First boot in the Octo-Core configuration.
Unfortunately the replacement front panel board(FPB) did not fix the FireWire issue. I noticed during the replacement that the internal FireWire cable connected to the FPB was bent at a pretty extreme angle. But after going back into the computer and checking the FireWire port for the FPB on the logic board, it looks to be non-operational. :-( While the rear ports work just fine, I could probably get the front ports working by getting a card like this and using it's internal FW800 port to connect to the FPB... or just get a replacement logic board($$).
Otherwise all is well! System runs a little warmer but I'd think that's to be expected with the doubling of cores.
Hi Delores down in the lower right corner...