Upgradability of the nMP (late 2013)

[SpectreSupreme]

The processor in particular.
Are the four CPU options all the same socket type / same motherboard architecture/ compatibility?
I have seen statements regarding this issue as well as responses claiming the contrary which is confusing.

Generally mainstream computer hardware drops in price drastically after a period of time, but since the hardware components for the nMP are mostly unique perhaps getting parts cheaper later on is unlikely.

Due to the huge discrepancy in price between the four CPU options I can imagine some of the owners of this machine would be interested in an eventual upgrade to lengthen the usable life of their computer or simply make it more capable when it is affordable.

Your thoughts? Knowledge? Recommendations?

 

[reco2011]

The processors in the nMP are not unique.

 

[MMcCraryNJ]

The only thing really unique about the nMP are the form factor for the GPUs and connector for the PCIe SSD (as well as the obvious cooling system/motherboard layout/etc). CPUs and RAM are standard.

As far as upgradability, everything is in theory upgradeable, aside from the GPUs which I'm sure no third party will make replacements for (and it remains to be seen if Apple will allow for GPU upgrades in the future, but likely not). But you can swap out the CPU, RAM, and Storage modules.

 

[ixxx69]

The processor in particular...

The CPUs are upgradeable. Unlike previous Mac Pros, the MP 2013 models all use the same motherboard and socket, so you can take a 4C and turn it into a 12C. Many of the Xeon E5-16xx V2 and E5-26xx V2 CPUs are compatible, but there may be limitations such as power draws over 130W.

Here's OWC's 2013 Mac Pro upgrade options as of now (I have no affiliation what-so-ever with OWC) just to give you some idea.

 

[xav8tor]

Hoping for a GPU upgrade, but meanwhile, I found the stock 256 GB drive in the six core D-500 stock config to be too small. Picked up a genuine new in the bag Apple 1 TB PCIe SSD (Samsung) on eBay for 650 bucks, way less than OWC charges, but then OWC will include an enclosure to put your old one in to use as a portable drive. They'll eventually sell the enclosure separately I asked.

Replacing the hardware took all of two minutes. Partitioning and getting all of my OS X and Boot Camp files in the right place took just a "little bit" longer. Apple even talked me through most of it and had no issues with doing it, and confirmed it is a user upgradeable part. I doubt they'll cover the drive since the nMP serial shows it was 256, but who knows? Either way, a darn good deal. The seller has a 99% plus rating and sells tons of Mac items. I wonder where he's getting these drives? He had a bunch of them.