Is my Early 2008 Mac Pro 64bit capable?

[Renaissance Man]

I'm itching to upgrade all of my software but was under the impression that my Early 2008 Mac Pro is not capable of 64 bit operation. The newest DP, Waves and most other of my softwares are now 64 bit.
Can anyone tell me how to tell conclusively if my machine is 64bit capable?

New in February 2008
Dual 2.8GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon "Harpertown" Processors (8-cores total) w/12MB of L2 cache per processor (6MB shared per pair of cores),1600MHz dual independent frontside buses
16GB 800MHz DDR2 fully buffered ECC memory in eight FB-DIMM slots
1- 320GB 7200-rpm Western Digital SATA 3Gb/s hard drive

[MIDI Life Crisis]

Check about this Mac details. If it's a 3.1 or better machine you're good to go.

[James Steele]

Yes... and we go round and round with this one every time. Even the MacPro 1,1 can run 64-bit apps and break the 4GB limitation of RAM for an app. Even though it cannot boot into the 64-bit kernel, a MacPro 1,1 running Snow Leopard can run DP in 64-bit mode and access more than 4GB RAM.

[MIDI Life Crisis]

But it can't run Lion or better.

[James Steele]

But it can't run Lion or better.

True enough. I didn't see the original post ask about that, just if it were 64-bit capable.

[MIDI Life Crisis]

I actually read it and thought about the OS, but of course you are correct about the info you provided. It remains confusing for many.

[Renaissance Man]

I believe this is what you're asking for: (Just want to make sure before I plunk down a pile of cash upgrading all my software)
Hardware Overview:
Model Name: Mac Pro
Model Identifier: MacPro3,1
Processor Name: Quad-Core Intel Xeon
Processor Speed: 2.8 GHz
Number Of Processors: 2
Total Number Of Cores: 8
L2 Cache (per processor): 12 MB
Memory: 16 GB
Bus Speed: 1.6 GHz
Boot ROM Version: MP31.006C.B05
SMC Version (system): 1.25f4
Serial Number (system): YM7523RAXYK
Hardware UUID: 7BCACB87-B01D-5B95-ADD1-2D21B794B203

[James Steele]

No biggie. Just wanted someone else who might own an MacPro 1,1 and might read this topic not to junk their 1,1. I still have one of those machines and they're still quite capable for many things. Although doesn't make sense to buy RAM for those things now... better off getting a newer one. I made out like a bandit getting my 4,1 for $699. Put 24GB in it and I'm good.

[Renaissance Man]

So are you saying my Mac Pro 3.1 isn't able to run Lion or 1.1?

[MIDI Life Crisis]

Good move, JS. I'm eyeing the SSD market as we speak. That should keep this old gal humming...

[MIDI Life Crisis]

So are you saying my Mac Pro 3.1 isn't able to run Lyon or 1.1?

Look here:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4949?view ... cale=en_US

Also, you don't want to run Lion. Mountain Lion of Mavericks. Some folks are reporting Maverick issues. It works great on my 3,1 machine.

[Renaissance Man]

Thanks. Just checked and my early 2008 Mac Pro is Mavericks capable, so there's one software down...

[Renaissance Man]

Will Mavericks run in 32 bit mode? I'd like to upgrade the Mac OS first and don't want to cripple my system...

[Renaissance Man]

For any future readers of this thread... Just found this link through MOUT's Tech Support page located at: http://www.motu.com/techsupport/technot ... patibility
The Apple link is: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3696

[MIDI Life Crisis]

32 bit apps will run in a 64 bit OS. The OS, however, can only run in 32 bit. A 64 bit DAW cannot run 32 bit plugs unless you use a shell such as bridge or Plogue Bidule (there are a few others). It's kind of a PITA so check the plug mfg for 64 bit compatibility if you go that route. Also, be sure some of your other programs will run. Quicken needs a patch from their website. Some Adobe might need updating as well and that can be expensive, especially since you now have to rent the software on a yearly basis from some apps to move to the current versions.