Processor upgrade 1.1 macpro. is it worth it?

The comparison does not list the X5355 2.66GHz processors. Have a look at this link which shows a 2.66GHz Dual fitted with the X5355 processors, a jump from 4952/9436, a 92% increase:-

http://www.waitingoutside.com/2010/02/mac-pro-upgraded-with-2-intel-xeon-x5355-p rocessors/

I guess the bottom line is how much you have to pay for the CPU's. Fitted a pair of X5355 to my Mac Pro 1.1 2.66GHz and the jump is of course tremendous. Like you my machine originally had the 2GHz processors and I went to 2.66GHz Dual and then to the Quads. I did it myself, but depends how comfortable you feel delving inside your Mac Pro. In short, removed hard drives, graphics card, memory riser and removed four screws from memory cage to loosen the cage, jigged the heat sink covers to remove, undo one screw and prize front fan with the assistance of a narrow tool, or a cover from the PCI-E section.

Whilst apart clean the fan and front cheese grater inlet.

Top remove heat sinks really need a size 15 Torx driver. Purchased one from the States for $10, and it is 18" long and handcled the job no trouble. removed heat sinks and original processors. Cleaned up new processors with an alcohol swab wipe, applied Arctive Silver to the CPU, replaced heat sinks and reverse of dismantling. About an hour's work and if had to pay, about the $100.00, but if you are going to get it done, get a quote first.

The only problem, if it could be called that, is Apple System profiler in About this Mac describes the Processor as 2.66GHz Unknown. The hardware Overview shows eveything correct, 8 cores, 2 Processors each with 8MB of L2 cache.

Purchased my X5355 from eBay Australia for $351.00 the paid which I considered worth the price, but that is up to the individual.

Anyone help with changing Apple System Profiler About this Mac to change Unknown to Intel Xeon Quad Core?

Re: Apple System Profiler data -- I upgraded my 1,1 with E5345's about 2 years ago and had the same issue. Poke around using google for a small utility named "AboutThisMac" is a small pkg file that will update what's displayed in the System Profiler. After running the pkg mine reads:

Thanks Der Det.

Found this 'AboutThisMac.pkg' from mediafire. After unstiuffing the .zip file opens to the usual Apple software box. Is that the correct one as there is no 'Read Me' or anything with the file?

Would hare to installwrong item.

Thanks mate.

Ran it and now all is good showing 2 x Intel Xeon CPU X5355@2.66GHz.

Funny, the program didn't work for me and I upgraded my 2010 2.8 to a 3.33 hex core.

You did get the one mentioned, romko23, from mediafire?

Found at least two when Googled. Appeared on the desktop as a software inastall package, ran in about five seconds and up came About this Mac similar to Der Det, except of courtse reporting X5355 processors. Maybe it works on Mac Pro 1.1 and 2.1 only?

how can i tell if a cpu will fit in and work withmy Mac pro 1,1?

can i just search ebay for the letters like X5355 and everything that comes up will fit?

will this one for instance fit? http://cgi.ebay.com/Intel-Xeon-X5355-2-66-GHz-Processor-SLAEG-413-/300551429814? pt=CPUs&hash=item45fa42deb6#ht_941wt_650

Yes Benjamin the X5355 2.66GHz and X5365 3GHz CPU's will both work in your Mac Pro 1.1.

You will see there are various step numbers, SL9R6, SLAEG etc, they are not important. What is important is you need a pair of processors, and preferably a matched pair at that. Matched pairs have identical serial numbers. The seller you listed offers only the one single CPU.

This comes about because some Dell and HP machines use a single processor. All the X5355/5365 are interchgangable as all are Intel Xeons.

why wont it work if the serial numbers aren't matched? also, is their a way to supplment the mac pros existing cooling system easily with out making it blast the fans as to keep it quiet?

also, would these listings be the right ones?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Pair-Intel-Xeon-X5355-2-66GHz-Quad-Core-SLAEG-/360358983569? pt=COMP_EN_Networking_Components&hash=item53e711b791#ht_958wt_1015

and

http://cgi.ebay.com/2x-Intel-Xeon-X5365-Server-CPU-8-CORES-MATCHED-PAIR-/2207753 95660?pt=CPUs&hash=item33673d314c#ht_500wt_898

Did not say it would not work - said preferably and you will know they are then identical.

For my Mac Pro 1.1, additional cooling not required, smcFanControl currently shows CPUs running at 34 degress C with main fan at 499rpm. Have not seen any temperature increase at all updating from X5130 to X5365. Suggest you download smcFanControl and install it and it will allow you to change the CPU, PCI-E, HDD, Power Supply and Rear Fan speeds.

Yes they will both work.

Suggest going for the X5355 as for the 10% increase in the 3GHz model, just not worth all the extra. If you Google 'Updating Mac Pro 1.1' you will find many sites offering instructions. See my earlier post particulalrly about having the at least 10" long Torx 15 driver. The heat sink screws are difficult, if not impossible, to remove otherwise.

New ugrade report today of E5345 2.33

AccelerateYourMac

Can't help with Raid ~ the hatter may be able to help. Use SSD hard drive so don't worry about it. Not into music or photos so do not need so much drive space.

The hardest part of changing the processors is removing the Torx screws which are beneath those huge heatsinks, and if possible get that 8-10" driver first. See my earlier post on changing over. After install suggest downloading and using smcFanControl with which you can increase speed of CPU, PCI-E and hard drive and rear fans.

With the X5355 all ranges of temperatures seem well within normal ~ CPU 26ºC, HDD 17ºC, PCI-E expansion slots 27º. Good luck and keep us posted mikecorp!