First post... Glad to be here!
So, I've decided to overhaul my early 2009 Mac Pro tower. I've already upgraded the firmware from 4,1 to 5,1... upgraded the RAM from 16gb to 48gb (for now). Will be adding a PCI SSD boot disk and new GPU once I get the CPU sorted. So, next step is to upgrade my processors. I currently have 2.26ghz intel 8 core. I'm planning to go for either the X5690 3.47ghz 12-core pair, X5680 3.33ghz 12-core pair, or X5670 2.93ghz 12-core pair.
I'm going to be taking on the upgrade myself, which I understand can be quite risky. Very possible to **** up and kill the processor board, etc, but I'm willing to take the risk in the interest of learning and furthering my progress into the world of DIY fixes. I've watched all the walkthroughs I can find, read all the accounts etc. I know all the steps and will approach the upgrade with all due caution.
My question is though, is it really worth spending approx $600 for a pair 5690's as opposed to around $400 for 5680's OR $200 for 5670's?
Is there really a noticeable difference in performance? Also, because it's my first upgrade of this magnitude I realize it might be prudent to not spend as much just in case something goes wrong. On the other hand, I'm really looking to completely overhaul/upgrade this machine... and future-proof it as best I can.
Side note... What would you say makes the bigger difference in improving performance? Upgrading the CPU or adding SSD's (PCIe SSD boot disk in particular)???
Any and all advice is very much craved. Thanks in advance!
-C Chambs
"Even a stopped clock tells the right time twice a day" -the legendary Marwood aka Bruce Robinson
So, I've decided to overhaul my early 2009 Mac Pro tower. I've already upgraded the firmware from 4,1 to 5,1... upgraded the RAM from 16gb to 48gb (for now). Will be adding a PCI SSD boot disk and new GPU once I get the CPU sorted. So, next step is to upgrade my processors. I currently have 2.26ghz intel 8 core. I'm planning to go for either the X5690 3.47ghz 12-core pair, X5680 3.33ghz 12-core pair, or X5670 2.93ghz 12-core pair.
I'm going to be taking on the upgrade myself, which I understand can be quite risky. Very possible to **** up and kill the processor board, etc, but I'm willing to take the risk in the interest of learning and furthering my progress into the world of DIY fixes. I've watched all the walkthroughs I can find, read all the accounts etc. I know all the steps and will approach the upgrade with all due caution.
My question is though, is it really worth spending approx $600 for a pair 5690's as opposed to around $400 for 5680's OR $200 for 5670's?
Is there really a noticeable difference in performance? Also, because it's my first upgrade of this magnitude I realize it might be prudent to not spend as much just in case something goes wrong. On the other hand, I'm really looking to completely overhaul/upgrade this machine... and future-proof it as best I can.
Side note... What would you say makes the bigger difference in improving performance? Upgrading the CPU or adding SSD's (PCIe SSD boot disk in particular)???
Any and all advice is very much craved. Thanks in advance!
-C Chambs
"Even a stopped clock tells the right time twice a day" -the legendary Marwood aka Bruce Robinson