Lidded CPU’s in a 4,1 tray can be done but I advise against it. There are thermal pads on the heatsinks that transfer heat away from certain board components, if a lidded CPU is used in a 4,1 tray, additional thermal pad strips must be applied to ensure contact. Spacer rings also ensure an even pressure. Without spacer rings one risks too much pressure on the CPU which can damage the socket. There are ways to get lidded CPU’s in a 4,1 tray, this requires the use of spacer rings on the four heatsink screw posts to make up for the thickness of the heat spreaders. Lidded CPU’s are too thick for the 4,1 CPU tray and de-lidded CPU’s are too skinny for the 5,1 CPU tray. Lidded refers to the presence of a heat spreader, de-lidded refers to this heat spreader being removed.ĭe-lidded CPU on the left, lidded CPU on the right. The 4,1 CPU tray holds de-lidded CPU’s accompanied by a spacer. You will also find Copyright markings which makes them easily identifiable. On a 5,1 there are clamps holding the CPU in the socket. On a 4,1 CPU tray the processors lay loose in the socket and the heatsink holds them down. Subtle differences such as board markings and components being slightly different aside, the CPU sockets are way different. Now the differences are a little more obvious. Now let’s take the heatsinks off and have another look.

You’re not crazy and I did not trick you. This article focuses on the dual processor models but I will touch on the single processor models later as well. The only difference is in/on the processor (CPU) tray. Until you take it apart, there are none, apart from some component positions such as capacitors and unused connectors. Visual differences between the 4,1 and 5,1.

Something it can not do when still running the 4,1 firmware.Īll other models can not exchange parts with the 4,1 and 5,1 and vice versa. It also means the flashed Mac can support macOS Sierra, High Sierra and Mojave natively. Flashing the firmware of a 4,1 to that of a 5,1 allows for faster processors and RAM to be installed. As such, a 4,1 can be firmware flashed to 5,1 and can be upgraded the same way as a ‘real’ 5,1. The 4,1 and 5,1 models are 99.9% identical when it comes to hardware. MacPro7,1 – 2019 Why does this article only explain the difference between the 4,1 and 5,1? Here are all Mac Pro model ID’s in order: 4,1 and 5,1 refers to a Mac Pro’s Model Identifier. So, since I haven’t written anything in a while, allow me to explain 🙂 Forget the difference, what does 4,1 and 5,1 even mean? Even in 2020 (and years to come) there will be plenty of people that first get started on upgrading an older Mac Pro or maybe even owning one for the first time. When I see people on facebook and other forums ask “what’s the difference between 4,1 and 5,1 Mac Pro?” or “Can I use a 4,1 CPU tray in a 5,1 Mac Pro” I think to myself ‘this is common knowledge, isn’t it?’. My apologies, sometimes I take certain information for granted.

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