Got a new Mac Pro 2008 - need to install an Airport card

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Level 1

15 points

Got a new Mac Pro 2008 - need to install an Airport card

Hello all,

To ensure quickest delivery I opted for the standard config new Mac Pro 8 core (early 2008). I did the same with my G5 4 years ago an installed an Airport Extreme card (with some difficulty !). Apparently the card in my G5 is not compatible with the Mac Pro. I cannot find any official reference to installing an Airport Extreme card in a Mac Pro…just a couple of 'hacks'. Apparently Apple doesn't want users to do this anymore.
Q1/ What card do I need ?
Q2/ I see 3 antenna connections labelled 1, 2 and 3 on the cables. One is for Bluetooth apparently…but which one ?
Would very much appreciate any help.
thanks in advance
PA

Mac Pro 8 core 2.8 Ghz (early 2008), Mac OS X (10.5.1)

Posted on Jan 14, 2008 3:00 PM

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Answer 1

Duane

Level 10

124,293 points

Jan 15, 2008 8:01 AM in response to kura

Sorry but the AirPort Extreme card is NOT compatible with the Mac Pro.

The Mac Pro requires a special wireless card which Apple does not offer as a user-serviceable item. You will need to take the Mac Pro to an Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) to get the card installed.

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Answer 2

Jan 21, 2008 5:32 PM in response to kura

Hmm. Installing an Airport card in the new Mac Pro just can't be all that difficult. Is it really/still the case that Apple won't sell a compatible Airport Extreme card for user installation?

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Answer 3

Mar 5, 2008 8:22 AM in response to kura

kura,

I ordered my Mac Pro with standard conf for the same reasons you did. I also discovered, as you did, that the newest Mac Pro required a different airport card and that installing the card doesn't appear to be user-friendly. I since found the following web site which presented installation procedure:

http://meanderingpassage.com/2007/07/18/how-to-installing-an-airport-extreme-car d-in-an-intel-mac-pro/

I also was able to order the correct card (part number MB363Z/A) through a local Mac reseller although I see that it is available from other sources including Amazon (will ship from J&R).

I ordered the card yesterday but the dealer said that it was in stock and would take a few days to arrive so I have yet to actually install it.

Having installed airport cards on a number of other Macs I've owned, it is baffling that Apple would make this so darned difficult and awkward. In retrospect I should have ordered it as a build and had Apple install it but it is what it is.

Hope this helps -

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Answer 4

Ansuz82

Level 6

8,291 points

Mar 5, 2008 8:31 AM in response to William Moses

Trust me - it is that difficult. I installed mine a few weeks ago and it is a real +female dog+ to get in there. It took me the better part of an hour to attach the leads.

I would strongly advise against doing it yourself unless you have the background to do it correctly. I have been doing these things for most of a decade, complete with the static precautions, and I still wish I had just paid them to do it for me.

As for buying the card, they will sell it to you, but not from the online store. You need to visit a brick and morter or call them on the phone. They will inform you that it is not user installable but will still sell you the card.

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