What is the possibility of a DIY CPU upgrade after a couple of years of ownership?
Is there an Apple recommended path of upgrade for Mac Pro users in terms of CPU?
Mac mini, Mac OS X (10.7.2)
Your Mini? or do you have a workstation; and if so which model?
There has always been a history of upgrading though some models are easier.
Is there an Apple recommended path of upgrade for Mac Pro users in terms of CPU?
No.
while there is never any Apple sanctioned, even graphic card upgrades are cloaked in mystery, the "Early 2008" is the only model that is hard to find cpu.
MacPro 2006-7 5355 8-core upgrade is very doable for $500 range, 2009-10 take Intel W3680 $620 drop in, only dual cpu Nehalem/Westmere are usuallu deemed way too expensive, but possible.
use to be very popular going all the back to... SE/30 even, and 630 7100 PowerMac 7300 Beige G3/G4s
I am thinking about getting the current Mac Pro but it would be nice if I can swap in a newer CPU in 2 years or less. Is it a common practice?
Is the CPU on a socket or welded (like in Mac Book Pro)?
Also, is there an official place to answer pre-sale questions via emails/web-form instead of calling them on the phone?
Apple employees are trained on currently shipping Apple products. They cannot answer questions about things that are not Apple-sanctioned, except to tell you it will void your generous one-year warranty.
It can be done nad has been done. But it is not for everyone, very tricky to get the pins lined up right.
DIY: mac pro CPU upgrade
