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MP 1,1-5,1 💾 Mac Pro 5,1 External Hard Drive Conversion

M

macbeliever

macrumors member
Original poster
Jan 20, 2008
65
3
I have a running Cheese grader Mac Pro. I want to convert it into a holding tank for hard drives. RAID doesn't matter to me. I create A LOT of video content. I's also use it as a cool prop.

How would you achieve this?
 
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macbeliever said:
I have a running Cheese grader Mac Pro. I want to convert it into a holding tank for hard drives. RAID doesn't matter to me. I create A LOT of video content. I's also use it as a cool prop.

How would you achieve this?
Click to expand...
First, are we talking about using the cMP as a NAS or are you dreaming you can direct attach the cMP to another system as external storage?

I am assuming NAS and you are still running a version of macOS. Which version? Are you considering using the drives installed in the cMP as scratch drives for video editing projects or just as storage for finished projects? If scratch drives for active projects, you are going to be severely challenged accessing the drives with enough throughput to make video editing practical. Maybe a 10GB ethernet hard-wired network might suffice but you'll be sharing folders via SMB. Also, using cMP as a NAS server would make for a very loud and power hungry NAS server.
 
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Bigwaff said:
First, are we talking about using the cMP as a NAS or are you dreaming you can direct attach the cMP to another system as external storage?

I am assuming NAS and you are still running a version of macOS. Which version? Are you considering using the drives installed in the cMP as scratch drives for video editing projects or just as storage for finished projects? If scratch drives for active projects, you are going to be severely challenged accessing the drives with enough throughput to make video editing practical. Maybe a 10GB ethernet hard-wired network might suffice but you'll be sharing folders via SMB. Also, using cMP as a NAS server would make for a very loud and power hungry NAS server.
Click to expand...
Great questions!

Not a scratch drive, just long term storage.
 
You would be better with something like this

www.amazon.co.uk

OWC Mercury Elite Pro Quad Four-Bay 3.5" Storage Enclosure

OWC Mercury Elite Pro Quad Four-Bay 3.5" Storage Enclosure
www.amazon.co.uk

Or a thunderbay (more expensive).

Depends what Mac you are connecting to and whether 3.5” HDD or SSD.

As @Bigwaff mentions above, running a cMP as a storage device will be costly.
 
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From your post, I was under the impression you where using a different Mac and just using your cMP for storage….?
 
macbeliever said:
Hey Mark,

Correct, just for storage. I thought it could be a fun project.
Click to expand...
Yes it probably will be…..;)
However if left running for constant access, it will be costly on electricity.
What Mac are you using as a daily driver, is the MacBook Pro in your sig?

My M2 Studio uses less power (maxed out) than my cMP at idle….
I have my cMP networked for screen sharing, as and when required.
 
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