Difficulty
Moderate
Steps
4
Time Required
15 minutes - 2 hours
Sections
1
- CPU (8 core)
- 4 steps
Flags
3
Needs More Images
A few more images would make this guide’s procedures crystal clear.
Member-Contributed Guide
An awesome member of our community made this guide. It is not managed by iFixit staff.
Missing Details
Some of this guide’s details are missing. Help users by adding tools, difficulty, or time.
BackMac Pro 2009-2012
Full Screen
Options
History
Save to Favorites
Download PDF
Edit
Translate
Get Shareable Link
Embed This Guide
Notify Me of Changes
Stop Notifications
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
1024
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.
Cancel: I did not complete this guide.
One other person completed this guide.
Author
with 2 other contributors
Ben Capehart
Member since: 06/09/2021
5,319 Reputation
17 Guides authored
Badges:
44
+41 more badges
Team
Master Techs
Member of Master Techs
Community
310 Members
1,168 Guides authored