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Octocore Xeon for FCP
I read on Cnet yesterday that Intel was cutting the prices for quad-core processor by half. Right now I’m runninig a 2X dual-core 3.0G. Would there be a big benefit of the quad over the dual for FCP? Is it possible to upgrade? Where to buy?
Thanks.
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7 Replies
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Just because Intel cut the prices of the processors in half, doesn’t mean that Macs will cut prices. The processors are actually a very small cost overall.
Shane
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No I meant can you buy the processor and upgrade the dual?
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You cannot upgrade the processors in a Mac. You have to keep the ones that came with your machine. Apple designs the machines so that specific hardware works with other specific hardware, and the software to know what processors are installed. Upgrading it on your own will not only void the warranty, but might make your machine into a really big paper weight.
These aren’t Build-Your-Own PCs…
Shane
GETTING ORGANIZED WITH FINAL CUT PRO DVD now for sale!
http://www.LFHD.net
Read my blog! -
They only dramatically cut the 1300MHz FSB Harpertowns but the 1600 MHz frontside bus models only received a minimal cut.
As Shane says, forget about upgrading. You can’t even buy some of the chips that Apple puts into the Mac Pros cause Intel will only sell the chips to Apple or Boxx or other high-end workstation makers (chips like the 3.2 GHz Harpertown, est. retail price $1200).
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There are guides on the Google. Several people, including CNET, upgraded a quad to an octo before the official 8-core Mac Pro was announced. I’m not saying it’s a good idea or a good bargain. But I’m pretty certain Apple doesn’t have something in the EFI preventing compatible CPUs from working.
Sean
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Here’s an interesting guide:
https://www.o0o.it/pro/Looks like he took two cheap Clovertown chips, modded them to run at 1333mhz FSB, and it worked. I wouldn’t mess with this myself. I just find it academically interesting.
Sean
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I wouldn’t touch it. It’s not worth messing with when you could just sell a tower on ebay and then buy a new one with Applecare!
-Russ
Russell Lasson
Kaleidoscope Pictures
Provo, UT
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