Pro (which I'll do the firmware update on when I get everything set up). Hopefully if I ever got hold of a reasonably price dual CPU tray/setup, I could then get another 3.46GHz CPU, and transplant everything if costs were a significant factor. Is there a specific 3.46GHz part I should be looking for?

The X5690 is the part you are looking for, and there is nothing special apart from that. Later you can add other X5690 along with a dual tray, and have the CPU's de-lidded, which can be an expense if you choose to have someone de-lid them.

I would look at all three X-series CPUs and compare the differences. Looking at the prices on ebay, the 3.46Ghz X5690's are VERY EXPENSIVE. Looking at the max turbo frequency of the three chips, there is just a bit more that 10% increase between a cheap X5670 and the (overpriced) X5690. I picked up a x5670 for $50. Maybe, for you, the X5680 is better middle-ground both performance and cost-wise. Not sure, apart from benchmark numbers, that you would ever be able to tell the difference between the X5680 and X5690 (or maybe even the X5670, depending on what you do).

Good luck!