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Upgrading processor in 2009 Mac Pro 4,1. Best bang for my buck?

S

sgentile92

macrumors member
Original poster
Jan 29, 2015
67
6
As the title indicates, I'm planning on upgrading the processor of my machine. I have dual quad core 2.26 GHz right now, and I am looking into either:

•X5680 2 x 6 core 3.33 GHz ($320 for both)
•X5690 2 x 6 core 3.46 GHz ($420 for both)

I do design, photography, some light video work and gaming. Is it worth it to spring for the X5690? Will the increased performance be worth the extra $100? I'm looking to get the most out of this computer while on somewhat of a budget (I have already put about $600 into it).

I would love to hear some opinions on this.
Thanks!
 
sgentile92 said:
As the title indicates, I'm planning on upgrading the processor of my machine. I have dual quad core 2.26 GHz right now, and I am looking into either:

•X5680 2 x 6 core 3.33 GHz ($320 for both)
•X5690 2 x 6 core 3.46 GHz ($420 for both)

I do design, photography, some light video work and gaming. Is it worth it to spring for the X5690? Will the increased performance be worth the extra $100? I'm looking to get the most out of this computer while on somewhat of a budget (I have already put about $600 into it).

I would love to hear some opinions on this.
Thanks!
Click to expand...

"Is it worth it" is a relative term to many people. Some people don't think twice about wasting $100, while with others, $100 is their disposable income for the week.

Speaking in terms of performance, an old rule of thumb was that one could not perceive a speed increase if the delta is 10% or less, and that is to JUST BARELY be able to notice it. Since we're talking 0.13Ghz, that is not anywhere close to 10%.

I'd say, save the $100 and get the X5680, since you have to buy two. If it were just one, for $50 difference, it buys one bragging rights!
 
dmylrea said:
"Is it worth it" is a relative term to many people. Some people don't think twice about wasting $100, while with others, $100 is their disposable income for the week.

Speaking in terms of performance, an old rule of thumb was that one could not perceive a speed increase if the delta is 10% or less, and that is to JUST BARELY be able to notice it. Since we're talking 0.13Ghz, that is not anywhere close to 10%.

I'd say, save the $100 and get the X5680, since you have to buy two. If it were just one, for $50 difference, it buys one bragging rights!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply. You're right I'd much rather save the $100. Especially since I'm planning on paying to have them de-lidded.
 
sgentile92 said:
As the title indicates, I'm planning on upgrading the processor of my machine. I have dual quad core 2.26 GHz right now, and I am looking into either:

•X5680 2 x 6 core 3.33 GHz ($320 for both)
•X5690 2 x 6 core 3.46 GHz ($420 for both)

I do design, photography, some light video work and gaming. Is it worth it to spring for the X5690? Will the increased performance be worth the extra $100? I'm looking to get the most out of this computer while on somewhat of a budget (I have already put about $600 into it).

I would love to hear some opinions on this.
Thanks!
Click to expand...

The x5680 3.33ghz matched pair would be adequate with the kind of tasks you mentioned. I also do heavy design, photo editing and heavy video renders and have used various Macs with different specs. Would like to recommend getting the cpus professionally de-lidded so your upgrading will be much easier and straightforward. Here is an eBay ad offering removing the IHS:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2009-Mac-Pr...609?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27f854f7f1

This leaves out worrying about tweaking the heat sensor connector and the thermal pads. A member in this forum has tried out his services and satisfied with the results. Good luck.
 
Macsonic said:
The x5680 3.33ghz matched pair would be adequate with the kind of tasks you mentioned. I also do heavy design, photo editing and heavy video renders and have used various Macs with different specs. Would like to recommend getting the cpus professionally de-lidded so your upgrading will be much easier and straightforward. Here is an eBay ad offering removing the IHS:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2009-Mac-Pr...609?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27f854f7f1

This leaves out worrying about tweaking the heat sensor connector and the thermal pads. A member in this forum has tried out his services and satisfied with the results. Good luck.
Click to expand...

I'm the guy with the de-lidding service. Thank you Macsonic for adding the link to my eBay listing. Just to let you know, the price has been lowered to remain competitive; besides, those CPU prices keep falling and the de-lidding cost has become out-of-proportion to the overall value.

To sgentile92, can you provide a source for the X5680's at $320/pair?
 
box185 said:
I'm the guy with the de-lidding service. Thank you Macsonic for adding the link to my eBay listing. Just to let you know, the price has been lowered to remain competitive; besides, those CPU prices keep falling and the de-lidding cost has become out-of-proportion to the overall value.

To sgentile92, can you provide a source for the X5680's at $320/pair?
Click to expand...

We exchanged a few emails earlier this month when I was inquiring about your services. I think I'll be contacting you again soon once I've purchased the processors. This is a link to posting for the X5680s. The Buy It Now price is $160:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Intel-Xeon-X5680-CPU-3-33GHz-12MB-Cache-6-4GTs-Hexa-Six-Core-Processor-SLBV5-/171670083168?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27f8559660&autorefresh=true
 
sgentile92 said:
We exchanged a few emails earlier this month when I was inquiring about your services. I think I'll be contacting you again soon once I've purchased the processors. This is a link to posting for the X5680s. The Buy It Now price is $160:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Intel-Xeon-X5680-CPU-3-33GHz-12MB-Cache-6-4GTs-Hexa-Six-Core-Processor-SLBV5-/171670083168?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27f8559660&autorefresh=true
Click to expand...

The listing also has a MAKE OFFER button, and if you look at the sell history, the seller has sold them for as low as $147.15 each, and there are a couple of offers (price not listed) that he has accepted. I would, if I were you, make an offer of $145 each, QTY 2, and maybe save even more. That'd be a heck of a deal, I think.

Suddenly, the X5690's I bought 3 weeks ago @ $220 each are not that great a deal today. :(
 
dmylrea said:
The listing also has a MAKE OFFER button, and if you look at the sell history, the seller has sold them for as low as $147.15 each, and there are a couple of offers (price not listed) that he has accepted. I would, if I were you, make an offer of $145 each, QTY 2, and maybe save even more. That'd be a heck of a deal, I think.

Suddenly, the X5690's I bought 3 weeks ago @ $220 each are not that great a deal today. :(
Click to expand...

I was thinking the same thing. I made an offer of $135 each, thinking they'd counter with something along the lines of $145. I was temped by those X5690s for $220 earlier this week but I decided to hold off in hopes of finding a better deal.
 
sgentile92 said:
We exchanged a few emails earlier this month when I was inquiring about your services. I think I'll be contacting you again soon once I've purchased the processors. This is a link to posting for the X5680s. The Buy It Now price is $160:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Intel-Xeon-X5680-CPU-3-33GHz-12MB-Cache-6-4GTs-Hexa-Six-Core-Processor-SLBV5-/171670083168?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27f8559660&autorefresh=true
Click to expand...

Thank you for the link - I look forward to hearing from you again.
 
box185 said:
I'm the guy with the de-lidding service. Thank you Macsonic for adding the link to my eBay listing. Just to let you know, the price has been lowered to remain competitive; besides, those CPU prices keep falling and the de-lidding cost has become out-of-proportion to the overall value.

To sgentile92, can you provide a source for the X5680's at $320/pair?
Click to expand...

Welcome Box185. Glad that you are offering your services in providing 2009 Mac Pro users a good and safer option to upgrade their cpus.
 
sgentile92 said:
I was thinking the same thing. I made an offer of $135 each, thinking they'd counter with something along the lines of $145. I was temped by those X5690s for $220 earlier this week but I decided to hold off in hopes of finding a better deal.
Click to expand...

I noticed today the seller raised the price $15 each and has a bunch more available. I see one accepted offer on the 19th for two. Did you get a pair at a good price before the increase?
 
dmylrea said:
I noticed today the seller raised the price $15 each and has a bunch more available. I see one accepted offer on the 19th for two. Did you get a pair at a good price before the increase?
Click to expand...

He declined my offer without making a counter offer. I then upped my offer to $150 which is $3 more than he had accepted from 3 other people. I'm still waiting to see if he accepts that or not. However, the window of time is almost over for him accept.
 
adam9c1 said:
How much would a pro install and test cost?

I have 2009 2xquad 2.26
Click to expand...

You can try inquiring from this guy http://www.pindelski.com/MacProTurbo/ about CPU upgrade services about his fees. As far as I know he has upgraded several Mac Pros and I think he also offers some kind of warranty or customer support. If you scroll down that page, he also offers changing the plastic rivets screw at the Northbridge section to a steel alloy screw. Probably you can also do the upgrading yourself though I would recommend having the CPUs de-lidded.
 
Just completed my dual X5680 CPU upgrade in my 2009 MP. De-lidded the X5680's by a local guy who did a great job. GB3 is 30800!

For anyone interested in X5690's, THIS EBAY SELLER has them for $194 each!

RIDICULOUS PRICES!!! What the heck is going on! These XEON prices are plummeting like gasoline prices a month ago!
 
Back when Amazon accidentally put 2012 2.4 dual hex cores on sale for $2500 I almost pushed the button. Later I regretted that indecision. Now that used X5680 and 90s are so cheap I really, really have come to regret not getting one.

That said I put a W3690 in my 2012 MP and am really happy with the results. It was stupidly easy to do and the one I got on eBay from IT Creations has been 100% reliable.
 
dmylrea said:
Just completed my dual X5680 CPU upgrade in my 2009 MP. De-lidded the X5680's by a local guy who did a great job. GB3 is 30800!

For anyone interested in X5690's, THIS EBAY SELLER has them for $194 each!

RIDICULOUS PRICES!!! What the heck is going on! These XEON prices are plummeting like gasoline prices a month ago!
Click to expand...

5600 series are 5 years old now. Still relevant for Classic Mac Pro users and some overclockers are picking them up for old X58 boards, but homelab users mostly want low power/thermals and no one else seems interested.
 
Umbongo said:
5600 series are 5 years old now. Still relevant for Classic Mac Pro users and some overclockers are picking them up for old X58 boards, but homelab users mostly want low power/thermals and no one else seems interested.
Click to expand...

Except for the fact that pricing has really seemed to nose-dive in just the past month or less. While your reasons may seem valid, that doesn't explain the sudden change. The majority of X5680 and 90 chips on ebay are still very high priced but I'm guessing the few sellers who are almost giving them away are going to force others to lower their pricing also.
 
Update:

I have successfully upgraded from a 2 x 2.26 GHz quad core processors to 2 x 3.33 hex core processors. I had the processors de-lidded by box185 and it worked out perfectly. After the processors were de-lidded, it was practically fool-proof. I would recommend his service to anybody thinking of doing a similar upgrade.
 
sgentile92 said:
Update:

I have successfully upgraded from a 2 x 2.26 GHz quad core processors to 2 x 3.33 hex core processors. I had the processors de-lidded by box185 and it worked out perfectly. After the processors were de-lidded, it was practically fool-proof. I would recommend his service to anybody thinking of doing a similar upgrade.
Click to expand...

Congrats on your "new" machine! It was worth it having de-lidded your processors for a minimal cost. Most of the design motion graphics studios I work with have gone the route of upgrading their classic Mac Pros at moderate expenses. Enjoy your cMac Pro.
 
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