Question: How to convert 2009 Quad to Octo?

[freeman727]

As the title asks, how do I convert a MP Quad to an Octo?

 

[gugucom]

Buy an octo tray, two heat sinks, two CPUs and more RAM. It would be a waste of money. The heat sinks and the tray are only available at Apple spare part prices.

 

[Eithanius]

Buy an octo tray, two heat sinks, two CPUs and more RAM. It would be a waste of money. The heat sinks and the tray are only available at Apple spare part prices.

That would be an interesting prospect considering that the upcoming Gulftown has a similar architectural "footprint"... 😀

But then again it's just a mere speculation, it's a bet Apple would have it's ways to limit such expandability... 😱

 

[AZREOSpecialist]

You can obtain the heat sinks and CPU tray for approx $700, plus two new CPUs which will cost you over $3,000 for the 3.3 GHz variant. You don't need new RAM, you can use the RAM from your quad.

Still, you're looking at over $3,500 (conservative) to convert your 2009 Quad to a 3.3 GHz 8-core. Financially the upgrade doesn't make much sense, especially since we will most likely have 6-core and 12-core Mac Pros in 2-4 months.

 

[VirtualRain]

As the title asks, how do I convert a MP Quad to an Octo?

You would probably be better off to sell the Quad on Craigslist and buy a refurb Octo.