Different processors?

Discussion in 'Mac Pro' started by Kermit8283, May 25, 2012.

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  1. Kermit8283, May 25, 2012

    Kermit8283 macrumors newbie

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    #1
    I'm trying to get a game plan to build a couple pros for my wife's small business. I want to make them as future proof as possible but save money where I can.

    So my understanding from searching is that I can do a firmware update on the 2008 model that will essentially turn it into a 2010 model with a different CPU and graphic card. (could find a guide on doing this, anybody got a link?)

    I'm wanting to pick up the hex core 3.33 as my primary CPU. But can I buy a dual CPU computer and only update one of the chips at first? That way I could always upgrade the other down the road if adobe ever gets more efficient at utilizing more cores. Has anybody done this with stable results?
     
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  2. brand, May 25, 2012

    brand macrumors 601

    brand

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    #2
    Nope an Early 2008 Mac Pro is stuck being an Early 2008 Mac Pro. You are thinking of the 2009 Mac Pro.
     
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  3. jasonvp, May 25, 2012

    jasonvp macrumors 6502a

    jasonvp

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    #3
    Not quite; you can turn a 2009 (4,1) into a 2010 (5,1) with a flash. 3,1 Mac Pros (2008) use a different chip architecture and aren't compatible with the Intel Nehalems. 3,1s also use DDR2 vs DDR3 memory. So you can't flash a 2008/3,1 into a newer Pro.

    jas
     
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  4. Kermit8283, May 25, 2012

    Kermit8283 thread starter macrumors newbie

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    #4
    Good catch. I was thinking of the 2009. I had remembered incorrectly.

    So if I get a 2009 model, can I use two different processors?
     
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  5. ashman70, May 25, 2012

    ashman70 macrumors 6502a

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    #5
    No, the processors must be exactly the same in dual processor systems. You cannot have two different processors in the machine at the same time, it likely won't even boot.
     
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  6. jasonvp, May 25, 2012

    jasonvp macrumors 6502a

    jasonvp

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    #6
    You can't, no.

    Also: understand the dual-proc 4,1s offer a fun little challenge in that they use unobtanium lidless Xeons. You can't buy those Xeons anywhere. To get around that, you'll have a few choices:
    • Pry the lids off the Xeons yourself
    • Rig up adapters that will allow the stock heat sinks to fit over the retail Xeons
    • Use the stock heat sinks and bolts and just don't tighten them down fully

    In all honesty, if you want to go 4,1, then get a single-processor unit, upgrade the flash, and pop in the fastest 6-core Xeon you can afford. The single-processor 4,1s use the standard, retail Xeons. It's just the duals that can't.

    jas
     
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  7. Kermit8283, May 25, 2012

    Kermit8283 thread starter macrumors newbie

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    #7
    Dang! Good to know though. I think I'll just get a single processor version now.

    Is there a place to buy the CPU trays? If it was cost effective I could swap to a dual in the future if I get desperate. I know OWC does it, but it's expensive going through them.

    ----------
    I'm glad I asked. You just saved me some heartache. Thanks for the advice. I'm definitely going to get the single now. I wish the 3.46s weren't still over a $1000.
     
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