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New Mac Pro Case Customization Project - Need Advise

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Stork

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Split this post out as the post deserves a separate thread.
 
I'm not familiar with mac pro case internals. However, I think if you spliced the cables then you would be able to reuse some. For example the sata Power and data at the end of the drive bays, no doubt they have a proprietary connector on the motherboard end so you couldn't use them without cutting?
 
I have built one Hackintosh in a G5 case and am about to start a second one.

http://tonymacx86.com/viewtopic.php?f=76&t=15247

I only reused the SATA cables (needed 3, new MB came with 2) and the short front panel cable (cut off one end) to solder extensions that go to the MB USB/Firewire/Audio/Front panel Headers. I ended up using only the rear fans which require you to make shorter board standoffs (but your mileage may vary), the drive cases (save the HD screws if you have them), the rest of the wiring==gone. The new PSU will have the SATA drive power connectors, . If you are going to try to re-use an older PATA drive, then keep the cable. I also used the original line cord, you will have to mount a receptacle for it in the back of the case.

The fans in the Mac are enormously noisy at 12V, I run the rear fans at 5V and they are quiet. I built a custom thermostatic fan controller. Warning, the fand are wired up in a specific way, you need to find the proper hookup or you can smoke them. They don't work with only 2 of the fan wires connected...if you can't find the necessary information, let me know and I will track it down again.

I found the DVD drive standoffs a smidgeon too long causing the DVD door to work hard when opening, I made shorter ones using washers, tape and 1/4" screws....works much better.

http://tonymacx86.com/viewtopic.php?f=76&t=12845
 
Nice and clean, I love it lol!

The only cables I used from my G5 mod was one Sata cable lol
Other then that I used all new.
 
kmm said:
Thanks in advacne :)
OK so I found this thread here http://aquamac.proboards.com/index.cgi? ... hread=1163 he has the cables done.
It look pretty straight forward. That sight has a poop load of mods on it and I know you can get what you need done. If your halfway decent with wiring you shouldn't have any problems piecing it together.
I would do it or even Gus but the problem is we have no way to test it with our G5's.
 
kmm said:
I found that thread also, thanks a lot.
Anyway, I thought I might start with G5 case first cause I can learn step by step modifying from yours. :)

Thanks.
Your welcome,
Yeah if you have the G5 do that one first, get your feet wet a little. Get used to a hack and get to know it well then later down the road build a bigger more powerful one in the Mac Pro case. If all is well with the G5 one slap windows on it and sell is for a good amount of money :)
 
Spend some time on Aquamac's web. You will find the front panel wiring detail that you need and many ideas for implementation.

Link: http://aquamac.proboards.com/index.cgi? ... 460&page=5

As with G5 Power Mac hacks, the Mac Pro presents its own set of problems/opportunities.

I would not sell off your extra parts until you complete the project.

neil
 
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