Differences are spelled out here:
http://cpuboss.com/cpus/Intel-Xeon-X5680-vs-Intel-Xeon-W3680#specs
X5680 has higher Temp Rating
X5680 in a Mac can handle 64GB RAM, W3680 can handle 56GB RAM
Lou
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MP 1,1-5,1 Hex 3.2 update from 2010 quad 2.8 photos new! CPU to use!
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Differences are spelled out here:
http://cpuboss.com/cpus/Intel-Xeon-X5680-vs-Intel-Xeon-W3680#specs
X5680 has higher Temp Rating
X5680 in a Mac can handle 64GB RAM, W3680 can handle 56GB RAM
Lou
I think you want to say that X5680 can boot with 64G RAM on a single processor Mac Pro (and may be more later), but the W3680 is only 56G at this moment.
An advantage of having a X-series over the W-series is that just in case you ever go with a dual CPU Mac Pro, you already have one of the needed two CPU's. With a W-series, you'd have to sell it and buy two X-series.
With a X5690 going for just over $200 on ebay, there really isn't a reason to go with W-series, IMHO.
Also, B1 is a normal stepping. There is only one stepping for the W3680/X5680/X5690 and it's B1. Just don't buy a CPU identified with a s-spec starting with "Q". They are pre-production. It should say SLBV2 (or SLBVX for the X5690).
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Thanks fellas!
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Besides higher temp, memory, and ability for dual processor support later, are there any other advantages? EDIT - checked the link Lou linked, that link is terrible for GB scores - browsing GeekBench's own browser, the 5690 is right on par with the W series counterpart. So, there's that.
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So if there's 64GB residing the in machine when booting, the W series won't boot at all? Makes sense I guess, considering the X series were designed when having that much memory meant a DP system.
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Besides higher temp, memory, and ability for dual processor support later, are there any other advantages? EDIT - checked the link Lou linked, that link is terrible for GB scores - browsing GeekBench's own browser, the 5690 is right on par with the W series counterpart. So, there's that.
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So if there's 64GB residing the in machine when booting, the W series won't boot at all? Makes sense I guess, considering the X series were designed when having that much memory meant a DP system.
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I don't have the RAM to test it by myself, but seems it won't.
https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/19088772/
Upgraded to X5690
Happy to report that I just finished upgrading my CPU with X5690.
It was so helpful reading the thread and had me prepared well when CPU came.
Took about 15 min including cleaning CPU with Artic Cleaner.
Putting CPU and locking was tricky as it was giving so much pressure to CPU bracket but that is how it is as mentioned in previous post!
I'm posting Geekbench score with W3530 (right after reboot) and after with X5690.
Thank you Phillima1957 and others for kind advices.
Happy to report that I just finished upgrading my CPU with X5690.
It was so helpful reading the thread and had me prepared well when CPU came.
Took about 15 min including cleaning CPU with Artic Cleaner.
Putting CPU and locking was tricky as it was giving so much pressure to CPU bracket but that is how it is as mentioned in previous post!
I'm posting Geekbench score with W3530 (right after reboot) and after with X5690.
Thank you Phillima1957 and others for kind advices.
Attachments
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I just ordered an X5690 from the link above to upgrade my 4,1 2.66 Quad.
I decided to do the firmware upgrade and when I attempt it, I get the message:-
'The program has encountered an error: 5570'
I googled this and there was some reference that the EFI update is not needed, however the machine shows it as a 4,1 (not a 5,1). Also, the option to downgrade is not available as I thought it might be if the machine has already been upgraded).
Does anyone have any thoughts? I'm worried I ordered my new CPU in vain.
Thanks
I decided to do the firmware upgrade and when I attempt it, I get the message:-
'The program has encountered an error: 5570'
I googled this and there was some reference that the EFI update is not needed, however the machine shows it as a 4,1 (not a 5,1). Also, the option to downgrade is not available as I thought it might be if the machine has already been upgraded).
Does anyone have any thoughts? I'm worried I ordered my new CPU in vain.
Thanks
Here is what soren4 wrote in another thread to fix that problem. I hope it works. I am going to try it tonight probably.
"Actually I found the solution on Netkas.org. The site was down for a good portion of today and I wasn't abel to search their archives.
Apparently all you have to do is this:
Download the Mac Pro Firmware update 1.5 (MacProEFIUpdate.dmg) from Apple: http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1321
With the downloaded .dmg on the desktop, double click to mount the image.
Run the Mac Pro 2009-2010 Firmware Tool. It will automatically locate the package and proceed to the next phase of reboot and power switch hold until the little light above the power button begins to flash or you hear a long beep.
There is no need to rename or replace anything. The Firmware Tool grabs the package and proceeds with the process with no 5570 error message.
Hope this helps other Mac Pro 2009 users who are attempting this firmware update."
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Im currently looking at the need to add another computer to my arsenal. A nMP just doesnt make sense for me - primarily because the rendering I do requires CUDA and the nVidia implementation of OpenCL. So paying a premium for ATI cards I cannot use just doesnt make sense. Then there is the fact that I can tuck expansion into the MP case instead of having everything external for the nMP.
So Im looking at refurb 2012 MP models. The difference between a 12-core 2.66Ghz model and a 12-core 3.46Ghz model is about $1300. Looking at various options for processors, I could probably save a little money by getting the slower processor model and upgrading.
From a strictly financial standpoint, it would pretty much be a wash. But the other advantage to upgrading would be to spread the costs out a bit - buy the refurb and then a few months later buy the upgrade processors.
It also looks like Id take less of a hit if I bought a 3.46Ghz PC, swapped the processors in both directions, and then sold the resulting 2.66Ghz PC.
Any thoughts on my plans? Just get the 3.46Ghz refurb MP from the start? Get the 2.66Ghz refurb MP and do the swap? And am I correct that the 3.46Ghz processor is the top of the line - there is nothing available above that?
So Im looking at refurb 2012 MP models. The difference between a 12-core 2.66Ghz model and a 12-core 3.46Ghz model is about $1300. Looking at various options for processors, I could probably save a little money by getting the slower processor model and upgrading.
From a strictly financial standpoint, it would pretty much be a wash. But the other advantage to upgrading would be to spread the costs out a bit - buy the refurb and then a few months later buy the upgrade processors.
It also looks like Id take less of a hit if I bought a 3.46Ghz PC, swapped the processors in both directions, and then sold the resulting 2.66Ghz PC.
Any thoughts on my plans? Just get the 3.46Ghz refurb MP from the start? Get the 2.66Ghz refurb MP and do the swap? And am I correct that the 3.46Ghz processor is the top of the line - there is nothing available above that?
Biker4mac,
If it was me I would go for the 3.46 refurb since that is what you said you want.
The reason being is you get a warranty with the refurb and if you have any problems you'll be able to get it taken care of. If you go for the lower processor speed and then swap out for the higher CPUs it's possible Apple would refuse to repair it because you had made changes to the CPU.
Jon...
If it was me I would go for the 3.46 refurb since that is what you said you want.
The reason being is you get a warranty with the refurb and if you have any problems you'll be able to get it taken care of. If you go for the lower processor speed and then swap out for the higher CPUs it's possible Apple would refuse to repair it because you had made changes to the CPU.
Jon...
Considering that the 2012 Mac Pro used normal CPU's (not "delidded"), it's a no-brainer to get the cheaper 2.66 and then just swap in a couple 3.33Ghz CPU's. Currently on ebay, they are $148 each for a x5680.
This would not be through Apple. I have only seen nMP refurbs directly from Apple lately. There is only a 90 day warranty, so it would be out of warranty by the time I swapped processors anyway.
Thats sort of what I was thinking.
Sorry for the delay, been busy.
I did not know you could get refurbs outside of Apple. In that case I agree with your assessment on getting the lower cost one and upgrading it.
Jon
Thanks too all contributors, just installed X5690(3.46 hex) from W3565(3.2 quad) single cpu mid 2010 Mac Pro - I had temp problems first install- so I do recommend others check temps while running benchmarks.
2nd go it worked fine - even though I was sure it was seated properly the first time as I only did half turns each time on the 3mm key. However it did NOT seat properly looking at the thermal compound. Very odd.
Anyhow went from 9946 to 15220 in geek bench 3 32 bit.
Ram auto jumped to 1333 which was cool (3x4gb)stock ram
Idle temp 39C with 32C ambient in the tropics.
Jumped to 76C momentarily running benchmarks, but most of the time between 55-60 but cools down quick with 3 fans set to run at 1020rpm.
Are these temps OK?
2nd go it worked fine - even though I was sure it was seated properly the first time as I only did half turns each time on the 3mm key. However it did NOT seat properly looking at the thermal compound. Very odd.
Anyhow went from 9946 to 15220 in geek bench 3 32 bit.
Ram auto jumped to 1333 which was cool (3x4gb)stock ram
Idle temp 39C with 32C ambient in the tropics.
Jumped to 76C momentarily running benchmarks, but most of the time between 55-60 but cools down quick with 3 fans set to run at 1020rpm.
Are these temps OK?
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Good work. Installing a W3690 on my 2012 MP made it feel like a modern computer. There is no comparison to how much more enjoyable it is to use as a SATA 3 SSD Boot/3.46 hex compared to when it was an HDD Boot/3.2 quad. So much can be done for comparatively little money.
Yes I put in an SSD as well, along with a GTX570. Great that I can now play games on a Mac if I want to. My old 3,1 octo just didn't cut it a couple of years back, so I flogged it off for a lot more than I paid for this one and put together an i5 3570k PC with the money, still relevant even now as a gaming PC(running SSD, 16gb ram with R9 290).Best decision I ever made. Been tinkering with Hackintoshes in between days but there's nothing quite like a Real Mac Pro
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Not sure how to read this, but are your idle temps 55-60 or are they lower with the fans at 1020?
Idle temps in a normal ambient room temp should be closer to low 40C's.
I guess that he means idle at 39C (ambient 32C), full load (e.g. benchmark) will heat up the CPU to 76C, and normal use (not idle but not full load either) will cause the CPU temp stay around 55-60C. These temps looks very normal to me.
Well it seems to have settled down a bit temp wise now.My idle temps are around 40c, but when the MP been on a while and had a bit of use it can hover 45c - 55c but as I said I live in a hot and humid climate(this is the worst time of the year for heat and humidity at the moment).Cairns in Far North Qld Australia where rainforest meets the reef!
Soon as The cpu is idle ( just browsing) she gets down to 40c pretty quick with the fans at 1020.
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In theory, but there are a lot of factors that affect the temperature. In the end, the cooling system seems to keep at x5690 plenty cool, so it really doesn't seem to matter (to me)!
I've read through most of this thread but wanted to confirm before making a purchase. We use Cinema 4D and are in desperate need of some seriously powerful machines.
I have the ability to purchase two of the following machines for $800/ea and wanted to ensure that they could be upgraded to a 12-core 3.33 X5680 with the faster DDR3 memory.
The machines are:
2009 Mac Pro 8x 2.26Ghz, 24GB ram, GT 120
The link I was going to use to purchase the CPUs is:
http://www.amazon.com/3-33GHz-Intel-Socket-LGA1366-SLBV5/dp/B004EET1LM/ref=pd_cp_pc_0
Then I was going to purchase the faster mid-2010 12-core compatible RAM from OWC and do 24GB per system:
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other World Computing/1333D3W8M24K/
Is there anything I should be aware of before making the purchase? Will the components I listed work without issue?
Thanks!
I have the ability to purchase two of the following machines for $800/ea and wanted to ensure that they could be upgraded to a 12-core 3.33 X5680 with the faster DDR3 memory.
The machines are:
2009 Mac Pro 8x 2.26Ghz, 24GB ram, GT 120
The link I was going to use to purchase the CPUs is:
http://www.amazon.com/3-33GHz-Intel-Socket-LGA1366-SLBV5/dp/B004EET1LM/ref=pd_cp_pc_0
Then I was going to purchase the faster mid-2010 12-core compatible RAM from OWC and do 24GB per system:
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other World Computing/1333D3W8M24K/
Is there anything I should be aware of before making the purchase? Will the components I listed work without issue?
Thanks!
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
^^^^Both the 2009 (4,1) and 2010 (5,1) Mac Pro will be able to handle the dual six core CPUs in the Amazon link you provided - BUT:
The 2009 Mac Pro would need a software update AND the 4,1 machine uses non standard CPU holders that require delicate installation techniques or the removal of the CPU "lid". This removal process is extremely delicate and should only be done by a professional. There are threads in this forum explaining both installation techniques.
The 2010 has no installation or software constraints. CPU installation is straight forward and the X5680s will work just fine.
As far as RAM goes, I don't like OWC at all. Do a search of my user name and you'll see why. My RAM supplier since 1986 has been:
http://www.datamemorysystems.com/ap...06ghz-md771ll/a-cto-mid-2012-memory-upgrades/
I have never received a bad stick of RAM from Data Memory Systems. They are Mac specialists with competitive pricing and excellent customer service. Their RAM also carries a lifetime warranty.
Lou
The 2009 Mac Pro would need a software update AND the 4,1 machine uses non standard CPU holders that require delicate installation techniques or the removal of the CPU "lid". This removal process is extremely delicate and should only be done by a professional. There are threads in this forum explaining both installation techniques.
The 2010 has no installation or software constraints. CPU installation is straight forward and the X5680s will work just fine.
As far as RAM goes, I don't like OWC at all. Do a search of my user name and you'll see why. My RAM supplier since 1986 has been:
http://www.datamemorysystems.com/ap...06ghz-md771ll/a-cto-mid-2012-memory-upgrades/
I have never received a bad stick of RAM from Data Memory Systems. They are Mac specialists with competitive pricing and excellent customer service. Their RAM also carries a lifetime warranty.
Lou