Xeon X5680s Now $45... October 2018

[danworks]

So apparently if I follow the instructions I've read here, the video I saw online and I keep my fingers and toes crossed for 30-40 mns, apart the soreness I should be fine, shouldn't I?

About authorizations, I've read that all the Machine based auth (NI, probably Nugen Audio, Nomad, Spectrasonics etc etc) need a re-authorization cos the CPU changed. Is it correct? Anyone knows if is it true for UAD stuff too?

Thank you all …

[HCMarkus]

So apparently if I follow the instructions I've read here, the video I saw online and I keep my fingers and toes crossed for 30-40 mns, apart the soreness I should be fine, shouldn't I?

I'd recommend doing the swap with fingers uncrossed to avoid static discharge.

[danworks]

That could be an idea Markus

Sorry to bug you again but more questions in my mind. For example, in one of the video the guy say to use the "Allen Wrench" (chiave a brugola for me) #3.

I was thinking … are we talking inches of metric world?

[HCMarkus]

Use the "Allen Wrench" (chiave a brugola for me) #3.

I was thinking … are we talking inches of metric world?

Metric, 3mm, long handled preferred. Upgrading yours will be like doing two of these:

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1122551

[danworks]

Thanks HCMarkus.

I've have to look for those items in EU otherwise the shipping and custom for the Thermal Paste and Wrench will be as expensive as the CPU. I've already got the cotton bud …

[HCMarkus]

Don't use cotton balls. Use a lint-free cloth, like a piece of an old T-Shirt.

I'm sure you can find the wrench and paste locally.

[Michael Canavan]

About authorizations, I've read that all the Machine based auth (NI, probably Nugen Audio, Nomad, Spectrasonics etc etc) need a re-authorization cos the CPU changed. Is it correct? Anyone knows if is it true for UAD stuff too?

Thank you all …

Don't know about UAD but yeah, the CPU change will screw some authorizations up for sure.
I did a clean instal, and learned that some things get pretty whacky that way. I've temporarily lost Z3ta+2 from Cakewalk as they haven't fixed their installer for Yosemite yet. works in demo mode for now, at least my 'trial' period was reset.

[danworks]

Are you saying that "you had to" (I have to) install Yosemite to perform this CPU upgrade or I can just live with my current OS (mountain lion) and just change CPU?
- - - - - -
I mean, is everyone that performed the CPU upgrade running Yosemite?
If yes, is there any particular reason?

[Gravity Jim]

Michael & James, on the subject of delidding: Well, when you put it that way...

Just another demonstration of how often intuition skips over fact. "Reckon" usually = "wrong."

By the way, i increased my over fan speeds a skosh to "just under audible," and the average temp inside the case is now 42ºC, with average CPU temp just a hair above that at 46ºC. I'm not going to redo anything now... it's running great!

danworks, anybody can do this if they're just careful. It's a cinch. A 3mmm hex key 5" long or more will do the trick.

[HCMarkus]

Are you saying that "you had to" (I have to) install Yosemite to perform this CPU upgrade or I can just live with my current OS (mountain lion) and just change CPU?

No changes required to OS. Do the CPU swap, boot your Mac, and go!

[danworks]

That is what I wanted to hear

BTW, I've found this http://www.ebay.it/itm/191504165143?ssP ... 1423.l2649 which is labeled Q3UV and which is apparently the same as SLBV5. Actually the vendor say:

"For sale a pair of Hexacore Xeon X5680 "engineering sample" or "ES" Q3UV, which are b0 stepping (production SLBV5 is the b1 stepping)"

… whatever it mean.

Any idea?

[Michael Canavan]

That is what I wanted to hear

BTW, I've found this http://www.ebay.it/itm/191504165143?ssP ... 1423.l2649 which is labeled Q3UV and which is apparently the same as SLBV5. Actually the vendor say:

"For sale a pair of Hexacore Xeon X5680 "engineering sample" or "ES" Q3UV, which are b0 stepping (production SLBV5 is the b1 stepping)"

… whatever it mean.

Any idea?

It means those are test CPUs not for resale, for testing, so the initial run of the chip before market. No way of knowing the quality, but they are half price!
Up to you, I might have took the risk..

[toodamnhip]

That is what I wanted to hear

BTW, I've found this http://www.ebay.it/itm/191504165143?ssP ... 1423.l2649 which is labeled Q3UV and which is apparently the same as SLBV5. Actually the vendor say:

"For sale a pair of Hexacore Xeon X5680 "engineering sample" or "ES" Q3UV, which are b0 stepping (production SLBV5 is the b1 stepping)"

… whatever it mean.

Any idea?

It means those are test CPUs not for resale, for testing, so the initial run of the chip before market. No way of knowing the quality, but they are half price!
Up to you, I might have took the risk..

Personally, I would not risk it. I even spent an additional 45 per chip and bought mine new.

[HCMarkus]

I would not use ES.

[Michael Canavan]

Yeah I would think about it, then not. You're taking a risk with used chips anyway, bu most eBay resellers are testing them before sending them out at least. "pulled from working machines" etc.
I'm just cheap so the thought would cross my mind.