x56** CPUs in single-socket Mac Pros?

[fiatlux]

I'm looking at replacement options to my aging 2006 Mac Pro.

Best value option seems to be getting a used, entry level, single-socket 2009 or 2010 Mac Pro, flash it to 5,1 if required and drop a 6-core CPU in there.

Trouble is, used Intel Xeon W36xx CPUs are not as common as X56xx ones, and tend to be more expensive (there are a lot more options in the X5600 line, including at lower frequencies and TDP).

Question is, will X5600 CPUs work in single-socket Mac Pros?

 

[flowrider]

I didn't think it would, but from user experience it does:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/929349/

Lou

 

[fiatlux]

I didn't think it would, but from user experience it does:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/929349/

Lou

Ok thanks, that validates my option. I guess I will wait to see if prices come further down when the new MP is introduced and make up my mind.

 

[Umbongo]

Unless you need ECC functionality you can use a Core i7 too. Look for i7-970, i7-980, i7-980X and i7-990X; and of course W3670, W3680 and W3690 for the sake of a complete list.

You can use all the same DIMMs with i7s as you can with the Xeons from what has been reported here, just don't have ECC working.

 

[fiatlux]

If I used an i7 could I then use non-ECC ram?

 

[Umbongo]

If I used an i7 could I then use non-ECC ram?

Yeah you can non-ECC with i7s or Xeons.