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What is the fastest i7 I can throw in a Dual 2009 Mac Pro
- Thread starter beto2k7
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You can't use Core i7 processors. You can put in two Xeon W5590 processors, which are 3.33GHz quad cores. Suitable processors are in the link below:
http://ark.intel.com/ProductCollection.aspx?series=39565
http://ark.intel.com/ProductCollection.aspx?series=39565
...And the reason for this is that double CPU systems need a CPU with double QPI.
If OP would have had a single CPU Mac pro, he would have been able to use an i7 CPU, except for the Gulftown 6-core i7, which doesnt have Firmware support on 2009 MP.
Hello,
Very nice (and new to me) information. I have a single CPU 2009 MP, stock 2.66. It's decent enough for now, but it's nice to know that I won't have to shell out for ridiculously expensive Xeons if I ever decide to upgrade.
Would any i7 CPU work, especially 6 cores (except the one you listed)?
Thanks
Loa
Very nice (and new to me) information. I have a single CPU 2009 MP, stock 2.66. It's decent enough for now, but it's nice to know that I won't have to shell out for ridiculously expensive Xeons if I ever decide to upgrade.
Would any i7 CPU work, especially 6 cores (except the one you listed)?
Thanks
Loa
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Ahhh I was forgetting the double QPI. I remember someone here doing the swap I just didnt remember it was on a single processor Pro
Thanks all for your replies.
Hello,
While the OP's question is answered, I got conflicting opinions about the ability to put i7s in my single CPU 2009 MP.
Since I'm not using any of the Xeon's advantages (I'm not running a server, data center nor am I using my computer as a workstation per se), I wonder why I'd pay extra for a Xeon, if I can use an i7.
Can I?
Loa
While the OP's question is answered, I got conflicting opinions about the ability to put i7s in my single CPU 2009 MP.
Since I'm not using any of the Xeon's advantages (I'm not running a server, data center nor am I using my computer as a workstation per se), I wonder why I'd pay extra for a Xeon, if I can use an i7.
Can I?
Loa
Hello,
Thx. I'll look up the ram info when I'll be ready to make the upgrade.
The 3.4GHz 2600 series looks interesting (coming up from a 2.66 - nice 27% increase)... I wonder how long they're going to keep pushing the i7 series before abandoning it.
Loa
Thx. I'll look up the ram info when I'll be ready to make the upgrade.
The 3.4GHz 2600 series looks interesting (coming up from a 2.66 - nice 27% increase)... I wonder how long they're going to keep pushing the i7 series before abandoning it.
Loa
Very conflicting indeed! What I understood is that the 2009Octos cant run Hexacores due to some unorthodox 1366 socket design. :http://www.macbidouille.com/news/20...our-les-mac-pro-2009-bi-socket-pour-l-instant (Yes its in french but use google translator if necessary)
But the late 2009 Quad(said to be impossible for early 2009 series), having a different firmware, are reported to be upgradable to hexacores.
http://www.macbidouille.com/articles/370/page1
I think the late 2009 series are made after October09.
Okay, I read that article using google translate. It seems to heavily indicate they are upgrading a 2009 model to W3670, but then they show this image:
http://files.macbidouille.com/mbv2/articles/mb/article_mb_370/thumbnails/Mac_Pro_31(INFOS).jpg.jpg
5,1 is the 2010 model. There are no firmware updates to 2009 Mac Pros that have been reported on here or any other English site I frequent. A 2009 Mac Pro certainly wouldn't report itself as a 5,1 model if it had updated firmware. I think there just might be some confusion.
Hello,
French is my native language: they're using a 2010, but say that a 2009 would work as well. Some issues regarding a 2009 from an early batch and one made after october 2009 (didn't read the whole thing as my 2009 is one of the "originals"!).
Loa
The 5,1 v 4,1 part I've confusion with as well.
I took the article (had to use a translation as well) that they tested on the 2010 tray, and made the assumption that it would also work in the 2009.
There's some indication from beto2k7 that the B07 firmware revision may have support for B1 stepped processors. Assuming this is the case, it would allow for 2009 owners to upgrade to Hex core CPU's (36xx and 56xx in SP and DP systems respectively; i7-980X for the SP systems as well, so long as the user doesn't require ECC memory functionality).
Personally, I'm waiting for some verifiable independent sources before I'll take B07 having support for B1 stepped parts as proof. Hopefully it will prove true (can't recall what if any firmware was listed by 2009 owners that tried a hex core Xeon).
You're post matches my interpretation as well (seems Umbongo is of the same opine). But I did have to use a translator (did read rather well though, so I didn't have the impression of lots of translation errors).
BTW, are you referring to the B07 firmware revision in regard to the October 2009 manufacture date?
BTW, B07 is the latest official firmware release for 2009 models. There's a B08 that showed up in some systems, of which beto2k7 is thinking is found in refurbs)?
My Mac is from November 09, it has a B07 Firmware. I have no idea what are the other firmware for previous MPs. I had confirmation from Lionel(Macbidouille's) that the upgrade had been done also on a MP quad late 09.
Then they need to post a screen shot for the 2009 for confirmation (like the one Umbongo linked that the shows 5,1 with the W3670).
EDIT: I saw that you've already sent an email requesting they post such an image in another thread.
are there any concrete evidence that suggest that the B07 revision contains support for the gulftown cpu? except that it's... a higher rev number..?
Not yet. I'm willing to test it if someone sends me two 5600 CPUs, though.
I happen to have a B07 ROM (manufactured October 2009).
To be honest, I doubt that the 2009 will support Westmeres, no matter which version they run.
Not yet. I'm willing to test it if someone sends me two 5600 CPUs, though.
I happen to have a B07 ROM (manufactured October 2009).
To be honest, I doubt that the 2009 will support Westmeres, no matter which version they run.
No luck for you, there's a big problem with the Octos 2009, a hardware mishape, the cpu's are issued without the Intel standard case, while the 2009Quads (whatever Rom version) are fitted with standard Cpus casing.
Have a look at http://www.macbidouille.com/news/20...our-les-mac-pro-2009-bi-socket-pour-l-instant
Really annoying.
The fact that you can't get CPUs without a heatspreader isn't really an issue.
2009 MP machines have been successfully upgraded with heatspreader CPUs before.