Replacing Upgrading Mac Pro Processors Early 2008 Repair Guide

Difficulty

Difficult

Steps

Time Required

                          2 - 4 hours

Sections

Opening the Computer (2006-2008)
2 steps
Hard drives and hard drive carriers (Early 2008)
5 steps
Graphic Card for Mac Pro (2006-2008)
4 steps
PCI Express Cards (Early 2008)
1 step
Processor Heatsink Cover (Early 2008)
2 steps
Front Fan Assembly
5 steps
Memory (FB-DIMMs) and Memory Riser Cards (Early 2008)
5 steps
Memory Cage with Rear Fan (Early 2008)
8 steps
2.8 / 3.0 / 3.2 GHz Processors
14 steps

Flags

Action Shots

Be an action hero! This guide needs images that better demonstrate how to perform specific actions.

Member-Contributed Guide

An awesome member of our community made this guide. It is not managed by iFixit staff.

BackMac Pro 2006-2008 (First Generation)
Full Screen
Options
History
Save to Favorites
Download PDF
Edit
Translate
Get Shareable Link
Embed This Guide
Notify Me of Changes
Stop Notifications

Introduction

What you need

Step 1

              Opening the Computer (2006-2008)

Shut down the computer.
Warning: Always shut down the computer before opening it to avoid damaging its internal components or the components you are installing. Do not open the computer or attempt to install items inside it while it is on.
Wait 5 to 10 minutes to allow the computer’s internal components to cool.
Warning: After you shut down the system, the internal components can be very hot. You must let the computer cool down before continuing.
Unplug all external cables from the computer except the power cord.
Touch the metal PCI access covers on the back of the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.
Unplug the power cord.
Put on an ESD wrist strap.

Shut down the computer.

Warning: Always shut down the computer before opening it to avoid damaging its internal components or the components you are installing. Do not open the computer or attempt to install items inside it while it is on.

Wait 5 to 10 minutes to allow the computer’s internal components to cool.

Warning: After you shut down the system, the internal components can be very hot. You must let the computer cool down before continuing.

Unplug all external cables from the computer except the power cord.

Touch the metal PCI access covers on the back of the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.

Unplug the power cord.

Put on an ESD wrist strap.

1024

Step 2

1. Hold the side access panel and lift the latch on the back of the computer.
Warning: The edges of the access panel and the enclosure can be sharp. Be very careful when handling them.
1. Remove the access panel and place it on a flat surface covered by a soft, clean cloth.
Replacement Note: Make sure the latch is in the up position before replacing the access panel. If the latch is down, the access panel will not seat correctly in the enclosure.

Hold the side access panel and lift the latch on the back of the computer.

Warning: The edges of the access panel and the enclosure can be sharp. Be very careful when handling them.

Remove the access panel and place it on a flat surface covered by a soft, clean cloth.

Replacement Note: Make sure the latch is in the up position before replacing the access panel. If the latch is down, the access panel will not seat correctly in the enclosure.

Step 3

              Hard drives and hard drive carriers (Early 2008)

The hard drives must meet the following specifications:
Type: Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) or Serial ATA (SATA) 3 Gb/s
Width: 3.9 inches (102 mm)
Depth: 5.7 inches (147 mm)
Height: 1.0 inch

The hard drives must meet the following specifications:

Type: Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) or Serial ATA (SATA) 3 Gb/s

Width: 3.9 inches (102 mm)

Depth: 5.7 inches (147 mm)

Height: 1.0 inch

Step 4

Important: To install SAS drives in a Mac Pro (Early 2008) computer, you must also install the optional Mac Pro RAID Card.

Important: To install SAS drives in a Mac Pro (Early 2008) computer, you must also install the optional Mac Pro RAID Card.

Step 5

Before you begin, open the computer, and lay it on its side with the access side facing up.
Important: Make sure the latch on the back panel is in the up position. When the latch is down, the hard drives and carriers are locked in place and you will not be able to remove them.

Before you begin, open the computer, and lay it on its side with the access side facing up.

Important: Make sure the latch on the back panel is in the up position. When the latch is down, the hard drives and carriers are locked in place and you will not be able to remove them.

Step 6

Make sure the latch on the back panel is up, so that the drives and carriers are unlocked.
Pull the hard drive out of the drive bay.

Make sure the latch on the back panel is up, so that the drives and carriers are unlocked.

Pull the hard drive out of the drive bay.

Step 7

If you are replacing the hard drive with a new drive, remove the four screws that mount the 3. drive to the carrier and mount the new drive in the carrier.
Important: Hold the drive by its sides. Be careful not to touch the printed circuit board on the bottom of the drive.
Replacement Note: Slide the carrier and drive over the guides and into the drive bay, until you feel the drive snap into place.

If you are replacing the hard drive with a new drive, remove the four screws that mount the 3. drive to the carrier and mount the new drive in the carrier.

Important: Hold the drive by its sides. Be careful not to touch the printed circuit board on the bottom of the drive.

Replacement Note: Slide the carrier and drive over the guides and into the drive bay, until you feel the drive snap into place.

Step 8

              Graphic Card for Mac Pro (2006-2008)

This procedure explains how to remove a standard card and a card that includes a booster cable. Before you can remove either type of card, however, you must first loosen the two captive screws that secure the PCI bracket to the enclosure and remove the bracket.

This procedure explains how to remove a standard card and a card that includes a booster cable. Before you can remove either type of card, however, you must first loosen the two captive screws that secure the PCI bracket to the enclosure and remove the bracket.

Step 9

Handle the card only by the edges.Do not touch its connectors or any of the components.Lift the card straight out from the connector to remove it, and insert it straight into the connector to install it.Do not rock the card from side to side and don’t force the card into the slot.Once the replacement card is installed, pull on it gently to check.
1. Release the small locking clip at the front of the card’s logic board connector by pushing the clip up toward the media shelf.
1. Holding the card by the top corners, pull up the card and remove it from its expansion slot.

Handle the card only by the edges.Do not touch its connectors or any of the components.Lift the card straight out from the connector to remove it, and insert it straight into the connector to install it.Do not rock the card from side to side and don’t force the card into the slot.Once the replacement card is installed, pull on it gently to check.

Release the small locking clip at the front of the card’s logic board connector by pushing the clip up toward the media shelf.
Holding the card by the top corners, pull up the card and remove it from its expansion slot.

Step 10

              Card with Booster Cable

Some graphics cards require either one or two booster cables connecting the card to the auxillary power connectors on the logic board.
The graphics card NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT requires one booster cable; the graphics card NVIDIA Quadro FX 5600 requires two booster cables.
Disconnect the booster cable(s) from the logic board.
Release the small locking clip at the front of the card’s logic board connector by pushing the clip up toward the media shelf.
Holding the card by the top corners, gently pull up the card and remove it from its expansion slot.
If you are replacing a booster cable with a new one, disconnect the cable from the card.

Some graphics cards require either one or two booster cables connecting the card to the auxillary power connectors on the logic board.

The graphics card NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT requires one booster cable; the graphics card NVIDIA Quadro FX 5600 requires two booster cables.

Disconnect the booster cable(s) from the logic board.

Release the small locking clip at the front of the card’s logic board connector by pushing the clip up toward the media shelf.

Holding the card by the top corners, gently pull up the card and remove it from its expansion slot.

If you are replacing a booster cable with a new one, disconnect the cable from the card.

Step 11

Replacement Note for Card Using One Booster Cable: Be sure to connect the card’s booster cable to the correct auxillary power connector on the logic board. Connect the booster cable for a card in PCI slot 1 to the lower connector. Connect the booster cable for a card in PCI slot 2 to the upper connector.
Replacement Note for Card Using Two Booster Cables: Connect both cables to the two auxillary power connectors.

Replacement Note for Card Using One Booster Cable: Be sure to connect the card’s booster cable to the correct auxillary power connector on the logic board. Connect the booster cable for a card in PCI slot 1 to the lower connector. Connect the booster cable for a card in PCI slot 2 to the upper connector.

Replacement Note for Card Using Two Booster Cables: Connect both cables to the two auxillary power connectors.

Step 12

              PCI Express Cards (Early 2008)

The procedure to remove the graphic cards is the same for PCI Express Cards for exception of minor card differences.
Important: Combined maximum power consumption for all four PCI Express slots must not exceed 300 W.

The procedure to remove the graphic cards is the same for PCI Express Cards for exception of minor card differences.

Important: Combined maximum power consumption for all four PCI Express slots must not exceed 300 W.

Step 13

              Processor Heatsink Cover (Early 2008)

Remember to check that all the PCI Express cards have been removed and properly stowed.
Note: The heatsink cover is held in place by a number of tabs and magnets on the underside of the cover. You must release the tabs before you can remove the cover from the enclosure.
Place the fingers of one hand under the lip of the heatsink cover nearest the logic board. Lift the lip slightly toward the media shelf to release the tabs and magnets under the top face of the cover.
With your fingers still under the cover’s bottom lip, lift the cover straight up to release the remaining tabs and magnets under the front face of the cover
Remove the cover from the enclosure.

Remember to check that all the PCI Express cards have been removed and properly stowed.

Note: The heatsink cover is held in place by a number of tabs and magnets on the underside of the cover. You must release the tabs before you can remove the cover from the enclosure.

Place the fingers of one hand under the lip of the heatsink cover nearest the logic board. Lift the lip slightly toward the media shelf to release the tabs and magnets under the top face of the cover.

With your fingers still under the cover’s bottom lip, lift the cover straight up to release the remaining tabs and magnets under the front face of the cover

Remove the cover from the enclosure.

Step 14

Replacement Note: When reinstalling the processor heatsink cover, make sure the tabs on the underside of the cover align with the slots directly below them. (The slots are on the front fan and memory cage on either side of the heatsink cover.)

Replacement Note: When reinstalling the processor heatsink cover, make sure the tabs on the underside of the cover align with the slots directly below them. (The slots are on the front fan and memory cage on either side of the heatsink cover.)

Step 15

              Front Fan Assembly

Remember: Before removing the Front Fan Assembly ensure that the first two bays of the hard drives are removed, All PCI express cards removed, and placed in a safe location.
Using a long-handled, magnetized #1 Phillips screwdriver, remove the screw at the top rear of the front fan assembly that mounts the assembly to the logic board.

Remember: Before removing the Front Fan Assembly ensure that the first two bays of the hard drives are removed, All PCI express cards removed, and placed in a safe location.

Using a long-handled, magnetized #1 Phillips screwdriver, remove the screw at the top rear of the front fan assembly that mounts the assembly to the logic board.

Step 16

Remove the second Phillips screw at the bottom front of the assembly.

Remove the second Phillips screw at the bottom front of the assembly.

Step 17

Place one hand on each end of the fan, lift straight up, and remove the fan from the enclosure.

Place one hand on each end of the fan, lift straight up, and remove the fan from the enclosure.

Step 18

Replacement Note: Before re-installing the front fan assembly in the enclosure, make sure that the fan cables are routed correctly in the fan channel.
Replacement Note: Make sure all AirPort and Bluetooth antenna wires are out of the way before lowering the fan assembly onto the logic board.
Replacement Note: When lowering the front fan into the enclosure, slide the guide on the base of the fan assembly into the channel on the speaker assembly.

Replacement Note: Before re-installing the front fan assembly in the enclosure, make sure that the fan cables are routed correctly in the fan channel.

Replacement Note: Make sure all AirPort and Bluetooth antenna wires are out of the way before lowering the fan assembly onto the logic board.

Replacement Note: When lowering the front fan into the enclosure, slide the guide on the base of the fan assembly into the channel on the speaker assembly.

Step 19

Replacement Note: Also make sure the latch on the inside top left edge of the fan assembly engages with the slot on the inside lip of the enclosure

Replacement Note: Also make sure the latch on the inside top left edge of the fan assembly engages with the slot on the inside lip of the enclosure

Step 20

              Memory (FB-DIMMs) and Memory Riser Cards (Early 2008)

Additional pairs of 1 GB, 2 GB, or 4 GB FB-DIMMs can be installed in the open DIMM slots. Maximum memory is 32 GB.
DIMMs must be installed as pairs of identical size and type, from the same vendor. Use the provided illustration, like-colored DIMMs must match.
DIMMs for Mac Pro (Early 2008) must fit these specifications:
800 MHz, DDR2, FB-DIMMS
72-bit wide, 240-pin modules
36 memory ICs maximum per DIMM
Error-correcting code (ECC)
Important: For proper operation of Mac Pro (Early 2008) computers, Apple recommends using only Apple-approved Mac Pro (Early 2008) FB-DIMMs

Additional pairs of 1 GB, 2 GB, or 4 GB FB-DIMMs can be installed in the open DIMM slots. Maximum memory is 32 GB.

DIMMs must be installed as pairs of identical size and type, from the same vendor. Use the provided illustration, like-colored DIMMs must match.

DIMMs for Mac Pro (Early 2008) must fit these specifications:

800 MHz, DDR2, FB-DIMMS

72-bit wide, 240-pin modules

36 memory ICs maximum per DIMM

Error-correcting code (ECC)

Important: For proper operation of Mac Pro (Early 2008) computers, Apple recommends using only Apple-approved Mac Pro (Early 2008) FB-DIMMs

Step 21

Warning: Always wait 5–10 minutes for the computer to cool down before you remove or install memory. The DIMMs may be very hot.

Warning: Always wait 5–10 minutes for the computer to cool down before you remove or install memory. The DIMMs may be very hot.

Step 22

Holding the memory riser card by the two finger holes, pull it out of the memory cage and place the card DIMM side up on a soft, clean cloth.

Holding the memory riser card by the two finger holes, pull it out of the memory cage and place the card DIMM side up on a soft, clean cloth.

Step 23

Open the ejectors on the DIMM slot by pushing them out to the sides, and remove the DIMM from the riser card.

Open the ejectors on the DIMM slot by pushing them out to the sides, and remove the DIMM from the riser card.

Step 24

Replacement Note: Align the DIMM in the slot on the riser card and push both ends of the DIMM down until the ejectors snap back up into place.
Warning: FB-DIMMs carry heatsinks on either side of the DIMM. Never attempt to remove the heatsinks from the DIMMs. Doing so could damage the DIMM.

Replacement Note: Align the DIMM in the slot on the riser card and push both ends of the DIMM down until the ejectors snap back up into place.

Warning: FB-DIMMs carry heatsinks on either side of the DIMM. Never attempt to remove the heatsinks from the DIMMs. Doing so could damage the DIMM.

Step 25

              Memory Cage with Rear Fan (Early 2008)

Disconnect the rear fan cable from the logic board.

Disconnect the rear fan cable from the logic board.

Step 26

Using a long-handled, magnetized #1 Phillips screwdriver, loosen the four captive screws that mount the memory cage to the logic board.
Rotate the computer so that it is standing vertically. Using a magnetized short-handled or right-angled jeweler’s #1 Phillips screwdriver, carefully remove the two short screws that mount the memory cage to the bottom panel of the enclosure.

Using a long-handled, magnetized #1 Phillips screwdriver, loosen the four captive screws that mount the memory cage to the logic board.

Rotate the computer so that it is standing vertically. Using a magnetized short-handled or right-angled jeweler’s #1 Phillips screwdriver, carefully remove the two short screws that mount the memory cage to the bottom panel of the enclosure.

Step 27

Note: To remove the memory cage and fan, you must first slide the fan partway into the cage. The fan is held in place by three latches, which you must release before sliding the fan.
Using your forefinger, reach below the fan and release the latch nearest the logic board.

Note: To remove the memory cage and fan, you must first slide the fan partway into the cage. The fan is held in place by three latches, which you must release before sliding the fan.

Using your forefinger, reach below the fan and release the latch nearest the logic board.

Step 28

Using a flat-blade screwdriver, release the two latches nearest the front of the computer.

Using a flat-blade screwdriver, release the two latches nearest the front of the computer.

Step 29

Slide the rear fan into the memory cage.

Slide the rear fan into the memory cage.

Step 30

Slide the memory cage and fan toward the power supply far enough that the cage clears the bottom edge of the enclosure. Then lift the memory cage and fan out of the enclosure.

Slide the memory cage and fan toward the power supply far enough that the cage clears the bottom edge of the enclosure. Then lift the memory cage and fan out of the enclosure.

Step 31

Replacement Note: If you are installing a new fan in the memory cage assembly, rotate the fan into the cage as illustrated. Also note carefully the orientaton of the fan in relation to the cage.

Replacement Note: If you are installing a new fan in the memory cage assembly, rotate the fan into the cage as illustrated. Also note carefully the orientaton of the fan in relation to the cage.

Step 32

Important: Before you install the cage in the enclosure, the fan should always be inserted partway into the cage.
Replacement Note: Before installing the memory cage and fan, make sure all logic board cables below the cage are out of the way so that the cage sits properly and the cables are not pinched or damaged when you tighten the screws.
Replacement Note: To install the memory cage and fan, maneuver the cage into position in the enclosure. Tighten at least two of the captive mounting screws. Then slide the fan toward the back panel, until you hear it snap into place.

Important: Before you install the cage in the enclosure, the fan should always be inserted partway into the cage.

Replacement Note: Before installing the memory cage and fan, make sure all logic board cables below the cage are out of the way so that the cage sits properly and the cables are not pinched or damaged when you tighten the screws.

Replacement Note: To install the memory cage and fan, maneuver the cage into position in the enclosure. Tighten at least two of the captive mounting screws. Then slide the fan toward the back panel, until you hear it snap into place.

Step 33

              2.8 / 3.0 / 3.2 GHz Processors

This procedure applies to 2.8 GHz and 3.0 GHz configurations of the Mac Pro (Early 2008). For the 3.2 GHz configuration, see the notes that mention “Processors, 3.2 GHz.”

This procedure applies to 2.8 GHz and 3.0 GHz configurations of the Mac Pro (Early 2008). For the 3.2 GHz configuration, see the notes that mention “Processors, 3.2 GHz.”

Step 34

The steps in this procedure illustrate how to remove the lower processor (CPU B). The instructions are the same for removing the upper processor (CPU A).
Every time you remove a processor, you must replace the thermal grease on the processor heatsink. New grease and alcohol wipes for removing the previous grease are included with replacement processors. Instructions for applying the grease are included with the processor heatsinks procedure.

The steps in this procedure illustrate how to remove the lower processor (CPU B). The instructions are the same for removing the upper processor (CPU A).

Every time you remove a processor, you must replace the thermal grease on the processor heatsink. New grease and alcohol wipes for removing the previous grease are included with replacement processors. Instructions for applying the grease are included with the processor heatsinks procedure.

Step 35

Disconnect the 2-pin cable for the upper processor (CPU A) heatsink from the logic board.

Disconnect the 2-pin cable for the upper processor (CPU A) heatsink from the logic board.

Step 36

Using a long-handled, magnetized 3 mm flathead hex screwdriver, loosen the four captive mounting screws for the upper processor heatsink in the order indicated below.
Lift the heatsink straight up and out of the enclosure.

Using a long-handled, magnetized 3 mm flathead hex screwdriver, loosen the four captive mounting screws for the upper processor heatsink in the order indicated below.

Lift the heatsink straight up and out of the enclosure.

Step 37

Disconnect the cable connector for the lower processor (CPU B) heatsink.

Disconnect the cable connector for the lower processor (CPU B) heatsink.

Step 38

Using a long-handled, magnetized 3 mm flathead hex screwdriver, loosen the four captive mounting screws for the lower processor heatsink in the order indicated below.
Carefully tilt the heatsink so that it clears the bottom lip of the enclosure and then lift the heatsink out of the computer.

Using a long-handled, magnetized 3 mm flathead hex screwdriver, loosen the four captive mounting screws for the lower processor heatsink in the order indicated below.

Carefully tilt the heatsink so that it clears the bottom lip of the enclosure and then lift the heatsink out of the computer.

Step 39

              Replacement Note: Existing Heatsink

Perform the following steps once you have installed the new processors and ready to re-install the heatsinks.
Preparing an EXISTING Heatsink for Re-installation. If you have a new heatsink, follow the NEW Heatsink procedure.
Using the alcohol pad included with the logic board or processor replacement part, clean off any used thermal grease from the processor and the bottom of the heatsink.
Using the thermal grease included with the logic board or processor replacement part, apply one dot of fresh grease to the raised square area on the bottom of the heatsink.
Spread the grease evenly across the square to a thickness of approximately 1 mm.
Warning: Do not apply more grease than recommended. The grease must not overflow the heatsink and come in contact with the processor connector.

Perform the following steps once you have installed the new processors and ready to re-install the heatsinks.

Preparing an EXISTING Heatsink for Re-installation. If you have a new heatsink, follow the NEW Heatsink procedure.

Using the alcohol pad included with the logic board or processor replacement part, clean off any used thermal grease from the processor and the bottom of the heatsink.

Using the thermal grease included with the logic board or processor replacement part, apply one dot of fresh grease to the raised square area on the bottom of the heatsink.

Spread the grease evenly across the square to a thickness of approximately 1 mm.

Warning: Do not apply more grease than recommended. The grease must not overflow the heatsink and come in contact with the processor connector.

Step 40

              Replacement Note: New Heatsink

Perform the following steps once you have installed the new processors and ready to re-install the heatsinks.
Preparing a New Heatsink for Re-installation. If you have a existing heatsink, follow the EXISTING Heatsink procedure.
Apply the top gasket included in the parts box to the top of the heatsink.
If you are replacing the lower processor heatsink with a new heatsink, install the bumper included in the parts box on the side of the heatsink.
Do not apply thermal grease to a new heatsink. It comes with thermal grease already in place, covered by a cap over the bottom of the heatsink. Before installation, remove the cap.

Preparing a New Heatsink for Re-installation. If you have a existing heatsink, follow the EXISTING Heatsink procedure.

Apply the top gasket included in the parts box to the top of the heatsink.

If you are replacing the lower processor heatsink with a new heatsink, install the bumper included in the parts box on the side of the heatsink.

Do not apply thermal grease to a new heatsink. It comes with thermal grease already in place, covered by a cap over the bottom of the heatsink. Before installation, remove the cap.

Step 41

              Replacement Note: 3.2 GHz Processors Heatsink

The Mac Pro (Early 2008 Dual 3.2 GHz) computer uses a special coating on the processor heatsink and processor to manage the temperature in the computer. The silver-colored coating comes applied to the underside of the heatsink and the top of the processor.
Use the following guidelines when handling the processor heatsink and/or processor:
Wear disposable nitrile or latex gloves
Avoid touching the silver-colored coating on the underside of the heatsink and the top of the processor.
Always make a visual inspection of new or existing heatsinks and processors before installing them in the computer.
When removing or replacing the heatsink and/or processor, do not allow the heatsink to be separated from the processor for more than 30 minutes. The special coating on the heatsink and processor degrades with exposure to air; more than 30 minutes exposure could result in damage to the computer and a repeat, multi-part repair.

The Mac Pro (Early 2008 Dual 3.2 GHz) computer uses a special coating on the processor heatsink and processor to manage the temperature in the computer. The silver-colored coating comes applied to the underside of the heatsink and the top of the processor.

Use the following guidelines when handling the processor heatsink and/or processor:

Wear disposable nitrile or latex gloves

Avoid touching the silver-colored coating on the underside of the heatsink and the top of the processor.

Always make a visual inspection of new or existing heatsinks and processors before installing them in the computer.

When removing or replacing the heatsink and/or processor, do not allow the heatsink to be separated from the processor for more than 30 minutes. The special coating on the heatsink and processor degrades with exposure to air; more than 30 minutes exposure could result in damage to the computer and a repeat, multi-part repair.

Step 42

              Replacement Note: 3.2 GHz Processors Heatsink 2

Before installing a new or existing heatsink, check that the gasket that surrounds the silver colored coating on the underside of the heatsink is in good condition, as shown in the graphic. Replace the gasket if it shows obvious damage, such as cracks, folds, and broken-off surfaces, or if it is dislocated from the heatsink.
The gasket is available through GSX as part of the Mac Pro Grease Kit, part number 076-1258.

Before installing a new or existing heatsink, check that the gasket that surrounds the silver colored coating on the underside of the heatsink is in good condition, as shown in the graphic. Replace the gasket if it shows obvious damage, such as cracks, folds, and broken-off surfaces, or if it is dislocated from the heatsink.

The gasket is available through GSX as part of the Mac Pro Grease Kit, part number 076-1258.

Step 43

Release the latch on the metal processor holder.
You may want to use a flat-blade screwdriver to help release the latches.

Release the latch on the metal processor holder.

You may want to use a flat-blade screwdriver to help release the latches.

Step 44

Rotate the top of the holder to the open position.
Lift the processor out of the holder.
Important: When removing or installing a processor, always hold the processor by the edges. Be extremely careful not to touch the gold pins on the bottom of the processor, as this type of connector is very sensitive to contamination. Also be careful not to touch the gold pins in the processor socket on the logic board.
You can identify the processor by the speed etched on the processor. You must clean off the thermal grease from installed processors to see the speed.

Rotate the top of the holder to the open position.

Lift the processor out of the holder.

Important: When removing or installing a processor, always hold the processor by the edges. Be extremely careful not to touch the gold pins on the bottom of the processor, as this type of connector is very sensitive to contamination. Also be careful not to touch the gold pins in the processor socket on the logic board.

You can identify the processor by the speed etched on the processor. You must clean off the thermal grease from installed processors to see the speed.

Step 45

Replacement Note: Before installing a replacement processor, remove the protective cap covering the new processor’s connector.

Replacement Note: Before installing a replacement processor, remove the protective cap covering the new processor’s connector.

Step 46

Replacement Note: When installing the processor on the logic board, align the processor notch with the tab on the processor holder, as illustrated. Then lower the processor straight down onto the socket.
Note: Unlike in earlier Power Mac G5 computers, replacing a processor in Mac Pro (Early 2008) does not require running Apple Service Diagnostic for thermal calibration.

Replacement Note: When installing the processor on the logic board, align the processor notch with the tab on the processor holder, as illustrated. Then lower the processor straight down onto the socket.

Note: Unlike in earlier Power Mac G5 computers, replacing a processor in Mac Pro (Early 2008) does not require running Apple Service Diagnostic for thermal calibration.

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Cancel: I did not complete this guide.

                                                                                      55 other people completed this guide.

Author

                                      with 2 other contributors

                    Joshua Byrne

Member since: 05/03/2013

7,344 Reputation

                                      10 Guides authored                  



                       Badges:
                       16







                                                        +13 more badges

Hello - Sep 24, 2016

Anyone know the specifications on the captive mounting screws for the heatsink? I’m doing an out-of-case build for a 2007 Mac Pro and need to know so that I can get the appropriate threading on my mounting board.

Ricardo Magron - Nov 12, 2016

Hi there! Can you recommend which processor best fit with my machine: QUAD CORE XEON 3.0 (intel) 2.1 (mid 2008) with LION (10.7.6). I wish to run El Captain (10.11) or Sierra (10.12)..

haythamhani - Jul 3, 2019

Hey, buddy, how you doing?

Has a problem with your Mac Pro 2008

After the device is turned on for a few seconds, it is stopped

Please, what’s the problem?

Elias Wirtz - Dec 4, 2019

Hi!

I just bought a 2008 3,1 MacPro with 1cpu and I was wondering if it is possible that I can add a 2nd cpu… Do I have to order another Heatsink or anything else?

Gregory Shadoan - Jun 18, 2021

You will need a matching processor, a heat sink, (be careful to get the muliti copper pipes for a 3,1, not eh 1,1 or 2,1 although the older ones will work, it wont be matching), and some thermal paste.

If you are getting the 3.2 2 processor upgrade, then you will need 2 new 3.2 specific heat sinks. See the guide above for those.

Also you will need a long 3mm hex head screw driver. The Ifixit drivers barley worked.

Action Shots#

Member-Contributed Guide#

Introduction#

What you need#

Action Shots

Member-Contributed Guide

Introduction

What you need