By flashing the firmware from MacPro4,1 (2009) to MacPro5,1 (2010), you essentially trick the computer into thinking it is a newer machine. This allows you to install faster, cheaper, and more powerful 6-core processors that the 2009 firmware would otherwise reject.
This article provides a definitive, step-by-step walkthrough for finding, downloading, and safely executing the firmware upgrade. Mac Pro 2009 To 2010 Firmware Tool Download
You cannot download it as a standalone DMG from Apple’s support site. Instead, follow this path: By flashing the firmware from MacPro4,1 (2009) to
Congratulations! Your Mac Pro 4,1 is now a Mac Pro 5,1. Now you can perform the following upgrades: You cannot download it as a standalone DMG
Before you hunt for the tool and begin the process, verify you have the following hardware and software requirements:
Before we discuss the download, it is vital to understand why this upgrade is the single most important modification you can perform on a 2009 Mac Pro.