Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Mac Pro inside desk will it get too hot?
- Thread starter SLR2009
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Yes, very bad idea. Any computer depends on proper air-flow through the machine to keep it cool. Heat is the number #1 killer of computers and lack of proper ventilation will shorten it's life. Your Mom's Celeron Dell might work under such conditions, but I wouldn't put a dual CPU or high-end workstation of any description in such an enclosure.
Closed back = No-no. The Mac Pro relies almost entirely on blowing hot air out the back of the case to keep cool. Keep it at least 6-10 inches from the wall too.
I don't think any full tower desktop will A) fit in a desk, B) ever get close to enough cooling. My Pentium 4 linux box with 5 fans even over heats when I put it in my desk. (but it does make a nice desk warmer.)
YES
or plonk your MP on the desk (if you have space) with adequate rear space for proper airflow
That's what I did. I cut a large hole in the back , AND there's an area where the sides can't be seen while look at the front and I drilled a series of holes in it (like you see on boxes that have animals inside of them.)
My desk is 10 years old, but Plummers makes a version (with an AWFUL hutch) you can see at: http://www.plummersfurniture.com/?p...6&ps_session=a84fc311507e46d48339ef641d09bc73
Thanks guys. It looks like I'll be making an opening in the back of the desk behind the computer. How big should the opening be? the width and height of the computer?
One question, do they sell fans that you could put inside the opening of the desk so that it blows the heat outside?
Would it even be necessary if I make an opening in the back?
Again thanks for the comments.
One question, do they sell fans that you could put inside the opening of the desk so that it blows the heat outside?
Would it even be necessary if I make an opening in the back?
Again thanks for the comments.
Just cut out the entire back section where the computer will be. Don't try and size the hole to fit - just get rid of it all.
that might be good. I'd still be a little nervous about having it in a desk even with a hole in the back. but having an exhaust fan for the desk sounds like a good idea.
You'd just have to leave plenty of room between the back of the desk and the wall.
You'd just have to leave plenty of room between the back of the desk and the wall.
Would something like this work? Link
Any other external fans that I should consider or would that do the trick?
Would the usb powered fan that's plugged into the computer decrease it's performance if the fan's running all the time?
Any other external fans that I should consider or would that do the trick?
Would the usb powered fan that's plugged into the computer decrease it's performance if the fan's running all the time?
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
That wouldn't really do much, the Mac Pro has 3 of those fans IIRC
I can't suggest this is a good idea, it will cook pretty easily when under stress.
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
My desk has a CPU caddy on the bottom (but its opening barely clears the top of the machine), but the desk itself is open glass, so plenty of airflow reaches the front and back my Mac Pro. Plus, the room is well air conditioned. The machine is always cool to the touch and my CPU temps never really exceed 110 degrees F, even under heavy load.
I do agree that heat can be a bad thing, but as a random data point, the Apple Store near me has a Mac Pro that runs the monitors over the Genius Bar, and that thing is in a closed cabinet under the bar where the Pro has about an inch of room on the front and the back, and zero room on the side. Been running strong for the last two years, despite the odds going against it.