Early 2009 model essentially becomes mid-2010

An EFI firmware update, detailed on Ars Technica, allows Early 2009 model Mac Pros to accept faster Xeon CPUs, newer and faster RAM and delivers audio-out capability to the Mini DisplayPort interface, AppleInsider reports. The firmware essentially gives Early 2009 Mac Pro owners who are out of warranty an option to bring their machines up to the specs Apple released as the Mac Pro Mid-2010 some 16 months later.

The new firmware causes the machines to report themselves as MacPro5,1 instead of the normal MacPro4,1. Thanks to Apple's use of Intel's x58 chipset with QuickPath Interconnect, the firmware makes it possible to install faster, newer Westmere or faster Nehelem Xeon CPUs. Single CPU machines can use the standard W-series, while dual-CPU models require the dual-QPI enabled CPUs (such as the X5600 and E5600 series). It's possible to upgrade the CPUs up to a total of 12 cores.

From there, owners can also replace their existing RAM with faster 1333MHz RAM, improving performance over the old limit of 1066MHz. The hack is reversible, allowing users to put back the original CPU and RAM and revert to the original firmware before having service performed on it; however, some refurbished 2009 Mac Pros have a special firmware revision that was never made publicly available, so those owners will not be able to revert back to stock.

Apple does not consider CPUs to be upgradable and thus any AppleCare coverage on a 2009 Mac Pro would be void with the altered firmware and processors. Also, the original system discs that came with the Mac Pro would no longer work -- a set of Mid 2010 Mac Pro system discs may act as a substitute, but will likely become scarce in light of the firmware upgrade. [via AppleInsider]

by MacNN Staff