Found great price on W3580 3.33!

[Roman23]

Hello everyone,

As many of you know I used to have a 2008 Harpertown mac pro. Just recently got a refurbished 2.66(I know its slow, but its faster than my 8-core 2008!) nehalem mac pro. QUESTION: I just found on ebay for a buy it now price of 700.00 - a W3580 processor, the same one that one would pay 1200.00 for to upgrade on the apple store.

CAN THIS PROCESSOR be used in place of the current 2.66? Given what we know about 4,1 mac pro - it has the same SMC, same firmware, same everything, so I don't see why this would be an issue. I did read that someone tried to upgrade the 2.26 processors and wound up buying a whole new board and stuff, but I was told that the single-quad cores are easier to upgrade and not much hassle is given towards them.

So, if I were to BUY this processor(w3580) - Can I just remove the 2.66 and pop in the 3.33? I do know that the processors in these 4,1 quad-core units
DONNOT have the heat spreader, but if I were to apply artic silver or the best thermal compound I can buy, WILL THIS WORK?? Can someone tell me yes for certain?

I figure why wait when the price is right.. currently, have 6GB of memory 1066 DDR3, 4x1TB hard drives, dual superdrive(one being from my 2008 mac pro connected to the odd port), ati radeon 4870 HD. I mean, why should I spend 1200.00 extra from apple when I can just get the processor for 700.00 buy it now?

[Spacedust]

Hello everyone,

As many of you know I used to have a 2008 Harpertown mac pro. Just recently got a refurbished 2.66(I know its slow, but its faster than my 8-core 2008!) nehalem mac pro. QUESTION: I just found on ebay for a buy it now price of 700.00 - a W3580 processor, the same one that one would pay 1200.00 for to upgrade on the apple store.

CAN THIS PROCESSOR be used in place of the current 2.66? Given what we know about 4,1 mac pro - it has the same SMC, same firmware, same everything, so I don't see why this would be an issue. I did read that someone tried to upgrade the 2.26 processors and wound up buying a whole new board and stuff, but I was told that the single-quad cores are easier to upgrade and not much hassle is given towards them.

So, if I were to BUY this processor(w3580) - Can I just remove the 2.66 and pop in the 3.33? I do know that the processors in these 4,1 quad-core units
DONNOT have the heat spreader, but if I were to apply artic silver or the best thermal compound I can buy, WILL THIS WORK?? Can someone tell me yes for certain?

I figure why wait when the price is right.. currently, have 6GB of memory 1066 DDR3, 4x1TB hard drives, dual superdrive(one being from my 2008 mac pro connected to the odd port), ati radeon 4870 HD. I mean, why should I spend 1200.00 extra from apple when I can just get the processor for 700.00 buy it now?

Yes. It should work without any problems. Just drop-in and you're done.

[Roman23]

Hey, can you show me a PHYSICAL picture of the original processor from a single-quad mac pro, so that I feel more confident that indeed, standard oem intel processors with heat spreaders can be used(I was thinking w3580 or w3570). One is 3.20 and 3.33 - not much diff in speed, price is 100 less than w3580



Yes. It should work without any problems. Just drop-in and you're done.

[666sheep]

Beware of this (http://www.anandtech.com/show/2800/11) and see page before.

[mrh63061]

The single Quad Core CPU has a heat spreader, it's only the dual CPU that don't have them, why they don't have them is between Apple and Intel.
I can confirm this through the service manual.

[VirtualRain]

Hello everyone,

As many of you know I used to have a 2008 Harpertown mac pro. Just recently got a refurbished 2.66(I know its slow, but its faster than my 8-core 2008!) nehalem mac pro. QUESTION: I just found on ebay for a buy it now price of 700.00 - a W3580 processor, the same one that one would pay 1200.00 for to upgrade on the apple store.


I just looked on eBay and there was a used W3580 for $599 (buy it now). That's a no brainer for a 2.66 and even tempting as a 2.93 owner. :D

[Roman23]

Are you 300 percent sure that it is a standard OEM processor with the heat spreader? If so, then if I buy next month the 3.33 or 3.20(w3570), then will this be an easier upgrade compared to the dual systems?

I will never goto a dual system since I don't use any pro apps whatsoever.. consider that I use my mac pro as an everyday tinkering device and everyday apps, such as emailing, surfing the web,.,. and very occasional work with iphoto and imovie.. nothing using pro apps.




I just looked on eBay and there was a used W3580 for $599 (buy it now). That's a no brainer for a 2.66 and even tempting as a 2.93 owner. :D

[Roman23]

According to the service manuel, does this mean that YES - I can buy any OEM intel bloomfield processor(the one I want is W3580 or W3570) Apple has the w3580 for 1200.00 more, but why spend that when I can just get the processor and upgrade it..

2ndly, can you post a picture of what would be the processor I currently have, showing the heat spreader and everything? I am aware of the dangers of the dual systems of which I don't have nor will want to have.



The single Quad Core CPU has a heat spreader, it's only the dual CPU that don't have them, why they don't have them is between Apple and Intel.
I can confirm this through the service manual.

[nanofrog]

Yes, the W3570 or W3580 will work.

But do be careful with the heatsinks, as the integrated fan connector is fairly easy to damage apparently (article linked as well as other users here on MR that've done processor upgrades in '09's), as is the mating connector on the daughterboard. And if you don't get a proper connection, the system won't POST.

[VirtualRain]

The Quad uses a normal CPU heat spreader for sure. Numerous people here have done the upgrade and it's a fairly trivial undertaking. The Octo is a whole other story. Search for other threads on this topic. There are several.

[nanofrog]

The Quad uses a normal CPU heat spreader for sure. Numerous people here have done the upgrade and it's a fairly trivial undertaking. The Octo is a whole other story. Search for other threads on this topic. There are several.
There's been a couple that have managed it successfully with standard OEM processors though (have the IHS).

It is a rather delicate process though, especially with the fan connectors in the heatsinks (have to remove them from the aluminum base, and connect them manually due to the added height of the IHS). Not for the faint of heart I'd imagine.

[VirtualRain]

There's been a couple that have managed it successfully with standard OEM processors though (have the IHS).

It is a rather delicate process though, especially with the fan connectors in the heatsinks (have to remove them from the aluminum base, and connect them manually due to the added height of the IHS). Not for the faint of heart I'd imagine.

Yeah if I recall Anand toasted his CPU logic board trying to do the upgrade. I personally wouldn't go there on the Octo but I'm very tempted to upgrade my Quad. Hmmm. :)

[nanofrog]

Yeah if I recall Anand toasted his CPU logic board trying to do the upgrade. I personally wouldn't go there on the Octo but I'm very tempted to upgrade my Quad. Hmmm. :)
Upgrading a Quad would be much easier IMO, though caution can't be completely abandoned. :p

Perhaps there's another good deal here and there yet to be found on eBay. ;)

[Roman23]

"It is a rather delicate process though, especially with the fan connectors in the heatsinks (have to remove them from the aluminum base, and connect them manually due to the added height of the IHS). Not for the faint of heart I'd imagine.[/QUOTE]"

Does the above reference the single-quad core mac pros or the duals? I am now confused.




There's been a couple that have managed it successfully with standard OEM processors though (have the IHS).

It is a rather delicate process though, especially with the fan connectors in the heatsinks (have to remove them from the aluminum base, and connect them manually due to the added height of the IHS). Not for the faint of heart I'd imagine.

[Roman23]

the DUAL models, and not the single-core mac pros since they use standard intel OEM processors with heat spreaders.


Beware of this (http://www.anandtech.com/show/2800/11) and see page before.

[Gomff]

I will never goto a dual system since I don't use any pro apps whatsoever.. consider that I use my mac pro as an everyday tinkering device and everyday apps, such as emailing, surfing the web,.,. and very occasional work with iphoto and imovie.. nothing using pro apps.

Begs the question then, why go to the trouble of risking breaking your system and laying out the cash if it's just for casual use??

Not trying to be contrary, just don't understand what there is to be gained, except the satisfaction of successfully tinkering up your machine spec slightly. I could appreciate that if the risk of severe damage wasn't so great and potentially expensive.

Anyway.....Just saying. Good luck if you do go ahead with it.

[Roman23]

This is my LAST Mac Pro.. the 2010's I fear and beyond(assuming nanofrog is wrong) are going to be out of consumer price range.. and even so, if i did trade this up I'd rather have it beefed up to the 3.33 or 3.20 processor. Memory will take care of itself.. hard drives I already have 4TB(1x4TB) hard drive space..

simply put - this may be my LAST Mac that I can afford, as I am on a fixed income(not too fixed), but also work part time.. though right now, I am with the 2010 Census and the money is great..




Begs the question then, why go to the trouble of risking breaking your system and laying out the cash if it's just for casual use??

Not trying to be contrary, just don't understand what there is to be gained, except the satisfaction of successfully tinkering up your machine spec slightly. I could appreciate that if the risk of severe damage wasn't so great and potentially expensive.

Anyway.....Just saying. Good luck if you do go ahead with it.

[Roman23]

If it wasn't for the trade up price of 2000.00, I could never ever have afforded anything.. so, my outa pocket expenses were far far less than I had expected. The guy originally wanted 1900.00 for my system, but then I told him other things I did with the machine(beefed the memory up) + added more hard drives , and above all: all original manuals and operating disks.

$2000.00 for the whole thing.. It was a 2008 Harpertown 3.00(similar to 3.2).



Begs the question then, why go to the trouble of risking breaking your system and laying out the cash if it's just for casual use??

Not trying to be contrary, just don't understand what there is to be gained, except the satisfaction of successfully tinkering up your machine spec slightly. I could appreciate that if the risk of severe damage wasn't so great and potentially expensive.

Anyway.....Just saying. Good luck if you do go ahead with it.

[nanofrog]

"It is a rather delicate process though, especially with the fan connectors in the heatsinks (have to remove them from the aluminum base, and connect them manually due to the added height of the IHS). Not for the faint of heart I'd imagine.
DP systems, as the SP units' already use parts with the IHS in tact (has the clamping system for the LGA1366 parts found on any other LGA1366 socket board), so the height won't be an issue.

But for the DP systems, it's a bit of an issue, though can be overcome (i.e. no clamp/latch to the socket, nor do the original parts have an IHS on them). But standard OEM parts have been successfully used on these as well (just requires the fan connector to be removed from the aluminum base plate of the heatsink, and connected manually before screwing the heatsink down).

[Roman23]

I will be submitting my payment on friday to the guy. I have already thermal compound though not artic silver.. I bought this at radio shack near me. Now, all I need is the CORRECT torx screw driver and I will be set.


I just looked on eBay and there was a used W3580 for $599 (buy it now). That's a no brainer for a 2.66 and even tempting as a 2.93 owner. :D

[Roman23]

As I probably won't be getting another mac anymore after this.. as the 2010's and beyond(if apple still makes them into 2013-2014 - nanofrog and EOF of the mac pro) - will be too expensive and even if I did trade up the quad core single 3.33 mac pro(was 2.66), I would probably got like 1000.00 for it by the time the 2010's are 1 yr old anyway..

Plus, for my needs its fine. 8-core is just too much computer for my needs, until everyday apps(NOT PRO APPS) require more than 4 cores in order to run.


Begs the question then, why go to the trouble of risking breaking your system and laying out the cash if it's just for casual use??

Not trying to be contrary, just don't understand what there is to be gained, except the satisfaction of successfully tinkering up your machine spec slightly. I could appreciate that if the risk of severe damage wasn't so great and potentially expensive.

Anyway.....Just saying. Good luck if you do go ahead with it.

[Gomff]

Fair enough, it's obviously up to you so good luck, I'm sure it'll work out well.

Cheers!

[VirtualRain]

I will be submitting my payment on friday to the guy. I have already thermal compound though not artic silver.. I bought this at radio shack near me. Now, all I need is the CORRECT torx screw driver and I will be set.

Between what you can sell your 2.66 for and the extra resale you will get out of your 2009, it may actually be a wash financially in the end.

[Roman23]

Are you saying that I should have just traded up the machine? The processor is a lot less than the 2009 3.33 mac pro... thats 1200.00 more though.. I think I got a good deal on this processor. $549.00 + free shipping. As for my 2.66 processor, I plan to keep this as also I am getting apple care.

well lets see if it would be a wash:

2.66 w3520 - 320.00
3.33 w3580 - 549.00

Not much of a wash, but nice though.


Between what you can sell your 2.66 for and the extra resale you will get out of your 2009, it may actually be a wash financially in the end.

[Roman23]

I'm curious as to why you think it wouldn't work out though.


Fair enough, it's obviously up to you so good luck, I'm sure it'll work out well.

Cheers!

[VirtualRain]

Are you saying that I should have just traded up the machine? The processor is a lot less than the 2009 3.33 mac pro... thats 1200.00 more though.. I think I got a good deal on this processor. $549.00 + free shipping. As for my 2.66 processor, I plan to keep this as also I am getting apple care.

well lets see if it would be a wash:

2.66 w3520 - 320.00
3.33 w3580 - 549.00

Not much of a wash, but nice though.

No, I'm saying the opposite... it will be a wash and you may even come out ahead. If you can get $300 for your old CPU and more than $300 in added resale value for your upgraded Mac Pro when you sell it, then you're ahead! ;)

[nanofrog]

No, I'm saying the opposite... it will be a wash and you may even come out ahead. If you can get $300 for your old CPU and more than $300 in added resale value for your upgraded Mac Pro when you sell it, then you're ahead! ;)
The original processor would need to be kept during Apple Care though, as the faster unit could be "lost" during a repair/replacement.

Once over, it can be sold off, but the time lapse will reduce the amount that it would fetch on the used market.

[Gomff]

I'm not saying it won't work out, just that I hope it does. Since it's a quad rather than an Octo, the operation is less troublesome but I would still be very careful not to bend any pins or force something for fear of damaging my system. Often when things have been seated for a while they can stick so I'd be very gentle removing the CPU from it's socket and ditto the heatsink.

Part of my misgivings are based on the fact that I'm looking at it from my perspective. My system is my bread and butter so I wouldn't personally be doing what you're doing. I also think the performance gain is relatively small and not even noticeable for the types of things you're doing with it. I'd use the money for something else.

But that's just my opinion, nothing more.

[Roman23]

I might build my son a nice system using the 2.66 processor, but if I ever need to get my system repaired(very unlikely, as with my 2008 never had logic board problems).. all I could do is ask him and let him know that "daddy" needs his processor back for warranty repairs.

Again, I rate the mac pro logic board as very rugged and would believe for a SERVER class machine its studiness and durability last a long time.

Yeah, the moment they notice the processor was changed to 3.33, it would most likely be lost as Apple would remove it :)


The original processor would need to be kept during Apple Care though, as the faster unit could be "lost" during a repair/replacement.

Once over, it can be sold off, but the time lapse will reduce the amount that it would fetch on the used market.

[Roman23]

But also let me explain that even during the MDD days, I was upgrading processors for a long time in powerpc based G4 machines and PC's.. as for being careful - I couldn't agree with you more, that is why I plan to take my time EXCESSIVLY with this upgrade.. I am not one who will just unscrew the heatsink and pull it off so quick that I didn't notice a connector I just broke off. NO! What I will do is once my heatsink is loose and ready to be removed, I will take "baby" steps to remove the heatsink. I am not going to assert a lot of pressure to it also, as the heatsink is very light.

The good news however, compared to the duals, the processors are seated in a socket with a little hook to release them - similar to a PC. I also plan to apply a small coating of thermal compound to the whole processor - just like I did with the purple die on the powerpc G4 1.42 when I had a MDD dual 1.25.

same procedure? Yes.. just that its an intel xeon. As for price? If I new I was going to have bills this week, I wouldn't have thought about it.. but since its my birthday I'd thought of treating myself to an early b-day present.

as far as bending any pins? Unlikely.. since the processor is seated in a socket where one just lifts up the handle and the processor comes right out.. unlike the duals where they are lidless and one has to just "pick it up" = no support to hold down the processor other than the heatsink - hense anadtech's mistake :)

Once I get this processor and the upgrade is successful, I will provide pics of it for everyone.


I'm not saying it won't work out, just that I hope it does. Since it's a quad rather than an Octo, the operation is less troublesome but I would still be very careful not to bend any pins or force something for fear of damaging my system. Often when things have been seated for a while they can stick so I'd be very gentle removing the CPU from it's socket and ditto the heatsink.

Part of my misgivings are based on the fact that I'm looking at it from my perspective. My system is my bread and butter so I wouldn't personally be doing what you're doing. I also think the performance gain is relatively small and not even noticeable for the types of things you're doing with it. I'd use the money for something else.

But that's just my opinion, nothing more.

[Roman23]

I might make use of this for my son's machine which I plan to build for him.. yes, its a xeon but none the less a nice processor for what he would need the computer for.

As far as selling my mac? I don't think thats going to happen.. since I will be back on my fixed income and work only part time(disability) - therefore, this might be my LAST mac pro.. as I am sure the 2010's and beyond(if nanofrog says is true about the DEMISE of the mac pro in the coming years), it will be overly expensive - and even my trade up with a 3.33 single-quad wouldn't get me anywhere near of as a comfortable out of pocket price for a 2010 and beyond mac pro..

At that point I might trade up for a PC or possibly a laptop.

I can't predict the future here.. but it seems logical that this is what might happen.

Also, I heard that in the next coming years a NEW RECESSION might take hold and this time is predicted to be 1000's times worse than this one given the market flux in the world.. job market hasn't improved one bit for the majority of people.. those, however in health care and possibly IT have a better shot..



No, I'm saying the opposite... it will be a wash and you may even come out ahead. If you can get $300 for your old CPU and more than $300 in added resale value for your upgraded Mac Pro when you sell it, then you're ahead! ;)

[VirtualRain]

Hey Roman23... can you link to where you got your processor? I want to get one too!

[nanofrog]

Hey Roman23... can you link to where you got your processor? I want to get one too!
It's on eBay (here (http://cgi.ebay.com/Intel-Xeon-W3580-SLBET-Processor-/200479476156?cmd=ViewItem&pt=CPUs&hash=item2ead8209bc)). And the seller will ship to Canada. :D

[VirtualRain]

It's on eBay (here (http://cgi.ebay.com/Intel-Xeon-W3580-SLBET-Processor-/200479476156?cmd=ViewItem&pt=CPUs&hash=item2ead8209bc)). And the seller will ship to Canada. :D

Yeah, I saw that one for $599... but Roman23 says he's paying $549... I can't seem to find one that low. Please share! :)

EDIT: BTW, does it void your warranty to upgrade your CPU in a Mac Pro? I would think if you explained to the Apple store when you took it in for service, that you upgraded your CPU they would take care to ensure it didn't get "misplaced". I mean, if you upgrade your graphics card, you wouldn't expect it to get misplaced or removed as part of warranty service would you? I guess they might try to blame any problem on your CPU, but I guess that depends on the nature of why you're taking to get it serviced. If the PSU's gone, it's hard to blame that on a CPU upgrade.

[nanofrog]

Yeah, I saw that one for $599... but Roman23 says he's paying $549... I can't seem to find one that low. Please share! :)
The links he shared with me had the W3570 at $549 (located in Hong Kong), and the W3580 at $599 (located in Virginia).

EDIT: BTW, does it void your warranty to upgrade your CPU in a Mac Pro? I would think if you explained to the Apple store when you took it in for service, that you upgraded your CPU they would take care to ensure it didn't get "misplaced". I mean, if you upgrade your graphics card, you wouldn't expect it to get misplaced or removed as part of warranty service would you? I guess they might try to blame any problem on your CPU, but I guess that depends on the nature of why you're taking to get it serviced. If the PSU's gone, it's hard to blame that on a CPU upgrade.
No, but you'd need to keep the original, and swap it out if you suspect a new daughterboard or main logic board are required, along with any other upgrades that you've added (3rd party, not those included in a CTO system).

I wouldn't expect the Apple store personnel to do this for you, even if that much work is required. And from a corporate POV, they wouldn't want to be responsible for any add-ons that didn't come with the system at time of purchase (liability issues, and the biggest reason for the language used IMO).