Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

4

Time Required

                          15 minutes - 2 hours            

Sections

1

  • CPU (8 core)
  • 4 steps

Flags

3

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  • BackMac Pro 2009-2012

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Introduction

A list of compatible CPU upgrades can be found in this MacRumors thread.

PLEASE NOTE: DUAL PROCESSOR 2009 model, upgrading the CPUs is not as simple as you might think. Due to thermal design back in 2009, Apple opted to use delidded CPUs instead of the standard retail versions. These delidded CPUs are not available for purchase anywhere else, though you can find updated versions on eBay, usually at a fairly large markup. This guide does not cover that process and you should look for more information elsewhere if you are looking to upgrade that model. The 2010 and 2012 updates switched back to standard Xeon chips so you will not need to worry about delidding your replacements. https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/mac

Step 1

              Release the Side Panel               
  • Lift the latch
  • Remove the Side Panel

Lift the latch

Remove the Side Panel

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Step 2

              Remove the CPU board               
  • Push on the latches shown in red
  • Pull on the latches to remove the board

Push on the latches shown in red

Pull on the latches to remove the board

Step 3

              Heat sink               
  • Remove the screws in the pattern shown, the remove the screws in 1/4 turns.
  • Repeat the pattern until the heat sink comes free
  • If you have the 2009 model the cpu comes up with the heat sink.

Remove the screws in the pattern shown, the remove the screws in 1/4 turns.

Repeat the pattern until the heat sink comes free

If you have the 2009 model the cpu comes up with the heat sink.

Step 4

              CPU               
  • Lift the latch on the socket to remove the CPU if you have the 2010-2012 model

Lift the latch on the socket to remove the CPU if you have the 2010-2012 model

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

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                    Ben Capehart                     

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