4,1 to 5,1 Firmware Update Question

The W5590 CPUs run 800, 1066 and 1333 RAM.
http://ark.intel.com/products/41643
If you have 1333 RAM, it will run at 1333, but the difference is negligible, in my opinion. You'll see no performance gains from the different firmware alone, if that's what you're thinking. 5,1 firmware doesn't speed up or optimize anything.

My 2009 Mac Pro came with the W3580, which was able to run 1333MHz RAM, but the 4,1 firmware held it back at 1066, despite having installed 32GB of 1333. The firmware upgrade allowed it to run at 1333 with the original quad CPU. I personally did it so I could swap in the W3680 6-core, which I have. If you aren't going to change CPUs, I'd leave it at 4,1 so that your install DVDs still work.

If you DO switch to 5,1... you can still get the install DVDs for 5,1 Snow Leopard, if you wanted to do a clean install. (I'm a fan of, and still use, 10.6.8) Being on Mountain Lion, you may not want to ever go back, and that's understandable.

Short answer: Changing to 5,1 will give you slight RAM speed boost, and allow 6-core CPUs. It won't hurt anything.

How do you make the switch?

BacktoMacNJ said:

How do you make the switch?

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One needs to run the tool found at the end of the first post of this thread on Netkas.org. To see/download this app, you need to register and log in, otherwise the thread looks like there is no tool to download. It's a good idea to read that thread first. I know, 37 pages and counting over the years, but reading it answers all the questions people have asked. If I just answer questions, there's a chance things might have changed since my conversion, and I'd end up giving expired information, so better that the information and discussion continue at the source, in my opinion.

The RAM speed boost will only be when you replace the Quad processor by a Hex 3.33 or higher.

Really the benefit is 6-core processors(w3670,w3680,w3690) and 1333 mhz memory.. Thats all you will get with the 4,1 to 5,1 firmware.. but it also does prolong your machine a hellava lot longer.

Getting the discs to run on the 2010 with the 4,1 to 5,1 firmware is a hassle since Apple requires a serial number to send out the discs to you.. Its hard coded on the logic board and there is no way around it, at least from what I know.

If you need the 2010 discs, ask someone who has a real 2010 and they should be able to help Wonderspark knows what I am talking about, dontcha ya?

Mac Hammer Fan said:

The RAM speed boost will only be when you replace the Quad processor by a Hex 3.33 or higher.

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