Mac Pro 2008 CPU Upgrade - need matched CPU beyond stepping?

[haralds]

I am looking to upgrade my Mac Pro 3,1 from 2.8Ghz to 3.2Ghz. Likely not more than 15% performance on crunches, but it might feel good for a bottom end to max this thing out.

Do I need to buy matched processor or just the correct stepping - X5482 SLANZ?

Seems like the stepping is all that is important. The difference is about $80 on eBay. But the whole exercise is mainly bragging rights anyway...

 

[brand]

In 2008 that would have been bragging rights, but definitely not now. Especially since the current Mac Mini can out perform the 3,1. The very minimal increase in processing power will only be realized when the CPUs are at 100% utilization.

 

[haralds]

In 2008 that would have been bragging rights, but definitely not now. Especially since the current Mac Mini can out perform the 3,1. The very minimal increase in processing power will only be realized when the CPUs are at 100% utilization.

Not answering the question, but you are most likely assuredly correct.

However, I have found the overall throughput of the Mac Pro 2,1 (an earlier model) to be superior in real life applications with a late model high end MacBook Pro Retina with superior specs...

Just saying that specs don't always reflect reality, BTW, I have a Mac Mini. But somehow it does not come close to the Pro.

But you are right about the minimal 10-15%...

 

[666sheep]

Any 2 with correct stepping will do. Don't need to be matched pair.

 

[Spacedust]

Yes, just make sure it's SLA** not SLB**

SLB** does not work (tested myself).