Mac Pro 2009 Build

[edthedog]

Hi,

I've been reading the forums for some time and finally decided to take the plunge and do an ATX or MATX conversion. I've just taken delivery of a Mac Pro case 2009 model but am a little confused about the HDD mountings.

As can be seen in the photo, the top shelf seems to differ from the ones I've seen on the forums in that it doesn't appear to have the brackets to support the hot swap SATA connectors. This is a new case, never been used and there is no sign that the mountings have been removed.

Does anyone have any idea how the drives are supposed to mounted on this shelf?

Thanks for reading

Attachments:

[edthedog]

I think I've found the information I need. It looks like the sata connectors are now mounted on the logic board.

Anyone know if an older shelf with brackets will fit?

Just for info here is the link I found www.scribd.com/doc/50032416/112/Views

Page 127 shows layout.

Thanks

[edthedog]

Hi, wondering if anyone has the top shelf WITH the brackets. As I've said I have the 2009 version which does not have the brackets. Would be willing to do a swap or buy what you have. Also looking for Apple wiring harness for sata drives and four drive sleds.

Thanks

[blackknight]

If you don't mind cutting into the tray a bit, you can use these cables www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=34_348_351&products_id=24025 and hang them down. I can't promise you that hotswap will work easily, but they will work if you get the holes drilled properly. You may need to reach your hand back there to plug them into the drives once they're slid back, unless you can make your own bracket to hold the cables in place. If you plan on using a full ATX board, the back two ports will probably require these cables anyways as you will have to cut into the shelf to make room for the motherboard, unless you decide to cut the bottom of the case instead.

[guilfoya]

I just sliced up the apple wiring harness and wired it to my motherboard. You can pick up one from gainsaver.com. I've actually bought from them despite many horrible versions of the experiences there. they shipped quick and everything was fine. Ebay is good just do a search for it you can find all of these parts so easy..

Just make sure you have a multimeter and some patience. Tearing apart that apple wiring harness is a chore for your soldering iron. Get some shrink wrap tubing too.

[edthedog]

Thanks for the advice. I managed to obtain a couple of SATA/Power Combined connectors from 3M as samples which have have lugs for screwing to brackets. Should be easy enough to attach brackets to shelf and mount them. I'll be able to keep hot swap this way.