people have reported that they fried their logic board because they installed the wrong cpus. Apple used special one without an integrated heat spreader i think, apparently they are hard to find.
It will depend on your needs, and what deals you may be able to find.
As it happens, there's a way to flash the 2009's firmware in order to make it a 2010, which will allow you to run a Hex core (B1 stepped parts). Take a look here (netkas.org). There's also a thread on it here in MR as well (here).
Could open up an option for you.![]()
people have reported that they fried their logic board because they installed the wrong cpus. Apple used special one without an integrated heat spreader i think, apparently they are hard to find.
Given the CPU you've listed, I've presumed you have a Single Processor model (W35xx/36xx after the flash) won't work in the Dual Processor models (and you've confirmed it's an SP model in your response).Sounds risky, but I'll take a look.![]()
This has no bearing on the OP, as the SP models do use the latch mechanism, and the OEM CPU's had an IHS on it. So it's just a simple swap. The "hard part" may be finding a torx screwdriver long enough to reach the screws, as a 4" shank isn't long enough (most common length for the size).Yes, I saw an article (Anandtech?) where they destroyed a Mac Pro. Wasn't the heat spreader thing more a concern for the Octo-cores? I could be wrong.
As per the Flash method, it works. You would have issues running the Apple Hardware Diagnostics or Apple Service Diagnostic (if you can locate a copy), but if you really need to run these, you can flash the system back to the original 2009 firmware.
Xeons don't typically fall like consumer grade CPU's do. If you're interested, keep an eye out on eBay or other sources for used components, and snag one if you see an irrestable price.OK well, the Hex Cores are little more than I'm looking to spend (~300). But this is good news for the future. Unless you think they'll drop in price soon, now that the newer sockets are released?
In which case, I'll chill for a little. But if not, I think I'll grab me one of them W3565.![]()