OMG another "will this cpu work in my mac pro" thread

[minifridge1138]

There are so many of these, that it's hard to get definitive answers.

If I flash a dual processor 4,1 MacPro to the 5,1 firmware, then can I replace my 2.26Ghz E5520 processors with 3.2 Ghz W3670 processors?

Is there any chance we could get a sticky going with which processors can work with each model of MP? I think it would save a lot of people a lot of trouble.

Thanks!

 

[Umbongo]

No you can't use them. You have to use 5500 or 5600 series Xeons.

 

[violst]

The W3670 can only be used in a single processor configuration.

 

[ActionableMango]

What everyone with dual processors wants to do is buy two single processor CPUs because they cost so much less. This doesn't work. The dual processor models have an extra QPI channel for inter-processor communication and Intel charges quite a bit extra for that second QPI channel.

I believe these are what you are looking for (dual processor models):

4,1 Nehalem:
Quad:
W5590 3.33 GHz
W5580 3.2 GHz
X5570 2.93 GHz
X5560 2.8 GHz
X5550 2.66 GHz
E5540 2.53 GHz
E5530 2.4 GHz
E5520 2.26 GHz

5,1 Westemere (or after you flash your 4,1):
Hex:
X5690 3.46 GHz
X5680 3.33 GHz
X5675 3.06 GHz
X5670 2.93 GHz
X5660 2.8 GHz
X5650 2.66 GHz
E5645 2.4 GHz
L5640 2.26 GHz
Quad:
X5677 3.46 GHz
X5667 3.06 GHz
E5640 2.66 GHz

Don't take my word for it though, I'm just a random guy on an Internet forum. Verify before purchase.

 

[Tutor]

There are so many of these, that it's hard to get definitive answers.

If I flash a dual processor 4,1 MacPro to the 5,1 firmware, then can I replace my 2.26Ghz E5520 processors with 3.2 Ghz W3670 processors?

Yes, but only with one W3670. Two W3670s cannot communicate with each other.

Is there any chance we could get a sticky going with which processors can work with each model of MP?... .

Post #1 of my thread [ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1333421/ ] entitled, " All We Know About Maximizing CPU Related Performance" has had that information, and more, since early March of this year.

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What everyone with dual processors wants to do is buy two single processor CPUs because they cost so much less. This doesn't work. The dual processor models have an extra QPI channel for inter-processor communication and Intel charges quite a bit extra for that second QPI channel.

I believe these are what you are looking for (dual processor models):

4,1 Nehalem:
Quad:
W5590 3.33 GHz
W5580 3.2 GHz
X5570 2.93 GHz
X5560 2.8 GHz
X5550 2.66 GHz
E5540 2.53 GHz
E5530 2.4 GHz
E5520 2.26 GHz

5,1 Westemere (or after you flash your 4,1):
Hex:
X5690 3.46 GHz
X5680 3.33 GHz
X5675 3.06 GHz
X5670 2.93 GHz
X5660 2.8 GHz
X5650 2.66 GHz
E5645 2.4 GHz
L5640 2.26 GHz
Quad:
X5677 3.46 GHz
X5667 3.06 GHz
E5640 2.66 GHz

Don't take my word for it though, I'm just a random guy on an Internet forum. Verify before purchase.

Do take his word. Random guy knows more that most.

 

[jasonvp]

If I flash a dual processor 4,1 MacPro to the 5,1 firmware, then can I replace my 2.26Ghz E5520 processors with...

As I'm fond of reminding folks: the dual processor 4,1 Mac Pros come with specific lidless Xeon CPUs. The factory heat sinks are sized to come in direct contact with the dies, because the Xeons in the machine don't have that metal lid on top of them.

You can't buy lidless Xeons retail. In order to use the factory heat sinks and fans with replacement Xeons, you need to do something so that the sinks don't squish the retail Xeons down, thereby bending the pins in the ZIF socket. Longer screws, washers, or something like that are what is necessary. A few folks have done it, you'll just have to hunt around here to find them.

All in all, it really isn't recommended.

jas

 

[Flocarino]

All in all, it really isn't recommended.

jas

....for the faint at heart if I may add.

Just do it, there are plentiful of threads here on how to properly do it and listen to the advices of Tutor, Feins and other members who already done the ''transplant'' and didn't had any problems.
Honestly, I wish I can travel to anyone who wants to do the upgrade on a Dual 4.1(5.1) and make the upgrade at their place, I'll be as happy as a kid in a candy store

 

[jasonvp]

Just do it, there are plentiful of threads here on how to properly do it and listen to the advices of Tutor, Feins and other members who already done the ''transplant'' and didn't had any problems.

This isn't a "just do it" sort of thing with the 4,1s. The 5,1s are a different story entirely, because the retail Xeons fit perfectly (been there, done that). But with the 4,1s, it's not just a plug-n-play exercise.

jas

 

[Flocarino]

This isn't a "just do it" sort of thing with the 4,1s. The 5,1s are a different story entirely, because the retail Xeons fit perfectly (been there, done that). But with the 4,1s, it's not just a plug-n-play exercise.

jas

Then please tell to all the Mac Pro 4.1 Dual processors owners that they are out of luck and they have to run out to the Apple Store and buy a 2012 Mac Pro DP immediately or a 2010 MP @ a great price(if they find one)as they'll have no chance in putting a new life in their ''non-upgreadable'' DP 4.1 ....oh please.

 

[jasonvp]

as they'll have no chance in putting a new life in their ''non-upgreadable'' DP 4.1 ....oh please.

I didn't say they weren't upgradeable. I said (reading comprehension is key here...) that the work involves is more than a "just do it" exercise. Upgrading the 5,1s is a "just do it" exercise. The 4,1s are more involved.

Read, please. Then comment. Carry on.

jas

 

[Flocarino]

Read, please. Then comment. Carry on.

jas

I read, I understand and the single and the only thing coming out of the way you post the replies, it is a dissuasive message to upgrade the processors for the MP 4.1 DP owners.

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All in all, it really isn't recommended.

jas

This is the main reply phrase that simply says MP 4.1 DP owners, DO NOT Upgrade.

....after all, aren't all the Mac Pro Processors Not Upgradeable