HDX on MacPro5.1 Westmere,Xeon W3690, PT12.8.3 HD?

[citysoundman]

Hi,
This thread is very interesting! I'm running two PT10HD rigs on 4,1 8-core 2.93 MacPros. This is the first that I've heard about upgrading the processor and firmware to 5,1 specs. But I'd like to ask - can an upgraded 4,1>5,1 run the latest PT12.8HD? I'm unclear because Avid system requirements for Mac say i7 processor is needed. On the other hand I see the two 5,1 MacPro's listed as supported - these are Xeon processors. I guess I don't get it...

If an upgrade will let me run 12.8 (with an HDX card) that would be amazing!

[off the wall]

Originally Posted by citysoundman

Hi,
This thread is very interesting! I'm running two PT10HD rigs on 4,1 8-core 2.93 MacPros. This is the first that I've heard about upgrading the processor and firmware to 5,1 specs. But I'd like to ask - can an upgraded 4,1>5,1 run the latest PT12.8HD? I'm unclear because Avid system requirements for Mac say i7 processor is needed. On the other hand I see the two 5,1 MacPro's listed as supported - these are Xeon processors. I guess I don't get it...

If an upgrade will let me run 12.8 (with an HDX card) that would be amazing!

A Mac Pro 4,1 is really the same as a 5,1. You can upgrade the firmware then put processors that are even faster than came on the 2012 5,1's.

See my sig for my system specs. I'm running PT 2018.4 HDX and it's screams.

[citysoundman]

Originally Posted by off the wall

A Mac Pro 4,1 is really the same as a 5,1. You can upgrade the firmware then put processors that are even faster than came on the 2012 5,1's.

See my sig for my system specs. I'm running PT 2018.4 HDX and it's screams.

Thanks for the reply Off The Wall! So is this package what you've installed in your Mac? And can you confirm - is the Mac you're using an 8-core 4,1 upgraded to 5,1?

I'm also reading up on delidding. I'm interested to know - why does the new chip need to be delidded? Is it because it won't fit with the heat sink?

[off the wall]

Originally Posted by citysoundman

Thanks for the reply Off The Wall! So is this package what you've installed in your Mac? And can you confirm - is the Mac you're using an 8-core 4,1 upgraded to 5,1?

I'm also reading up on delidding. I'm interested to know - why does the new chip need to be delidded? Is it because it won't fit with the heat sink?

I actually have a real 5,1. On the 4,1, the heatsink design Apple used needs de-lidded processors. I highly suggest purchasing them already de-lidded for a 4,1.

In either case you'll want Xeon 3.46 X5690's to get the fastest processors that will work in these Mac Pros. Yes, that ebay listing is what you want.

[citysoundman]

Originally Posted by off the wall

I actually have a real 5,1. On the 4,1, the heatsink design Apple used needs de-lidded processors. I highly suggest purchasing them already de-lidded for a 4,1.

In either case you'll want Xeon 3.46 X5690's to get the fastest processors that will work in these Mac Pros. Yes, that ebay listing is what you want.

Awesome, I really appreciate your help!

[685]

Originally Posted by citysoundman

Awesome, I really appreciate your help!

If you have the 1066mhz ram you should also upgrade to 6 sticks of 1333mhz with those upgraded CPUs. There are lots of Youtube videos showing the CPU upgrades.
Also, a "before/after" Geekbench 4 test will give you and idea of how much processing power you gained. Most likely would go from a score of 14000 to 23000.

[off the wall]

Originally Posted by 685

If you have the 1066mhz ram you should also upgrade to 6 sticks of 1333mhz with those upgraded CPUs. There are lots of Youtube videos showing the CPU upgrades.
Also, a "before/after" Geekbench 4 test will give you and idea of how much processing power you gained. Most likely would go from a score of 14000 to 23000.

Agreed, the faster ram will improve performance but if you’re strapped for $, the slower ram will work.