Used Processors???

[Rokeneer]

Hi everyone. I am thinking of upgrading the processors in my 2006 Mac Pro (2x 3Ghz dual core 5160). So, I have two questions. Is the Intel Xeon X5470 A viable replacement option? If it is, is it ok to go the used processor route?

I'm looking at a pair of used ones from this site: http://www.itcreations.com/view_product.asp?product_id=22752&pn=PAIR+SLBBF+&s=gb

Will those work I my 2006 2x Xeon 5160 Mac Pro? If so, how does the site I listed look, and are the used processors a good idea?

 

[strwrsfrk]

2006 Mac Pro... Is the Intel Xeon X5470 A viable replacement option? If it is, is it ok to go the used processor route?

The 54xx series is snot compatible with the Mac Pro 1,1 or 2,1, despite using the same socket. It's confused a lot of people.

As far as I know, the best processors available for updating are x5355 and x5365. I just upgraded my Mac Pro 1,1 with 2 x5355 processors, for which I paid ~$150 for the pair (2x 4x 2.66 GHz). The x5365 are 3.0GHz, but are twice as expensive.

Cheers.

EDIT: Before performing the upgrade, make sure you have AT LEAST 12" (18" is better) torx T15 screwdriver, either via a single screwdriver or bits/extenders. Also, make sure it is very narrow in diameter. I have a not-insubstantial tool collection, and getting my stuff to work within the confines of the Mac Pro and the darn heatsink was a headache.

 

[WardC]

What is said above is correct. You can find one of these screwdrivers on Amazon for less than $3. You may want to pick up some Arctic Silver for the job as well (thermal paste). X53xx are compatible while the X54xx series are the Harpertown Processors. You can throw Clovertowns in there, but not Harpertowns. I would NOT recommend any *used* processors or ES, but I would search eBay for your best luck picking the right processors up on the cheap. Good luck.

 

[strwrsfrk]

Follow Up

For reference, here are a few things I've done/learned from this process (I literally did this today).

1) I use Prolima Tech PK-1 thermal compound for my builds. It was well-reviewed by Maximum PC. Temps dropped 14 - 20-degrees C on my i7 PC desktop. Likewise, the 2x Quad x5355s are idling at about 24-degrees, down from about 32-degrees.

2) My 64-bit Geekbench score went from ~6100 with 2x Dual x5150s to 10390 with 2x Quad x5355s. For $145, that is amazing.

3) After the install, my fans ramped up to ~3,000 rpm on first boot. I let them run for 10 minutes or so, after which they stabilized at 1,600 rpm. After resetting the SMC and allowing the system to "burn in" for a bit, they are now idling between 1,000 and 1,200 rpm and the system is quiet.

Hope all this info helps! It really is a worthwhile project!