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Silver Tower Mac Pro Q&A - Updated May 23, 2013

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How do you upgrade the processors in the 'Early 2009/Nehalem' Mac Pro models? How are the processors mounted?

Please note that this Q&A explains how to upgrade the processors in the 'Early 2009' Mac Pro models (model identifier MacPro4,1).

EveryMac.com also provides processor upgrade instructions for other Mac Pro models -- the original and 'Early 2008' (MacPro1,1, MacPro2,1, and MacPro3,1) and 'Mid-2010' and 'Mid-2012' (MacPro5,1) systems.

Officially, Apple does not state whether or not the processors in the 'Early 2009/Nehalem' models can be upgraded.

The memory and hard drives are designed to be upgraded by end-users, and doing so is quite simple, but Apple does not intend for one to upgrade their own processor(s). Consequently, EveryMac.com cannot recommend that one upgrade the processor(s) in a 'Early 2009' Mac Pro models themselves.

However, for the technically skilled, upgrading the processors in the 'Early 2009' Mac Pro models is quite possible.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Early 2009 Mac Pro)

Identification Help

If you're not sure if you have an 'Early 2009' Mac Pro or another model, the A1289Model Number is insufficient as this identifier is shared by multiple subsequent Mac Pro lines.

However, the 'Early 2009' Mac Pro models can be identified collectively by the Model Identifier in software and externally by EMC Number. More details about each identifier is provided in EveryMac.com's extensive Mac Identification section.

To locate the model identifier, select 'About This Mac' under the Apple Menu on your computer and click the 'More Info..' button. If the Mac Pro is running OS X 'Lion' (10.7) or later, click the 'System Report' button after clicking 'More Info..' as well. All 'Early 2009' Mac Pro models share model identifier MacPro4,1.

The EMC number is located on the rear of the system in small type. As hand noted by EveryMac.com, each 'Early 2009' Mac Pro model shares EMC number 2314.

Intel i3 3220 graphics driver. Specifically, these are the systems in the 'Early 2009' Mac Pro line:

EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature -- as well as the EveryMac app -- also can identify these models by their Serial Numbers.

Original Custom Processor Options

At the time of purchase, Apple originally offered the stock 'Quad Core' model -- the Mac Pro 'Quad Core' 2.66 (2009/Nehalem) -- with a single 2.93 GHz Quad Core Xeon W3540 processor as a US$500 upgrade. On December 4, 2009, Apple began offering it with a single 3.33 GHz Quad Core Xeon W3580 processor for US$1200 more and lowered the price of the 2.93 GHz processor upgrade to US$400.

Apple, likewise, offered the stock 'Eight Core' model -- the Mac Pro 'Eight Core' 2.26 (2009/Nehalem) -- with dual 2.66 GHz Quad Core Xeon X5550 processors or dual 2.93 GHz Quad Core Xeon X5570 processors for an additional US$1400 or US$2600, respectively.

It is fairly straightforward to upgrade a slower system with one of the faster processors that Apple offered new at the initial time of purchase.

Processor Upgrade Instructions (Most Straightforward Options)

All 'Early 2009' Mac Pro models have the processors mounted on LGA 1366 sockets and Apple did not impose any firmware restrictions, either. However, as is common with Mac upgrades, significant hurdles apply.

As part of a longer upgrading piece, the hardworking hackers at the always excellent AnandTech successfully upgraded the stock 2.26 GHz Quad Core Xeon E5520 processors in the 'Eight Core' model with two 2.93 GHz Quad Core Xeon X5570 processors.

Photo Credit: AnandTech (Unscrewing Mac Pro Heatsink)

Essentially, one needs to slide the processor tray out of the Mac Pro, unscrew the heatsinks with a long 3mm hex key, remove the heatsinks, clean off thermal paste residue, remove the processors, install the new processors, re-apply thermal paste, reattach the heatsinks, reinsert the processor tray, and close up the computer.

However, it is critical to note that the Apple uses custom processors without an 'integrated heat spreader' or 'lid' and Apple does not make it easy for an individual to be able to purchase these on the resale market (although some may be available through graymarket sources). AnandTech instead installed processors with an integrated heat spreader and upon the first time reattaching the heatsinks killed one of the new processors, the Mac Pro processor board, and one of the heatsinks. This mistake cost nearly US$2000 to remedy.

In a well written step-by-step article, The Mac Observer had better luck on the first try and successfully upgraded a stock Mac Pro 'Eight Core' 2.26 (2009/Nehalem) with dual 3.33 GHz Xeon W5590 processors. Although the upgraded processors also had an integrated heat spreader, the author was able to carefully install them without damaging the processors or the system.

Firmware Hack Option

For really adventurous hardware hackers, there is a second option that involves not only an officially unsupported hardware upgrade but also a firmware hack -- or 'firmware update' if you prefer -- for the 'Early 2009' Mac Pro models.

Skilled hacker 'MacEFIRom' from the Netkas Forums has released a utility that updates the firmware in the 'Early 2009' Mac Pro (MacPro4,1) models to the same one used by the 'Mid-2010' (MacPro5,1) models.

As elaborated upon by ArsTechnica, this later firmware provides support for faster processors and faster RAM as well as enabling audio support on the Mini DisplayPort:

Perhaps of primary interest is that users will be able to install 32nm Westmere Xeons, including six-core variants used in the high-end 2010 Mac Pro, into their older machine. Single-socket machines can use W-series CPUs, while dual-socket machines will need dual-QPI enabled chips including the E5600 and X5600-series chips. (A source who applied the firmware update told Ars that Westmere CPUs are identified with 'B1' stepping in the identification code.)

Even if you didn't plan to upgrade the CPU, though, there are other benefits. Some Nehalem CPUs can support 1333 MHz DRAM speeds, but are limited to 1066 MHz on the older Mac Pros. The firmware update will enable the full 1333MHz speed if you have a CPU and RAM combo that can support it. And, the updated firmware will channel audio signals through the Mini DisplayPorts on installed GPUs, making it easier to use with HDMI displays.

This firmware update reportedly is reversible, but proceed with caution. Should you apply any firmware hacks, backup everything first, and be prepared to accept any consequences.

Processor Upgrade Summary

Ultimately, it is quite possible for one to upgrade the stock processors in the 'Early 2009' Mac Pro models with faster ones available at the time the system was new or even more modern processors by taking advantage of firmware hacks.

However, due to the fact that Apple uses different processors than those commonly available for resale, even a skilled hardware hacker should proceed with caution. This is most definitely not an upgrade for those with limited hardware hacking experience.

By reading the above as well as the linked tutorials, it is hoped that you will be able to decide whether or not upgrading the processors in your 'Early 2009' Mac Pro is something you feel skilled enough to handle or whether it is better to leave well enough alone.

Successfully upgraded the processor in any Mac Pro model? Please share the results of your labor. Thank you.

Also see:

• How do you upgrade the processors in the 'Original/Early 2008' Mac Pro models? How are the processors mounted?
• How do you upgrade the processors in the 'Mid-2010' and 'Mid-2012' Mac Pro models? How are the processors mounted?

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When you upgrade to macOS Catalina, you get more of everything you love about Mac. Experience dedicated apps for music, TV, and podcasts. Smart new features in the apps you use every day. And Sidecar, which lets you use iPad as a second Mac display. Best of all, upgrading is free and easy.

Chances are, your Mac can run macOS Catalina.

Mac computers with Metal-capable graphics processors (GPUs) can upgrade to macOS Catalina.

Make sure you’re ready to upgrade.

Before you upgrade, we recommend that you back up your Mac. Then, if your Mac is running OS X Mavericks 10.9 or later, you can upgrade directly to macOS Catalina.

Upgrading is free. And easier than you think.

Upgrading from macOS Mojave?

Go to Software Update in System Preferences to find the macOS Catalina upgrade. Click Upgrade Now and follow the onscreen instructions to begin your upgrade. If you don’t have broadband access, you can upgrade your Mac at any Apple Store.

Upgrading from an older version of macOS?

If you’re running High Sierra (10.13), Sierra (10.12), or El Capitan (10.11), upgrade to macOS Catalina from the App Store. If you’re running Lion (10.7) or Mountain Lion (10.8), you will need to upgrade to El Capitan (10.11) first. If you don’t have broadband access, you can upgrade your Mac at any Apple Store.

• OS X 10.9 or later
• 4GB of memory
• 12.5GB of available storage (OS X El Capitan 10.11.5 or later)*

• Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.
• Some features require a compatible internet service provider; fees may apply.

For details about your Mac model, click the Apple icon at the top left of your screen and choose About This Mac. These Mac models are compatible with macOS Catalina:

• MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)
• MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer)
• MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or newer)
• Mac mini (Late 2012 or newer)

• iMac (Late 2012 or newer)
• iMac Pro (2017)
• Mac Pro (Late 2013 or newer)

Siri

Requires a broadband internet connection and microphone (built-in or external).

Hey Siri

Supported by the following Mac models:

• MacBook Pro (2018 or newer)
• MacBook Air (2018 or newer)
• iMac Pro

Dictation, Voice Control, and Voice Memos

Requires a microphone (built-in or external).

Spotlight Suggestions

Requires a broadband internet connection.

Gestures

Requires a Multi-Touch trackpad, Force Touch trackpad, Magic Trackpad, or Magic Mouse.

Force Touch gestures require a Force Touch trackpad.

VoiceOver gestures require a Multi-Touch trackpad, Force Touch trackpad, or Magic Trackpad.

Photo Booth

Requires a FaceTime or iSight camera (built-in or external), or USB video class (UVC) camera.

FaceTime

Audio calls require a microphone (built-in or external) and broadband internet connection.

Video calls require a built-in FaceTime camera, an iSight camera (built-in or external), or a USB video class (UVC) camera; and broadband internet connection.

Apple TV

High Dynamic Range (HDR) video playback is supported by the following Mac models:

• MacBook Pro (2018 or newer)
• iMac Pro (2017)
• Mac Pro (2019) with Pro Display XDR

Dolby Atmos soundtrack playback is supported by the following Mac models:

• MacBook Air (2018 or newer)
• MacBook Pro (2018 or newer)

Sidecar

Supported by the following Mac models:

• MacBook (2016 or newer)
• MacBook Air (2018 or newer)
• MacBook Pro (2016 or newer)
• Mac mini (2018 or newer)
• iMac (late 2015 or newer)
• iMac Pro (2017 or newer)
• Mac Pro (2019)

Supported by all iPad models with Apple Pencil support:

• 12.9-inch iPad Pro
• 11-inch iPad Pro
• 10.5-inch iPad Pro
• 9.7-inch iPad Pro
• iPad (6th generation or later)
• iPad mini (5th generation)
• iPad Air (3rd generation)

Continuity Camera

Requires an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning connector and iOS 12 or later.

Continuity Sketch and Continuity Markup

Requires an iPhone with iOS 13 or an iPad with iPadOS.

Handoff

Requires an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning connector and iOS 8 or later.

Instant Hotspot

Requires an iPhone or iPad with cellular connectivity, a Lightning connector, and iOS 8.1 or later. Requires Personal Hotspot service through your carrier.

Universal Clipboard

Requires an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning connector and iOS 10 or later.

Auto Unlock

Supported by Mac models introduced in mid 2013 or later.

Requires an Apple Watch with watchOS 3 or later or an iPhone 5 or later.

Approve with Apple Watch

Supported by Mac models introduced in mid 2013 or later.

Requires an Apple Watch with watchOS 6 or later or an iPhone 6s or later with iOS 13.

Apple Pay on the Web

Requires MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, an iPhone 6 or later with iOS 10 or later, or an Apple Watch with watchOS 3 or later.

Phone Calling

Requires an iPhone with iOS 8 or later and an activated carrier plan.

SMS

Requires an iPhone with iOS 8.1 or later and an activated carrier plan.

Home

Requires an iPhone with iOS 12 or later and a configured Home app.

AirDrop

AirDrop to iOS and iPadOS devices requires an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning connector and iOS 7 or later.

AirPlay

AirPlay Mirroring requires an Apple TV (2nd generation or later).

AirPlay for web video requires an Apple TV (2nd generation or later).

Peer-to-peer AirPlay requires a Mac (2012 or later) and an Apple TV (3rd generation rev A, model A1469 or later) with Apple TV software 7.0 or later.

Time Machine

Requires an external storage device (sold separately).

Power Nap

Supported by the following Mac models:

• MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)
• MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer)
• MacBook Pro with Retina display (Mid 2012 or newer)
• Mac mini (Late 2012 or newer)
• iMac (Late 2012 or newer)
• iMac Pro (2017)
• Mac Pro (Late 2013 or newer)

Boot Camp

Allows Boot Camp installations of Windows 10 on supported Mac models.

Exchange Support

Requires Microsoft Office 365, Exchange 2016, Exchange 2013, or Exchange Server 2010. Installing the latest Service Packs is recommended.

Windows Migration

Supports OS X 10.7 or later and Windows 7 or later.

App Store

Available only to persons age 13 or older in the U.S. and many other countries and regions.

• Apple Books
• Apple News
• App Store
• Automator
• Calculator
• Calendar
• Chess
• Contacts
• Dictionary
• DVD Player
• FaceTime
• Find My
• Font Book
• Home
• Image Capture
• Launchpad
• Mail
• Maps

• Messages
• Mission Control
• Music
• Notes
• Photo Booth
• Photos
• Podcasts
• Preview
• QuickTime Player
• Reminders
• Safari
• Siri
• Stickies
• Stocks
• System Preferences
• TextEdit
• Time Machine
• TV
• Voice Memos

• Activity Monitor
• AirPort Utility
• Audio MIDI Setup
• Bluetooth File Exchange
• Boot Camp Assistant
• ColorSync Utility
• Console
• Digital Color Meter
• Disk Utility

• Grapher
• Keychain Access
• Migration Assistant
• Screenshot
• Screen Time
• Script Editor
• Sidecar
• System Information
• Terminal
• VoiceOver Utility

• Arabic
• Catalan
• Croatian
• Simplified Chinese
• Traditional Chinese
• Traditional Chinese (Hong Kong)
• Czech
• Danish
• Dutch
• English (Australia)
• English (UK)
• English (U.S.)
• Finnish
• French
• French (Canada)
• German
• Greek
• Hebrew
• Hindi
• Hungarian

• Indonesian
• Italian
• Japanese
• Korean
• Malay
• Norwegian
• Polish
• Brazilian Portuguese
• Portuguese
• Romanian
• Russian
• Slovak
• Spanish
• Spanish (Latin America)
• Swedish
• Thai
• Turkish
• Ukrainian
• Vietnamese