More modern Processor upgrade options for mid-2012 macpro?

[Fox_ip]

I desperately need to upgrade my processor for my mid-2012 macpro.

This is the one here:

Mac Pro "Six Core" 3.33 (Server 2012) Specs (Server Mid-2012, BTO/CTO, MacPro5,1, A1289, 2629): EveryMac.com

Technical specifications for the Mac Pro "Six Core" 3.33 (Server 2012). Dates sold, processor type, memory info, hard drive details, price and more.

everymac.com

I'm trying to resolve some performance issues I have while gaming.

I recently installed an RTX 2070, and I am content~ with the performance for the most part, but only because its a good bit better than what I had before with my AMD card. Many modern games demand more from the CPU, and that's what I'm trying to resolve.

I don't really know what determines compatibility, so I'm hoping someone with more expertise could give me a few options.

Currently running exclusively Windows on the machine. No desire for Mac OS, and no bootcamp.

 

[MarkC426]

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

 

[velocityg4]

With a 3.33 Ghz CPU. Your only upgrade option is the 3.46Ghz model. Which would barely make any difference in games. Trying to upgrade to dual CPU for 12-Cores wouldn't be much help. As so few games benefit with more cores. Plus it is fairly expensive for the tiny boost.

Your best bet would be a new computer build. Moving over your RTX 2070. Which your Mac Pro could cover much of the cost if you sold it. The Mac Pro is a great computer. However, for gaming, it is like using a 1st generation Core i7. Which is well below the recommended specs for modern games.

 

[Snow Tiger]

Does your Mac have a NVMe M.2 PCIe SSD installed as your boot device ? If it doesn't your gaming performance should improve remarkably . It should not be that expensive .

In as far as your processor is concerned , there isn't much you can do . Possibly , you might gain some marginal performance by swapping out your six core 3.33 for a quad 3.46 ( X5677 ) . It's also dirt cheap . Gaming probably doesn't require more than 4 cores anyways .

 

[Demigod Mac]

Xeon W3690 if you have a single CPU slot. Gelid GC Extreme or Kryonaut Thermal Grizzly thermal compound to go on it. Make sure memory is in triple channel mode. Probably won't make much of a difference but every little bit helps. Install RTSS Server and set a framerate limit to enforce consistent frame pacing.

 

[Snow Tiger]

Xeon W3690 if you have a single CPU slot. Gelid GC Extreme or Kryonaut Thermal Grizzly thermal compound to go on it. Make sure memory is in triple channel mode. Probably won't make much of a difference but every little bit helps. Install RTSS Server and set a framerate limit to enforce consistent frame pacing.

Both those pastes , as well as Arctic MX4 , can be safely applied by a neophyte . They're all electrically non conductive .

But MX4 will have greater durability and is more affordable . Guys that run high performance editing machines will use it . It'll last 5 to 10 years .

If he's worried about heat , then a four core x5677 will have a slightly greater thermal envelope compared to a X5690 / W3690 . He might not need more than four cores for gaming anyways . In the USA , a X5677 will cost around $12 . A X5690 will cost around $80 . And a W3690 will cost around $85 .

Three channel memory installation rules with these machines ! He'll get a 10-12 percent system wide speed boost installing three identical memory modules in an UP cMP 4,1 or 5,1 .

 

[Fox_ip]

Thanks all.

 

[Snow Tiger]

Thanks all.

I did a little research and you can only install Windows 10 on a 2.5" or 3.5" SATA HDD or SSD in a cMP . You cannot install Win 10 on a NVMe drive since windows requires UEFI for that operation and our cMP does not support that . It's an EFI machine . So sadly, no NVMe drive for you . Unless you like macOS

 

[Fox_ip]

I did a little research and you can only install Windows 10 on a 2.5" or 3.5" SATA HDD or SSD in a cMP . You cannot install Win 10 on a NVMe drive since windows requires UEFI for that operation and our cMP does not support that . It's an EFI machine . So sadly, no NVMe drive for you . Unless you like macOS

Oh gosh. Better cancel my order. Any Windows alternative?

 

[Snow Tiger]

Can somebody here verify that the OP can boot Windows 10 from a AHCI M.2 PCIe SSD in a cMP ?
[automerge]1578288107[/automerge]

Oh gosh. Better cancel my order. Any windows alternative?

There might be an AHCI drive solution . We're trying to get you a fast Windows drive so you can game hard on a cMP . AHCI was the interface standard that predated NVMe . Both can be used in our cMPs . It might be possible for you to use an old AHCI M.2 drive ( with the same Sintech adapter I recommended earlier ) you can buy from eBay , since new drives are no longer made . But , it will be faster than a SATA SSD .