Upgrading & Differences between 8 & 12 core A1289 Mac Pro from 2009, 2010, & 2012?

[Optional Field]

Hello all. I'm new to the forums. I've been a Mac user since I purchased my first G4 Laptop in 2005. I currently share a 2009 Mac Book and have a (increasingly long in the tooth) G5 dual core 2.0Ghz Power Mac all to myself.

Details of my question are below, but if you'd prefer to skip that my question comes down to this: Are there differences between the 2009 Mac Pro 4,1 A1289 and the 2010/2012 Mac Pro 5,1 1289 once the firmware has been flashed? If so what are they?

Please forgive me if this has been dealt with before, but my searches of past forum posts did not turn up the information I was looking for.

I intend on purchasing a used Mac Pro either a 2009 4,1 MB535LL/A; a 2010 5,1 MC561LL/A; or a 2012 5,1 MD771LL/A (those are are 8 or 12 core models). From what I gather the differences between the 2010 MC561LL/A & 2012 MD771LL/A are minimal and the upgrade options for both are identical. If there are any differences in upgrade options please let me know

However, I cannot find any indication that there are differences between the 2009 4,1 MB535LL/A and the 2010-2012 models once the firmware has been flashed. Unfortunately I cannot find any explicit statements that there are not differences in the upgradability of the two models once the firmware is upgraded. Are there differences between the 2009 Mac Pro 4,1 A1289 and the 2010/2012 Mac Pro 5,1 1289 once the firmware has been flashed? If so what are they?

 

[apphotography]

I read someone else ask the same question a few weeks ago and the answer was that the processor tray has a different connector to the motherboard. No spec differences.

 

[Gav Mack]

The SMC controller on the 5,1 is different than the 4,1 you get fan madness mixing them up.

And to go twin hex you have use washers and count turns or you can always get the Xeon's de-lidded for an easier install though a specialist who guarantees his work is highly advised.

The 2010 and 2012 5,1 differ only in the CPU's officially offered such as the x5675 models.

The 4,1 is by far the most cheapest option if you are on a budget.