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Upgrading a 2006 Apple Mac Pro 1,1 with 2 Xeon X5355 Processors.
The Premise.
The purpose of this post is to compile all the information i can find about upgrading a 2006 Mac Pro 1,1 with the quad core X5355 Intel Processors. I’ve recently purchased two Intel Xeon X5355 with the intention of upgrading (updating) my 2006 Apple Mac Pro desktop I purchased a couple of years ago.
Why Upgrade?
Currently I have Two 2.66 GHz (5150) Dual-core Intel Xeon “Woodcrest”; effectively this means I have four processors working together. I work alot on processor intensive apps, especially Final Cut Pro which is a video editing suite by Apple specifically for Macs. I also run alot of programs simulataneously such as Parallels, Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom. Because I edit alot of photos then a fast cpu, as well as fast Disk system like a Raid 0, will make editing much quicker. I sometimes have to batch export over 700 photos in one session!
The equipment list to upgrade.
- Mac Pro 1,1 (duh)
- 2 x Intel X5355 processors, although reports have said you can use just one at a time
- Torx 3mm (T15) Screwdriver with a long neck
- Thermal paste
- An assortment of Philips screwdrivers
30 Jan 2010 – As yet, I am still waiting for the CPUs to arrive. In the meantime I am reading and reviewing all the following websites for information.
- Hardmac.com – Tutorial on how to upgrade the CPUs.
- XLR8yourmac.com – Select Mac Pro from the drop down box.
- AnandTech.com – Tutorial with photos. Good detail.
- MacRumours – Bulletin board thread with indepth discussion.
There’s a video that shows what to do!
I will be updating this post as I have time and gather more information.
2 Feb – My X5355 Processors have arrived!
#2 written by Terry 3 years agoHi Kim, yes. The Mac Pro (which I’m typing this on) has been stable without any glitches. I have even been able to install Windows 7 even though Apple don’t official support it with the Boot Camp 3.1 update.
Check out http://www.waitingoutside.com/2010/02/mac-pro-upgraded-with-2-intel-xeon-x5355-processors/ to see a few photos.
It isn’t as scary as it seems, and I recommend it to bring new life in your old 2006 machine.
I have a 2006 Macpro with 2 Duo-core 2.66′s in it. I’m under the impression that the cpus have pins that go into holes in the sockets. I believe the cpus are 5150s. I’d like to upgrade to the X5355s, but I understand that those processors don’t have pins for connecting to the sockets. Can you clarify this for me? Like you, I’m involved in video, and I’m trying to move to a Panasonic AVCHD camcorder (HMC150), so I could really use the dual quad-core cpus versus my dual dual-core cpus. Please email me back your answer. I’m very curious about this, and want to do the upgrade myself if it’s feasible. Thanks! Mark Corliss, Corlissmedia
- #10 written by Tommy 1 year ago
My Mac Pro 1,1 didn’t upgrade successfully. I ordered a pair of X5355′s and put them in. All went smooth until I tried to boot. I got the two red LED CPU A and CPU B lights. I examined the CPU’s and they both had some dings on a contact or two. They might possibly be damaged. I tried the one that didn’t look AS damaged as the other one in CPU slot A and tried to boot. It just kept restarting as soon as it hit the apple logo screen. Then I put in the other one in just slot A and that wouldn’t boot at all. and showed me the RED LED for the CPU. But when they’re both in, I get two lights.
So I put the originals back in and it works fine. I wonder if its the that the CPUs are damaged or there is something different about my Mac.
I have boot rom MP11.005D.800
Can anyone that upgraded confirm they have this boot rom?
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Were you successful in upgrading your MacPro? I am in a very similar situation and am very interested to hear if you indeed do find this to by a major performance bump.
Good Luck and thanks for the information.
Kim