2009 - 2010 what processors can / cannot be upgraded?

[steveOooo]

Well don't want to buy a new 2010, seems pointless

I'm holding out for a second hand 2009 model for £1k or so - maybe get lucky with a 2010 model.

Most on eBay seem to be quad core / base models (want to buy from individual as some power sellers can't even speeds correctly in the listing / seems too dodgy)

Is there a table / definitive guide to upgrading 2009 /10 processors ? Maybe with what graphics to use too. I think in most cases I'll be going from quad to ??

Can you go from quad o 6 core in a mac pro?

I may just get the iMac 27/3.4 i7 quad (1.5£)and use a gtech 4tb FW800 RAID until the Pegasus TB raid has dropped in price

 

[nanofrog]

There's a hacked Firmware Update Utility that allows you to flash a 2009 with 2010 firmware (you'll need to create an account to get the download link).

Once this is done, you can put any 35xx or 36xx CPU in an SP model (making it into a Hex core system), and 55xx or 56xx CPU in a DP model.

BTW, given how you posted, I presume you're after a Single Processor system due to the mention of upgrading a Quad to a Hex question.

Hope this helps.

 

[steveOooo]

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Yeah I probably only need single processor / quad / 6 core - not seen any second hand 8 cores with higher rates.

So, if we say taking the lowest spec 2009 dc model - how much would it cost to get up to a 6core as per 2010 model - also, where can I buy the 6core and best place for a tutorial (I've only replaced the Ram in my iMac g5 and Mbp unibody so bit of a noob!! (uk sites or us sites for ref would be good)

 

[nanofrog]

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Yeah I probably only need single processor / quad / 6 core - not seen any second hand 8 cores with higher rates.

So, if we say taking the lowest spec 2009 dc model - how much would it cost to get up to a 6core as per 2010 model - also, where can I buy the 6core and best place for a tutorial (I've only replaced the Ram in my iMac g5 and Mbp unibody so bit of a noob!! (uk sites or us sites for ref would be good)

Depends on what CPU you want. But the W3680 is going for ~$625 - 630 new (new - ebay listing).

There's a guide here, but it's not hard (just need to search next time ).

The steps are as follows:

1. Flash the firmware
2. Turn the system OFF
3. Remove the CPU tray
4. Remove the heat sink (need a 6" long 3mm Allen wrench/screwdriver to reach the screws)
5. Remove the existing CPU (standard latch mechanism on the socket)
6. Clean off the botton of the heatsink (copper) with rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth/wipe (higher % of Isopropyl alcohol the better, and available in any local drug store or even WalMart)
7. Install the new CPU
8. Add thermal compound to the new CPU
9. Install the heatsink
10. Replace the CPU tray

Just use caution when performing this, as you don't want to bend/damage any of the contacts in the socket. Another tip, is leave the power cord plugged in, and touch the aluminum case before touching any of the electronics (makes sure you're not charged with static electricity).

 

[steveOooo]

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Hmm may get a refurb from apple store - 2.8 qc 2010 - in say 2-3 years time, would the price of a upgrade processor be alot cheaper - ie 2-£300 rather than the present of £900?

So whats the most powerful processor I can put into a 2.8dc 2010 model (in 2-3 years time / when v cheap in uk)

Essentially do the upgrade once the warranty 1 / 3 years has expired

Actually, does anyone know if there's a owc type company based in UK that could do the upgrade for me (any video tutorials on doing the upgrade?)

 

[minifridge1138]

Depends on what CPU you want. But the W3680 is going for ~$625 - 630 new (new - ebay listing).

There's a guide here, but it's not hard (just need to search next time ).

The steps are as follows:

1. Flash the firmware
2. Turn the system OFF
3. Remove the CPU tray
4. Remove the heat sink (need a 6" long 3mm Allen wrench/screwdriver to reach the screws)
5. Remove the existing CPU (standard latch mechanism on the socket)
6. Clean off the botton of the heatsink (copper) with rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth/wipe (higher % of Isopropyl alcohol the better, and available in any local drug store or even WalMart)
7. Install the new CPU
8. Add thermal compound to the new CPU
9. Install the heatsink
10. Replace the CPU tray

Just use caution when performing this, as you don't want to bend/damage any of the contacts in the socket. Another tip, is leave the power cord plugged in, and touch the aluminum case before touching any of the electronics (makes sure you're not charged with static electricity).

Those instructions work for the 2010 MP, but NOT for a 2009 MP.
The 2009 does not have latches holding the CPUs in and uses CPU without a heat sink (which are difficult to buy).

 

[nanofrog]

Those instructions work for the 2010 MP, but NOT for a 2009 MP.
The 2009 does not have latches holding the CPUs in and uses CPU without a heat sink (which are difficult to buy).

The SP versions do have latches (both 2009/10 SP MP's; it's on the 2009 DP's that are missing the latch mechanism), and the way I read the initial post, that's what will be upgraded (Quad to Hex portion).

 

[philipma1957]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; CPU iPhone OS 5_0 like Mac OS X) AppleWebKit/534.46 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.1 Mobile/9A334 Safari/7534.48.3)

Hmm may get a refurb from apple store - 2.8 qc 2010 - in say 2-3 years time, would the price of a upgrade processor be alot cheaper - ie 2-£300 rather than the present of £900?

So whats the most powerful processor I can put into a 2.8dc 2010 model (in 2-3 years time / when v cheap in uk)

Essentially do the upgrade once the warranty 1 / 3 years has expired

Actually, does anyone know if there's a owc type company based in UK that could do the upgrade for me (any video tutorials on doing the upgrade?)

AS OF TODAY the best hex cpu to use is the w3680 usa price 610-625

I did my upgrade in april I used this cpu usa price was 525 with a 10 percent coupon on ebay. it is a lot more in the uk

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Intel-W3670...9P2I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1319278893&sr=8-2


here it is on uk ebay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Intel-Xeo...boards_CPUs&hash=item5d2ec6b098#ht_1626wt_907



since I did the upgrade the w3680 dropped 1000 usd to 600 usd here it is on uk ebay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BX80613W3...60?pt=CPUs&hash=item27b9107710#ht_2513wt_1141

the seller is usa based so figure vat on it.



here is the third choice w3690 725 pounds


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Intel-BX8...73?pt=CPUs&hash=item1e6779be31#ht_1683wt_1141

the seller is usa based so vat.




so the 3 chips are :

w3670 = 600-650 usd

w3680 = 600- 650 usd

w3690 = 950- 1050 usd