Can I DIY to Dual 6-Core Processors (from 8-Core 2010)?

[simplymuzik3]

If I buy an 8-core Mac Pro today, can I upgrade to 6-Core CPU's in a couple years? As I understand it, the 8/12 are both identical except for different processors. Can this be done?

 

[Umbongo]

I don't see why not, but only this generation of processors will be supported. There is a new socket next year.

 

[Vylen]

You should totally go for dual 6 core 3.33Ghz (X5680)

Just $1723.15 each on Amazon

 

[simplymuzik3]

Do you think in 4-5 years, it will be a lot cheaper to buy 6-core processors to replace the quads that it comes with ( 2xhexacores vs 2xquad cores)? Will they be less than 500 each? Just looking for a rough estimate. I'm not sure how fast processor prices come down. Thanks,

 

[Spanky Deluxe]

Do you think in 4-5 years, it will be a lot cheaper to buy 6-core processors to replace the quads that it comes with ( 2xhexacores vs 2xquad cores)? Will they be less than 500 each? Just looking for a rough estimate. I'm not sure how fast processor prices come down. Thanks,

I'd wait a while for other people to check that Apple isn't just putting the 2009 firmware onto the non hexacore based models but in theory you should be able to. It's a bit hard to guage the price of processors in a few year's time but here's an example for you to get a feel:

The original late 2006 Quad (2x2 2.66GHz) Mac Pro can be upgraded to Octo (2x4 3.0GHz) for about $1000. To upgrade to an Octo (2xr4 2.66GHz) costs about $500. So I would guess that in four years time you could upgrade an Octo 2.4GHz 2010 Mac Pro to a 12 core 3.33GHz machine for about $1000 or about $800 for a 2.93GHz upgrade. That's just a very rough guesstimate though and ignoring inflation etc.