Mac Pro (2019) Processor (CPU) Upgrade Option

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Level 1

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Mac Pro (2019) Processor (CPU) Upgrade Option

According to Apple, you are able to upgrade the following Mac Pro 2019 components at any time: Memory, SSD, Graphic & PCIe Cards and Power Supply (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210556). However, there is no mention on whether you can upgrade the CPU. So far, the Community Posts I have come across only seem to suggest it is too early to tell without providing a definite answer. Can someone from Apple please provide an official response on this? Thank you.

Mac Pro

Posted on Mar 9, 2020 2:32 PM

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Answer 1

BDAqua

Level 10

250,253 points

Mar 9, 2020 3:51 PM in response to mascarenas

Apple isn't here, But I read a take apart for the 2019 Mac Pro that indicates they are removeable...

With basically everything else out of the way, we turn our attention to the brains of this whole operation: the CPU, currently trapped beneath its giant heat sink (and some very deeply hidden T15 Torx Plus screws).
With no CPU replacement guide to turn to, we call an audible and unscrew the heat sink bracket from the backside of the logic board—releasing both bracket and CPU (Intel Xeon W-3223) from the LGA 3647 socket.

Can't link to the site because links to that site get removed.

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Answer 2

Mar 10, 2020 7:47 AM in response to mascarenas

Hopefully the following will not be censored.

Any alteration is done at the owners own risk and in this case would invalidate the warranty.

MacRumors has long maintained a list of CPU chips known to work in various Mac Pro models. Until recently this for obvious reasons only covered the MacPro1,1 to 5,1 'classic Mac Pro' models and the MacPro6,1 'dusty bin' model. I have however just rechecked and it does now list some CPU models that are deemed compatible with the new MacPro7,1 model. However if you pay attention currently the list is of CPU models that are offered as standard by Apple all the way up to Apple's current maximum offering of a 28-core chip.

This might be because no-one has yet tried any other options or because there are no other options available yet or other options are known to not work.

Clearly if you buy a low end MacPro7,1 and at your own risk upgrade it to a known Apple used higher spec CPU chip one would expect it to work. You could monitor this MacRumors article to see if/when additional options are added.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/mac-pro-cpu-compatibility-list.1954766/

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Answer 3

Mar 9, 2020 6:57 PM in response to mascarenas

Like the 2013 model, Apple does not support upgrading the processor in the field. But it is socketed, and if you are handy and understand how to use thermal paste you might be able to do one of:

Upgrade you brand new Mac Pro into a beast for a little more money and a lot of your time.
Turn your $6000+ beast into a paperweight, that Apple will not touch because you modified it.

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