Apple mac pro early 2008 User Manual

							Mac Pro (Early 2008) Take Apart — Processors, 2.8 and 3.0 GHz 91
Replacement Note: When installing the processor on the logic board, align the processor notch 
with the tab on the processor holder, as illustrated. Then lower the processor straight down onto 
the socket.
Note: Unlike in earlier Power Mac G5 computers, replacing a processor in Mac Pro (Early 2008) 
does not require running Apple Service Diagnostic for thermal calibration. 
						

							Mac Pro (Early 2008) Take Apart — Processors, 3.2 GHz 92
Processors, 3.2 GHz
The Mac Pro (Early 2008 Dual 3.2 GHz) computer uses a special coating on the processor heatsink 
and processor to manage the temperature in the computer. The silver-colored coating comes 
applied to the underside of the heatsink and the top of the processor.
Use the following guidelines when handling the processor heatsink and/or processor:
• Wear disposable nitrile or latex gloves.
Avoid touching the silver-colored coating on the underside of the heatsink and the top of • 
the processor.
Always make a visual inspection of new or existing heatsinks and processors before • 
installing them in the computer. See “Processor Heatsink and Processor Visual Inspection 
Instructions” in the Troubleshooting chapter for more information.
When removing or replacing the heatsink and/or processor, do not allow the heatsink to be • 
separated from the processor for more than 30 minutes. The special coating on the heatsink 
and processor degrades with exposure to air; more than 30 minutes exposure could result in 
damage to the computer and a repeat, multi-part repair.
Tools
No tools are required for this procedure. However, you may find a flat-blade screwdriver helpful in 
releasing the processor holder latch.
Preliminary Steps
Before you begin, open the computer, lay it on its side with the access side facing up, and remove 
the following:
Hard drives and hard drive carriers in drive bays 1 and • 2
PCI Express card installed in slot • 1
Any 12-inch PCI Express card• s
Processor heatsink cove• r
Front fan assembl• y
Top and bottom memory card• s
Memory cage with rear fan• 
Processor heatsinks for 3.0 GHz Processors• 
IMPORTANT:
If you need to install 
a new heatsink or 
processor, reassemble 
the unit while you are 
waiting for the new 
part to arrive. 
						

							Mac Pro (Early 2008) Take Apart — Processors, 3.2 GHz 93
Part Location
Procedure
Note: This procedure illustrates how to remove the upper processor (CPU A). The instructions are 
the same for removing the lower processor (CPU B). 
Release the latch on the metal processor holder. 1. 
Note: You may want to use a flat-blade screwdriver to release the latch. 
						

							Mac Pro (Early 2008) Take Apart — Processors, 3.2 GHz 94
Rotate the top of the holder to the open position.2. 
Placing a finger in the notch at the front of the processor holder, pry up the processor and 3. 
lift it out of the holder. 
						

							Mac Pro (Early 2008) Take Apart — Processors, 3.2 GHz 95
Important: When removing or installing a processor, always hold the processor by the edges. 
Be extremely careful not to touch the gold pins on the bottom of the processor, as this type of 
connector is very sensitive to contamination. Also be careful not to touch the gold pins in the 
processor socket on the logic board.
Replacement Note: Before installing a new, replacement processor, remove the protective 
container covering the new processor. Transfer the container to the original processor before 
returning it to Apple.
IMPORTANT:
If you are installing a 
new processor, do  
not remove it from  
its vacuum-packed  
bag until you are  
ready to install it. 
Be sure to follow 
all directions for 
unpacking the 
processor that are 
included in its  
packing box. 
						

							Mac Pro (Early 2008) Take Apart — Processors, 3.2 GHz 96
Replacement Note: When installing the processor on the logic board, align the processor notch 
with the tab on the processor holder, as illustrated. Then lower the processor straight down onto 
the socket.
Note: Unlike in earlier Power Mac G5 computers, replacing a processor in Mac Pro (Early 2008) 
does not require running Apple Service Diagnostic for thermal calibration. 
						

							Mac Pro (Early 2008) Take Apart — Speaker Assembly 97
Speaker Assembly
Tools
The only tools required for this procedure are a magnetized #1 Phillips screwdriver and a 
magnetized jeweler’s #0 Phillips screwdriver.
Preliminary Steps
Before you begin, open the computer, lay it on its side with the access side facing up, and remove 
the following:
Hard drives and hard drive carriers in drive bays 1 and • 2
Any 12-inch PCI Express card• s
Processor heatsink cove• r
Front fan assembl• y
Part Location 
						

							Mac Pro (Early 2008) Take Apart — Speaker Assembly 98
Procedure
Remove the three speaker assembly mounting screws.1. 
Carefully pivot the speaker assembly a short distance away from the enclosure. 2.  
Disconnect the speaker assembly cable from the logic board. 3. 
Remove the speaker assembly from the computer. 4.  
						

							Mac Pro (Early 2008) Take Apart — Speaker Assembly 99
If you are replacing the speaker in the assembly bracket, do the following: 5. 
• Slide the speaker cable through the opening in the speaker bracket. 
• Using a magnetized jeweler’s #0 Phillips screwdriver, remove the four mounting screws. 
Remove the speaker and cable from the bracket.6.  
						

							Mac Pro (Early 2008) Take Apart — USB Cable 100
USB Cable
Tools
No tools are required for this procedure.
Preliminary Steps
Before you begin, open the computer, lay it on its side with the access side facing up, and remove 
the following:
Hard drives and hard drive carriers in drive bays 1 and • 2
Any 12-inch PCI Express card• s
Processor heatsink cove• r
Front fan assembl• y
Part Location