Switching CPU tray from Mac Pro 2010 to Mac Pro 2012

hitchcoff · Apr 25, 2018

I just bought a Mac Pro 2010 12 core. The CPU tray looks like this:

I was wondering if i could put it into my Mac Pro 2012 which is a 6 core.
I am a video editor and i figured it would give me more RAM and make it run faster for editing.
Am i able to do this? What problems would it cause?

adam9c1 · Apr 25, 2018

From what I've heard you can switch between 2010-2012 without any changes.

bsbeamer · Apr 25, 2018

If BOTH machines are authentic 5,1 (not flashed/hacked/upgraded from another model to ID as 5,1) then YES - the tray from 2010 will work in 2012.

If you can still use your 2010 with this 12-core tray, check System Information > Hardware for SMC version. It should be 1.39f11 to work with the 2012. They SHOULD be the same for system and processor tray and SHOULD be the same between 2010 and 2012. Another SMC version number would likely indicate a 4,1 tray part.

As for RAM, you can max out a 12-core at 128GB. Currently running a 2012 Mac Pro 5,1 (that was upgraded from a 6-core original part) with a 12-core dual 3.46GHz and 128GB RAM via eight 16GB 1333MHz DDR3 ECC DIMMs.

As for the best RAM setup, I find it's debatable. Scoring from machine bench tests typically say to use less RAM (6x16GB=96GB) for best performance, but I'm often using beyond 96GB with Adobe After Effects CC2018. If your applications are not using beyond 96GB, then there is a debate if it's useful to max out or not.

am87elgar · Mar 27, 2019

DO you happen to know the product/model # of the tray itself for this dual CPU tray? you seeem pretty knowledgable. I am trying to upgrade my 5,1 from a single CPU to a Dual. trying to find a 5,1 tray has been a tough task.

bsbeamer said:
If BOTH machines are authentic 5,1 (not flashed/hacked/upgraded from another model to ID as 5,1) then YES - the tray from 2010 will work in 2012.

If you can still use your 2010 with this 12-core tray, check System Information > Hardware for SMC version. It should be 1.39f11 to work with the 2012. They SHOULD be the same for system and processor tray and SHOULD be the same between 2010 and 2012. Another SMC version number would likely indicate a 4,1 tray part.

As for RAM, you can max out a 12-core at 128GB. Currently running a 2012 Mac Pro 5,1 (that was upgraded from a 6-core original part) with a 12-core dual 3.46GHz and 128GB RAM via eight 16GB 1333MHz DDR3 ECC DIMMs.

As for the best RAM setup, I find it's debatable. Scoring from machine bench tests typically say to use less RAM (6x16GB=96GB) for best performance, but I'm often using beyond 96GB with Adobe After Effects CC2018. If your applications are not using beyond 96GB, then there is a debate if it's useful to max out or not.

bsbeamer · Mar 27, 2019

There are no physical markings to distinguish between 2009, 2010, and 2012 trays. You will need to see SMC version. Complicating the situation is the MP4,1's that were hacked to ID as MP5,1's. It's best to ask seller to see screenshot whenever possible.

am87elgar · Mar 27, 2019

0o0o I think i got you. So if the SMC versions match, it shouldn't matter between 4,1 or 5,1; that is the sole compatibility factor?

bsbeamer said:
There are no physical markings to distinguish between 2009, 2010, and 2012 trays. You will need to see SMC version. Complicating the situation is the MP4,1's that were hacked to ID as MP5,1's. It's best to ask seller to see screenshot whenever possible.

bsbeamer · Mar 27, 2019

Basically, yes. Stick with 4,1 parts for 4,1 and 5,1 parts for 5,1 (for this particular part). SMC always needs to match for machine to function correctly. There is no way to change SMC or "update" SMC version(s). Buy the right part to begin with.

Personally find it easier to locate 2012 MP5,1 dual trays for use between 2010/2012 MP5,1's. Some of the 2010 sellers are falsely selling 2009 (4,1) labeled as 2010 (5,1) and their return policies are horrible.

am87elgar · Mar 27, 2019

Thanks for the clarification. Greatly appreciated as this is an issue I've been trying to get answered for some time now...

Unfortunately, its been really hard to find a 5,1 Dual Tray 2010/2012. Its usually a 4,1 updated. any recs?

bsbeamer said:
Basically, yes. Stick with 4,1 parts for 4,1 and 5,1 parts for 5,1 (for this particular part). SMC always needs to match for machine to function correctly. There is no way to change SMC or "update" SMC version(s). Buy the right part to begin with.

Personally find it easier to locate 2012 MP5,1 dual trays for use between 2010/2012 MP5,1's. Some of the 2010 sellers are falsely selling 2009 (4,1) labeled as 2010 (5,1) and their return policies are horrible.

bsbeamer · Mar 27, 2019

I'm not sure your budget or longterm upgrade plan and do not want to post any specific links here, but it is not that hard to find a dual tray for 2012. It is hard to find a dual tray for 2012 that is priced well. Many just buy a barebones machine and swap parts, then sell the leftovers.

eBay search of "mac pro 2012 dual tray" shows a ton of results and a few that are correct at OK prices. Just be careful of any that say "upgrade service" or "swap service" or something similar.

am87elgar · Mar 27, 2019

Thanks for all the help. Greatly appreciated

bsbeamer said:
I'm not sure your budget or longterm upgrade plan and do not want to post any specific links here, but it is not that hard to find a dual tray for 2012. It is hard to find a dual tray for 2012 that is priced well. Many just buy a barebones machine and swap parts, then sell the leftovers.

eBay search of "mac pro 2012 dual tray" shows a ton of results and a few that are correct at OK prices. Just be careful of any that say "upgrade service" or "swap service" or something similar.

w1z · Mar 27, 2019

There is actually a way to tell the difference between 2009 and 2010/2012 backplanes and trays

Look at the barcode label on the far left:

630-9399 is a 2009 backplane
631-0461 is a 2010/2012 backplane

Another way to check is through the serial numbers - if the serial contains:

1LT then it's a 2009 backplane
BH9 then it's a 2010/2012 backplane

As for processor trays

630-5402 or 820-2336-A is a 2009 processor tray
639-0460 or 820-2742-A is a 2010/2012 processor tray

Another way to check is through the serial numbers - if the serial contains:

1LU then it's a 2009 tray
BH8 then it's a 2010/2012 tray

bsbeamer · Mar 27, 2019

Read this thread:
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...ull-speed-after-logic-board-replaced.2134263/

tsialex · Mar 27, 2019

W1SS said:
There is actually a way to tell the difference between 2009 and 2010/2012 backplanes and trays

Look at the barcode label on the far left:

630-9399 is a 2009 backplane
631-0461 is a 2010/2012 backplane

Another way to check is through the serial numbers - if the serial contains:

1LT then it's a 2009 backplane
BH9 then it's a 2010/2012 backplane

As for processor trays

630-5402 or 820-2336-A is a 2009 processor tray
639-0460 or 820-2742-A is a 2010/2012 processor tray

Another way to check is through the serial numbers - if the serial contains:

1LU then it's a 2009 tray
BH8 then it's a 2010/2012 tray

This is valid only for serials with 11 digits and there are other suffixes, like BH7A, 1LTC, 1LTB.

Backplanes and trays with 17 digits serial numbers don't follow the usual suffix as 11 digits ones, btw. Still don't know how to correlate them with the model.

w1z · Mar 27, 2019

bsbeamer said:
Read this thread:
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...ull-speed-after-logic-board-replaced.2134263/

I am aware of that thread - you stated that there were no 'physical' marking differences between 2009,2010,2012 trays which is not correct. If you were referring to processor trays, which I believe you were, then the biggest physical marking without looking at the barcode are the part numbers 820-2336-A or 820-2742-A which are printed on the processor boards.

If one sees 820-2336-A on the processor board then they would know it's a 2009 dual proc board and should only look at getting it if their backplane has 1LT in the serial number or 630-9399 on the label so their SMCs match. Whether they decide to upgrade the firmware to a 5,1 is a non-issue as long as the SMC of both backplane and tray match.

If one sees 820-2742-A on the processor board then they would know it's a 2010/2012 dual proc board and should only look at getting if their backplane has BH9 in the serial number or 631-0461 on the label so their SMCs match.
[doublepost=1553708095][/doublepost]

tsialex said:
This is valid only for serials with 11 digits and there are other suffixes, like BH7A, 1LTC, 1LTB.

Backplanes and trays with 17 digits serial numbers don't follow the usual suffix as 11 digits ones, btw. Still don't know how to correlate them with the model.

True Alex. As far as I know, 1LTx, BXZ, DCVH and 7A1 are 2009 and BHx, CZJ and F2J are 2010/2012 .. the 17-digit serial numbers are a different ball game and I too couldn't find a correlation.

Edit: Added all EEE codes I came across when buying a new dual processor board

tsialex · Mar 27, 2019

W1SS said:
True Alex. As far as I know, 1LTx are 2009 and BHx are 2010/2012 .. the 17-digit serial numbers are a different ball game and I too couldn't find a correlation.

From my spreadsheet:

1LTB are 2009 backplanes made in 2009 for MP4,1, very early ones.
1LTC are 2009 backplanes made in 2009 for MP4,1.
BH7A are 2009 backplanes made in 2010 for MP4,1.
BH9A are 2010/2012 backplanes made after mid-2010 for MP5,1 and before 17-digit serial change.

w1z · Mar 27, 2019

tsialex said:
From my spreadsheet:

1LTB are 2009 backplanes made in 2009 for MP4,1, very early ones.

1LTC are 2009 backplanes made in 2009 for MP4,1.

BH7A are 2009 backplanes made in 2010 for MP4,1.

BH9A are 2010/2012 backplanes made after mid-2010 for MP5,1 and before 17-digit serial change.

BH7A is 2009? interesting! Must have been a mismatched description/image I came across... Good to know. Thanks

tsialex · Mar 27, 2019

W1SS said:
BH7A is 2009? interesting! Must have been a mismatched description/image I came across... Good to know. Thanks

Yes, usually 2009 dual Mac Pros made in 2010 with HWC=20H have backplanes with BH7A suffix.
[doublepost=1553709337][/doublepost]Another thing, some refurbished backplanes have the 17 digit serial number format very early, first one I have is from a early-2009, so not just after 2012 like some people think.

bsbeamer · Mar 27, 2019

FWIW, there have been reports indicating there are parts labeled with the part numbers that do NOT correspond with the correct assumed model. The single processor 820-2482-A tray (Apple ©2009) is one example of this. It is a stock MP5,1 2012 model tray, but also did serve as an official OEM replacement part replacement for both MP4,1 2009 and MP5,1 2010 models at one time when servicing through Apple or purchasing refurbished/off-lease models. Assume Apple had/has tools for updating/changing SMC on hand.

My personal MP5,1 2012 was upgraded to dual processor tray. Originally was single processor purchase. Last four of the tray serial are BH8B (13-digit serial). Part number 639-0460 on the barcode label between heatsink and RAM modules.

Screenshots are the best indication for 100% compatibility.

tsialex · Mar 27, 2019

bsbeamer said:
FWIW, there have been reports indicating there are parts labeled with the part numbers that do NOT correspond with the correct assumed model. The single processor 820-2482-A tray (Apple ©2009) is one example of this. It is a stock MP5,1 2012 model tray, but also did serve as an official OEM replacement part replacement for both MP4,1 2009 and MP5,1 2010 models at one time when servicing through Apple or purchasing refurbished/off-lease models. Assume Apple had/has tools for updating/changing SMC on hand.

Yes, Apple used the same single CPU tray for replacement of early-2009 and mid-2010/mid-2012 Mac Pros. This complicates things a lot…

ava10 · Mar 2, 2020

tsialex said:
Yes, Apple used the same single CPU tray for replacement of early-2009 and mid-2010/mid-2012 Mac Pros. This complicates things a lot…

I have a MacPro 2.8GHz quad core and looking to upgrade the cpu to a 3.46 12 core. I need to know if its a mid 2010 not a 4,1 flashed to 5,1. The marking on the cpu tray: Apple 2009, 820-2482-A and under hardware overview processor tray serial number: J504600KDCZJB.

tsialex · Mar 2, 2020

ava10 said:
I have a MacPro 2.8GHz quad core and looking to upgrade the cpu to a 3.46 12 core. I need to know if its a mid 2010 not a 4,1 flashed to 5,1. The marking on the cpu tray: Apple 2009, 820-2482-A and under hardware overview processor tray serial number: J504600KDCZJB.

SMC:

The best way to know if your Mac Pro is a real mid-2010/mid-2012 is checking the SMC version with >AboutThisMac>SystemReport>HardwareOverview>SMCVersion(system).

If the System SMC version is 1.39f5, it's an early-2009 Mac Pro.
If the System SMC version is 1.39f11, it's a real mid-2010 or mid-2012 Mac Pro.

Mac Pro early-2009 and mid-2010/mid-2012 SMC versions can't be changed by users or technicians, only by the big Apple Repair Centers that refurbish Apple backplanes and CPU trays can upgrade or downgrade it during the refurbishment process.

Always use the SMC version to identify a Mac Pro early-2009 from a mid-2010/mid-2012. SMC of an early-2009 Mac Pro is not upgradeable at all*. Apple never released SMC upgrades for any Mac Pros newer than MP2,1, so, no SMC firmware available or the security key necessary to do the upgrade is available outside Apple labs.

*The only way to upgrade a Mac Pro early-2009 SMC is desoldering it from a mid-2010 or mid-2012 backplane and soldering to it to the early-2009. Since it's a 144-pin TQFP micro-controller, it's a very difficult operation without the necessary training, correct equipment and supplies.

CPU trays:

While the CPU trays don't have BootROM firmware, only the backplane has it, the CPU tray has SMC firmware and CPU trays from early-2009 and mid-2010/mid-2012 have different SMC versions too, exactly like the backplanes from early-2009 and mid-2010/mid-2012.

For the SMC work correctly, both the tray and the backplane SMC are required to match. If the SMC versions differ, the SMC enters fail-safe mode and all fans of your Mac Pro will run at maximum RPM, full time. So, you can't use an early 2009 backplane with a mid-2010/mid-2012 CPU tray, or vice-versa.

820-2482-A is the Apple copyright register number for the mid-2010/mid-2012 CPU tray design. Apple used mid-2010/mid-2012 single CPU trays to repair early-2009 Mac Pros, they have the tools to change the SMC version that no one else has and these tools never leaked, so the design register number and the CPU Tray Part Number can provide a false identification with some cases. © date is always 2009, even for mid-2010/mid-2012.

Since your currently CPU is a quad core, you have a Single CPU Mac Pro. Without replacing the CPU tray for a Dual CPU Tray, you can only upgrade to a hex core CPU like W3680/W3690 or X5680/X5690.

The mid-2010/mid-2012 Dual CPU Tray Part Number is 661-5708. This Part Number can be seen on the label that has a barcode.

Type of Tray:	2009 Part Number:	2010/2012 Part Number:
Single processor board	661-4999	661-5707
Dual processor board	661-4998	661-5708

Types of Xeon supported by each tray model:

Btw, W3xxx processors can only be used with Single CPU trays, they are single QPI link or single CPU processors.

Dual CPU trays can only use dual QPI Xeons (X5xxx or the low power versions L5xxx and E5xxx).

Single CPU trays can work with dual or single QPI Xeons (W3xxx, X5xxx or the low power versions L5xxx and E5xxx), don't matter.

For more info about supported Xeons, see the table on the first post of the thread below:

Mac Pro CPU Compatibility List

Bokkow and I have created a Mac Pro CPU compatibility list. The intent is to cover all relevant and compatible CPU upgrades for all Mac Pros. These are asked about over and over and over again, so I thought it would be nice to have it all in one place. Constructive criticism, corrections to...

forums.macrumors.com

ava10 · Mar 4, 2020

Thank you tsialex for this indepth information! I confirmed I do have a real mid 2010 according to the SMC version.

ldisenio · Aug 3, 2021

w1z said:
There is actually a way to tell the difference between 2009 and 2010/2012 backplanes and trays

Look at the barcode label on the far left:

630-9399 is a 2009 backplane
631-0461 is a 2010/2012 backplane

Another way to check is through the serial numbers - if the serial contains:

1LT then it's a 2009 backplane
BH9 then it's a 2010/2012 backplane

As for processor trays

630-5402 or 820-2336-A is a 2009 processor tray
639-0460 or 820-2742-A is a 2010/2012 processor tray

Another way to check is through the serial numbers - if the serial contains:

1LU then it's a 2009 tray
BH8 then it's a 2010/2012 tray

Hi seeing your post including numbers maybe you could help me, can these two be swapped? single for double

tsialex · Aug 3, 2021

ldisenio said:
Hi seeing your post including numbers maybe you could help me, can these two be swapped? single for double View attachment 1814213 View attachment 1814214

Single CPU trays part numbers/serials can be highly misleading and it's a not reliable way to know the model that you have to buy. Check the SMC Version, read the post below: