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. The screw-holes on top of the heatsinks are positioned differently but that is something easily overlooked. 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 refer 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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