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Mac Pro 2009 CPU upgrade

BluMOONmac said:
I generally have the same Mac Pro 4,1….single processor 2.66. I've already upgraded the firm ware to 5,1 and was wondering if this processor would work?
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The X5670 should work in your single-CPU mac pro. I installed a X5650 in my single-socket 4,1 Mac Pro, and it works fine.

The X5650 was $140. So the $295 they are asking seems reasonable.
 
Oh god, I am majorly confused now...

Let's say I do upgrade the firmware of my 2009 8-core 2,26ghz Mac Pro to the one of the 5,1, will I be able to still run Snow Leopard on it?

I planned on upgrading the firmware and the CPUs (to either X5680, or W5590 - am I correct, thinking that I actually don't need to update the firmware for the W5590's?) and still run my beloved 10.6.8.

I got this Install DVD:



It just says "10.6" on the left side. I had no problems what so ever installing it on my current 4,1 model.
I would like to get this sorted BEFORE I actually go for it 😀
 
Good news: Yes, you can run 10.6.8 just fine.

Bad news: If you need to boot from an installer disc for any reason, it has to be 10.6.4 or later. Since the most recent retail discs have 10.6.3, you're out of luck unless you have the genuine Mac Pro 5,1 media. A workaround would be to install from another Mac via Firewire Target Disk mode and immediately apply the 10.6.8 patch before disconnecting and rebooting the Mac Pro.
 
MentalVizion said:
- am I correct, thinking that I actually don't need to update the firmware for the W5590's?) and still run my beloved 10.6.8.
Click to expand...

You don't need to update firmware on your 5,1 to run the W5590s, but your RAM speed will be limited to 1066 MHz native to the 4,1 Mac Pros. With upgraded firmware and 1333 MHz rated RAM the W5590s will recognize the faster RAM and run at the faster speed.

Lou
 
Good news: Yes, you can run 10.6.8 just fine.

Bad news: If you need to boot from an installer disc for any reason, it has to be 10.6.4 or later. Since the most recent retail discs have 10.6.3, you're out of luck unless you have the genuine Mac Pro 5,1 media. A workaround would be to install from another Mac via Firewire Target Disk mode and immediately apply the 10.6.8 patch before disconnecting and rebooting the Mac Pro.
Click to expand...

Ok, thanks for the answer. So basically there is no way to do a clean DVD install of SL on a 5,1?

You don't need to update firmware on your 5,1 to run the W5590s, but your RAM speed will be limited to 1066 MHz native to the 4,1 Mac Pros. With upgraded firmware and 1333 MHz rated RAM the W5590s will recognize the faster RAM and run at the faster speed.

Lou
Click to expand...

So I have to choose between either sticking to the 4,1 FW using SL and 1066mhz RAM, or upgrading to 5,1 using a different OS X + having the ability of using 1333mhz RAM.

Hmm... I really like Snow Leopard 😀
 
MentalVizion said:
Oh god, I am majorly confused now...

Let's say I do upgrade the firmware of my 2009 8-core 2,26ghz Mac Pro to the one of the 5,1, will I be able to still run Snow Leopard on it?

I planned on upgrading the firmware and the CPUs (to either X5680, or W5590 - am I correct, thinking that I actually don't need to update the firmware for the W5590's?) and still run my beloved 10.6.8.

I got this Install DVD:

[url=http://img5.fotos-hochladen.net/uploads/img0177ceth4unzmr.jpg]Image[/url]

It just says "10.6" on the left side. I had no problems what so ever installing it on my current 4,1 model.
I would like to get this sorted BEFORE I actually go for it 😀
Click to expand...

The X5670 has TDP of 95w and the W5590 has TDP of 130w. Are you concerned about the 130w processor ?
 
^^^^I and other forum members have been running W5590s without issues for months now. My CPU temps are not a cause for concern.

Lou
 
Hey,

I just found a 10.6.4 disc that came with an iMac for a pretty decent price.
Will these also work, or does it HAVE to be from the Mac Pro 5,1?
 
MentalVizion said:
Hey,

I just found a 10.6.4 disc that came with an iMac for a pretty decent price.
Will these also work, or does it HAVE to be from the Mac Pro 5,1?
Click to expand...

Hi MentalVizion. If the SL disc came from an iMac, it may not be possible to install the SL OS to your 5.1 Mac Pro because the disc only reads the serial number of the iMac machine, as far as I know. Before I got an SL disc that came from an iMac and it would not install in another Mac Pro machine. I have a 2010 5.1 Mac Pro that came with Snow Leopard 10.6.3 and I also have a 2012 5.1 Mac Pro that came with Mountain Lion 10.8 The SL HD that was formatted from my 2010 5.1 MPro can run and boot at the mid 2012 Mac Pro. I have not tried a direct clean install of Snow Leopard retail version into the mid 2012 Mac Pro.
 
Hi MentalVizion. If the SL disc came from an iMac, it may not be possible to install the SL OS to your 5.1 Mac Pro because the disc only reads the serial number of the iMac machine, as far as I know. Before I got an SL disc that came from an iMac and it would not install in another Mac Pro machine. I have a 2010 5.1 Mac Pro that came with Snow Leopard 10.6.3 and I also have a 2012 5.1 Mac Pro that came with Mountain Lion 10.8 The SL HD that was formatted from my 2010 5.1 MPro can run and boot at the mid 2012 Mac Pro. I have not tried a direct clean install of Snow Leopard retail version into the mid 2012 Mac Pro.
Click to expand...

Hey,

Thanks for your answer 😉
Now I'm wondering, why did your 5,1 ship with 10.6.3?
Apple lists 10.6.4 as the shipped OS here: http://support.apple.co/kb/ht1159

I currently have 10.6.8 installed on my Samsung 830 256GB SSD.
I guess it would not work to just keep booting from this drive if I upgrade firmware, would it?

This thing is way too complicated 😀
This really makes the 2x W5590 route appeal way more to me..
But I want 12-cores 😀

Especially since the X5650 is pretty much the same, if not cheaper, then the W5590. + It's more powerful (atleast multi-core wise)

What would you guys reccomend? Here a little summary:

Currently 2x 2,26GHZ Quad Cores installed (Mac Pro 4,1 early 2009)
HUGE Snow Leopard fan 😀 - really.. I don't want to change...
Currently got Snow Leopard (obviously😉 ) installed on a 256GB SSD (10.6.8)
I want to upgrade to either W5590's or X5650's.

The W5590's would allow me to keep the 4,1 FW at the cost of only being able to use 1066mhz RAM (which I don't really care to much about tbh).
I am also able to install from my retail 10.6 disc. This route seems to be a bit safer, at the cost of quite some power compared to:

2x X5650's which would be quite abit snappier then the others, therefore don't allow me to install my beloved SL EXCEPT for the 10.6.4 disc.
Since I don't own a 2nd Mac, the Target mode thingie get's dropped.
Also, having the DVD would make me feel way more safe.
They also would allow me to use 1333mhz RAM.

Talking about safety: If I want to use the X5650's, I also would have to run the firmware update/hack. I don't know why, but I am kind of scared of it.

For example: Let's say I upgrade my firmware now (still using the default CPUs). Then I turn off my Mac (running 10.6.8). Would it still boot? Theoretically it SHOULD since I have 10.6.8 installed, which is compatible with the 5,1. On the other hand, I used the 10.6 Retail DVD to install it and then applied the combo update. I'm way to unsure...

Another example: Let's say I did upgrade my firmware and CPU and everything is working fine. Then one, or even both CPUs die. Would the old E5520's still be compatible with the 5,1 firmware?

Waaaay to much to worry about, just because I love 10.6 so much 😀
 
MentalVizion said:
I currently have 10.6.8 installed on my Samsung 830 256GB SSD.
I guess it would not work to just keep booting from this drive if I upgrade firmware, would it?

Yes - But I would clone that drive so you have another boot drive available just in case. Backups are so very important


This thing is way too complicated 😀
This really makes the 2x W5590 route appeal way more to me..
But I want 12-cores 😀

Why? Are the applications you use multi core aware?

Especially since the X5650 is pretty much the same, if not cheaper, then the W5590. + It's more powerful (atleast multi-core wise)

Currently 2x 2,26GHZ Quad Cores installed (Mac Pro 4,1 early 2009)
HUGE Snow Leopard fan 😀 - really.. I don't want to change...
Currently got Snow Leopard (obviously😉 ) installed on a 256GB SSD (10.6.8)
I want to upgrade to either W5590's or X5650's.

2x X5650's which would be quite abit snappier then the others, They also would allow me to use 1333mhz RAM.

W5590s would also allow you to use faster RAM. Why do you think X5650s will be snapper? The clock speed (2.67 GHz is a lot slower than the W5590s at 3.33 GHz, and again if the applications you run don't utilize the full 12 cores, the W5590s will actually feel snappier.

Talking about safety: If I want to use the5650's, I also would have to run the firmware update/hack. I don't know why, but I am kind of scared of it.

Again, if you back up your startUp disk, that removes the risk.

For example: Let's say I upgrade my firmware now (still using the default CPUs). Then I turn off my Mac (running 10.6.8). Would it still boot?

I Believe the answer is Yes, but if not you could always revert firmware.

Theoretically it SHOULD since I have 10.6.8 installed, which is compatible with the 5,1. On the other hand, I used the 10.6 Retail DVD to install it and then applied the combo update. I'm way to unsure...

AGAIN - BACKUP YOUR BOOT DISK

Another example: Let's say I did upgrade my firmware and CPU and everything is working fine. Then one, or even both CPUs die. Would the old E5520's still be compatible with the 5,1 firmware?

Yes!

Waaaay to much to worry about, just because I love 10.6 so much 😀
Click to expand...

My answers to your questions in Red and Bold above.

Lou
 
flowrider said:
My answers to your questions in Red and Bold above.

Lou
Click to expand...

Hey Lou,

Regarding the ability of faster RAM usage with the W5590's, isn't it the firmware update enabling the possibility to use 1333mhz?

Also, you say I could easily revert the firmware in case SL is not booting anymore.. well HOW? since it is not booting... 😀
But I do have Mountain Lion installed on another HDD, so I should be able to boot into that 😛

You also mentioned backing up the start drive before applying the firmware update. As far as I know this has nothing to do with HDD's though, right?

I thought this pretty much overwrites the EFI or something, but maybe I am COMPLETELY wrong. If so, sorry. 😛

I only saw this one program so far, which lets you choose if you either want to Update, or "downgrade" (if already updated) the firmware.

The main programs I am using are Cubase, Logic, Photoshop and After Effects / Final Cut from time to time. And of course Firefox and stuff 😛

Mainly definitely Cubase though. AFAIK Cubase does benefit from multiple cores.

When using Photoshop I am working with pretty huge documents also.

Thanks for your answer!
 
MentalVizion said:
Hey Lou,

Regarding the ability of faster RAM usage with the W5590's, isn't it the firmware update enabling the possibility to use 1333mhz?

Yes!

Also, you say I could easily revert the firmware in case SL is not booting anymore.. well HOW? since it is not booting... 😀
But I do have Mountain Lion installed on another HDD, so I should be able to boot into that 😛

The 5,1 Mac Pro originally shipped with OS 10.6.4 - that should not be an issue.

You also mentioned backing up the start drive before applying the firmware update. As far as I know this has nothing to do with HDD's though, right?

You can back up to HDDs or SSDs, your choice. Right now I have 1 SSD as my boot drive with Mavericks, 2 HDDs with Mavericks and 2 more HDDs with ML.


I thought this pretty much overwrites the EFI or something, but maybe I am COMPLETELY wrong. If so, sorry. 😛

Though I haven't done it. (I have a 5,1) I've read of a few cases where folks have reverted back to the 4,1 firmware. Most have not, however.


I only saw this one program so far, which lets you choose if you either want to Update, or "downgrade" (if already updated) the firmware.

Don't Know, but as I said some folks have downgraded their firmware. More info is available at Netkas.

The main programs I am using are Cubase, Logic, Photoshop and After Effects / Final Cut from time to time. And of course Firefox and stuff 😛

You'll have to query the program's authors as to their programs being multi-processor aware. My feeling is most are not, considering the base nMP starts out as a 4 core machine. And, 8 cores is nothing to sneeze at. I'm keeping my W5590s as they are working great for me.

Mainly definitely Cubase though. AFAIK Cubase does benefit from multiple cores.

I believe it does, but my understanding is that it can only utilize up to 8 cores. If I'm wrong, please correct me.

When using Photoshop I am working with pretty huge documents also.

Again, it is my understanding the PS CS6 works best with 4 cores. Lots of RAM is far more important to PS than multiple cores.

Thanks for your answer!
Click to expand...

Hope this helps.

Lou
 
MentalVizion said:
Hey,

Thanks for your answer 😉
Now I'm wondering, why did your 5,1 ship with 10.6.3?
Apple lists 10.6.4 as the shipped OS here: http://support.apple.co/kb/ht1159
😀
Click to expand...

Yep it's 10.6.4 SL after double checking. Sorry for the confusing post. I also like to continue using Snow Leopard up to now though I know Mountain Lion is also okay. Just a personal preference, not to take anything away from Mountain Lion. I think the W5590 is also okay even though it's 8 cores. From my experience, there are certain tasks that the speed difference is minimal between an 8 core compared to 12 cores. It will depend on what app and specific tasks.
 
Yep it's 10.6.4 SL after double checking. Sorry for the confusing post. I also like to continue using Snow Leopard up to now though I know Mountain Lion is also okay. Just a personal preference, not to take anything away from Mountain Lion. I think the W5590 is also okay even though it's 8 cores. From my experience, there are certain tasks that the speed difference is minimal between an 8 core compared to 12 cores. It will depend on what app and specific tasks.
Click to expand...

Ah, ok, thought so. Any chance of willing to sell it to me? 😀
Nah, just kidding. I probably will upgrade to the W5590's anyways.
Kind of sad, that because of this little hassle I have to take the "weaker CPU".
On the other hand, it is clocked higher, so... 😛

It pisses me of still. Knowing I could take the better path if only I would find a 10.6.4 DVD that came with the 5,1. There currently is one available @ ebay germany, but it costs 50€ excl. shipping costs. And to be honest, its just not worth that much to me...

I also really like Mountain Lion, but Snow Leopard proofed to be rock solid.
Especially for music production, it is the go-to OS X imo.
I also have to stick to it because of driver support (atleast I think so, not sure right now)
 
I'm not sure of if I understand all this correctly.

As for me with my 4.1 MP running dual quad at 2.26Ghz just like MentalVizion here, I'm looking at upping them to the dual X5670. But as I'm running Mavericks it's all good to go or?

No need to reformat or anything at all? Just install and go?
 
MattsanaX said:
I'm not sure of if I understand all this correctly.

As for me with my 4.1 MP running dual quad at 2.26Ghz just like MentalVizion here, I'm looking at upping them to the dual X5670. But as I'm running Mavericks it's all good to go or?

No need to reformat or anything at all? Just install and go?
Click to expand...

Hey, so we meet again 😀

If you plan on running Mavericks you are totally fine.
You only need to worry if you want to run Snow Leopard pretty much.
Because the firmware of the Mac Pro 5,1 only aacepts the 10.6.4 install DVD (these only came shipped with the "first wave" of Mac Pro 5,1's - so they are quite rare)

Thus, the 10.6 and 10.6.3 Install DVD's won't work.

Again, if you plan on running 10.9 your are good to go AFAIK! 😉
 
MentalVizion said:
Hey, so we meet again 😀

If you plan on running Mavericks you are totally fine.
You only need to worry if you want to run Snow Leopard pretty much.
Because the firmware of the Mac Pro 5,1 only aacepts the 10.6.4 install DVD (these only came shipped with the "first wave" of Mac Pro 5,1's - so they are quite rare)

Thus, the 10.6 and 10.6.3 Install DVD's won't work.

Again, if you plan on running 10.9 your are good to go AFAIK! 😉
Click to expand...

Heeey MentalVizion! This is so incredible. I'm so excited about this whole upgrade project. Unfortunately it has to wait as a have a transatlantic cruise to the Caribbean coming up this November and my very first visit to the US ever. The excitement of this makes me wanna have that adventure over with haha

However I do have another question. I just read that when you go from 1066Mhz memory to 1333Mhz you have to reset the PRAM is that true? Can that be done without the boot screen being available? With my GTX 670 I don't have a boot screen.
 
MattsanaX said:
Heeey MentalVizion! This is so incredible. I'm so excited about this whole upgrade project. Unfortunately it has to wait as a have a transatlantic cruise to the Caribbean coming up this November and my very first visit to the US ever. The excitement of this makes me wanna have that adventure over with haha

However I do have another question. I just read that when you go from 1066Mhz memory to 1333Mhz you have to reset the PRAM is that true? Can that be done without the boot screen being available? With my GTX 670 I don't have a boot screen.
Click to expand...

Hey,

As far as I am concerned you don't have to see the boot screen. You just have to press the "Command", "Option", "P" and "R" keys.

It may get a little tricky since you have to press these keys down before the grey screen appears, but it shouldn't be that hard really.

Here is everything listed that you should need:
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1379
 
MattsanaX said:
I'm not sure of if I understand all this correctly.

As for me with my 4.1 MP running dual quad at 2.26Ghz just like MentalVizion here, I'm looking at upping them to the dual X5670. But as I'm running Mavericks it's all good to go or?

No need to reformat or anything at all? Just install and go?
Click to expand...

You need to do the firmware upgrade to 5,1 or the Mac will not recognize the X5670s or any hex core cpu.

Lou
 
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