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YaWA?

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jul 22, 2009
8
0
Hi,

UPS damaged my Mac Pro during shipment, leaving the handles pretty bent up. I've seen threads on here that describe similar situations; however, I haven't been able to find anything about what people might have done to fix it.

Does anyone have any idea how difficult it might be to move the components from my damaged Mac Pro into a new MP case? I've found a number of replacement cases out there on eBay and the like, but I can't seem to find if the cases are fairly interchangeable (e.g., would 2006 components fit into a 2008 case?). I generally feel pretty confident about my ability to swap out parts, but I'm left wondering if I should just live with the damaged case. If I can swap everything out, I'd prefer to do that (and I'd be happy to post pics of the process).

I know I'm a lurker here, but if anyone's willing to give me some advice I'd greatly appreciate it!

John
 

steffi

macrumors 6502a
Jun 7, 2003
865
12
Where did you buy your mac pro from?

Was it not insured?


Hi,

UPS damaged my Mac Pro during shipment, leaving the handles pretty bent up. I've seen threads on here that describe similar situations; however, I haven't been able to find anything about what people might have done to fix it.

Does anyone have any idea how difficult it might be to move the components from my damaged Mac Pro into a new MP case? I've found a number of replacement cases out there on eBay and the like, but I can't seem to find if the cases are fairly interchangeable (e.g., would 2006 components fit into a 2008 case?). I generally feel pretty confident about my ability to swap out parts, but I'm left wondering if I should just live with the damaged case. If I can swap everything out, I'd prefer to do that (and I'd be happy to post pics of the process).

I know I'm a lurker here, but if anyone's willing to give me some advice I'd greatly appreciate it!

John
 

YaWA?

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jul 22, 2009
8
0
I was actually the seller. I was assured by the UPS Store in my area that I'd packed it fine but lost the damage claim (even though I bought insurance!). Sigh. It's pretty upsetting, but what I wasn't aware of is that by using the UPS Store I waived the right to handle damage claims myself. The UPS Store submitted a claim and it was denied; UPS corporate won't let me appeal it since I'm not the "primary shipper."

So why let an otherwise perfectly good Mac Pro go to waste? I figured I could fix it back up and make the best of the situation :)
 

kellen

macrumors 68020
Aug 11, 2006
2,389
68
Seattle, WA
Either put it in a new case or part it out. Either way I think you are going to make money. Probably more with parting it out, but it may be over time vs. all at once if you sold it.
 

YaWA?

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jul 22, 2009
8
0
Thanks, all! I'd rather not resell/part it out at this point. I love my old Mac Pro and struggled with the idea of selling it in the first place. Now it's just a labor of love.

Anyone have any insight about the difference between 2006 / 2008 / 2009 Mac Pro cases? They have different part numbers, but they sure look the same to me (which, I realize, doesn't mean much when we're talking the internal case design).

John
 

brentsg

macrumors 68040
Oct 15, 2008
3,579
936
I was actually the seller. I was assured by the UPS Store in my area that I'd packed it fine but lost the damage claim (even though I bought insurance!). Sigh. It's pretty upsetting, but what I wasn't aware of is that by using the UPS Store I waived the right to handle damage claims myself. The UPS Store submitted a claim and it was denied; UPS corporate won't let me appeal it since I'm not the "primary shipper."

So why let an otherwise perfectly good Mac Pro go to waste? I figured I could fix it back up and make the best of the situation :)

Man that's a huge loophole.

Since you can't file a claim and they don't consider you the shipper.. then the UPS store is the shipper and UPS is the carrier. So you are paying the UPS Store to ship and insure the parcel. By examining the parcel and packaging, giving it the ok.. then taking your money for the insurance, I'd say they should be the ones left holding the bag.

You pay the insurance money, but then can't even file a claim or appeal. This sounds like the fox guarding the hen house to me.

Them taking your insurance money but then not making good on it once it's damaged is like you passing on the insurance, but then wanting to buy it after the fact when there's some damage.
 

jshbckr

macrumors 6502
Apr 20, 2007
421
1
Minneapolis, MN
Man that's a huge loophole.

Since you can't file a claim and they don't consider you the shipper.. then the UPS store is the shipper and UPS is the carrier. So you are paying the UPS Store to ship and insure the parcel. By examining the parcel and packaging, giving it the ok.. then taking your money for the insurance, I'd say they should be the ones left holding the bag.

You pay the insurance money, but then can't even file a claim or appeal. This sounds like the fox guarding the hen house to me.

Them taking your insurance money but then not making good on it once it's damaged is like you passing on the insurance, but then wanting to buy it after the fact when there's some damage.

This.

I would get on the phone with the Better Business Bureau. And tell the UPS Store that you're doing it. That seems like an incredibly shady way to conduct business. I hate that so many businesses can be "right" on paper, when they obviously aren't doing the right thing.
 

nanofrog

macrumors G4
May 6, 2008
11,719
3
I would get on the phone with the Better Business Bureau. And tell the UPS Store that you're doing it. That seems like an incredibly shady way to conduct business. I hate that so many businesses can be "right" on paper, when they obviously aren't doing the right thing.
Welcome to the modern business world.... :rolleyes: :(
 

peskaa

macrumors 68020
Mar 13, 2008
2,104
5
London, UK
Anyone have any insight about the difference between 2006 / 2008 / 2009 Mac Pro cases? They have different part numbers, but they sure look the same to me (which, I realize, doesn't mean much when we're talking the internal case design).

John

I'm assuming you have a 2006 model from your wording? A 2009 case is a no go, as the whole structure of the case is different due to the processor tray (CPU and RAM on a single removable tray that spans the entire length of the case bottom), rather than the set up seen in earlier Mac Pros with the RAM risers etc.

Difference between 2006/2007 and 2008 is a bit trickier. However, I wouldn't put it past Apple to make tiny changes that mean it won't work, so I would seriously recommend getting the exact match for your old system rather than risking a 2008.
 

MRiOS

macrumors regular
Jun 2, 2010
184
0
Difference between 2006/2007 and 2008 is a bit trickier. However, I wouldn't put it past Apple to make tiny changes that mean it won't work, so I would seriously recommend getting the exact match for your old system rather than risking a 2008.
I would agree with this statement, macrumors user Dualshock posted pictures to his mobileme gallery showing his installation of a new ATI graphics card into his 2008 Mac Pro with a clear shot of his RAM cage. From what I see, apple tweaked it so that the upper RAM board installed upside down (when compared to the 2006).
web.jpg
 

YaWA?

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jul 22, 2009
8
0
Thanks for your help! I'll try to find an exact match but may take a careful look at my Mac Pro when I get home (you're right--it's a 2006/7) just to see if the 2008 might potentially work. But ultimately you're all probably right that I'd be better off getting a 2006 case somewhere.

I'll keep you all updated and try to post pics of the tear apart / rebuild. Maybe over winter break I'll have some time :(
 

ActionableMango

macrumors G3
Sep 21, 2010
9,613
6,909
If it was packed fine, and insurance was paid for, what was the basis of the claim denial? I would demand a copy of the claim paperwork and verify it with UPS. The reason why I'd do this is that UPS pays the claim to The UPS Store (not you). They then pay out to you... so there is a chance the claim was accepted and someone has pocketed it.

You can also contact The UPS Store's corporate office at (858) 455-8800 (ask for customer relations) or UPS Store Customer Service (800) 789-4623 to complain about an individual store.

If you don't ultimately get restitution, I'd contact the BBB and your state's AG, CC'ing the UPS Store.

Lastly, if the money loss is worth the time, I'd go to small claims court. If they don't show up, you automatically win. If they do show up, and you can prove you paid for insurance, you have a good chance of the judge siding with you. Lawyers are not needed in small claims court. Just bring all the paperwork involved.
 
Last edited:

Flash SWT

macrumors 6502
Mar 14, 2009
459
23
Houston, TX
I had the same issue with a UPS store 4 years ago. The Oakleys in my box just up and disappeared in transit! It took some back and forth but I got the money like a year later. Don't give up!

.
 

energyboy

macrumors member
Jan 22, 2014
43
0
Anyone know where I could buy a 'clean' 2008 Mac Pro case? I just bought a 2008 Mac Pro for $550 (8 core 2.8ghz, 16gb RAM, GT 120, 500gb + 1TB drive) but the top handles are bent/warped. Computer runs fine, but would like to make it look brand spankin new.

Thanks! :)
 

gavinstubbs09

macrumors 65816
Feb 17, 2013
1,386
256
NorCal boonies ~~~by Reno sorta
Anyone know where I could buy a 'clean' 2008 Mac Pro case? I just bought a 2008 Mac Pro for $550 (8 core 2.8ghz, 16gb RAM, GT 120, 500gb + 1TB drive) but the top handles are bent/warped. Computer runs fine, but would like to make it look brand spankin new.

Thanks! :)

Back on the 2008 v 2006 case I think they should all be the same as one user on here swapped the memory cage and logic board from a 2008 into his 2006. In that case this guy is selling a bunch of 2006 cases so you should be set.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281170114916?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
 

DPUser

macrumors 6502a
Jan 17, 2012
990
304
Rancho Bohemia, California
I bought a used MP in 2012 that works great but has a semi-crushed rear leg. After CPU, GPU and RAM upgrades, I put it in my machine room and named it Stephen (as in Hawking, not Jobs) because its performance is brilliant. Only its body is messed up.

I'd say, use the bent machine and don't worry about its appearance too much... But get your money back from UPS, too! Good luck!
 

energyboy

macrumors member
Jan 22, 2014
43
0
I bought a used MP in 2012 that works great but has a semi-crushed rear leg. After CPU, GPU and RAM upgrades, I put it in my machine room and named it Stephen (as in Hawking, not Jobs) because its performance is brilliant. Only its body is messed up.

I'd say, use the bent machine and don't worry about its appearance too much... But get your money back from UPS, too! Good luck!

Haha, I read your comment on another thread about you naming your bent computer. The Mac Pro I got I got a pretty awesome deal. $550 and loaded with ram and will run Mavericks along with 6XX and 7XX Nvidia cards.
 

energyboy

macrumors member
Jan 22, 2014
43
0
Back on the 2008 v 2006 case I think they should all be the same as one user on here swapped the memory cage and logic board from a 2008 into his 2006. In that case this guy is selling a bunch of 2006 cases so you should be set.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281170114916?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Thanks!

I looked at powerbookmedic and it shows that only one case is compatible with the 2008 Mac Pro. I dont think i'll be able to use the older one.
 

energyboy

macrumors member
Jan 22, 2014
43
0
I bought a used MP in 2012 that works great but has a semi-crushed rear leg. After CPU, GPU and RAM upgrades, I put it in my machine room and named it Stephen (as in Hawking, not Jobs) because its performance is brilliant. Only its body is messed up.

I'd say, use the bent machine and don't worry about its appearance too much... But get your money back from UPS, too! Good luck!

If it's a 2008 Mac Pro, here's an eBay deal you may be interested:

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/271393350113?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649


$110 for a brand new case.
 
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