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Cylinder Mac Pro Q&A
Update Published August 16, 2021
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How do you upgrade the processor in the Gray Cylinder Mac Pro models? How is the processor mounted? Which aftermarket processors are compatible?
Formally, Apple does not specify whether or not the processor in the Cylinder Mac Pro models can be upgraded.
The memory and SSD storage are designed to be upgraded by end-users, and upgrading these parts is simple, but Apple does not intend for one to upgrade the processor. Consequently, EveryMac.com does not recommend that one upgrade the processor in a Cylinder Mac Pro themselves.
However, for those with experience upgrading the processor in other computers, upgrading the processors in the Cylinder Mac Pro models is quite possible.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Cylinder Mac Pro - Back, Left; Cover Removed, Right)
Official Custom Processor Options
The original standard Cylinder Mac Pro "Quad Core" 3.7 and Mac Pro "Six Core" 3.5 models are powered by a 3.7 GHz Quad Core Intel Xeon E5 processor and a 3.5 GHz Six Core Intel Xeon E5 processor, respectively.
Apple originally offered custom configurations with a 3.0 GHz Eight Core or a 2.7 GHz Twelve Core Xeon E5 processor. For example, these custom processors originally were offered on the Mac Pro "Six Core" 3.5 for an additional US$1500 or US$3000, respectively.
On April 4, 2017, Apple quietly discontinued the entry-level Mac Pro "Quad Core" 3.7, dropped the price of the Mac Pro "Six Core" 3.5 (which became the new entry-level model), and made the Mac Pro "Eight Core" 3.0 a standard configuration both at a lower price point and equipped with more powerful dual AMD FirePro D700 graphics processors with 6 GB of GDDR5 memory each by default.
Apple continues to offer the Mac Pro "Twelve Core" 2.7 as a custom configuration, but it now is available as a US$2000 upgrade for the Mac Pro "Six Core" 3.5 and a US$1200 upgrade for the Mac Pro "Eight Core" 3.0.
Precisely, Intel documents each of these four processors accordingly:
Mac Pro |
Processor |
Clockspeed |
Cores |
L3 Cache |
3.7 GHz |
4 |
10 MB |
||
3.5 GHz |
6 |
12 MB |
||
3.0 GHz |
8 |
25 MB |
||
2.7 GHz |
12 |
30 MB |
Intel also documents that each of these processors (1) uses an FCLGA2011 socket (also simply called an "LGA 2011" socket), (2) has a 22 nm Lithography, which in general terms refers to physical size, and (3) has a maximum TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 130 Watts. These three details are particularly important to note to locate other potentially compatible processors.
Unofficial Aftermarket Processor Upgrade Options
After first confirming that the processor in the Cylinder Mac Pro was not soldered in place, site sponsor Other World Computing successfully installed a 3.3 GHz Eight Core E5-2667v2 in lieu of the stock 3.5 GHz Six Core E5-1650v2.
Additionally, OWC diligently researched and determined that in addition to the four processors that Apple offers, these Intel Xeon E5 processors available at the time of the system's initial release also were compatible:
Processor |
Clockspeed |
Cores |
L3 Cache |
3.5 GHz |
6 |
25 MB |
|
3.7 GHz |
6 |
15 MB |
|
3.3 GHz |
8 |
25 MB |
|
3.0 GHz |
10 |
25 MB |
OWC has changed its offered processors a bit over the years, but sells, or has sold, these processors via a simple "turnkey" mail order upgrade service as well as an "upgrade kit" for self upgrades:
Processor |
Clockspeed |
Cores |
L3 Cache |
3.5 GHz |
6 |
12 MB |
|
3.0 GHz |
8 |
25 MB |
|
2.6 GHz |
8 |
20 MB |
|
3.3 GHz |
8 |
25 MB |
|
3.0 GHz |
10 |
25 MB |
|
2.7 GHz |
12 |
30 MB |
* OWC no longer offers these two processor upgrade options, but offers the others.
It also is worth noting, prorated for performance, replacement processors can cost considerably less than processor upgrades directly from Apple.
Processor Upgrade Instructions
In addition to confirming compatible processors, OWC has prepared a detailed step-by-step video of the upgrade process:
This video from MrThaiBox123 also may be helpful. This YouTuber followed OWC's above instructional video to upgrade a Mac Pro "Six Core" 3.5 to a 3.0 GHz Ten Core Xeon E5-2690v2 and shared both his experience and benchmarks alike:
By watching these videos, it is hoped that you will be able to decide if this is an upgrade you feel comfortable performing yourself or if you would rather hire a professional. Hiring a pro always is a good idea, particularly for an upgrade of this cost and complexity.
Processor Upgrade Summary
Ultimately, it is quite possible to upgrade the original processor in the Cylinder Mac Pro models with a faster one and save quite a bit of money in the process, too.
However, as you can clearly see from watching the videos, it is not a simple process and even a skilled user should proceed cautiously. It is not a good upgrade for someone without extensive hardware upgrade experience.
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