Does the Mac Pro have built in wifi?

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Level 1

6 points

Does the Mac Pro have built in wifi?

I'd like to get a wifi hub and give my Mac Pro wireless access(Internet is upstairs, Mac is in basement studio. Aside form the hub do I need a wifi adapter or is it built in? It's a 2006 MP.

Mac Pro Dual Core 2.66 Intel Xeon, Mac OS X (10.5.8), 9GB RAM with dual monitors, Digi 002R/Pro Tools 8

Posted on Aug 8, 2010 1:24 PM

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Answer 1

Aug 8, 2010 1:34 PM in response to Gothboy

Use System Profiler (in the Utilities folder) to check if you have an Airport card installed. The card was an optional install.

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Answer 2

trilobyte

Level 3

545 points

Aug 9, 2010 1:52 AM in response to Gothboy

As far as I'm aware, wifi has been a config to order option on the Mac Pro line until the new 2010 models.

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Answer 3

Gothboy Author

Level 1

6 points

Aug 9, 2010 4:51 PM in response to Martin Pace

I checked and I don't have an Airport card installed. I guess I'll either get one or perhaps run a cable donstairs as there is already a hole in the floor. I'm afraid a usb adapter won't give me adaquate signal strength. I was considering this: http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer%20Technology/MXP2802GU2/

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Answer 4

salty777

Level 3

543 points

Aug 9, 2010 6:04 PM in response to Gothboy

I bought a wifi module from the Apple Store for my MacPro.

When I got it home it clearly said that it was not a user installable item! It should have been done by a technician.

I did some "googling" and found clear instructions how to do it yourself.... which I did, but it was a bit nerve wracking!

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Answer 5

Gothboy Author

Level 1

6 points

Aug 13, 2010 12:30 PM in response to salty777

Hey Salty can you give me that link for installing the Airport card? I've got one coming in the mail but it's a used one.

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Answer 6

salty777

Level 3

543 points

Aug 13, 2010 5:07 PM in response to Gothboy

Hi Goth, sorry for the late reply.... I'm pretty sure I used this:

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

Also google "install wifi card mac pro" and you'll find a few other helpful sites.

I managed to do it, and I'm all thumbs!! Good luck!

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Answer 7

salty777

Level 3

543 points

Aug 13, 2010 5:09 PM in response to salty777

Forgot to add... I seem to remember the hardest bit was clipping the antenna into place... you must make sure it "clicks" properly.... otherwise it wasn't too bad. It still works and I did it over a year ago....

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Answer 8

Gothboy Author

Level 1

6 points

Aug 22, 2010 1:45 PM in response to salty777

Here's a question: I've got the airport card here ready to go, I've gone over those instructions so I know what's what...but I don't have mounting screws unless they're inside the Mac in the mounting posts. The Airport card was used and didn't come with screws is there a mounting screw I can use instead like a drive mounting screw?

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Answer 9

Gothboy Author

Level 1

6 points

Aug 22, 2010 4:22 PM in response to Gothboy

I just figured out I don't have the proper mounting screws to keep the card in place. The screw is smaller than a normal drive mounting screw. Anyone know what I'm supposed to use?

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