Can i upgrade my CPU?

[Sharpey76]

Hi guys,
im fairly new to macs so im sorry for whats probably a stupid question but i have a macpro 5.1 with a 2.8ghz quad core intel xeon cpu and wondered if i can replace that with a another cpu say a faster quad or a six core?

 

[paulrbeers]

Hi guys,
im fairly new to macs so im sorry for whats probably a stupid question but i have a macpro 5.1 with a 2.8ghz quad core intel xeon cpu and wondered if i can replace that with a another cpu say a faster quad or a six core?

Yep. Lots of threads on upgrading from Quad Core to Six Core.

 

[Umbongo]

Search this forum for the term W3680 and you will find loads of information 🙂

 

[Sharpey76]

thanks paulrbeers,
So its the W3680 Xeon 3.33ghz that i would need is that correct

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Search this forum for the term W3680 and you will find loads of information 🙂

haha thanks Umbongo we must have posted at the same time i didnt see you post until after 🙂

 

[chiefroastbeef]

Yep, the W3680 3.33ghz is the best bang for the buck right now.

Here is the best current deal, $586 for the chip: http://www.provantage.com/intel-bx80613w3680~7ITEP374.htm


Here is a link that has a step by step tutorial by Phillip switching chips on his 2009 Mac Pro: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1122551/

I'm also planning on putting the W3680 chip in my 2009 Mac Pro once Applecare runs out in November. Adding more ram and new graphics card as well.

 

[paulrbeers]

Just to point out that the 4,1 (2009) and the 5,1 (2010) are the same model so you can use the 2009 tutorial to upgrade the 2010

 

[OrangeSVTguy]

Lots of info on it. 970 i7 is a very good CPU with 6 cores. Should find it for under $400 too.

 

[Melbourne Park]

Lots of info on it. 970 i7 is a very good CPU with 6 cores. Should find it for under $400 too.

Not worth the $200 saving. You loose error protected memory. The machine becomes less stable. You've wasted your investment in 9 bank memory (which is why Mac pro memory costs a bit more), whereas i7 just needs 8. ECC needs a Xeon to work. You won't be able to sell the current CPU, because no one would want to buy a Mac Pro with the totally wrong processor.