MP 1,1-5,1 CPU Tray Rattling Noise

[caliguy1965]

I just picked up a used Mac Pro with 2x 3.46gb 6 Cores but when I took out the CPU Tray to clean it I noticed a little rattling noise like some was loose and moving but I can't see anything moving around nor did anything drop out. It seems to only be if I turn the tray upside down and back up again.....almost like a spring or something.
Anything I should be concerned about?

 

[tsialex]

I'd tear it down and fully inspect it, maybe something like a screw is trapped between the PCB and the tray.

 

[caliguy1965]

I'll order some thermal paste etc and check it out.
SO, now I have:
1. Mid 2010 logic board with 2x 2.66 6-Core Intel Xeon
2. Early 2009 logic board with 2x 3.46 6-Core Intel Xeon.

Assuming the 2x 3.46 6-Core is good after I check it out for the rattle noice........should I pair that with the 2010 or 2009 board?

I would think the 3.46 should have a noticeable difference to the 2.66......correct?

I'll be using 8x8gb ram = 64gb

 

[caliguy1965]

So the 3.46 on the 2009 was not standard and upgraded after I assume onto the existing CPU Tray.
The only way to do this would be to move the 3.46 CPU (when I take it apart) to the 2010 tray.

I will check if normal or de-lided

 

[tsialex]

early-2009 dual CPU tray requires de-lided Xeons.​

mid-2010/mid-2012 CPU trays require normal Xeons.​

You can't install de-lided Xeons to a mid-2010/mid-2012 dual CPU tray. Check if the Xeons are de-lided.

early-2009 SMC firmware version is 1.39f5.​

mid-2010/mid-2012 SMC firmware version is 1.39f11.​

An early-2009 backplane must be paired to an early-2009 CPU tray, while a mid-2010/mid-2012 backplane must be paired to a mid-2010/mid-2012 CPU tray - you can't mix and match.

If you not do so, the SMC firmware (not upgradeable) will be mismatched and the fans will run full time at full RPM without any software control possible.

 

[caliguy1965]

In your opinion which is the better option here..... the 2009 with 3.46 or the 2010 with 2.66 both are 2x 6-Core and 5,1

 

[tsialex]

There are lot's of unknowns at play here, you won't be capable to install the de-lided X5690 to the mid-2010 CPU tray.

 

[caliguy1965]

I wouldn't swap them, just leave them with the logic board they're on.
Forgot to mention:
They both came in Mac Pros that I picked up locally ..... So the 2009 is a full system and same with the 2010. I'll change the ram and graphics card etc while I'm at it

 

[caliguy1965]

I'd tear it down and fully inspect it, maybe something like a screw is trapped between the PCB and the tray.

So I took it apart and it looks like the bottom of the CPU post have these circular spacers on them and they are loose (think they're meant to be like that) and they're making the rattling sound when I move the CPU Tray.
Does that mean the previous owner didn't tightening the heatsinks to the board tight enough??
I've attach a pic.