Post by bigbrag on Jul 6, 2013 22:50:04 GMT
This was basically just a project to see if I could do it or not. I've wanted to build a PC in a mac pro case for a very long time and didn't realize there were so many resources until recently so I finally made the jump around a month ago and completed this HackPro about 2 weeks ago. I started with a brand new 2009 Mac Pro case purchased off of eBay. From there I purchased my OSX compatible MATX Gigabyte board and used left over parts for the rest. I Eventually ordered a broken Mac Pro PSU from a 2008 Mac Pro and retro-fitted a modular OCZ Atx PSU into it. It was a little hairy soldering the mac pro power plug to the atx psu, but in the end it worked without issue. While I was at it, I single sleeved the psu wires with grey para cord. My goal was to make this build as easy as possible so I used jb weld to "weld" the original standoffs in the correct spot for the matx motherboard. I ended up using an OSX compatible pci express wireless card, and a usb blue tooth. I also have an osx compatible usb dac coming in the mail to provide sound. So basically the build is completely osx compatible without any additional drivers or kexts. The hardest parts to this build was using the dremel to dremel out the fan cage and its mount on the Mac Pro case. In the end it turned out just as I wanted though, and everything fits like a glove and looks very original. I use an apple bluetooth keyboard and magic pad so the whole setup looks just like the real deal. For the front panel I used jumper wires and a 2.5-3.5 hd adapter. It works great for usb, power, and power light. I didn't get firewire or sound to work on the front port but I'm not to bothered by it. I added a usb io slot to the back for additional usb support and everything else about this computer is wireless so there really ins't a need for any other ports. Let me know what you think! I hope this build inspires someone else to attempt a Hack Pro. This is essentially the last generation of these since the new purported mac pro is a completely proprietary design that is far to small and custom to really work any atx parts.
