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n8ballz

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jan 4, 2018
7
40
Hey Folks,

Lets start a discussion and collect everything relevant for cMP upgraders out there.

Topics to consider:
  • CPU Upgrades
    • Compatibility chart
    • CPU Delid / standoffs
    • 4,1 to 5,1 firmware upgrade

  • Memory Compatibility and Upgrades
    • UDIMM Model Numbers
    • RDIMM Model Numbers
    • RAM Configurations

  • Storage
    • SATA II -> SATA III
    • nVMe vs AHCI PCIe storage | Will it boot?
    • RAID Controllers SATA/SAS
    • Harddrive caddies to fit 2.5" into original 3.5" bays

  • GPU Upgrades and caveats
    • List of officially supported cards
    • nvida vs AMD
    • How to nvidia
    • How to AMD
    • Bootscreen with GT120 or Flashing
    • External Power-supply
    • Displays for professionals / budgeteers

  • Bluetooth WiFi Upgrade for handoff / watch unlock
  • USB 3.0 / 3.1 Support
  • Thunderbolt
  • Other PCIe upgrades
  • List of Links to other resources / tutorials
---------------------------------------------------------------

CPU Upgrade Resources


-- Mac Pro CPU Compatibility List -- {Start Here}
-- How to Upgrade the CPU --
-- How to check the actual CPU clock speed --
-- Delid / Xeon IHS Removal --
-- 4,1 to 5,1 Firmware Upgrade --
For firmware flashed, the common errors are​
1) Didn't use a Mac EFI GPU​
2) The current firmware is NOT B07 or B08​
3) Didn't download and mount the required ROM image​
4) Didn't disable SIP (For El Capitan or later)​
5) Didn't shutdown -> press and hold the power button (but making a warm reboot)​
6) The hard drive is not supported (this is a unknown error so far. No idea which hard drive is good. A hard drive can be completely normal for OS operation, but only cannot perform the firmware upgrade)​
Note on MP4,1>MP5,1 with Mojave: There is a thread discussing audio issues in Mojave 10.14.4 with GAINESTOWN (Xeon 5500-series) processors. Review your setup before updating.​
Memory Compatibility and Resources

-- Good starting guides --

-- Mac Pro RAM Compatibility List --
-- 32GB DIMM discussion --
-- The max demonstrated memory size limit so far, 160GB --


Storage

{PCIe SSD}
-- Summary for PCIe SSDs --
-- MAX speed storage upgrade for cMP --

-- Bootable NGFF PCIe SSD --
-- PCIe NVMe --
-- How to boot from NVMe / USB 3.0 --
-- How to make NVMe natively bootable on 5,1 via firmware Hack --


OBSOLETE INFORMATION - DON'T USE IT - Upgrade to 144.0.0.0.0

-- How to achieve 3000MB/s with a single PCIe SSD on cMP --
-- How to make drives on PCIe cards ident as internal --
{PCIe SATA III card}
-- OWC Accelsior S discussion (PCIe SATA III card) --
-- Apricorn Velocity DUO discussion --
-- Sonnect Tempo SSD Pro vs OWC Accelsior --
{HDD}
-- High capacity HDD upgrade (Important fix at post #43) --
{Boot time}
-- Will boot time be improved by upgrading from SATA SSD to PCIe SSD? --

GPU Upgrades
-- AirOut - How to fix high PCIe / PSU fan speed after GPU upgrade --
-- How to disable SIP with non MacOS natively supported GPU (non Mac EFI flashed) --
-- High Resolutions @60Hz and HiDPI fix for old Macs --
-- How to get HiDPI boot screen with flashed graphics card --
-- How to get audio from HDMI or Display Port --
-- Why my GPU's CineBench score is so low (post #56 to #68) --
-- How to avoid driver issue in Windows 10 for multi GPU setup (e.g. GT120) --
-- How to drive the LG 5K Ultrafine display on cMP (full 5120x2880 resolution) --
-- How to boot Mojave with both GT120 + RX580 installed --
-- PCIe fan mount mod for long graphic cards --
-- How to flash the Mac to enable UEFI GOP boot screen --

{AMD}
-- AMD Polaris (RX 4xx, RX 5xx) & Vega GPUs --
-- Golden Guide to Flashing GPUs --

-- AMD card 5 GT/s resistor mod -- (NOT required anymore with BootROM 138.0.0.0.0)

-- How to make a Mac EFI ROM for HD 7950, HD 7970, R9 280, R9 280X --
- fixrom script from Netkas forum (site no longer available)
-- How to fix the Sapphire HD 7950 Mac Edition card flickering issue --
-- How to check the GPU temperature and fan speed --
-- How to install rEFInd (special build) to get boot screen from unflashed AMD GPU --
-- How to enable H264 hardware accel and HEVC hardware decode --
-- How to boost AMD GPU performance in macOS --
-- How to install AMD driver for Mac Pro 7,1 GPU in Windows --
-- How to flash a graphic card without Windows --
-- How to flash a 6000 series card to make it can boot on cMP --
{NVIDIA}
-- Latest Nvidia Web Drivers --
-- Frequently Asked Questions About NVIDIA PC (non-EFI) Graphics Cards --

-- GTX 680 2GB and 4GB Mac EFI flashing --
-- How to avoid "black screen" when update MacOS and web driver (non EFI GPU) --

-- List of MacOS versions with links to their equivalent Nvidia Web Driver versions --
-- How to "fix" web driver issues by force installing the older driver --


Bluetooth / WiFi Upgrades

-- DIY Guide --
-- I don't care about $$ option --

-- Continuity Activation Tool --
-- How to activate Handoff WITHOUT CAT --
-- How to select Bluetooth adaptor (without physically disable the internal BT) --
-- How to make BCM4332 works in Catalina and Big Sur --


USB 3.x Upgrades

-- Everything you need to know --


Thunderbolt

-- Thunderbolt 3 PCIe card discussion --
-- How to have TB3 without Windows "hand shake" --


Other PCIe Upgrades

-- 10Gb ethernet PCIe card discussion --
-- High Sierra native support for 10Gb ethernet --
-- Modify Intel 10Gb NICs to use macOS Small Tree drivers --
-- Amfeltec x4 PCIe Express 4 way splitter --

Catalina

-- How to mount system volume as read-write in Catalina --
-- How to install and run Catalina on cMP WITHOUT Dosdude patch --
-- How to fix unbootable Catalina Recovery Partition --
-- How to install Catalina via OpenCore --


Big Sur

-- How to enable Big Sur support on Mac Pro 5,1 --
-- How to enable BCM4322 in Big Sur --
-- How to recover multi monitor support in Big Sur with HWAccel enabled --



Windows

-- How to install Windows and switch between different OS without boot screen --
-- How to install Windows in legacy mode without a DVD --
-- How to install Windows in EFI mode safely with OpenCore --
-- How to install Windows in EFI mode via Virtualbox --
-- How to convert legacy installed Windows to EFI Windows --
-- How to make your own "BootChamp" --
-- How to "bridge boot" Next Loader via OpenCore (for legacy Windows selection) --
-- How to "bridge boot" legacy Windows via OpenCore (extensive version) --


OpenCore
-- Everything about OpenCore on Mac Pro --
-- Pre configured OpenCore package for Mac Pro 5,1 --
-- How to change disk label in boot picker --
-- How to make multiple drives on a single PCIe card as internal --


Useful Resources and Links

-- Pixlas mod | PSU | CPU | GPU --
-- Pin layout --
-- How to Install Auxiliary PSU without drilling (requires soldering) --
-- All We Know About Maximizing CPU Related Performance --
-- How to fix the Northbridge heat sink revet --
-- How to upgrade to High Sierra WITHOUT converting to APFS --
-- How to download the old OSX / macOS installer --
-- How to install Mojave --
-- How to boot to Recovery Partition if "Command + R" doesn't work --
-- How to control brightness on 3rd party monitor "natively" --
-- How to Control HDMI / DP audio volume --
-- How to enable FileVault on Mojave --
-- How to make 3rd party fans work properly on cMP --
-- Noctua fan mod for cMP --
-- Everything about 5,1 BootROM --
-- Can I mix use 2009/2010/2012 Mac Pro CPU Tray --
-- How to check the NVRAM's main VSS free space --
 
Last edited:

h9826790

macrumors P6
Apr 3, 2014
16,611
8,537
Hong Kong
I don't mind to help, but how you want it? Keep updating the original post?

There will be lots of info if put everything into a single post. But if you just let it roll, then eventually this will become a hundred pages thread and lots of people won't even border to read, and simple make a new post to ask whatever they want.
 
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h9826790

macrumors P6
Apr 3, 2014
16,611
8,537
Hong Kong
All installed UDIMMs must meet these specifications:
  • PC3-10600E, 1333 MHz, DDR3 SDRAM UDIMMs
  • Error-correcting code (ECC)
  • 72-bit wide, 240-pin ECC modules
  • 36 ICs maximum per ECC UDIMM

This is NOT entirely correct. There is NO requirement to meet all of those spec.

e.g.

The Mac Pro can accept slower memory. It just run slower.

Also, the Mac Pro can accept faster memory, the DIMM will be automatically downclock to match the CPU / logicboard's max possible speed.

Also, there is NO requirement to use ECC RAM on the cMP.

Apart from that. I suggest you amend the title to more specific for cMP 4,1 and 5,1. Otherwise all these memory info can be be very wrong on other cMP.

And if you really want to list out all the working part number, the list will become ridiculous long. May be you can put that in another post, and use a link in this OP.

For info, MICRO MT36KDZS2G72PZ-1G41HE is also a known good 16GB RDIMM for cMP. I am using that right now.
16GB ECC RDIMM.JPG


In this post, I think it's more important to tell the reader that

A single W36xx CPU can support up to 56GB memory (3x16 + 8)
A single X56xx CPU can support up to 64GB memory (4x16)
A dual X56xx CPU can support up to 160GB memory (5x32)

And there is NO report about if 32 DIMM can be used on a single processor cMP, therefore, no idea if that can work, or further push up the memory size limit.

In the CPU section, I suggest clearly state that ONLY the dual processor 4,1 use delidded CPU. ALL other cMP use normal CPU.
 
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ActionableMango

macrumors G3
Sep 21, 2010
9,612
6,907
Thunderbolt upgrade is not possible.

User @bokkow was working on a MP memory upgrade guide. You might PM him to see what he did with that information.

Some topics like CPU and memory are relevant to 6,1 owners, and I see them asking about it, so I wouldn't exclude them from this.
 
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h9826790

macrumors P6
Apr 3, 2014
16,611
8,537
Hong Kong
Here are some link for you to update the OP

MAX speed storage upgrade for cMP

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/amfeltec-x16-pcie-with-4-ssds-5900-mb-s.1936311/

BT / Wifi upgrade

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...orking-on-mac-pro-2010-keep-updating.1748061/

AMD card 5GT/s resistor mod

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...-5-0gt-s-on-ati-card-and-nvidia-card.1547340/

GTX680 4GB Mac EFI flashing

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...ens-full-clock-rates-pci-e-2-0-5gt-s.1603260/

Pixlas mod

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/pixlas-4-1-mac-pro-mod.1859652/


Also, I suggest to state that for firmware flashing, the common errors are
1) Did't use a Mac EFI GPU
2) The current firmware is NOT B07 or B08
3) Didn't download and mount the required ROM image
4) Didn't disable SIP (For El Capitan or later)
5) Didn't shutdown -> press and hold the power button (but making a warm reboot)
6) The hard drive is not supported (this is an unknown error so far. No idea which hard drive is good. A hard drive can be completely normal for OS operation, but only cannot perform the firmware upgrade)
[doublepost=1515090582][/doublepost]

more link for storage section

High capacity HDD upgrade (Imoprtant fix at post #43)

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/macpro-5-1-high-capacity-hard-drives.1971809/

PCIe SSD

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...he-09-mac-pro-bootable-ngff-pcie-ssd.1685821/
 
Last edited:

h9826790

macrumors P6
Apr 3, 2014
16,611
8,537
Hong Kong
Is there anyone know how to suggest this thread to admin / moderator to make it sticky?

Even though there is still a long way to go to finish the original post. But there are already lots of useful link / info in there. Worth to start to make it sticky, and let the others use as reference.
 

h9826790

macrumors P6
Apr 3, 2014
16,611
8,537
Hong Kong
32GB DIMM discussion

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...-cmp-anyone-tried-this.2046693/#post-24953147

The max demonstrated memory size limit so far, 160GB

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...ac-pro-late-2013.1698707/page-6#post-21436809
[doublepost=1515347854][/doublepost]Even though SATA III is a pretty old upgrade nowadays. But if anyone interested in it. Here are the few threads that cover the three very common bootable PCIe SATA III card.

OWC Accelsior S discussion (PCIe SATA III card)

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/has-anyone-tried-the-owc-accelsior-s.1893659/

Apricorn Velocity DUO discussion

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/dual-boot-confirmed-for-new-apricorn-velocity-duo-x2.1721573/

Sonnect Tempo SSD Pro vs OWC Accelsior

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/sonnet-tempo-ssd-pro-vs-owc-accelsior-benchmarks.1552592/

Updated: just realise this is a wiki thread now. I will update the original post by myself accordingly. Thanks OP!
 
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n8ballz

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jan 4, 2018
7
40
32GB DIMM discussion

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...-cmp-anyone-tried-this.2046693/#post-24953147

The max demonstrated memory size limit so far, 160GB

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...ac-pro-late-2013.1698707/page-6#post-21436809
[doublepost=1515347854][/doublepost]Even though SATA III is a pretty old upgrade nowadays. But if anyone interested in it. Here are the few threads that cover the three very common bootable PCIe SATA III card.

OWC Accelsior S discussion (PCIe SATA III card)

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/has-anyone-tried-the-owc-accelsior-s.1893659/

Apricorn Velocity DUO discussion

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/dual-boot-confirmed-for-new-apricorn-velocity-duo-x2.1721573/

Sonnect Tempo SSD Pro vs OWC Accelsior

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/sonnet-tempo-ssd-pro-vs-owc-accelsior-benchmarks.1552592/

Updated: just realise this is a wiki thread now. I will update the original post by myself accordingly. Thanks OP!
No prob, Thanks for all your help!
 

h9826790

macrumors P6
Apr 3, 2014
16,611
8,537
Hong Kong
How to upgrade to High Sierra without converting the file system to APFS.

1) Download High Sierra Installer from Appstore
2) Close the installer (if it automatically open after download completed)
3) Open Terminal
4) run
Code:
/Applications/"Install macOS High Sierra.app"/Contents/Resources/startosinstall --converttoapfs NO --agreetolicense
 
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h9826790

macrumors P6
Apr 3, 2014
16,611
8,537
Hong Kong
Not really. I believe this is what you're looking for (it incorporates the card you referenced above):

http://www.osxwifi.com/apple-broadc...-with-adapter-for-macpro-2009-and-macpro-2010

The cards are difference, he was looking for the BCM943602CD, not the BCM94360CD. That card card support BT 4.1 rather than 4.0.

But you are totally right about it is NOT pnp. All the adaptors still required for BCM943602CD
[doublepost=1516778128][/doublepost]

Thanks for the link, wiki post updated.
 

ededoad

macrumors newbie
Dec 18, 2015
15
1
Corpus Christi Tx
I went from 1,1 to 2,1 then 3,1 and just ebayed a 4,1 that has been firmware updated to 5.1 and running Sierra. I guess this is a stupid question but I would like to take the El Capitan hard drive and put it in the new computer and then update it to Sierra. Just want to save all that I have on the 3,1 hard drive. Can this be done?

This little question has been driving me nuts. I can not find any answer I assume that the El Capitan hard drive will boot with no problem. I tried Apple support and there was none. They said they didn't recomend changing the hard drive,WTF.

Any help would be appreciated. Regards Newbie
 
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Squuiid

macrumors 68000
Oct 31, 2006
1,856
1,580
I went from 1,1 to 2,1 then 3,1 and just ebayed a 4,1 that has been firmware updated to 5.1 and running Sierra. I guess this is a stupid question but I would like to take the El Capitan hard drive and put it in the new computer and then update it to Sierra. Just want to save all that I have on the 3,1 hard drive. Can this be done?

This little question has been driving me nuts. I can not find any answer I assume that the El Capitan hard drive will boot with no problem. I tried Apple support and there was none. They said they didn't recomend changing the hard drive,WTF.

Any help would be appreciated. Regards Newbie
Should work fine.
 
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owbp

macrumors 6502a
Jan 28, 2016
719
245
Belgrade, Serbia
They said they didn't recomend changing the hard drive,WTF.
The iCloud services (iMessages etc) and other activated products can go nuts after swap like that (depends of method of activation), but yeah, agree with Squuuiid - macOS will have no problems on its own.
 
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ededoad

macrumors newbie
Dec 18, 2015
15
1
Corpus Christi Tx
Should work fine.
Thanks I thought so but I tried asking tech at apple and they said it was not recomended to remove drives or some crap like that. I don't think whoever I talked to had any idea what I was talking about. I started on a 1,1 went to a 2,1 then a 3,1 and I think that I just swaped the drives from the 1,1 to 2,1 but not on the 64 bit 3,1. Thanks again, Newbie
 
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