UPDATE: I opted to buy a used Mac Pro 1.1 (early 2006) logic board off of ebay for $100. Replaced the logic board and installed the used 5355 SLAEG chips for dual quad core (8 cores) vs the 4 cores of the dual 5150 chips. Success! My Mac Pro 2006 is revived and speedy! Interesting to note I was able, through a hacked firmware updater, to update to Mac 2.1. Unfortunately, this model mac cannot be updated to Mountain Lion so Lion will have to do. But it runs my 2nd copy of Pro Tools 10.3.5 quick as a whip! Thinking I'll keep this machine as a spare for a little while. It could be used if I ever have to do some recording outside my studio or hook up a midi controller keyboard and have some fun with VI's.
Lesson learned... upgrades like this can be risky but I now have the benefit of knowing how to take apart this machine correctly. For the explorer who enjoys tinkering, upgrades can be both fun and fruitful. Certainly feels good to no longer have a 50 lb paperweight. Street value of this machine - maybe $400-$500 nowadays. I think what I love about it most of all is the case is built like a tank.
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Justin
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