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Mac Pro 2010-2012 Microprocessor Upgrade

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    1. Mac Pro 2010-2012 Microprocessor Upgrade, Open the side panel: step 1, image 1 of 3 Mac Pro 2010-2012 Microprocessor Upgrade, Open the side panel: step 1, image 2 of 3 Mac Pro 2010-2012 Microprocessor Upgrade, Open the side panel: step 1, image 3 of 3
      • At the back of the Mac Pro, locate the locking latch.

      • Lift the locking latch.

      • You can now open the side panel.

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    2. Mac Pro 2010-2012 Microprocessor Upgrade, Remove the processor assembly (1/3): step 2, image 1 of 3 Mac Pro 2010-2012 Microprocessor Upgrade, Remove the processor assembly (1/3): step 2, image 2 of 3 Mac Pro 2010-2012 Microprocessor Upgrade, Remove the processor assembly (1/3): step 2, image 3 of 3
      • Locate the two locking latches on the processor assembly.

      • Each latch has a ribbed end.

      • Press on the ribbed ends of the latches.

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    3. Mac Pro 2010-2012 Microprocessor Upgrade, Remove the CPU assembly (2/3): step 3, image 1 of 3 Mac Pro 2010-2012 Microprocessor Upgrade, Remove the CPU assembly (2/3): step 3, image 2 of 3 Mac Pro 2010-2012 Microprocessor Upgrade, Remove the CPU assembly (2/3): step 3, image 3 of 3
      • Push the latches to partially open them.

      • Pull the latches to fully open them.

      • The CPU assembly will release and move forward slightly.

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    4. Mac Pro 2010-2012 Microprocessor Upgrade, Remove the CPU assembly (3/3): step 4, image 1 of 2 Mac Pro 2010-2012 Microprocessor Upgrade, Remove the CPU assembly (3/3): step 4, image 2 of 2
      • Pull the CPU assembly toward you until it is completely removed from the computer chassis.

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    5. Mac Pro 2010-2012 Microprocessor Upgrade, Unscrew the heatsinks (1/3): step 5, image 1 of 2 Mac Pro 2010-2012 Microprocessor Upgrade, Unscrew the heatsinks (1/3): step 5, image 2 of 2
      • Make sure the processor block is facing you: the two locking latches should be directly in front of you.

      • In order to remove the heatsinks without damaging their power socket or stripping the screws, it is important to unscrew each screw carefully and in the indicated order.

      • Note that the unscrewing order differs from one cooling block to the other.

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    6. Mac Pro 2010-2012 Microprocessor Upgrade, Unscrew the heatsinks (2/3): step 6, image 1 of 2 Mac Pro 2010-2012 Microprocessor Upgrade, Unscrew the heatsinks (2/3): step 6, image 2 of 2
      • Cut small pieces of masking tape, then stick them onto the heatsinks, next to each screw hole.

      • Note on the labels the order in which you will need to unscrew each screw.

      • BEFORE you start unscrewing, I advise you to read the next step.

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    7. Mac Pro 2010-2012 Microprocessor Upgrade, Unscrew the heatsinks (3/3): step 7, image 1 of 3 Mac Pro 2010-2012 Microprocessor Upgrade, Unscrew the heatsinks (3/3): step 7, image 2 of 3 Mac Pro 2010-2012 Microprocessor Upgrade, Unscrew the heatsinks (3/3): step 7, image 3 of 3
      • To avoid damaging the processor during reassembly, it can be a good idea to note the "number of turns of the wrench" on the labels.

      • The screws used are captive screws fitted with a spring: a metallic click will indicate that you have completely loosened them.

      • Once all the screws are disengaged, you can lift the heatsink.

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    8. Mac Pro 2010-2012 Microprocessor Upgrade, Clean the heat sinks: step 8, image 1 of 3 Mac Pro 2010-2012 Microprocessor Upgrade, Clean the heat sinks: step 8, image 2 of 3 Mac Pro 2010-2012 Microprocessor Upgrade, Clean the heat sinks: step 8, image 3 of 3
      • Remove all remaining thermal paste from the heat sinks using ArtiClean solvent and a microfiber cloth.

      • Once you have removed all traces of thermal paste, finish cleaning the heat sink using a little "Surface purifier" and a cotton swab.

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    9. Mac Pro 2010-2012 Microprocessor Upgrade, Remove the old microprocessors: step 9, image 1 of 3 Mac Pro 2010-2012 Microprocessor Upgrade, Remove the old microprocessors: step 9, image 2 of 3 Mac Pro 2010-2012 Microprocessor Upgrade, Remove the old microprocessors: step 9, image 3 of 3
      • Locate the tension lever: it is held in place by a hook. Press down on it and then rotate it to release the lever from the hook.

      • You can now lift the metal retention frame and access each microprocessor.

      • To avoid any damage to the microprocessors or the motherboard sockets, lift the microprocessors as vertically as possible, without forcing.

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    10. Mac Pro 2010-2012 Microprocessor Upgrade: step 10, image 1 of 2 Mac Pro 2010-2012 Microprocessor Upgrade: step 10, image 2 of 2
      • To make inserting the microprocessor easier, align the two notches on the edges of the processor (red arrows) with those on the socket, as well as the triangular marker on the corner (blue arrow), then lower it vertically into the socket without forcing.

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Conclusion

To finish, apply a thin layer of new thermal paste to each microprocessor, reinstall the heatsinks by tightening their screws in the reverse order of removal, then reassemble the Mac Pro by following the steps in reverse order.

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François Boulangué

Member since: 05/15/15

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