Change Mac Pro 5,1 2010 case

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Level 1

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Change Mac Pro 5,1 2010 case

I recently acquired a used Mac Pro (Mid-2010), upgraded to a PCIe SSD hard drive and it runs like a dream. The Mac Pro case had some deep scratches and rub marks. Ugly duckling, but no impacts to system performance at all. I intend to keep using it for a couple of years and sell it after.

Here is my question: is it worth the time, effort, cost to replace the Case as a DIY project? Have you considered doing this? Already done it, where did you source the case? Any feedback would be helpful.

The alternative is suck it up and be happy with I’ve got, and may be spend the money on a better graphics card 🙂

Mac Pro, OS X Yosemite (10.10.3)

Posted on Jun 1, 2015 1:14 PM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Jun 1, 2015 1:18 PM in response to ww3102

I would forget about it. First, you will have a devil of a time finding just a case. Second, it isn't a trivial task to disassemble then reassemble a Mac Pro unless you really know what your are doing. Furthermore, it won't work any better.

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Answer 2

ww3102 Author

Level 1

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Jun 1, 2015 1:43 PM in response to Kappy

I did skim through the tech manual on the dismantle and assembley process, it is not for the faint of heart. Just wondering if anyone had gone down this path successfully.

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Answer 3

The hatter

Level 9

60,990 points

Jun 1, 2015 2:10 PM in response to ww3102

Depends a bit on what you have now but a 2009 4,1 are going for under $500.

Not sure of cost of a bare 5,1 or if you would want to just move everything - processor too - into a 4,1

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Answer 4

Jun 2, 2015 1:28 AM in response to ww3102

An alternative, simpler and probably cheaper job would be to fill in the deep scratches and 're-spray' the exterior. In effect treat it like a car body-shop repair. You would either need to seal all the openings and as the case is almost all holes that would be a big job, or remove all the components before spraying it.

However at least you know everything would fit when you put it back together.

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