A yuppie with an old Mac Pro; crisis of faith explored.

[bennibeef]

What do you need the hardware for? Or what you need the hardware for and be happy in linux mint? I get it I use Mint from time to time too and other flavours are always around me but what are you doing you need an mac pro? Sounds like an iMac would make you feel fast today and could do everything you need. even a macbook pro might be better.

The Software is just not there in linux for most (common) approaches of work here in the forums it sounds like video and photo stuff, while I as a programmer could live easily under linux. But then a macbook hardware-wise is almost always good. (its lighting fast)

 

[Ph.D.]

I use CAD and simulation tools. The simulations I run can last for many days, and I need a computer that can run flat out, non-stop, without problems or excessive noise, indefinitely. My cMP takes whatever I throw at it without problems - the fans don't even speed up. I doubt an iMac would be satisfactory.

Furthermore, I have my computer (box) set up in an unused space, and operated remotely, mostly to avoid the heat and noise during long simulations. An iMac will not allow me to do that.

My general needs are office-type applications, photography and causal use (a few games once in a while). I'd still prefer a mac for these uses.

Update: Wow, this thing is about 3 times faster than my 3,1 for single core math (32 bit mode) and 50% faster for multi-core despite having half the physical cores. Memory bandwidth is 5 times faster in single and 3 times faster in multi-core. That's 8 years of progress showing, I suppose, and this isn't even a high core-count machine. Graphics performance is about the same, since all I did was move my 280X card. However, browsers, etc., feel far, far "snappier" due to how much faster the background work is done.

 

[ActionableMango]

Phanteks Enthoo Evolv micro-ATX case (high-end, aluminum exterior).

I looked it up and I really like the style.

With one exception...the window. Why do cases have to have a window? I'm an adult, not some kid trying to show off my UV-illuminated fan blades, tubes, and cables; RAM with flashing LEDs; and glowing GEFORCE/RADEON logos.

 

[Ph.D.]

I looked it up and I really like the style.

With one exception...the window. Why do cases have to have a window? I'm an adult, not some kid trying to show off my UV-illuminated fan blades, tubes, and cables; RAM with flashing LEDs; and glowing GEFORCE/RADEON logos.

I have the anthracite gray version (micro-ATX), and it looks awesome! All versions are painted, and I recommend the gray - very classy and professional looking. It really does look like a more modern take on the classic Mac Pro box. Sort of cMP meets Iron Man.

The main exterior panels (front, sides, top) are in very heavy aluminum. The side panels are on hinges, and the others snap on and off (seems sturdy). The interior and back are of standard steel construction, though one interior panel is also aluminum (black). There is good dust filtration. The disk mounting points and the side surrounds are damped with rubber or heavy foam to prevent vibration or rattles. It's very roomy for a micro-ATX case, and it's easy to work in. It holds up to 3 3.5" drives and 4 or more 2.5" drives (more if you delete the 3.5" drives). I like that it still has a place for a 5" drive (in the back), and I have a DVD burner in it. They have a full ATX version too, which is considerably bigger, has room for many more drives, but does not have mounting for a 5" drive.

Cons: I don't like the window either (my main complaint). I would have paid more, if necessary, to have a plain aluminum side. The air management, like in almost all PC cases, is haphazard and not as efficient as the cMP or nMP. This case is mostly intended and set up for water cooling (hence the size), but the pre-installed air cooling works well with my hardware.

If you can tolerate the window (just avoid blingy LEDs), then I can highly recommend this case. I think it's well worth the premium.

 

[ActionableMango]

If you can tolerate the window (just avoid blingy LEDs), then I can highly recommend this case. I think it's well worth the premium.

Thank you so much for the thorough description. I can tell we have similar concerns and tastes when it comes to cases.

I am not ready for hackintosh or even PC, but I have bookmarked this case. I have looked at a lot of cases and this one it as the top of the list, by far.