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will there be a new case design for mac pro?
- Thread starter larry9511
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Simple answer: No.
Long Answer: Minor (internal) changes only.
Im not entirely sure what people are expecting them to change
Airflow = perfect
Hard-disks = could go to 8 bays/space for SSDs
Other than that, nothing.
Long Answer: Minor (internal) changes only.
Im not entirely sure what people are expecting them to change
Airflow = perfect
Hard-disks = could go to 8 bays/space for SSDs
Other than that, nothing.
I don't think anything would change on the exterior. They have a real winner here in terms of design. Extra bays for drives is never a bad idea, but I'd like to see a drive chassie that supports 1-4 SSDs. IcyDock sells these, I have one for a single SSD, but it'd be nice if it were something Apple had.
They just did a fairly major (allbeit internal) case redesign for the 2009 Mac Pro. Since the hexacore chips are pretty much the same 'breed' as the current chips used in the machine, the next revision will likely be identical inside and out.
This is the most likely result, as it's the most economically effective solution. Apple just doesn't have the sales volume to justify a new case for MP's that often (internal changes to accomodate different boards), but not from the ground up, as retooling is expensive.
That often?
The current exterior design is seven years old!
However, I absolutely like it. Can't imagine a nicer looking computer. I'd be pleased if they keep the design a little longer and don't attach some black elements to it. Black is so omnipotent in the computer industry these days. 90% of all displays you can currently buy are black and most input devices have the same old boring black on black theme.
My point exactly.The current exterior design is seven years old!
Seriously, I'm thinking they'll let it go for 10yrs or so. And by then, there may not be a MP any longer, given the direction Intel's going with core counts (Xeon lines), and LightPeak will be available by then. At that point, they could see the iMac as a replacement for their workstations rather than attempt to continue the workstation using consumer parts (viable, as there will be 8 core parts). The market is small compared to the rest of their lines, and may no longer be a profitable segment at that point.
We'll have to wait and see, but it's possible.
It would be possible (just mask off what ever is to remain silver, and anodize the intended areas black). It's an added few steps, but no actual retooling to the stamping or assembly equipment. The results aren't glossy though.
Even cheaper and easier, is to go with adhesive backed plastic applications (no machining involved for countersinking as you'd do with flush/recessed enamel - what the
emblem seems to be on the newer handheld devices from what I can tell).
The one thing I'd wish they would do, is replaced the etched Apple logo's on the side with the same black plastic apple logo as used on the 24" displays and iPad (on the back). This would allow them to mount the internal wifi an bluetooth antennas in an area where they aren't completely RF shielded!
No, the design department was too busy designing a big iPod Touch.
Yet every G4 Tower series looked a little bit different... those were the days. Apple Computer Inc. etc...
Yet every G4 Tower series looked a little bit different... those were the days. Apple Computer Inc. etc...
Aww, come on... who doesn't want a Faraday cage?The one thing I'd wish they would do, is replaced the etched Apple logo's on the side with the same black plastic apple logo as used on the 24" displays and iPad (on the back). This would allow them to mount the internal wifi an bluetooth antennas in an area where they aren't completely RF shielded!
It just came to my mind that Apple desperately needs to address the noise level of the Pro.
The fans are pretty silent, but the problem is the case itself. Although it seems very sturdy, I heard a lot about users complaining that their case is buzzing. Something around the drive cage or side panel, I don't know exactly.
Anyhow, that's definitely not acceptable for a $2000 machine.
Maybe they should make an excursion to Lian Li to see how good cases are made.
The fans are pretty silent, but the problem is the case itself. Although it seems very sturdy, I heard a lot about users complaining that their case is buzzing. Something around the drive cage or side panel, I don't know exactly.
Anyhow, that's definitely not acceptable for a $2000 machine.
Maybe they should make an excursion to Lian Li to see how good cases are made.
I hate to tell you this, but even Lian Li's can make buzzing noises after awhile (in-out of the case). But there's a simple solution: electrical tape on the aluminum surface that the side panels (inner side) make contact with.It just came to my mind that Apple desperately needs to address the noise level of the Pro.
The fans are pretty silent, but the problem is the case itself. Although it seems very sturdy, I heard a lot about users complaining that their case is buzzing. Something around the drive cage or side panel, I don't know exactly.
Anyhow, that's definitely not acceptable for a $2000 machine.
Maybe they should make an excursion to Lian Li to see how good cases are made.
Works for me anyway (I currently use a PC-V2010A).
The exposed perimeter edge in the pic below:
Attachments
Well good to know. I still hope my Pro won't come up with this behaviour.
I've had three Lian Li cases of the last few years, all of them absolutely rock solid. Still use a SL73 Plus for a server. Best case I've ever bought.
Anyway, even though modifications with tape do work, it is still not appropriate for such an expensive machine. If the solution to the buzzing is that simple, I can't image a reason why Apple does not attach some tape or foam to the panels in the first place.
Other than the buzzing noise, it's a great case. It can even be solved by giving the case a shove in the front (you hear the side panels shift, and it quits... for awhile). But the tape seems to work better so far. Only time will tell.
At any rate, it offers loads of room, which I use for HDD's and the ability to use an E-ATX/SSI EEB board if necessary. Full towers provide both, so I don't use mid towers (the second I do, I'd need to swap it for a larger unit anyway, knowing my luck).
Then there's the new EVGA DP LGA1366 board.... what a monster!
I'm not sure I could make that fit, no matter the mods. Mountain Mods seems to be the only case maker that has a tray or cases that will fit it. I'd certainly be willing to run one if someone offers it up as a donation, but not if I have to pay. I agree with you. I even wish Lian Li would have addressed that, but I'll live with such a minor complaint (though I do wish it had better cooling at times, though it's not hot running), as it holds everything I need.
While I don't think a new case is on the way for a few years yet, I would like to see some changes:
- more drive bays - 8 would be nice
- a CF / SD card reader in the front connected to a nice high-speed bus
- two eSATA ports
I'm not too concerned if they make it bigger and heavier, as long as all these are implemented!
- more drive bays - 8 would be nice
- a CF / SD card reader in the front connected to a nice high-speed bus
- two eSATA ports
I'm not too concerned if they make it bigger and heavier, as long as all these are implemented!
Well good to know. I still hope my Pro won't come up with this behaviour.
The Mac Pro door has a rubber gasket, so that's like the electrical tape solution albeit more expensive [and costs passed to the consumer].
IIRC, the buzzing noises in the MP's weren't the side panels, but the HDD trays.
Either way, it's there for enough users it seems. And given the cost of the MP, it should have been solved IMO (practical reasons in some cases, such as audio work for example).
The only thing they might have to do, is adjust the resistor values used in the CPU Voltage Regulator to achieve the correct values to the new CPU's (beyond the microcode update in the firmware).
Some other board makers are having to do this, others aren't. But assuming the worst, all that has to be changed is a resistor on the board (no PCB redesign involved, just a new part/s).
Apple have been concentrating all their resources on the new toys. Computers are way down the list on priorities at the moment.
As for a new box design. With the year since the PM update being filled by iPad this, iPhone that - who's going to have time to design anything else?
As for a new box design. With the year since the PM update being filled by iPad this, iPhone that - who's going to have time to design anything else?
Tape was used as a DIY solution on another brand of case, as there's nothing out there commercially.
To be expected I guess... And if done right, you'll never see it with the panels back on anyway. This issue doesn't plague the MP, but the trays buzzind do, and the solutions used by MR members are very DIY as well. And again, once the panel is back on, you can't see it.
That said, it would be proper IMO if Apple does something about this, given the cost of such a system. I just wouldn't bet on it happening though.
What was wrong with the G5s drive-mounting system, besides having to plug in the cables yourself? I'd always wondered if rattling was an issue with those metal sleds, since I have an aluminum HDD enclosure where the sled often vibrates.
