Xeon X5680s Now $45... October 2018

[HCMarkus]

Keep in mind you need to be on Sierra, HS or Mojave to use the current AMD RX cards. This means you or your tech will first need to flash your 4,1 with 5,1 EFI. In doing so, you will also enable your Mac Pro to run the Xeon X5680 or 5690 chips to make it as fast as possible.

[Kenny B]

Okay, I'm "in" as far as getting a faster MacPro but I found out that I was wrong about my machine. It is an early 2008 build. I bought it in 2009 so I'm wondering if they sold me an older machine without me knowing. Could have happened... but regardless

I'm wonder if I should just get a used 2010-2012 MacPro from ebay and upgrade that... just get rid of my machine since they are not worth too much based on pricing via Ebay.

If I try to upgrade my 2008, then I will probably be hung up to dry sooner or later. The new iMacs look pretty decent but I'm wondering if I easily get a second monitor hooked up.

[HCMarkus]

Okay, I'm "in" as far as getting a faster MacPro but I found out that I was wrong about my machine. It is an early 2008 build. I bought it in 2009 so I'm wondering if they sold me an older machine without me knowing. Could have happened... but regardless

I'm wonder if I should just get a used 2010-2012 MacPro from ebay and upgrade that... just get rid of my machine since they are not worth too much based on pricing via Ebay.

If I try to upgrade my 2008, then I will probably be hung up to dry sooner or later. The new iMacs look pretty decent but I'm wondering if I easily get a second monitor hooked up.

The 2008 3,1 is a dead-end with no significant CPU upgrade path. A single hex core 3.33 CPU 5,1 will be faster than your current dual-quad core 2008. A dual-hex 3.33 CPU 5,1 will have more than twice the oomph of your current machine. If you only need a single-CPU 5,1, consider purchasing a 4,1 and updating the EFI to 5,1. If you want a dual-CPU machine, getting a true 5,1 will allow you to avoid the de-lidding process, as 4,1 dual Mac Pros use de-lidded CPUs. 5,1 duals use standard sided CPUs.

If you happen upon a suitable Mac Pro on Craig's List, you can score a great deal. I got my 5,1 dual CPU for $500 that way, but I wasn't in a hurry as I already had a single hex-core Mac Pro in the studio.

Pretty sure you could run a second monitor without trouble if you get the proper Thunderbolt converter for an iMac.

Decisions, decisions!

[nk_e]

Hey everyone,

I've been lurking in this thread for several YEARS now. A while back, I bought some chips to upgrade my Mac Pro 5,1 to dual 3.46ghz then chickened out of the upgrade because I figured I had to...

...de-lid the chips! Then I read I did't need to do that. Then I read I did need to. Info elsewhere was not clear either.
...then there was the risk of under tightening (or over tightening) the heat sink!
...removing the old thermal paste (credit card? razor blade? cleaner?)
...making sure that I had utilities for monitoring the temperature post installation

Blah blah blah

So, I chickened out and said "I'll get around to it"

I came back and re-read this thread the other day. I decided to just go ahead and do it, and with the information and links posted here, plus the tips, it went smooth as silk.

I just wanted to say thanks to everybody for all of the insights shared and words of encouragement posted.

====================

FYI for anyone wondering about that de-lidding thing. I was prepared to de-lid my chips (or try anyway). Imagine my surprise when I popped my MacPro and found that the chips used WERE LIDDED. If it came from Apple that way, it was good enough for me, so I didn't de-lid. Everything seems to be working fine. (CPU A is running at 60C, and the heatsink is at 55C; CPU B is 49C, and the heatsink is at 44C. I guess that's ok, yes?)

Thanks again all.

G

[HCMarkus]

Nice to hear nk_e!

For those pondering the de-lid issue here's the scoop:

2009 4,1 Single CPU: Uses regular lidded CPU. Needs firmware update to install latest compatible CPU.

2009 4,1 Dual CPU: Uses De-Lidded CPUs. Needs firmware update to install latest compatible CPUs.

2010-2012 5,1 ALL use regular lidded CPUs. No firmware update required to install any compatible CPU

[sndmarks]

I think it's time to upgrade my MacPro 4.1 (firm5.1) again, this time to 12-cores.

Any suggestions/opinions about chip availability/price in the current market?

[HCMarkus]

I think it's time to upgrade my MacPro 4.1 (firm5.1) again, this time to 12-cores.

Any suggestions/opinions about chip availability/price in the current market?

eBay is your supermarket. Look for server pulls. Took a quick look... $150 for de-lidded pair of X5680s. Under $100 for a pair of X5680s with lids.