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macrumors member
Original poster
Dec 20, 2012
36
14
What form factor does the motherboard of MP 3.1 have? Would be a shame to not use the fine old MP casing so I figured one could perhaps install new hardware by replacing the motherboard (only using the power supply, cooling and dvd). Not restricted to run OS X. Possible?
 
As far as I know, the Mac Pros main logic board size is non-standard. That means you will have to make your own mount locations for whatever motherboard you plan on using.
 
What form factor does the motherboard of MP 3.1 have? Would be a shame to not use the fine old MP casing so I figured one could perhaps install new hardware by replacing the motherboard (only using the power supply, cooling and dvd). Not restricted to run OS X. Possible?

People have done this before over in the hackintosh forums, you might want to check it out for more information. But there is nothing easy about it. Other than the optical drive, nothing fits right... nothing.

Physically speaking, everything is custom. The power supply is different and the connectors on the supply are different. The case fans have different wiring, and even if you snip off the connectors to add normal connectors, the signals that the fans use are different.

There is no rear I/O panel on the Mac Pro case, so you'll have to make a rectangle hole with a hacksaw or dremel. The PCI slots won't line up unless you make risers just the right height for the motherboard.

etc etc
 
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