Removing Mac Pro Handles

[Capt Underpants]

I've got a desk that has a 16 + 7/8" tall space for a computer (that's 42.75 cm for the rest of the world). I want to fit a mac pro in there.

For Mac Pro owners:
What is the height of your mac pro without the handles?

For handypeople:
What kind of tools would I need for this job? I would be willing to bring it to someone with the tools and knowhow, but I would still like to know what you believe to be the best route to achieving a functional and aesthetically pleasing handle chop.

A couple of people have done it, but there are really no step-by-step guides, or detailed pictures.
See here (http://www.tbray.org/ongoing/When/200x/2008/04/04/Hack-the-Mac) and here (http://www.maclife.com/forums/topic/100267).

[Peace]

Get a new desk. Don't butcher a perfectly fine computer!!

[Capt Underpants]

Get a new desk. Don't butcher a perfectly fine computer!!

The desk is more important than the computer.

[Lone Deranger]

Oh the horror! :eek:

[Transporteur]

Step by step instructions? For what?

Take one of these and simply cut them of.

http://www.bosch-do-it.co.uk/mam/bosch-pt-centralpool/diy/diyknowledge/lexicon/winkelschleifer1.jpeg

A hand metal saw as can be seen in the first link you provided should do the job as well.
Just make sure you file the edges.

Edit:
Almost forgot, the hight without bottom and top handles is 44cm.

[Capt Underpants]

Step by step instructions? For what?

Take one of these and simply cut them of.

http://www.bosch-do-it.co.uk/mam/bosch-pt-centralpool/diy/diyknowledge/lexicon/winkelschleifer1.jpeg

A hand metal saw as can be seen in the first link you provided should do the job as well.
Just make sure you file the edges.

Edit:
Almost forgot, the hight without bottom and top handles is 44cm.

Thanks for measuring. I'm glad it will fit.

I've got no handyperson skills, but I should be able to find someone with a saw and a file. Thinking about doing this makes me nervous, but I suppose it must be done.

There are no vents on the bottom, so cooling shouldn't be an issue -- right?

[Transporteur]

There are no vents on the bottom, so cooling shouldn't be an issue -- right?

Yes, that's right.

[bozz2006]

well if your desk can fit a computer that's 42.75 cm tall, and the height of the mac pro minus the top and bottom handles is 44cm... my math says it still won't fit.

[Dark Dragoon]

Only the WiFi aerials are on the underside, under the plastic information sticker.

Though as bozz2006 says it's still going to be too tall.

[kellen]

Pics when you are done!

Just buy a hacksaw and be done with it.

[dXTC]

I've got a desk that has a 16 + 7/8" tall space for a computer (that's 42.75 cm for the rest of the world). I want to fit a mac pro in there.

For Mac Pro owners:
What is the height of your mac pro without the handles?





Edit:
Almost forgot, the hight without bottom and top handles is 44cm.

Thanks for measuring. I'm glad it will fit.



Hold up there, Speedy. You may want to re-examine your math. (Last I knew, a 44cm object would not fit in a 42.75cm space.)

EDIT: bozz2006 beat me to it. (/shakes tiny fist)

[gotzero]

I just measured mine and came up with 17 7/16".

[Icaras]

The desk is more important than the computer.

Are you saying the desk cost more than the Mac Pro?

[eawmp1]

The Mac Pro will look wonderful...sitting NEXT to your precious desk.

[cutterman]

If you are insistent on cutting the handles off I would suggest using a hand-powered hacksaw. The vibrations from a power saw may damage delicate electronics. Also be sure the filings dont get inside.

[Capt Underpants]

Are you saying the desk cost more than the Mac Pro?

No. I'm say the desk is more important than the mac pro. Plus I'm using this for audio recording, so it needs to be enclosed. I don't want fan noise in my tracks.

Anyways... it'll fit even though the mac pro is 1.25 cm too tall. There is a lip at the front of the opening. The opening is 42.75 cm from the bottom to the lip, but once you get inside the lip, the inside space is a few cm taller. Hard to explain, but I think I can make it work.

[Capt Underpants]

If you are insistent on cutting the handles off I would suggest using a hand-powered hacksaw. The vibrations from a power saw may damage delicate electronics. Also be sure the filings dont get inside.

I'll certainly cover all of the holes to make sure nothing gets inside. Thank you.

[Capt Underpants]

I found a picture of a G5 with the handles removed, for those curious:

[Apple Corps]

A new Hackintosh :rolleyes:

[nasabaer]

:(:(:(:(:(:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::confused::confused::confused::confused: :confused:

oh NOOOOOOOOO

thats all i can say....

[Dark Dragoon]

I'm using this for audio recording, so it needs to be enclosed. I don't want fan noise in my tracks.
Will the front and rear be open to allow for cool air to enter and hot air to exit the machine respectively?
Or does the desk have a built in system to keep the equipment cool like the ones designed for rack mounted equipment?

[JesterJJZ]

No. I'm say the desk is more important than the mac pro. Plus I'm using this for audio recording, so it needs to be enclosed. I don't want fan noise in my tracks.

Anyways... it'll fit even though the mac pro is 1.25 cm too tall. There is a lip at the front of the opening. The opening is 42.75 cm from the bottom to the lip, but once you get inside the lip, the inside space is a few cm taller. Hard to explain, but I think I can make it work.

You're Mac Pro will roast when enclosed and eventually die. Unless it's a ventilated space, this is a bad idea. For audio recording, I can't recommend anything better than to just get some long monitor and usb cables and run your tower from another room or closet space.

Keep in mind, inside a desk the fans on the Mac Pro will be louder because they will be working harder to cool it. You need to rethink your strategy here.

[Capt Underpants]

Will the front and rear be open to allow for cool air to enter and hot air to exit the machine respectively?
Or does the desk have a built in system to keep the equipment cool like the ones designed for rack mounted equipment?

There are small holes in the back. I put my macbook in there now, and it gets hot -- but the fan noise is largely cut out.

The desk has no built-in cooling. I am worried about the noise, as I will be recording with ribbon mics (figure 8) relatively close to the computer, so there will not be much isolation.

[rajbonham]

There are small holes in the back. I put my macbook in there now, and it gets hot -- but the fan noise is largely cut out.

The desk has no built-in cooling. I am worried about the noise, as I will be recording with ribbon mics (figure 8) relatively close to the computer, so there will not be much isolation.

Like mentioned above, if you are that worried about noise, your best bet is to purchase longer cables and put your Mac Pro in a closet or another room.

[Dark Dragoon]

There are small holes in the back. I put my macbook in there now, and it gets hot -- but the fan noise is largely cut out.

The desk has no built-in cooling. I am worried about the noise, as I will be recording with ribbon mics (figure 8) relatively close to the computer, so there will not be much isolation.

This seems like a very bad idea to me, the Mac Pro will produce far more heat than the MacBook and it needs to have a supply of cool air to the front. If the only air vents are some small holes in the back I can't see it lasting that long.
It will likely be louder as well, due to increased fan speeds.

Long cables or a properly cooled cabinet of the right size would be best.

[jshbckr]

You need to put this computer in another room or something. You'll kill it if you enclose it.

I've seen graphic card failure and when I was on the phone with Apple, the first thing they asked was if three sides of the computer were open to the room. If you lock that thing in a cabinet, you're asking for it to melt.

[Apple Corps]

Well Capt Underpants - the first thing you should buy is a new pair of underpants because you will need to change your current ones when you see what you have done to your Mac :eek: :eek:

I've seen some really bad ideas on various forums - this is right up there with the worst of them.

[UltraNEO*]

Well Capt Underpants - the first thing you should buy is a new pair of underpants because you will need to change your current ones when you see what you have done to your Mac :eek: :eek:

I've seen some really bad ideas on various forums - this is right up there with the worst of them.

+1

Seriously, dunno why the OP can't make alterations to the desk... :rolleyes:

[strausd]

If you are insistent on cutting the handles off I would suggest using a hand-powered hacksaw. The vibrations from a power saw may damage delicate electronics. Also be sure the filings dont get inside.

I agree. You may want to take as much out as possible before you saw the handles off.

[iHateMacs]

Don't do it. That photo of the hacked G5 looked pathetic. Just like a dog with its tail chopped off.


The Mac Pro's strength comes from its "handles" cutting them off is like cuttng off Samson's hair.

You will regret it at some point.

I can just imagine your ebay auction when you come to sell it.

"One Mac Pro slightly yellow due to over heating otherwise in perfect physical condition apart from the butchered case. $100 but open to offers."

[Capt Underpants]

+1

Seriously, dunno why the OP can't make alterations to the desk... :rolleyes:

You've lived quite a sad life if you don't understand sentimental value.

I'm removing handles from a computer. I know you think I'm desecrating an icon, but I'm removing the handles from a computer.

Sheesh.

To otherwise reasonable replies, I'll route the back fans through the holes in the desk. She'll be all right. She'll be a monster- but she'll be all right.

[Dark Dragoon]

I'll route the back fans through the holes in the desk. She'll be all right. She'll be a monster- but she'll be all right.
The three separate cooling zones will each need to be routed out the back (not just the single visible fan), so thats pretty much going to require most of the back to be open. This also doesn't solve the problem of getting air into the front intakes. If there is plenty of room from the front of the case to the door and plenty of room either side of the mac then it might be less of a problem. Though you would still likely be drawing the hot exhaust air back into the case in this situation.

Also I'm pretty sure if anything does go wrong (which is more likely if it runs hot) with it Apple will refuse to fix it due to the case modification.

[Icaras]

Also I'm pretty sure if anything does go wrong (which is more likely if it runs hot) with it Apple will refuse to fix it due to the case modification.

This is probably the best reason not to do this.

[MacHamster68]

first point
cutting of the handles will void any kind of warranty that might be on the macpro
second point
it looks damn ugly without the handles
third point
it will overheat in such a small space if you even can manage to squeeze it in there
fourth point
the resale value will drop to zero with the handles cut of

considering even to cut of the handles should be reason enough for apple never to sell you a apple product again

get a pc

[snberk103]

I've got a desk that has a 16 + 7/8" tall space for a computer (that's 42.75 cm for the rest of the world). I want to fit a mac pro in there.
...
For handypeople:
What kind of tools would I need for this job? ...


Throw it in a hot wash and hot dryer and shrink the sucker..... ;)

Seriously, that must be one heck of a desk.... I cringed when I read what you want to do. Post photos when you are done, eh? Of the desk I mean.... Don't know if I want to see a chopped MacPro..... shudder.....

OK, seriously again, make sure you protect the innards from any metal shavings.... one small piece of aluminium shard could short out all sorts of things if it got lose in there.

Good Luck.

UPDATE: I followed your two links to other examples of cutting the handles off ... did you notice that in the first example they didn't cut the MacPro, they cut the desk instead?

[UltraNEO*]

You've lived quite a sad life if you don't understand sentimental value.

I'm removing handles from a computer. I know you think I'm desecrating an icon, but I'm removing the handles from a computer.

Sheesh.

To otherwise reasonable replies, I'll route the back fans through the holes in the desk. She'll be all right. She'll be a monster- but she'll be all right.

OK.. how about using a different desk? or how about an array of MacMini's?

[grue]

Jesus H some of you lot need to find a life outside of worshipping aluminium boxes. It's a computer, it needs to do what the owner wants.

"Oh no, it's not pretty anymore" = Priorities out of whack, go find a woman whose name doesn't end in .jpg

"Resale value will suck" = If resale value is that important to you, you probably can't afford the computer

"Beware of overheating" = An actually reasonable point. That having been said, my Mac Pro is in the leg of my desk and has had no issues:

http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/2/0/0/c2/c/AAAAAq8jozcAAAAAAMLAQg.jpg

The caveat being that while it's enclosed at the front end, there are openings to the sides at the rear, so the fan is blowing into a flat surface but it'll disperse to the sides. Your mileage may vary.

[grue]

considering even to cut of the handles should be reason enough for apple never to sell you a apple product again

get a pc



Actually they should like him, he's obviously not the sort of fashion computing permavirgin who'll refuse to buy an Apple product because they make a physical design change he doesn't agree with. One less person they have to worry about when they're designing.

Did you cry when the bad people from the internet smashed an iPad, too?

[jessica.]

Use a dermel and be careful.

[wafl iron]

im shocked that no one has asked the obvious question:

"how do you pick it up and move it when the time comes?"

you better sand that thing down, those edges will be sharp as hell

For audio recording? dude get a dedicated cabinet for the computer or get longer XLR or 1/4'' cables and create your own recording booth in a diff room.

[Consultant]

im shocked that no one has asked the obvious question:

"how do you pick it up and move it when the time comes?"

you better sand that thing down, those edges will be sharp as hell

For audio recording? dude get a dedicated cabinet for the computer or get longer XLR or 1/4'' cables and create your own recording booth in a diff room.

Yeah, getting long audio cables will be much better than cutting anything (and then fry the computer by putting it in a small enclosed area).

[jessica.]

^umm like any PC box. Not all cases have had handles.

[Capt Underpants]

OK.. how about using a different desk? or how about an array of MacMini's?

You must come from a world where good desks are cheap and abundant, and storage space to keep them in (and a means to get the desks there) is as well. I do not live in this world.

You must also be completely ignorant about audio recording and its hardware requirements.

My computers are tools. They are not eye-candy.

I live in a one bedroom apartment, so my recording space and my computer space are one in the same. It's just my situation right now...

[JodyK]

I gotta chime in on this one. First of all I gotta say obviously it's your computer and you know you needs better then any of us ...BUT with that said I would strongly urge against this idea. Much of this has been covered but

1. This will void your Mac Pro warranty
2. Most studio settings have the computer in a separate room with wires running back to the Mac Pro ... If you can't do the traditional glass window separation type set up ... How about a closet in the room? Maybe you are running a 1 man set up and wanna work on the Pro while recording? If so I urge you to still reconsider ... Put the Pro in the corner and run a bluetooth keyboard mouse and long cord to the monitor. BTW the fan is not that loud and will todays high end Mics you should be fine.
3. The Pro's get HOT and putting it in a small confined area will certainly shorten it's life. Have you ever been in a server room? There is a reason why it's cold in there for their high end computers.
4. This will destroy your resell on it ... But I will offer you $100 now for it when you either botch the cuts or when your done with it :)
5. Apple products not only do the job but always look good doing it ... You will kill the looks
6. The 1st link you posted of those that have done it was a guy who was asking about it ... as you are and honestly I think he was only joking ... as I hope you are!

[kellen]

Pics of desk! Just gotta see what this thing looks like where it is worth it to cut up the computer.

That said if its an heirloom or means anything to you, I understand. MPs are a dime (many) a dozen while sentimental value is priceless.

[strausd]

You must come from a world where good desks are cheap and abundant, and storage space to keep them in (and a means to get the desks there) is as well. I do not live in this world.

You must also be completely ignorant about audio recording and its hardware requirements.

My computers are tools. They are not eye-candy.

I live in a one bedroom apartment, so my recording space and my computer space are one in the same. It's just my situation right now...

I don't see why everyone is going crazy about this, it's your machine and you can do what you want with it. Cutting off the handles won't make it any less of a Mac Pro or any less powerful...

[alust2013]

Seriously, that will kill your computer. I have an old Dell with a P4 at home that gets HOT even half enclosed. A Mac Pro will put out likely 4 times the heat, not including the graphics card(s). Those suckers get even hotter than the CPU. If you have it fully enclosed, it will get way hotter than the components can handle and you will see several component failures. That aside, when they have proper ventilation and can keep cool, the Pros are all but silent. I have used one while pretty heavily editing in Final Cut, and I couldn't hear it. I could care less about the aesthetics of it, but that just isn't a good idea.

[Icaras]

I don't see why everyone is going crazy about this, it's your machine and you can do what you want with it. Cutting off the handles won't make it any less of a Mac Pro or any less powerful...

Aside from the cosmetic comments, the real bottom line that a lot of users are addressing here are

1.) Lack of ventilation in such a closed space may very well damage his MP from bad heat management due to restrictive air flow.

2.) Case modification will void any warranty or AppleCare he might still have with his Mac Pro.

3.) If #1 occurs, then #2 will make his situation SOL.

[cutthroughthebs]

Get an Xserve and rack mount it. If it's an argosy console desk I can see not altering it but they make mounts exclusively for a MP. I think your kinda stupid for tearing up a good box when you can just get a hackintosh because your priorities are definetely pretty wacked to say the least... ID really HATE to hear your music if this is your way of thinking. Your kinda off bud. I'm not a fanboy Im just smart enough to know if I haveenough cash to do the things you do Id just get an Xserve and call it.

[UltraNEO*]

You must come from a world where good desks are cheap and abundant, and storage space to keep them in (and a means to get the desks there) is as well. I do not live in this world.

You must also be completely ignorant about audio recording and its hardware requirements.

My computers are tools. They are not eye-candy.

I live in a one bedroom apartment, so my recording space and my computer space are one in the same. It's just my situation right now...

Speaking of studios, most production studios I've been to have their MacPro's rackmounted horizontally, occasionally secured to a 19" tray, other's in cabinets usually below other racked equipment or they're mounted in well padded flight cases... Sometimes they're hidden behind under their boards.

[images removed]

Mine however sits about two inches of the floor next to a stack of racks.

[EHVio]

What software are you going to be running? And through what kind of interface? I'm in the process of putting together an apartment-style recording studio as well. Gonna have to plan around these kids stomping around upstairs, but... Honestly, I'd try to find another spot to put it.... beside the desk or in a closet maybe? Closet seems like the best option honestly... Are you trying to use the closet as a booth or something? Or is it just too far away from where you're planning on having the desk?

I could care less what you do with the case. I'm not a fanboy, I'm just buying in for audio purposes... But think of this practically. Overheating can cause stability issues. I don't know if this is a personal studio or if you're having other musicians through, but the last thing you want is to be recording vocals for a track, and just as the vocalist gets 2/3 of the way through a perfect take, Protools crashes, taking that great take with it. I'm just saying. What happens if you do end up having stability issues? You'll have to take it out of the desk and just put it in the open or something... Possibly with sharp edges where you cut? Could be cable shredders...

But it's your computer. Do with it as you will...

[UltraNEO*]

I could care less what you do with the case. I'm not a fanboy, I'm just buying in for audio purposes...

It's not really about fanboy-ism.. If his MacPro ever failed, Apple will probably refuse to service the machine due to physical alternations. I know it's stupid.. but that's Apple.

[Apple Corps]

Ultra - how in the world can you say it would be stupid for Apple not to cover the MP under warranty after it has been hacked on with some type of saw that creates vibrations and metal particles that the MP was not designed to be subjected to.

I would applaud Apple for NOT HONORING any warranty after such an alteration.

If the OP wants to hack away on it - so be it. I suspect the relevant points have been covered here several times by now.

[MacHamster68]

Actually they should like him, he's obviously not the sort of fashion computing permavirgin who'll refuse to buy an Apple product because they make a physical design change he doesn't agree with. One less person they have to worry about when they're designing.

Did you cry when the bad people from the internet smashed an iPad, too?
no but i was furious and cried out for the death penalty when these kids destroyed a imac g3 and if i would catch them i would not care and take the next rope and hang them myself ....surly would teach them a lesson

[UltraNEO*]

Ultra - how in the world can you say it would be stupid for Apple not to cover the MP under warranty after it has been hacked on with some type of saw that creates vibrations and metal particles that the MP was not designed to be subjected to.

I would applaud Apple for NOT HONORING any warranty after such an alteration.

If the OP wants to hack away on it - so be it. I suspect the relevant points have been covered here several times by now.

Yeah you're right... I should of said it'll be unfair for Apple to honour his/her warranty after making such alterations but at the end of the day, we can't stop him/her from doing so, only make them aware of what their actions can lead to should the hardware fail.

Personally I don't give two hoots if the OP decides to shave off all the right-angles and make it into a doughnut - what I will say though is this... if your MacPro is seriously important, have the hardware insured, them make all the mods after.. just don't inform the insurance company (ok that's being dishonest...)

Anyway with all that's said and done, we're all here to offer our advice and opinions... isn't that what the OP is seeking? Why else post a thread of his/her intentions???

[UltraNEO*]

I've got a desk that has a 16 + 7/8" tall space for a computer (that's 42.75 cm for the rest of the world). I want to fit a mac pro in there.

For Mac Pro owners:
What is the height of your mac pro without the handles?

For handypeople:
What kind of tools would I need for this job? I would be willing to bring it to someone with the tools and knowhow, but I would still like to know what you believe to be the best route to achieving a functional and aesthetically pleasing handle chop.

A couple of people have done it, but there are really no step-by-step guides, or detailed pictures.
See here (http://www.tbray.org/ongoing/When/200x/2008/04/04/Hack-the-Mac) and here (http://www.maclife.com/forums/topic/100267).

BTW... I don't know did you read the FULL article on your first link. The owners didn't end up hacking the tops of their MacPro:p

Solution · Lauren, who’s much more mechanically inclined than me, figured out that the space was big enough, there was just a lip around the front keeping us from squeezing the Mac in. So she got a saw that wasn’t a hacksaw, and opened up the flimsy plywood back of the desk. There was already a hole there for wires and ventilation; now it’s much bigger. The Mac slipped right in.

But you can hack yours!!!
I believe an angle grinder will be perfect!! ;)

[Capt Underpants]

What software are you going to be running? And through what kind of interface? I'm in the process of putting together an apartment-style recording studio as well. Gonna have to plan around these kids stomping around upstairs, but... Honestly, I'd try to find another spot to put it.... beside the desk or in a closet maybe? Closet seems like the best option honestly... Are you trying to use the closet as a booth or something? Or is it just too far away from where you're planning on having the desk?

I could care less what you do with the case. I'm not a fanboy, I'm just buying in for audio purposes... But think of this practically. Overheating can cause stability issues. I don't know if this is a personal studio or if you're having other musicians through, but the last thing you want is to be recording vocals for a track, and just as the vocalist gets 2/3 of the way through a perfect take, Protools crashes, taking that great take with it. I'm just saying. What happens if you do end up having stability issues? You'll have to take it out of the desk and just put it in the open or something... Possibly with sharp edges where you cut? Could be cable shredders...

But it's your computer. Do with it as you will...

I've got Logic 9, a Fireface 800, some Adam A7's, and a decently treated (but small) space. I'm thinking about getting some ribbon mics, as my vocals have been overly sibilant in the past -- and instrument recordings have been generally sterile. I'm hoping they'll give me a little more mojo. The only downside is that their figure 8 pattern will pick up more of the sound of my space.

I really don't foresee having to send the thing back to Apple. I've never had to send a computer back to Apple for repairs -- certainly not a desktop that just sits in one spot. I'm getting the single CPU mac pro with one hard drive. Since I'm doing audio recording could care less about a nice graphics card -- so heat from that will be negligible.

Maybe I'm underestimating the cooling requirements of a mac pro. Maybe not. We'll see.

[Transporteur]

I really don't foresee having to send the thing back to Apple. I've never had to send a computer back to Apple for repairs -- certainly not a desktop that just sits in one spot. I'm getting the single CPU mac pro with one hard drive. Since I'm doing audio recording could care less about a nice graphics card -- so heat from that will be negligible.

Maybe I'm underestimating the cooling requirements of a mac pro. Maybe not. We'll see.

You certainly do!
Even the single CPU versions with only a single hard drive and graphics card consume a lot of power, hence produce masses of heat.
Encapsulating the computer really is a bad idea. It makes the fans speed up, which consequently produces noise, and from what I've understood, you want a silent machine.

The other very important thing is the warranty. You're very lucky that you didn't have a single failure of your Apple machines till now, but that does not mean that your new Pro will run flawless for whatever time you intend to use it.
The moment you cut of the handles, you simply wasted $3000. The machine is totally worthless after that and you don't have ANY warranty coverage. If the PSU or Logic Board fails (most common failures in a Mac Pro) you can buy a new machine.
Personally, I'd buy a decent rack for the Pro and your other equipment.
Might be more expensive in the first place, but might be well cheaper than buying a completely new computer after a few month, or a year...

[rajbonham]

This thread is three pages long and he still wants to chop off the handles. I say screw it, just let him saw off the handles. It's obviously what he wants to do. It's going to be a real slap to the face when he tries to honor his warranty after something goes wrong.

[snberk103]

All kidding aside (and I did kid you a few pages back)....

Ventilation will be big issue. I had an old PC tower that I put into a desk similar to what I think you are thinking of doing. It got really hot in there, and this was not a big, modern, PC. I ended up cutting out most of the back of that part of the desk - essentially when I pulled the desk out from the wall most of the back of the PC tower was accessible - and allowed good air flow. As well, I cut a bunch of aprox. 1 inch holes in the bottom of the desk shelf so that cool air could enter the space from below, and then I figured the PC would blow the hot air out the back. My desk was on legs so that there was good airflow below it.

Recently I put a DSL modem and wireless router into a small box (to visually hide them). These weren't anything special - just plain consumer models.... Anyway, I thought I had cut enough holes in the box to allow them to breathe. A few days later I had to reset the router, and I realized it had gotten really toasty in that box. I had to cut the entire back and top off the box to allow enough air to flow. My point is.... even after you have cut enough holes for ventilation, check your temperatures carefully.... there are some free utilities that will monitor things.

It might be more helpful at this point to post pictures of the desk, front, back and inside. Perhaps we can help with the desk modifications?

One last point.... the bottom handles minimizes the dust the system sucks up from the floor. I read something way back in the dark ages, that lifting a system up even an inch or two from the floor eliminates something like 80% of the dust that accumulates inside. I know that inside a desk will be relatively dust free, but since the system will be sucking in air from the outside, some dust will be coming in with it.

[EHVio]

I've got Logic 9, a Fireface 800, some Adam A7's, and a decently treated (but small) space. I'm thinking about getting some ribbon mics, as my vocals have been overly sibilant in the past -- and instrument recordings have been generally sterile. I'm hoping they'll give me a little more mojo. The only downside is that their figure 8 pattern will pick up more of the sound of my space.

I really don't foresee having to send the thing back to Apple. I've never had to send a computer back to Apple for repairs -- certainly not a desktop that just sits in one spot. I'm getting the single CPU mac pro with one hard drive. Since I'm doing audio recording could care less about a nice graphics card -- so heat from that will be negligible.

Maybe I'm underestimating the cooling requirements of a mac pro. Maybe not. We'll see.

The ribbon mic might do well to add some timbre to the instrument recordings... May I suggest looking at something like the Rode NT2a though? It's a pretty affordable large capsule condenser that does quite well with vocals and serves plenty of other purposes. Gives you multiple High-Pass Filter settings (which is a godsend in an apartment and allows you to cut out a lot of strange apartment noises), it's got 3 pattern settings(omni, cardiod, and figure 8), and 3 position PAD (0db, -5db, -10db). Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of ribbon mics (I'm a violinist) but for a small setup, you'll want versatile as well, and the NT2a will give you just that AND it sounds great for vocals to boot. *shrug* What mics are you currently using?

As for the heat, let me put it this way. I'm typing this on an old Windows XP laptop with a Pentium M (read, lowwww power draw). If the cooling path is obstructed AT ALL, I start to have stability issues/crash within 10 minutes. You're talking about putting it in an enclosure that will have it recycling hot air. Hot air does not cool well, and there's a high likelihood that it will just get hotter and hotter and hotter until you crash. The computer will USUALLY shut itself off before things get TOO hot to avoid damage, but be aware that today's lead-free solders aren't the greatest at dealing with repeated deep heat cycles, and you're at the very least looking at potential stability issues. When you're mixing a track and loading up plug-ins and EQ's and sorts, you're going to be running that CPU hard. I realize that your MP is nothing but an appliance, but it's quite a pricey appliance. Hell, I baby the hell out of my audio cables because I don't want to go out and have to re-purchase them, much less my computer... I just see this as quite a gamble... If you do it, make SURE you cover EVERY opening very well... The griding job WILL get dusty. Make sure you read this a couple times: Conductive dust... electricity... bad idea.... You know how dust tends to get EVERYWHERE? Yeah...

But post pics when you're done if you do it:D And post the story when it fries:o

[Apple Corps]

"One last point.... the bottom handles minimizes the dust the system sucks up from the floor. I read something way back in the dark ages, that lifting a system up even an inch or two from the floor eliminates something like 80% of the dust that accumulates inside. I know that inside a desk will be relatively dust free, but since the system will be sucking in air from the outside, some dust will be coming in with it."[/QUOTE]

I'll echo that from experience this week. We live in a VERY DUSTY AREA - dust bunnies rule the house despite routine efforts to control them. I decided to dust my MP - been about 18 months since I last did that. The MP sits on two books to keep it about 2" above the carpet.

Inside was almost dust free - amazing.

[Capt Underpants]

The ribbon mic might do well to add some timbre to the instrument recordings... May I suggest looking at something like the Rode NT2a though? It's a pretty affordable large capsule condenser that does quite well with vocals and serves plenty of other purposes. Gives you multiple High-Pass Filter settings (which is a godsend in an apartment and allows you to cut out a lot of strange apartment noises), it's got 3 pattern settings(omni, cardiod, and figure 8), and 3 position PAD (0db, -5db, -10db). Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of ribbon mics (I'm a violinist) but for a small setup, you'll want versatile as well, and the NT2a will give you just that AND it sounds great for vocals to boot. *shrug* What mics are you currently using?


I've got a well-respected multi-pattern condenser -- an AKG C414. The "sound" of condensers just doesn't do it for me -- at least the very few that I've tried. They have a harsh/brittle high end that doesn't lend itself very well to my recording tasks.

I've also got a pair of Oktava MK12's that I mostly use for stereo micing my acoustic guitar and glockenspiel. I've tried these on my vox and they're sibilant as well. I just have harsh S's, I suppose.

As for ribbon mics, I'll probably go with a Shinybox 46 or a modded Cascade Fathead. May need to get a new preamp, as I'm not sure the Fireface will have enough clean gain for them. We'll see.

[oilfighter]

Capt Underpants: It's your Mac Pro, if you really want to hack off the handles, by all means, go for it.

BUT, putting your Mac Pro inside a confined, small space is just not going to work! There is a reason why there are 3 large fans blowing air in the case. If you put the computer into a small cabinet, it's going to get hotter and hotter.

Here's my experience, and you can take it or leave it. Once I was having vibration issues with one of my PC fans. So I disconnected 2 of the 3 fans that was in the case, trying to isolate the fan that was having the issue. Within 5 minutes, I can hear the CPU fan ramp up it's RPM, b/ it wasn't getting enough cool air, and this is with the side panel open. I can't imagine what the fan would be doing sitting inside a tiny cabinet. You'll probably end up with a broken, and sad looking Mac Pro in the end...

[jjahshik32]

The desk is more important than the mac pro?!? Is it a desk made of solid gold??

I wouldnt hack off the handles on the mac pro to be able to fit in a desk!

Think about how ugly that'll make the mac pro look, not to mention dramatically reduce the resale value.

Unless the desk costs $3000+, I'd understand but if the desk doesnt cost as much as the mac pro, your crazy.

[you39]

http://www.ikea.com/

[wordoflife]

Users should be able to alter their computer how they please.
I just suggest you don't do it. If something happens, and AppleCare doesn't cover it your investment will go down the drain. From what you say, you seem like you want to put the computer in the case so it makes less sound. In all honesty, it is only going to be louder. The fans are going to have to work harder to push/pull air. So when your Mac Pro dies from overheating, you won't be able to get it fixed from Apple.

To me, it's a dumb idea. Move your Mac Pro somewhere else.

[nanofrog]

Users should be able to alter their computer how they please.
I just suggest you don't do it. If something happens, and AppleCare doesn't cover it your investment will go down the drain. From what you say, you seem like you want to put the computer in the case so it makes less sound. In all honesty, it is only going to be louder. The fans are going to have to work harder to push/pull air. So when your Mac Pro dies from overheating, you won't be able to get it fixed from Apple.

To me, it's a dumb idea. Move your Mac Pro somewhere else.
In this instance, it's not an issue of choice, but practicality over financial matters (warranty support) and environmental concerns (noise and heat).

The easiest solution would be to run longer cables IMO, as there's no modifications to either the desk or system, leaving the warranty in tact, and prevent the system from overheating and ramping up the fans.

There are also sound dampened cases (i.e. racks), but they do have a cooling system that can handle the system (can handle up to 2kW of heat). Of course, they're close to, or more expensive than the computer's base MSRP, depending on the specific MP model and options (24u version is a bit over $3700USD from what I'm seeing for pricing). :eek: ;)

[Icaras]

http://www.ikea.com/

+1

[sparkie1984]

The ribbon mic might do well to add some timbre to the instrument recordings... May I suggest looking at something like the Rode NT2a though? It's a pretty affordable large capsule condenser that does quite well with vocals and serves plenty of other purposes. Gives you multiple High-Pass Filter settings (which is a godsend in an apartment and allows you to cut out a lot of strange apartment noises), it's got 3 pattern settings(omni, cardiod, and figure 8), and 3 position PAD (0db, -5db, -10db). Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of ribbon mics (I'm a violinist) but for a small setup, you'll want versatile as well, and the NT2a will give you just that AND it sounds great for vocals to boot. *shrug* What mics are you currently using?

As for the heat, let me put it this way. I'm typing this on an old Windows XP laptop with a Pentium M (read, lowwww power draw). If the cooling path is obstructed AT ALL, I start to have stability issues/crash within 10 minutes. You're talking about putting it in an enclosure that will have it recycling hot air. Hot air does not cool well, and there's a high likelihood that it will just get hotter and hotter and hotter until you crash. The computer will USUALLY shut itself off before things get TOO hot to avoid damage, but be aware that today's lead-free solders aren't the greatest at dealing with repeated deep heat cycles, and you're at the very least looking at potential stability issues. When you're mixing a track and loading up plug-ins and EQ's and sorts, you're going to be running that CPU hard. I realize that your MP is nothing but an appliance, but it's quite a pricey appliance. Hell, I baby the hell out of my audio cables because I don't want to go out and have to re-purchase them, much less my computer... I just see this as quite a gamble... If you do it, make SURE you cover EVERY opening very well... The griding job WILL get dusty. Make sure you read this a couple times: Conductive dust... electricity... bad idea.... You know how dust tends to get EVERYWHERE? Yeah...

But post pics when you're done if you do it:D And post the story when it fries:o


wear a mask too, i cant imagine its healthy breathing it in!!!!!

[seclusion]

I have my Mac Pro (1,1) in my control room.
As I sound proofed and worked on my acoustics I could hear my (then PC) a mile away. (My room isn't that big)!
I bought a Mac Pro soon after because I had the $$ and now I hear nothing.
I record vox and acoustic guitar with AT and Rode's condenser mics, close and distant.
I've spent approx $2000 doing sound proofing and acoustics and still the loudest thing in my room is (the rest of my house).
I can not hear the fans recorded from my Mac Pro.
One of my recordings earlier, before room treatment, I could hear the hard drives working. But not now.
A secret is to have the Mac somewhere away from you mics.
Have your mics aimed away from gear.
After that I would say we're getting too anal about the recording, cause most of what you record will have noise as well, breathing, pick noise, the cat running in, kids, the laundry room.
Wrecking the Mac Pro will also ruin your resale value.
How many times have we said "this is the last computer I will ever need"?
Well my 06 Mac Pro is running awesome, but I could get $1200-$1400 for a trade-in value when I see the next release. Hopefully I can spend $1500 or so and get the 2010 model in the next few months!

Later
Brian

[Sharky II]

not only is it not an issue unless you're recording REALLY close (<2 meters) to the computer and are pointing the mic in the direction of the computer - you especially won't notice it with a ribbon mic

just put it next to the desk and stop being ridiculous

[reberto]

You must come from a world where good desks are cheap and abundant, and storage space to keep them in (and a means to get the desks there) is as well. I do not live in this world.

You must also be completely ignorant about audio recording and its hardware requirements.

My computers are tools. They are not eye-candy.

I live in a one bedroom apartment, so my recording space and my computer space are one in the same. It's just my situation right now...

You can't afford a new desk but you can afford a Mac Pro? You can afford to destroy the structural integrity of the case? You can afford to buy a new logic board/CPU/power supply/GPU when they all burn out because you're a fool and shoved it into a desk that can't even keep a Macbook Pro cool? And its been said time and time again that even without the handles the Mac Pro is STILL TOO TALL TO FIT.

Kid, get your priorities in order. Go to monoprice.com (http://www.monoprice.com/home/index.asp), get some long cables, move it farrrr away from where you do your "recording" and call it a day.

[Icaras]

You can't afford a new desk but you can afford a Mac Pro? You can afford to destroy the structural integrity of the case? You can afford to buy a new logic board/CPU/power supply/GPU when they all burn out because you're a fool and shoved it into a desk that can't even keep a Macbook Pro cool? And its been said time and time again that even without the handles the Mac Pro is STILL TOO TALL TO FIT.

Kid, get your priorities in order. Go to monoprice.com (http://www.monoprice.com/home/index.asp), get some long cables, move it farrrr away from where you do your "recording" and call it a day.

To be fair, there are recording desks out there that cost several thousand dollars (http://www.argosyconsole.com for example).

But then again, I highly doubt hes housing one of these bad boys in his one room apartment. :rolleyes:

[Concorde Rules]

I have to echo what some people say in here.

If money is an issue then the *last* thing you want is to void the warranty just so it will fit in a desk.

Long cables, stick it by the desk or something, don't cut the handles off.

[Luis Ortega]

I found a picture of a G5 with the handles removed, for those curious:

If they had any artistic sense, they should have rounded off those jagged corners.

[Capt Underpants]

To be fair, there are recording desks out there that cost several thousand dollars (http://www.argosyconsole.com for example).

But then again, I highly doubt hes housing one of these bad boys in his one room apartment. :rolleyes:

I don't. One day I will though -- along with a dedicated, treated recording space and some nice outboard gear. It will take me time to accomplish this, but it will be done.

[Capt Underpants]

You can't afford a new desk but you can afford a Mac Pro? You can afford to destroy the structural integrity of the case? You can afford to buy a new logic board/CPU/power supply/GPU when they all burn out because you're a fool and shoved it into a desk that can't even keep a Macbook Pro cool? And its been said time and time again that even without the handles the Mac Pro is STILL TOO TALL TO FIT.

Kid, get your priorities in order. Go to monoprice.com (http://www.monoprice.com/home/index.asp), get some long cables, move it farrrr away from where you do your "recording" and call it a day.

Kid,

Stop being an ******* on the internet.

[Icaras]

I don't. One day I will though -- along with a dedicated, treated recording space and some nice outboard gear. It will take me time to accomplish this, but it will be done.

Then if this is your goal, you do need to set your priorities straight. I fail to see the "sentimental value" of your desk when you are already dreaming of getting bigger and better things in the professional industry. Also, retaining your resell value of your computer and your link to Apple warranty are two things professionals should never do with out.

Resell = more gear, more software, more studio expansion.

Warranty = saved money = more gear, more software, more studio expansion.

As a recording musician myself, I know how crucial it is to keep the value of your gear, computer included, and from experience, AppleCare saved my ass twice with my old PowerMac G5. Having to have my Logic board replaced would have costs me well over a thousand dollars. I'm pretty sure you don't want to be in that situation. The last thing you want is rejection from Apple. Your computer is the heart of your Recording studio, so treat it like so. It is probably the most important thing in your recording studio that should have the most protection.

I just hope you get a new Mac Pro once you get your new Argosy desk. A MP with chopped off handles is going to look rather funny next to such a clean, professional desk.

[snberk103]

There is some good advice here, but the thread was much more fun to read when it was full of over-the-top dramatics over the sacrilege of cutting off those beautiful handles..... :rolleyes:

[iCheddar]

I wonder if it would be possible to remove one's hands using a Mac Pro.

Any suggestions? I've got a glove compartment with only room for my hands, nothing else, and I'd like to use a Mac Pro to remove them.

[lemonade-maker]

I wonder if it would be possible to remove one's hands using a Mac Pro.

Any suggestions? I've got a glove compartment with only room for my hands, nothing else, and I'd like to use a Mac Pro to remove them.

Cut the handles off. Grind the handles to a razor-sharp edge. Should be able to cut one of your hands off. Might need to get someone's help to cut the other one off. If you do this, please post video.

[goMac]

I had my 2008 Mac Pro in a corner in my room in open air and the GPU died. The machine also runs very hot. Much much hotter than a Macbook Pro. It will heat my entire home office.

When the graphics card dies (or anything else dies), Apple usually makes you bring in the entire machine. When they see it's modified your warranty will be gone.

This entire plan is full of fail. Move it to another room. If the machine does die, you've spent $3000 on a machine that Apple will never fix because of the handles.

Or buy a new desk. I've had to change desks for different setups. Just did it two months ago. It's not a big deal and it's part of maintaining a workspace.

[Apple Pi]

How is it that nobody thought to just raise the desk up on some blocks? Create more space underneath without hacking anything up. OP gets to keep his precious desk, Mac Pro gets to keep its fabulous industrial design and warranty intact. Best solution can sometimes be the simplest, people.

I've been lurking for the last few days waiting for anyone to suggest this - was making me nuts so I had to register.

[goMac]

How is it that nobody thought to just raise the desk up on some blocks? Create more space underneath without hacking anything up. OP gets to keep his precious desk, Mac Pro gets to keep its fabulous industrial design and warranty intact. Best solution can sometimes be the simplest, people.

I've been lurking for the last few days waiting for anyone to suggest this - was making me nuts so I had to register.

The impression I got was there is a cabinet in his desk he wants to put it in, in which case raising the desk does nothing...

[rajbonham]

How is it that nobody thought to just raise the desk up on some blocks? Create more space underneath without hacking anything up. OP gets to keep his precious desk, Mac Pro gets to keep its fabulous industrial design and warranty intact. Best solution can sometimes be the simplest, people.

I've been lurking for the last few days waiting for anyone to suggest this - was making me nuts so I had to register.

Hate to break it to you, but I'm sure many of us thought of that already. I know I did. If you read things more carefully, I believe he is putting the computer into a cabinet on the desk. That means the cabinet has a bottom. Raising the desk would just, well, raise the whole desk. The only way your method will work is if he takes out the bottom panel to the cabinet.

In conclusion, it would seem that you aren't some sort of super-genius, just someone who can't read carefully.

[Apple Pi]

Now I feel like a real fool, you're right! Well, put me in the "don't hack anything up if you can avoid it" camp anyway.

[rajbonham]

Now I feel like a real fool, you're right! Well, put me in the "don't hack anything up if you can avoid it" camp anyway.

Haha, no worries! I've been known to not read things very carefully either. :)

[telequest]

I would bet that 90.783 percent of the traffic on this thread is because we're all going bonkers waiting for the long-anticipated 2010 Mac Pro release ... so we'll read (and discuss) practically anything to keep our sanity.

[Icaras]

I would bet that 90.783 percent of the traffic on this thread is because we're all going bonkers waiting for the long-anticipated 2010 Mac Pro release ... so we'll read (and discuss) practically anything to keep our sanity.

Ha! I think you're on to something here.

Also, I was humoring myself thinking, it would suck for the OP if the 2010 Mac Pro came with a "No handles" CTO option :p

[Capt Underpants]

Ha! I think you're on to something here.

Also, I was humoring myself thinking, it would suck for the OP if the 2010 Mac Pro came with a "No handles" CTO option :p

That would be just my luck :(

And then all of the people berating me for wanting to cut the handles off would praise apple for their magnificent and revolutionary design.

And the wheel turns...

[kellen]

That would be just my luck :(

And then all of the people berating me for wanting to cut the handles off would praise apple for their magnificent and revolutionary design.

And the wheel turns...

Hopefully a cutting wheel, I wanna see some finished pics.

People sure are getting worked up, its just a computer.

[alphaod]

Should I conclude that from reading all the posts that the handles were not cut off?

Anyways, I would have suggested using a Dremel (with the flex shaft) and a tungsten carbide cutter. Works great cutting through the soft aluminium.

[Capt Underpants]

Should I conclude that from reading all the posts that the handles were not cut off?

Anyways, I would have suggested using a Dremel (with the flex shaft) and a tungsten carbide cutter. Works great cutting through the soft aluminium.

That is correct; no Mac Pros were harmed in the making of this thread.

But your suggestion is duly noted. ;)

[snberk103]

That would be just my luck :(

And then all of the people berating me for wanting to cut the handles off would praise apple for their magnificent and revolutionary design.

And the wheel turns...

Fair enough, and you are absolutely correct.

Once upon a time, when I was avoiding work one afternoon, I recall reading a thread by a bunch of hardcore-gaming/PC-tower-hacking enthusiasts. I don't think you are interested in their experiments-in and results-of their home-made liquid cooling radiators for their over-clocked and over-heating CPUs, (often disastrous) however.....

There was also a discussion on creating essentially a muffler for the exhaust fans. In the simpler projects, they would a) ensure that all fans were pulling in fresh air from the front (in towers with multiple fans this was not always the default) and, b) pushing the hot exhaust out the back (again, with multiple fans this was not always the default). They would then build a skirt or funnel around the back, and using PVC pipe either pipe the hot air/sound into a U-shape (muffling the sound somewhat) and/or just away from the area that needed to be quiet (and cool).

The more complex projects added the skirt to the front and piped the fresh air in from somewhere cooler than the tower, and also moved the sound of the tower from the front to wherever the pipe opened up.

The most complex projects encased the tower and pipes in soundproofing, and added fans to the pipes themselves to really move the air around.

The cables were threaded through grommets, sometimes with rubber washers and often with epoxy sealing the hole. Various complex mechanisms were employed to allow them to get into the machines when required.

I think what you can take from this is.... it may be possible to modify this desk, or another appropriate container, to allow lots of air to move around and keep the noise contained.

I was also wondering if it may be possible to buy a totally defunct Mac Pro, take all the innards out, and then cut the handles off of that one. Put the innards of your new Mac Pro into the, um - shortened version - and save the new enclosure. If you ever needed warranty service, or wanted to trade-in your Mac Pro you could then reinsert the innards into the original enclosure. The added benefit of hacking away at an empty enclosure is that its a lot easier to clean all the potentially system killing shards out of it, or perhaps you can find a way to just unscrew the handles without all the innards in the way.

Any good power saw with a good blade should be fine. A friend of mine says that aluminium is no "harder" than a good hardwood, and works with it all the time.

Good Luck.

[nanofrog]

I was also wondering if it may be possible to buy a totally defunct Mac Pro, take all the innards out, and then cut the handles off of that one. Put the innards of your new Mac Pro into the, um - shortened version - and save the new enclosure.
I should think so, but one has to be sure the "defunct" unit has the right internals, as they changed for the '09 systems. So the newest ones may be nearly impossible to find used. New, sure, but they're not cheap.

But still considerably cheaper than a new computer if it actually breaks with no warranty support due to the original case being modified. ;)

[you39]

That would be just my luck :(

And then all of the people berating me for wanting to cut the handles off would praise apple for their magnificent and revolutionary design.

And the wheel turns...

On a side note, if this has not been mentioned before, Apples Blue & White/Graphite/Quicksilver towers had handles that could be removed with a simple hex screw. Not that it would help you.

[mjsmke]

You will void your warranty..........Apple will not look at your Mac if you do this.

I bought a Mac Pro 2 months ago and made a new desk.

Stop being stupid and put it next to, ontop of, behind your desk.

[UltraNEO*]

My god!!
You folks still rambling on about his? Where's the progress report?

Capt Underpants, if you're still reading my replies. Can I/we see photos of your customised MacPro please? And did you round off those share edges to match the curvature of the front and rear bezel?

Photos please... :):)


Customization is fun!
http://static.ultraneo.com/mac/Panel-20100521-191147.jpg
I want a Florescent pink one :D

[Icaras]

Customization is fun!

Voided warranty: Not fun!!

[nanofrog]

Voided warranty: Not fun!!
Well, there has been mention of using a separate case (mod that one), and keep the original for warranty purposes. It would be a PITA to swap parts back and forth for warranty support, but if they want a modded case bad enough, it's a possibility at least. :p

[lemonade-maker]

I did a search on ebay for "MB535LL/A case" and found one for $299 + $45.00 for shipping, 5 available. Not too bad really. I'd go that route.

[UltraNEO*]

Voided warranty: Not fun!!

What happens of the Mac no longer has a warranty? They do expire and not everyone buys the APP for a desktop. no?
Well.. I don't have applecare for desktop.. only for mobile systems.

[nanofrog]

What happens of the Mac no longer has a warranty? They do expire and not everyone buys the APP for a desktop. no?
Well.. I don't have applecare for desktop.. only for mobile systems.
Well in that case, carve away if you're feeling adventurous. :D

And don't forget to post pics if you do. :p

[ventro]

I think the mac pro definitely needs a case redesign. All those holes are from the G5 era, they are not needed anymore.

[Techhie]

I think the mac pro definitely needs a case redesign. All those holes are from the G5 era, they are not needed anymore.

Those holes are essential to air intake when the fans are on high.

OP, in the event of a massive failure after the alterations have been done, why don't you just order another case? 2009 link (http://cgi.ebay.com/Apple-Mac-Pro-Tower-Case-MB535LL-A-NEW-w-Power-Supply-/220607907633?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Apple_Desktops&hash=item335d418731) or 2008 link (http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Apple-Mac-Pro-Tower-Case-A1186-MINT-MA970LL-A-/220608468762?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Apple_Desktops&hash=item335d4a171a)

It would be very tedious to transfer all of the components completely, however it seems favorable over paying for a fried logic board.

[UltraNEO*]

Well in that case, carve away if you're feeling adventurous. :D

And don't forget to post pics if you do. :p

Thanks all the same but I like my MP as it is.
Though I wouldn't mind a bit more storage space (as usual).

[nanofrog]

Though I wouldn't mind a bit more storage space (as usual).
You'd have to take matters into your own hands though (ready made or DIY). But mod things like the HDD trays to hold 2x disks where possible sort of thing if you're going to DIY a solution, so no need to mod the actual case. Easier too IMO. ;)

[quatermass]

Just read this thread from start to finish, and to be honest - and sorry about this - I think the OP has got a serious problem:

OP wants to do 'serious' recording, with serious equipment, in a tiny space, and therefore has problems with noise from his Mac Pro. Also has a desk that has 'sentimental value', and thinks the solution is to lop chunks off the Mac to spare the desk, and simultaneously force the machine to operate in a way that it is not intended to.

The space you have is obviously inadequate. The desk is obviously causing more problems than it solves. The Mac is obviously of major importance in the setup and deserves to be given what it needs - air, space and a complete lack of aluminium swarf in its inards.

So...if the space you have is inadequate, a piece of furniture is causing you to make unnecessary choices, and the core of your operation is going to be butchered, cooked in its own juice and ultimately destroyed - it makes me wonder: exactly how serious are you about what you are doing? If you were serious about what you're doing, and I mean proper serious, you wouldn't have come here to ask the question in the first place - the answer is obvious.

So, I wish you luck, but not a lot. I'm sure you'll do the right thing, but only after exhausting all other possibilities.

[Techhie]

So...if the space you have is inadequate, a piece of furniture is causing you to make unnecessary choices, and the core of your operation is going to be butchered, cooked in its own juice and ultimately destroyed - it makes me wonder: exactly how serious are you about what you are doing? If you were serious about what you're doing, and I mean proper serious, you wouldn't have come here to ask the question in the first place - the answer is obvious.

So, I wish you luck, but not a lot. I'm sure you'll do the right thing, but only after exhausting all other possibilities.

If he is willing to go to such extremes to preserve the desk, I think we don't fully understand how important it is. He's said it's "sentimental," and I don't think he need explain more than that.

Who are you to dictate the OP's priorities? Suggesting he isn't serious is childish.

[quatermass]

fair enough... save the desk, at the expense of everything else. But if you're creative, and serious about what you're doing - serious enough to invest a big hunk of cash, time and effort, then you have to make tough choices at some point. This one is a no-brainer.

[Capt Underpants]

OP wants to do 'serious' recording, with serious equipment, in a tiny space, and therefore has problems with noise from his Mac Pro. Also has a desk that has 'sentimental value', and thinks the solution is to lop chunks off the Mac to spare the desk, and simultaneously force the machine to operate in a way that it is not intended to.

Do you do any recording?

And FYI, I didn't hack up the mac pro.

[quatermass]

Actually, yes. I play bass and rhythm guitars, and have recorded in a lot of studios, some big, some small, some home setups. So I know what good looks (and sounds) like. Also do recordings for voiceovers. Anyway... it's up to you of course, but when you put things like that out on a forum you're gonna get opinions. It's just that I'm old enough to know that if I'm serious about doing something, I can't and won't compromise or let sentimentality get in the way. Just my opinion though.

Glad to hear you didn't get the angle grinder out though... :)

[filmweaver]

I found a picture of a G5 with the handles removed, for those curious:

Looks Naked To Me!

[Capt Underpants]

Actually, yes. I play bass and rhythm guitars, and have recorded in a lot of studios, some big, some small, some home setups. So I know what good looks (and sounds) like. Also do recordings for voiceovers. Anyway... it's up to you of course, but when you put things like that out on a forum you're gonna get opinions. It's just that I'm old enough to know that if I'm serious about doing something, I can't and won't compromise or let sentimentality get in the way. Just my opinion though.

Glad to hear you didn't get the angle grinder out though... :)

I'm a fingerstyle guitarist -- and I've done a fair bit of recording myself -- both behind the console and in the live room in studios on my campus and elsewhere.

I'm surprised that you know what good recordings "look" like. If there's one thing I know, it's that looks don't matter when you're recording. Eyes need not apply. And that was precisely the point I was trying to make about hacking up the mac pro.

But I'm really over this, and I hope this thread dies soon.

[ryan42]

Do you have your Mac Pro yet? I think you may be underestimating just how much air the Mac Pro needs to suck into the front if you're considering putting it in an enclosed desk.

Under load a few days ago when the AC was out temps inside the house reached about 90 degrees, which is well below what the inside of a desk gets with a beigebox Pentium. I could take an 8.5 x 11" sheet of paper and the Mac Pro would suck it right up to its front and hold it there.

I've replaced a G4 power supply that got baked in a similar configuration, even though the back of the desk was 80 or so percent open.

Bottom line... the Pro needs its air intake unrestricted. That's why it has the cheese grater of a front-end that it does.

Have you considered turning it sideways under the desk or other options like that? Perhaps it could go in a neighboring room or closet with longer cables.

You may also have an easier time transporting the Mac Pro's innards to an ATX PC case and selling your case on eBay, as they can fetch quite a bit.

Regards.

[TonyK]

First, sound recording in an apartment and you're worried about fan noise. Having lived in some apartments, newer apartments are not very sound proof. My concern would be for noise coming through walls or ceiling/floor.

Next, as others pointed out, such a modification would likely void the Apple warranty. Glad you have not cut the handles off.

Also, a single processor? How much memory? My suggestion is at least dual processor and LOTS of memory so the system does not lag.

Good luck with your recordings.


You must come from a world where good desks are cheap and abundant, and storage space to keep them in (and a means to get the desks there) is as well. I do not live in this world.

You must also be completely ignorant about audio recording and its hardware requirements.

My computers are tools. They are not eye-candy.

I live in a one bedroom apartment, so my recording space and my computer space are one in the same. It's just my situation right now...

I've got Logic 9, a Fireface 800, some Adam A7's, and a decently treated (but small) space. I'm thinking about getting some ribbon mics, as my vocals have been overly sibilant in the past -- and instrument recordings have been generally sterile. I'm hoping they'll give me a little more mojo. The only downside is that their figure 8 pattern will pick up more of the sound of my space.

I really don't foresee having to send the thing back to Apple. I've never had to send a computer back to Apple for repairs -- certainly not a desktop that just sits in one spot. I'm getting the single CPU mac pro with one hard drive. Since I'm doing audio recording could care less about a nice graphics card -- so heat from that will be negligible.

Maybe I'm underestimating the cooling requirements of a mac pro. Maybe not. We'll see.

[Block]

If you don't want the legs... you might as well just buy the lian li case pre-apple modification: http://www.dansdata.com/pcv1000.htm

It isn't 100% exact but only Apple gets the Mac Pro version of it.

[Icaras]

Emperor Sidious to thread: "Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiise"

[Block]

Emperor Sidious to thread: "Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiise"

Didn't read up on it until today xD. At least it's <1 month old and not 1 year old =P

[Vylen]

Didn't read up on it until today xD. At least it's <1 month old and not 1 year old =P

I wonder what could be the oldest thread that can be revived in this subform - while staying relevant (instead of just posting garbage) :p

[planetdom]

Can we see a picture of your desk so we all canhave a good laugh,and also if any one's being sentimental its you over your desk

[WardC]

You are just killing the resale value of your Mac Pro if you do this...