Upgrading Mac Pro Processor Step by Step

[mikecorp]

Hello Guys. in 2007 I purchased my first ever mac pro 1.1 intel.
2 x 2.0 GHz Dual-core Xeon "Woodcrest
1GB ram (2x512)
GeForce 7300 GT

and right now I'm looking into upgrading processors.

somewhere in the apple discussion I find out that I should look at:
Intel Clovertown Xeon processors. E5345 (2.33 Ghz), E5355 (2.66 Ghz) or X5365(3.0 Ghz). I need a pair.

Those are Quad core processors and are pin for pin compatible with the 2006 Mac Pro 1,1, they say. Bloody hell they are hard to find.

Is there a possibility to install anything else inside???

I have this website with good prices.

I set to search for

Intel
socket 771
Xeon quad, duo
http://www.optima.cz/komponenty/procesory/?vyr%5B0%5D=&vyr%5B2%5D=Intel&fp%5B1085%5D=46&fp%5B1194%5D=58&fp%5B8360%5D=58&fp%5B1278%5D=58&fp%5B0%5D=


Is there something that would work? What did you people install for CPU??

thanks in advance!

 

[gugucom]

You cannot use 5400 CPUs because they have 45nm process and use different micro code. The micro code would require a firmware upgrade. Apple never issued such an upgrade.

You cannot use 5500 Nehalem CPUs because they have a different socket.

You can only use 5100 dual core and 5300 quad core CPUs.

 

[Bubba Satori]

You cannot use 5400 CPUs because they have 45nm process and use different micro code. The micro code would require a firmware upgrade. Apple never issued such an upgrade.

You cannot use 5500 Nehalem CPUs because they have a different socket.

You can only use 5100 dual core and 5300 quad core CPUs.

Good advice.

The money you plan on spending on the cpu upgrades would really be better spent towards a new Mac Pro.

If you can wait another few months the new 6 core Gulftowns will be out. They will be a lot faster than your box even with the CPU upgrades.

If the Gulftown are way above your budget, then would be a good time to pick up a current generation Mac Pro in the refurb store for some serious savings.

I really don't recommend upgrading your CPUs. Good luck and Hth.

 

[bozz2006]

whether or not upgrading your CPUs is a good idea depends on a lot of things. what do you use your computer for? would a newer model mac pro be much more beneficial than upgrading your current machine? and most importantly, how much can you get the replacement CPUs for?

I got my used X5355's on ebay for $155 apiece. Now, that's a great price. and since I don't feel like a newer model Pro would offer much of a speed/productivity increase for me (hardly any at all, IMO), i decided to go with the CPUs. Whether or not being stuck with EFI32 will be a major pain in the ass is yet to be seen. I have had this machine for 3 years. If I can get another three years out of it, I'll be pleased as punch. Right now, I still don't get close to maxing out the hardware. I think another three years is very doable.

So, OP. Keep checking on ebay for used models of Intel Xeon chips that begin with 51 and/or 53. The 51 models are dual core, and getting a couple 5160s (3.0GHz) would be a great upgrade. If you want lots of cores, go for 5345's (2.33GHz) or 5355's (2.66GHz). Ebay is your friend. Be patient and wait for a deal to come to you. Then, come back here and I'll help you with the upgrade.

 

[gugucom]

I picked up a pair of 5365s on German Ebay for a net cost of 410$. I had to sell my old 5150s and the heat sinks that came with the 5365s to get down to the price but they made my MP1,1 really fly. With a 3870, an SSD and 12 GB RAM I got almost 21.000 in Cinebench 10. There are still very few Nehalems that beat my old system.

 

[mfka]

Hello there,
i have MP 2,1 Xeon 5300 Clovertown, two 3 GHz (8 cores).

Which processors would be my choice if i want to upgrade?

Thank you in advance!

 

[bozz2006]

Hello there,
i have MP 2,1 Xeon 5300 Clovertown, two 3 GHz (8 cores).

Which processors would be my choice if i want to upgrade?

Thank you in advance!

that is as fast as it gets!

 

[mfka]

Ha, thanks!
I guess i’m ok than.