Hello all, I'd like to know if the four-core mac pro motherboard has room for a second processor socket or, is that board equipped with only the single CPU socket?
I would like to keep my options open for future expansion.
I'm in the middle of finding this out too; apparently the MP has a free socket if you only go for just the one processor so in theory you should be able to upgrade to dual processor in the future.
Yeah, this has been in a million forums, but yes, the 4-Core version of the new Mac Pro (Harpertown) does have the 2nd socket, but an Apple-like heat sink would be required which is hard to come by.
Upgrading is possible though, if this helps in your purchase decision.
No, I don't think Apple will sell you the part unless you happen to be best friends with a Genius. I'd look for a third-party website or Ebay to sell them.
I believe they are the same heat sinks that appeared on the previous Mac Pro iterations, so there might be upgrade kits or spare parts for sale somewhere.