Upgrading CPUs of a Mac Pro to Quad Core Xeons

Introduction

After dissecting the Mac mini to install a Core 2 Duo inside, we decided to upgrade the CPUs of a Mac Pro. This article aims to provide a step-by-step procedure to exchange both of the original Dual Core 3.0GHz Xeon processors of a Mac Pro with 2 Xeon X5355 processors (provided by Intel who we thank) both of them featuring 4 cores clocked at 2.66 GHz.


The Mac Pro is not a Mac mini size-wise and we will need additional tools besides the famous Cybertool Swiss Army Knife.


To complete the disassembling procedure, you will need:
- cross-type screwdrivers (different sizes)
- thermal paste
- a long 3mm hexagonal screwdriver, or a long exchangeable head screwdriver
- a Mac Pro and 2 Xeon X5355 processors