We WANT a NEW case DESIGN for Mac Pros!!! [Archive]

Francis Friday

Feb 25, 2007, 01:26 PM

psychofreak

Feb 25, 2007, 01:31 PM

I don't think you want a smaller Mac Pro, just a midrange tower aswell.

product26

Feb 25, 2007, 01:31 PM

Is anybody else thinking this?

The aluminum case design for Mac towers hasn't changed since introduced in '03. When changing over from the Powermac G5 to the Mac Pro in '06 the case design surprisingly remained the same. I like the aluminum grill, but it's physically a very LARGE computer & doesn't fit nicely in my desk. Now that the Intel Xeon chips don't need all those fans to keep cool, can't they shrink the size a bit?

I'm hoping to see something like this happen in '07.

It would be nice if it was a bit smaller and lighter, but they would lose the ability to cool it with large fans. Currently they use large fans at low RPM, it efficiently keeps the machine cool and does so quietly. If they change the size of the machine, they may need to use smaller fans, increase the RPM and increase the noise level of the machine.

Multimedia

Feb 25, 2007, 01:32 PM

Is anybody else thinking this?

The aluminum case design for Mac towers hasn't changed since introduced in '03. When changing over from the Powermac G5 to the Mac Pro in '06 the case design surprisingly remained the same. I like the aluminum grill, but it's physically a very LARGE computer & doesn't fit nicely in my desk. Now that the Intel Xeon chips don't need all those fans to keep cool, can't they shrink the size a bit?

I'm hoping to see something like this happen in '07.I really like the current design with two optical doors and four easy swap SATA drawers. I hope they don't change that. It's one of the most expandible Mac Towers ever. And it still looks like my DC and Quad G5's. :p

I'm waiting for Dual Clovertown so I hope the body stays the same this next round so all three will be a matching set. :)

bearbo

Feb 25, 2007, 01:41 PM

Is anybody else thinking this?

The aluminum case design for Mac towers hasn't changed since introduced in '03. When changing over from the Powermac G5 to the Mac Pro in '06 the case design surprisingly remained the same. I like the aluminum grill, but it's physically a very LARGE computer & doesn't fit nicely in my desk. Now that the Intel Xeon chips don't need all those fans to keep cool, can't they shrink the size a bit?

I'm hoping to see something like this happen in '07.

ALL macs "surprisingly" (or not) remained the same design. why is it surprising? they don't want ppl to think now the Intel made Macs somehow too different

if you look inside of the Mac Pro, majority of the space isn't occupied by fans. there are like what, 2 fans in there? the interior is cramped with other goodies... so if you want a smaller tower, maybe you can hope they release another smaller tower, but certainly not make the mac pro smaller.

mkrishnan

Feb 25, 2007, 01:44 PM

I think the coolest use of all that extra inside space is the G5DriveBracket (http://www.g5drivebracket.com/) (which doesn't seem to have ever been adapted to either dual core G5s or Intel?). Five hard drives inside the tower case. Sweeeeet. What I never understood was how all that extra mass inside did not catastrophically increase heat inside the case? Although the G5s were liquid cooled, so I guess the impact is less than it is with the air-cooled Xeons....

spicyapple

Feb 25, 2007, 01:48 PM

it's physically a very LARGE computer & doesn't fit nicely in my desk.

Try placing it on your desk. :D

I can't see how Apple could improve upon the G5 case design (it's like already so perfect!), so I like it as is, but then again I'm not an industrial designer.

trainguy77

Feb 25, 2007, 02:02 PM

I like the current design. Yes its a large tower but i don't mind at all. :D

risc

Feb 25, 2007, 02:05 PM

If you actually look inside a Mac Pro you will see the space is 100% utilized. How do you actually expect them to make it smaller? I think people need to remember the Mac Pro is a Workstation not a PC.

p0intblank

Feb 25, 2007, 02:13 PM

I love the Power Mac/Mac Pro case design. It's beautiful! However I do agree... a change once in a while would be nice. It has changed a bit, but nothing drastic.

twoodcc

Feb 25, 2007, 02:25 PM

yeah i like the current design. but since i already have mine, it wouldn't bother me if they change it or not

stoid

Feb 25, 2007, 02:28 PM

Well the B&W G3/G4 tower basic design, though it underwent many changes throughout it's life lasted from January 1999 - June 2003 or 4.5 years. It seems that Apple likes the current design better as it has undergone much fewer revisions in it's ~3.5 years on the market. I wouldn't be surprised if the Mac Pro tower remains the same for another two years. By then Intel will be on 32 nm and will be gearing up 16 or maybe ever 32 core processors. Bring on Westmere! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nehalem_%28CPU_architecture%29)

NATO

Feb 25, 2007, 02:43 PM

Nope. Keep it the way it is. I love it :D

MacRumorUser

Feb 25, 2007, 02:49 PM

Here's what I think will happen.

WHEN Apple introduce 4 core cpus, they will keep the existing macpro design for a dual 2x 4core macpro.

---

They will then also ADD to the range a single 4 core macpro and that will be the one in a smaller slim macpro style case.

It will have space for 1 optical drive and 2 internal HDD's and a 8gb ram maximum in 4 slots.

----

The new 2 x 4 (8) core macpros will retail at just over the price of the current macpro and the 4 core will retail just slightly under current price.

This will be the most sensible thing to do overall.

killr_b

Feb 25, 2007, 02:58 PM

Speak for yourself.

I LOVE the Mac Pro case.

If you think it's getting smaller, you're dreaming. Looking inside I can see an extreme lack of space. In fact, my PC friends with SLI 8800s have a much larger case than even the Mac Pro. Just as wide, but like, four inches taller. And they don't get cool handles on that monster.

eluk

Feb 25, 2007, 03:09 PM

I'm getting a Mac Pro this year and will be well pleased with it as it stands.

SMM

Feb 25, 2007, 03:12 PM

The MP is the finest computer I have ever used, and I have used a lot. Its' design is that of brute force personal Server. Its' aesthetics are in perfect harmony for what it is designed for. I would not change the appearance at all.

sdhollman

Feb 25, 2007, 03:14 PM

I think if the design does change the size will remain the same. Maybe they will get rid of the air holes on the front since it dose not need to push all the air through to keep it cool like the G5. I think a flat front on aluminum would look real sharp.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sdhollman/402469717/

Francis Friday

Feb 25, 2007, 05:37 PM

Well, well well....it seems everyone likes the current design just as it is. I wasn't saying i didn't like the design by the way; in fact, I LOVE it....just was wondering if anyone thought they might make the tower dimensions a little smaller. I have a G4 and am planning on buying a new Mac Pro this summer. Can't wait for 10.5!

psychofreak

Feb 25, 2007, 05:39 PM

bearbo

Feb 25, 2007, 05:49 PM

I like the mock up, but the reflection has a grill!

it's magical!

the case actually have the grill for cooling... but some imaging system on the exterior of the case make the grill not show... matter of fact, it can make it look like anything, or nothing at all (read: die another day)

iW00t

Feb 25, 2007, 06:16 PM

Who is the "we" that the thread title is referring to?

The current design looks cool, but looking cool is not enough. What we really want is 8 cores, and that I want to see someone dispute ;)

mkrishnan

Feb 25, 2007, 06:22 PM

Who is the "we" that the thread title is referring to?

OP has a brother? :D

jessica.

Feb 25, 2007, 06:55 PM

Over here we don't want a new design.

Chaszmyr

Feb 25, 2007, 07:03 PM

I don't really care about a new design, but it sure would be nice if it weighed less.

hayduke

Feb 25, 2007, 07:16 PM

I don't really care about a new design, but it sure would be nice if it weighed less.

[\sarcasm]
Yeah *a lot* lighter would be really nice. I get so tired lifting it up and down all day.
[\sarcasm]

What?!?!?! Why does the weight matter? It's not a laptop!!!

Cromulent

Feb 25, 2007, 07:58 PM

macenforcer

Feb 25, 2007, 08:02 PM

I hope the new case is taller, about 1 inch taller infact. That way I can fit another whole row of hard drives in there. :)

vohdoun

Mar 1, 2007, 06:45 PM

What we really want is 8 cores, and that I want to see someone dispute ;)

For bragging purposes or for good proper use?

Nugget

Mar 1, 2007, 07:37 PM

What we really want is 8 cores, and that I want to see someone dispute ;)

I don't want 8 cores and I certainly don't want to give up single core clockspeed to get them. Frankly, I think that the notion of an 8 core Mac Pro is fanciful but hardly assured. I think we're at least as likely to see the two lower-config Mac Pros get a single quad core CPU with only the "Fastest" Mac Pro getting the full dual dual core configuration with all three staying at "just" four cores total.

That's the approach Apple took with the last generation of PowerMacs and I think it still makes sense. The dual core Intel chips are probably always going to run a faster clockrate than the quad core flavors.

Like most users, I don't do anything (other than dnetc) that can utilize eight cores. I'd rather have four of the fastest cores I can buy than eight slower cores.

MacVault

Mar 1, 2007, 08:17 PM

I don't think you want a smaller Mac Pro, just a midrange tower aswell.

Yes! A smaller MacPro... WITH A SMALLER PRICE TAG! Like <$1000.

erickkoch

Mar 1, 2007, 08:23 PM

It looks like a giant cheese grader. Change it.

I'm still saving up to buy one though, I want one for the performance, not the looks.

eluk

Mar 2, 2007, 12:29 AM

It looks like a giant cheese grader. Change it.

I'm still saving up to buy one though, I want one for the performance, not the looks.

I like cheese. :p

MacNut

Mar 2, 2007, 12:36 AM

It looks like a giant cheese grader. Change it.

I'm still saving up to buy one though, I want one for the performance, not the looks.Its multipurpose, if you get hungry at your computer you can have cheese.:p

vohdoun

Mar 2, 2007, 11:33 AM

It looks like a giant cheese grader. Change it.

*coughs* Apple calls it speed metal. :)

Besides that I still love the cheese grater. No PC case I've had can match the look of the G5, anodized silver is teh sex! It's pure sex all round.

mattscott306

Mar 2, 2007, 11:40 AM

*coughs* Apple calls it speed metal. :)

Besides that I still love the cheese grater. No PC case I've had can match the look of the G5, anodized silver is teh sex! It's pure sex all round.

I wouldn't go that far... but I do think it's dang sexy.

Dane D.

Mar 2, 2007, 12:51 PM

Is anybody else thinking this?

The aluminum case design for Mac towers hasn't changed since introduced in '03. When changing over from the Powermac G5 to the Mac Pro in '06 the case design surprisingly remained the same. I like the aluminum grill, but it's physically a very LARGE computer & doesn't fit nicely in my desk. Now that the Intel Xeon chips don't need all those fans to keep cool, can't they shrink the size a bit?

I'm hoping to see something like this happen in '07.

Why change a good thing? Physically large, yes for good reason look inside. That design is clean, good looking and functional. Unlike the PC crap out there, Apple prides itself on design and function. You ever open a PC lately? Those designers are clueless, and the case designers are worse.

pinetec

Mar 2, 2007, 12:53 PM

I just bought mine a couple of weeks ago and I love the performance AND the case. I actually had an urgent need for one and that's why I'm couldn't wait to see if an upgrade came out.

I couldn't believe how easy it was to install two additional drives! It took under 5 minutes. I've done this before on some PCs and what a pain in the *ss it was! I know it took more than an hour to try and squeeze 1 drive in let alone 2 and then try make XP recogize them both.

techster85

Mar 2, 2007, 01:55 PM

Speak for yourself :). I like the fact I can put 4 hard drives in and two optical drives. Any case shrinkage would probably mean the loss of either hard drive space or the extra optical drive. It is a workstation after all, not a standard midi tower PC.

<silly obvious joke>
I for one am not a fan of "shrinkage"
</silly obvious joke>

On a side note, I love my mac pro case. Although, I have heard of people having problems with the feet bending and then they have a mac pro that wobbles...which could make the cheese grading easier i suppose...

dbater

Mar 2, 2007, 07:21 PM

I don't want 8 cores and I certainly don't want to give up single core clockspeed to get them. Frankly, I think that the notion of an 8 core Mac Pro is fanciful but hardly assured. I think we're at least as likely to see the two lower-config Mac Pros get a single quad core CPU with only the "Fastest" Mac Pro getting the full dual dual core configuration with all three staying at "just" four cores total.

That's the approach Apple took with the last generation of PowerMacs and I think it still makes sense. The dual core Intel chips are probably always going to run a faster clockrate than the quad core flavors.

Like most users, I don't do anything (other than dnetc) that can utilize eight cores. I'd rather have four of the fastest cores I can buy than eight slower cores.

one core, two core, four core, eight core... show me the software that will run on it and I will buy! As to the question about having a lighter tower....does it really matter? If you want a portable buy a macbook pro. I normally put it under my desk and that's it... the butler moves it to clean not me! :rolleyes:

All kidding aside my butler cleans around my computer.

spaz8

Mar 3, 2007, 08:34 PM

[QUOTE=dbater;3408267]one core, two core, four core, eight core... show me the software that will run on it and I will buy! As to the question about having a lighter tower....does it really matter? If you want a portable buy a macbook pro. I normally put it under my desk and that's it... the butler moves it to clean not me! :rolleyes:

Modo recognized 16 cores in it current version, Zbrush 3 will see up to 256 cores.. i expect all the Apple pro apps to make use of 8 cores. OSX 10.5 will.

I would max out those 8 cores rendering images, and encoding video. Though i do think until more basic software is able to see more than 2 threads on avg 4X 3ghz cores would be better than 8x2.33 ones .. it depends what u do..

CanadaRAM

Mar 3, 2007, 08:56 PM

'We' want more self-discipline with the CapsLock key...

RichP

Mar 3, 2007, 09:45 PM

Its about a standard size for any PC full tower. I think the form factor is great. The handles do help a little if you need to move it, and they also keep the body well off the floor, which is nice.

While this design wont last forever, im very happy with it, and i sit next to two of them every day!

Wild-Bill

Mar 3, 2007, 11:40 PM

I don't care what it looks like. I want one NOW! This waiting is driving me crazy.

ljones

Mar 4, 2007, 08:38 AM

The current design holds up better than the G4 models. Those things looked odd after a year or two. Looking at my g4 now.... WTF were they thinking. I like my mac pro, but, it could be a little smaller and lighter. Hauling this thing back to the Apple store was a pain. The box is HUGE.

I had it in the trunk of my 300, and it popped it open! So it had to ride in the backseat.

Blogger

Mar 4, 2007, 01:39 PM

Another vote for the existing case, it's attractive, functional and like all really good designs, timeless. My only complaints are that is is hard to clean the dust out of, and the hard drive sleds should be a heavier gauge to counter the occasional harmonic hum from multiple drives.

I would though, like to also see a half-size Mac Pro though (called Mac?), one processor, two or four cores and space for two drives. Cheaper non-FB memory would be nice, too. It would fill the large gap in the line-up between the consumer iMac and the very professional Mac Pro for serious, but financially impaired hobbyists.

psychofreak

Mar 4, 2007, 01:44 PM

I would though, like to also see a half-size Mac Pro though (called Mac?)

Hypothetical conversation...

1: I have a Sony Vaio, you?
2: I have a mac
1: Which one?
2: A mac
1: Which one?
2: A mac
1: Which one?
2: A mac
1: Which one?
2: A mac

And so on...

psychofreak

Mar 4, 2007, 01:45 PM

I don't want 8 cores and I certainly don't want to give up single core clockspeed to get them. I would not consider buying one, but I would love to play around with one at an Apple store...

dpaanlka

Mar 4, 2007, 01:53 PM

I have to completely disagree. I like that essentially the entire case is made of (thick) metal. Lighter would mean that crappy flexible tinfoil metal found on most PC boxes, or plastic. I find the design is not only really good looking but also professional looking. Just because it's "old" doesn't mean it's bad - it's still awesome and better than pretty much any PC case out there. It's age is a testament to it's quality. They got it right - so why change it?

product26

Mar 4, 2007, 01:58 PM

dpaanlka

Mar 4, 2007, 01:59 PM

the case is aluminum, and because of that is VERY light. I purchased an empty G5 case and was VERY VERY surprised at how light it was.

The mac pro's weight comes from its contents.

Yes.. so the only way to make it lighter would be to sacrifice the awesome design of the machine, inside and out.

Digital Fury

Mar 10, 2007, 02:55 AM

- 2nd row of HDs
- More USB and Firewire ports
- e-SATA ports
- Serviceable dust filter behind the front grill
- Modular (as in swappable) card reader
- An optional glass window with the Apple logo laser-etched

Irish1978

Mar 11, 2007, 10:38 PM

Yea, maybe they will come up with with something like the new Dell XPS 710........ Yea right, is that not the most horrid tower. I love the look of the Mac Pro as is.

ivnj

Mar 19, 2007, 11:33 PM

I was also thinking this. I mean the Mini is pretty small and no heat or noise conserns. A small Mac Pro would be nice. Like a mini but a upgradable video card and self upgradable ram, HD, CD, etc.

Even something like this.

http://www.directron.com/vf1000swa.html

Thanks,
ivnj

EvilDoc

Mar 20, 2007, 12:33 AM

Even something like this. http://www.directron.com/vf1000swa.html

GOD i hope if they do it looks nothing like that! i get your point tho, maybe a shuttle type case, with added expandability

ivnj

Mar 20, 2007, 02:36 AM

Well actually I was just thinking of a miniature version of their current case. I don't see anything available like that hough.

I was just thinking cuz I love my new Mini 1.66 2ghz ram. But 64 vram isn't enough, plus its shared.

Well it's probably enough for me. Or it'll have to be anyway cuz I don't have the 2000 -4000 for a new pro.

So if it's small, but not so small. Even if it was low profile PCI Express or AGP or whatever video card. As long as it wasn't shared.

And a 3.5 HD. Alright maybe a 5.25 CD would make it too big. But at least a 3.5 HD. 3.5's are cheaper and faster.

That should be too hard.

Thanks,
ivnj