By far the trickiest cables to find are the ODD and HDD power harness cables. My solution for the for the ODD power harness was the HDD power harness from a late 2005 G5 ( I am Using a Pioneer DVR-212D SATA ODD ). The HDD power harness is "integral" to the MP case so the only good source are used MP cases.

If you plan to use standard Xeon Cooling solutions remember the screws are SAE threaded ( 6-32 ) and will strip the metric threads on the Apple MLB ( M3 0.5 pitch ).

Hey thanks for your thoughts... very much appreciated. Let's keep this forum at the top!!! The implementation of your build is great; however, I feel that you want more than the stock case will allow you for, but that's just my opinion... you're doing a great job. My goal is to make this build as unique as possible... even if it takes more time than expected. I'm gonna try to minimize using genuine mac parts; not saying that I want to circumvent apples Hardware. I just want to make a borg As long as the motherboard is from apples design then the computer will be genuine (well, in my mind). As for the case, I'm gonna try to fabricate an enclosure at work from sheet metal, probably stainless, if I can't find a case that fits. As for the electronics, www.mouser.com or www.newarkinone.com ... the best. Any clues as for what type of thermal sensors used in the mac pro, Thermocouples (type J - K) / RTD / Thermosistor? What type of power supply connectors used, how many, pin voltage readings? If anyone has mac pro hardware info please share it with us i.e component, manufacturer, specs, dimensions ; anything that will help remove their iron wall on knowledge. Thank you kindly in advance.

Knowledge for all, Knowledge to unite!!!

The A number one piece of knowledge I recommend is the "BIBLE" aka the Apple service source .pdf. I would link to it but Apple killed the public link when they added Mac Book Air info up. :<

I can help pin out some of the cabling for you. It should not be hard to build the power cabling newtech was talking about for the optical drives and the hard drives. The hard drive harness is something else. It takes 4 SATA connections and bundles it into one single connector that plugs into the logic board. It looks similar to a SATA multilane cable but not sure what it is.

Thanks NewTech... Will keep that in mind if and when I'm screaming and cursing at the wall I'll keep you guys posted when my hardware arrives and I will keep an accurate account of problems along with bought and homemade solutions. "What are you doing, Dave?" -HAL9000

Keep on rockin' in the free world.

There is a guy that sells a set of CDs on eBay that is suppose to be the service manuals.

What do think of using a PCI SATA adaptor in lieu of motherboard SATA connection. Does the motherboard need to see a bootable harddrive at that connector or will it probe? I would love if you could help with the Power Supply Pin Out. I would like to modify a 1200W power supply (connectors if necessary) or find a non-apple P.S with identical connector layout. My email is masterofmixing@yahoo.com. Could someone please help me with Bible studies. My expertise is in Rock & Roll, Power Generation - Gas Turbine Controls, PLCs. Thank you.

I would not waste the time modding a non-apple PS. Just get the Apple PSU, remove the funky side panel and you have a PSU that is about the same dimension as an ATX PSU. The Apple PSU is really not that expensive. Here is the part # for the PSU 661-4309.

I am not sure what I can do about the PSU pinout as I know of no way to jumper the PSU on to make measurements. I can do the hard drive and optical drives no problem as I can reference the normal SATA power connector for what voltages are on each pin and just ohm out the cabling.

There are two normal SATA ports on the logic board but I do not know if you can boot off them. I will hook up a hard drive in my external enclosure and see if that will work tonight once I get back from the gym.

On a side note, no logic board today. FedEx would not leave it without a signature so I have to pick it up tomorrow. grrr.....

The HDD data harness is simply an iPass to 4 SATA cable.

http://www.govconnection.com/IPA/Shop/Prod...htm?sku=8126804

Nagal makes a good point about the PSU. A 1000 Watt PC PSU is going to be nearly the same price as buying the MP PSU if not more and need extensive mods.

I knew it I had seen that cable somewhere before but could never remember the name!

As far as booting off the 2 "normal" SATA ports, it works like a charm. I tried each one an no issues.

I will try and do the pin out of the optical and hard drive power cabling tomorrow when I rip everything out to put in the new logic board.

Awesome awesome awesome... thanks for that nagal and thanks for the cable help Newtech... plotting and researching as we speak...

I found a helpful resource: I believe it's written in polish; however, you'll be able to find the bible here.

http://www.macdunyasi.com/forum/viewtopic....fbd5742abac0beb

read 9th entry down from top... I found it from there... some other cool guides within the page...

The bible's dated Aug 7th, 2006. Nice illustrations, doesn't go into in depth detail on specifications ....arrrrrggggg

Couldn't find crap on US patents or trademarks... they will usually have schematics and disclosures.

I guess I'm wanting to much engineering info.

Wow... forgive me if I'm talking out of my ass... The bible shows alot of good close ups of how it's supposed to be wired and to what devices, along with take apart and put together procedures. It seems like some of the wiring can be either bypassed or improvised. An example the front board housing power switch, audio out... blah... doesn't serve me any good because I don't plan on using the front I/Os, just rear. Even so the front usb and firewire is patched to the motherboard with cable. The power switch is a three wire contact going to a connector, looks like a dry contact... momentary toggle switch... hmmmm. Have you guys gone this type of route? The bible gives you a break down of all motherboard cable connections and types of cables (pinout count too)... WAHHHOOOOOOO!!!! From what you tried Nagal, it's possible to forgo the ipass to 4 SATA cable and go with the two SATA ports on the logic board... like my G5... and use a PCI SATA Adaptor for additional SATA I/Os. Make sense to you?I'm confused as to why would you need to jumper the PSU... Voltage reading with a multimeter from pin referred to ground would do it... The power supply shouldn't require a load for it to produce terminal voltage. Awesome insights guys... I love it!! I feel for your delivery problem... those asswipes keep returning my parcels because "package was undeliverable"... HAHAHAHAHA and Microsoft is robust... right?

Front panel board cheap at The Basement....


http://cgi.ebay.com/MAC-PRO-FRONT-PANEL-BO...7QQcmdZViewItem

also BT boards.

A Pioneer DVR-212D would mean it's a SATA drive (like you mentioned), and I believe the most recent Logic board in the early 2008 Mac Pro update have connection for SATA Superdrives? (right, nagal?) Which revision G5 Logic board do you have?




I'm curious to know about this as well...Since just before 2008, the Mac Pros had IDE Superdrives, and apparently they have SATA Superdrives right now? Which means, the Logic motherboard must have been updated somehow to cater to the particular specifcations. However, where would the Superdrives connect to anyway? More importantly, how many SATA ports are there in the latest Revision of the Mac Pro? (I know at least 4 for the hard drives...) Look forward to finding out...


*Also curious to know what brand and model the SAS Drive, the brand and model of the Superdrive, the 1TB drive, they ship the Mac Pros with.

Awesome find digitalperformer on the bible!

As for jumpering the PSU. I have always been under the impression until the PSU is turned on (and not the big switch in the back when talking about ATX PSU), no voltages are actually on. I know with every ATX PSU I worked with when leak testing a water cooling setup I had to jumper two pins on the main 24 pin connector so that the voltage supplied to the pumps and the fans from any of the molex connectors was actually turned on. I can do a few quick tests tonight on the PSU to see if this is the same case here.

For the front panel power switch. I cant say for certain on the Mac Pro but on the PowerMac G5 cases it was a momentary switch (just like a normal PC). The main thing I was wondering about is where that is wired to the logic board. Now with the bible that might not be an issue.

You really might want that front panel assembly in general as the Mac Pro is really lacking in USB slots. 2 in front, 3 in the rear.

I have heard that the new (early 2008) Mac Pro optical drives are now SATA. I can not confirm this. I know that the older Mac Pros use IDE for the optical drivers and it appears to be your standard 2 port 40 pin IDE cable that connects to a single IDE channel on the logic board.

You mentioned building a case? Check here for some cheap rack mounts http://www.plinkusa.net/ . I have used these at work with our servers. They get the job done but watch for sharp edges.

its early and I have not had my coffee so excuse me if I missed answering anything

My brothers.... check out page 111-112 in the bible (wire and connector matrix along with board illustration)... very nice... still lacking though.. enough to help in the build... I'm really adamant about finding a drop in substitute power supply... The mac pro PS prices to almost $ 300; come on... I refuse to accept an Apple OEM as final... once I get my logic board I'll work hard to find something that works... This forum has brilliant minds... please help anyway possible; reverse enginner what you can.

How is this for a possible solution on the SATA optical... First SATA I/O = Boot Drive, Second SATA = Optical... then expand on SATA via PCIe (www.addonics.com) for addition H.Ds. I haven't seen the latest board revision.

Nagal thanks for your feedback and plinkusa.net... Nice prices!!!

For the SATA, buy the iPass cable newtech linked and use that. Why waste a slot AND the extra money on a SATA PCIe card? Just my thoughts. As far as a SATA Optical drive, can you install the OS from it? I do not know. If I still had a SATA DVD Rom I could try and see if it would boot from it. In theory, it should but you never know until someone tries.

As for the PSU how are you planning on modding it? Are you going to get all the power wiring looms from a Mac Pro case and then splice into it or you going to try and figure out all the connectors need so you can plug straight into the logic board? Either way is going to suck If you are going the wire loom route, seems to make sense to just get an OEM Apple PSU.

Apple PSU from DV Warehouse $209. Hard to beat that price and even from ApplePalace it is around $267.

http://www.dvwarehouse.com/Power-Supply-fo...07-p-34032.html

MacResource might have them as well. http://www.mac-resource.com/store

I will do what I can to help pin out the PSU. Now with the bible, I see I might just be able to leave the Control cable plugged in so I can turn on the PSU and make voltage measurements that way.

Yeah you got it... I'm stubborn and have to always go the other way . I like the challenge of doing the unlikely... you know what I mean. It's a mental work out in addition I enjoy tinkering with electronics. I never said I wanted it to be easy.. hahah

Great thread!!
You should definitely sell this story to Macworld or some other magazine.
Thanks!

Get this book and check out www.osxbook.com . The author is brilliant.

I just spent $782 on a logic board, I can barely afford to breathe right now let alone buy a book It does look like a good book though.

Early 2008 Mac Pro still ship with ATA 133/EIDE Superdrives ( Sony, Optiarc, Pioneer ). It has the same 6 SATA as the older MP's, 4 HDD 2 ODD.

New logic board in. Some success...





I am a bit baffled as to why the CPUs still are reading 2.13 GHz @ 1066 FSB. They are the correct engineering samples for 2.4 GHz and they are BSEL modded. They should be showing up as 3.0 GHz @ 1333 FSB.

I have not tested the Apple fans to see if they still run @ full speed, that will be next.

That was extremely fast! Nice...which revision of the logic board is this again? Can't wait to see the bench results as well

Fans still run fullspeed due to the thermal sensors I got not working. I wonder what kind of sensors Apple used.

Here are the Geekbench scores. No idea if they are good but I assume they are good for an 8 core 2.13 GHz machine. I am going to tear everything down again tomorrow and re-apply the BSEL mod.

Platform: Mac OS X x86 (32-bit)
Compiler: GCC 4.0.1 (Apple Inc. build 5465)
Operating System: Mac OS X 10.5.1 (Build 9B18)
Model: Mac Pro (8-core)
Motherboard: MacPro2,1
Processor: Genuine Intel® CPU @ 2.13GHz
Processor ID: GenuineIntel Family 6 Model 15 Stepping 4
Logical Processors: 8
Physical Processors: 2
Processor Frequency: 2.13 GHz
L1 Instruction Cache: 32.0 KB
L1 Data Cache: 32.0 KB
L2 Cache: 4.00 MB
L3 Cache: 0.00 B
Bus Frequency: 1.06 GHz
Memory: 8.00 GB
Memory Type: 667 MHz DDR2 FB-DIMM
SIMD: 1

Integer (Score: 3407)
Blowfish single-threaded scalar -- 1101, 1.0, 48.4 MB/sec
Blowfish multi-threaded scalar -- 7307, 6.2, 299.5 MB/sec
Text Compress single-threaded scalar -- 1050, 1.0, 3.36 MB/sec
Text Compress multi-threaded scalar -- 7176, 7.0, 23.5 MB/sec
Text Decompress single-threaded scalar -- 923, 1.0, 3.79 MB/sec
Text Decompress multi-threaded scalar -- 6439, 6.8, 25.7 MB/sec
Image Compress single-threaded scalar -- 950, 1.0, 7.85 Mpixels/sec
Image Compress multi-threaded scalar -- 6797, 7.3, 57.2 Mpixels/sec
Image Decompress single-threaded scalar -- 733, 1.0, 12.3 Mpixels/sec
Image Decompress multi-threaded scalar -- 4792, 6.3, 78.2 Mpixels/sec
Crafty Chess single-threaded scalar -- 1130, 1.0, 571.3 Knodes/sec
Crafty Chess multi-threaded scalar -- 1637, 1.4, 794.4 Knodes/sec
Lua single-threaded scalar -- 1308, 1.0, 503.9 Knodes/sec
Lua multi-threaded scalar -- 6362, 4.9, 2.45 Mnodes/sec

Floating Point (Score: 5623)
Mandelbrot single-threaded scalar -- 994, 1.0, 661.2 Mflops
Mandelbrot multi-threaded scalar -- 6289, 6.2, 4.12 Gflops
Dot Product single-threaded scalar -- 1530, 1.0, 739.2 Mflops
Dot Product multi-threaded scalar -- 4807, 3.0, 2.19 Gflops
Dot Product single-threaded vector -- 987, 1.6, 1.18 Gflops
Dot Product multi-threaded vector -- 3145, 4.4, 3.27 Gflops
LU Decomposition single-threaded scalar -- 383, 1.0, 340.9 Mflops
LU Decomposition multi-threaded scalar -- 1458, 3.8, 1.28 Gflops
Primality Test single-threaded scalar -- 1889, 1.0, 282.1 Mflops
Primality Test multi-threaded scalar -- 10320, 6.8, 1.92 Gflops
Sharpen Image single-threaded scalar -- 2528, 1.0, 5.90 Mpixels/sec
Sharpen Image multi-threaded scalar -- 16810, 6.6, 38.7 Mpixels/sec
Blur Image single-threaded scalar -- 3456, 1.0, 2.73 Mpixels/sec
Blur Image multi-threaded scalar -- 24136, 6.9, 19.0 Mpixels/sec

Memory (Score: 1130)
Read Sequential single-threaded scalar -- 1381, 1.0, 1.69 GB/sec
Write Sequential single-threaded scalar -- 1569, 1.0, 1.07 GB/sec
Stdlib Allocate single-threaded scalar -- 1047, 1.0, 3.91 Mallocs/sec
Stdlib Write single-threaded scalar -- 796, 1.0, 1.65 GB/sec
Stdlib Copy single-threaded scalar -- 858, 1.0, 906.3 MB/sec

Stream (Score: 1053)
Stream Copy single-threaded scalar -- 1037, 1.0, 1.42 GB/sec
Stream Copy single-threaded vector -- 1169, 1.1, 1.52 GB/sec
Stream Scale single-threaded scalar -- 1154, 1.0, 1.50 GB/sec
Stream Scale single-threaded vector -- 1165, 1.1, 1.57 GB/sec
Stream Add single-threaded scalar -- 923, 1.0, 1.39 GB/sec
Stream Add single-threaded vector -- 1202, 1.2, 1.67 GB/sec
Stream Triad single-threaded scalar -- 939, 1.0, 1.30 GB/sec
Stream Triad single-threaded vector -- 842, 1.2, 1.58 GB/sec

Nagal, you may want to run MacCPUID to verify the actual processor profile and speed after you do your BSEL mod.

http://softwarecommunity.intel.com/articles/eng/1107.htm



Ambient thermal sensors based on Maxim DS1631Z


E5340 ( Engineering Sample QUQI ) Family 6 Model 15 stepping 7 ( B3 )

Yo yo yo... just stepped in after a wonderful night of band practice... well anyway... FRICKIN Awesome Nagal, you are fast. I'm also really spoofed at the fact that your board is showing up with a FSB frequency of 1.06Ghz. Logic Board Version 2. should have a FSB of 1.33Ghz; the former, probably due to your xeon's FSB forcing the logicboard down to 1.06Ghz? Your engineering sample has a FSB of 1.06Ghz right? Does system profiler register the Xeons specs from encoding on CPU or from actual computer calculations? My board is on it's way and once I get it all running I'll print my stats.

System profiler and other utilities read CPU_ID strings to show processor type and bus speed. To see actual speed after a BSEL mod a utility that calculates speed is required, such as MacCPUID.

GeekBench 2 is no more accurate than xBench 1.3 ( surprised ) my GB scores are all over the map ( low 7698, high 10122 )

Nagal has the installation of the new logic board fixed the firmware update problem? Can you now get updates from Apple?

Also I might be in contact with you soon via PM to see if the components I have in mind will all be compatible (the right board, processors, etc)

newtech,

Thanks for the link to MacCPUID. According to it, the BSEL mod is working as it reported a FSB of 1333. I am still curious as to what clock multiplier my CPUs are at. I think I will install Windows tonight and use CPU-Z to find out. I briefly looked into that sensor you listed but what I need to find out is what kind of sensor plugs into the jacks by the cpus. Its does not appear to be the typical temp sensor used in PCs as I have tried those and got nothing. As for Geekbench, someone asked for the scores only reason I posted them. I do not take much stock in Geekbench or Xbench either.

Kimosabe,

I still have no idea if I can get updates as the board came with the latest update it seems

digitalperformer,

cool your board is on the way! I did not have time to do any pinouts on the PSU wiring and looks like Saturday might be the soonest I get to that.

Nagal, here is an application note that may be the CPU sensor arrangement you are looking for. The two pin header(s) is the heatsink/CPU ambient sensor. The SMC sets fan speed based on output from sensors in each core and the heatsink/CPU ambient sensor or defaults to minimum speed stored in the SMC Firmware if below threshold temp. In the absence of a valid heatsink/CPU ambient input fans go to max.

http://www.smsc.com/main/anpdf/an1214.pdf


Fam 6 Mod 15 stp 4 is an very early stepping for Clovertown that is like A2 or A3. B3 and C0 are the retail/producton steppings ( SL9xx=B3, SLAxx=C0 ).

Awesome info on the sensors! I am going to hunt down some 2N3904 diodes and hook them up and see what happens.

The cpus are ES so that explains the stepping

Yes I recall that you had ES processors, I was saying that is even a very early stepping for ES, scarcely beyond prototype.

Probably want MMB3904 or SMB3904 transistor if you are looking for reasonable thermal accuracy. T0-92 case 2N3904 likely has to much bulk to read accurately, base tab on surface mount component should be in direct contact with heatsink.

I agree about the T0-92 being too bulky. Mouser has MMB3904 at 3.2 cents each when you buy 10 or more but of course its going to be like $7 shipping and I have to wait till tomorrow to order them because I am so broke right now

http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail...xKjS4uBJQ%3d%3d

Halted Specialties ( 3500 Ryder Ave Sunnyvale ) may have MMB3904 in stock. could be more like $0.50ea but no shipping if you buy in-store.

That would be awesome if it was local to me I'm in SoCal and where I live the only choice for electronic components is Radio Shack and that really isn't a choice. Even if I was to drive somewhere that had them, I'd spend more in fuel than what Mouser is going to charge to ship.

My bad, I forget I am at the center of the ( semiconductor ) Universe here in silicon valley.

BTW and OT

Boo to Intel for scheduling closesure of their last chip fab in the USA ( Santa Clara ) ( I ran fire alarm in the DI water plant and HQ 4 years ago and Ethernet adds in the fab 2 years ago )

Don't apologize for being in Silicon Valley must be nice! and yes boo to Intel!

It would have been nice if IBM and Motorola kept it together for Apple and really crafted their PowerPC Chips to greater heights. Ohh well... I would love to see Gate's face when Jobs unveils the official Mac OS X - lock free. I predict Microsoft will lose 50 percent of their market share within 8 to 12 months. Anyway, good news, talked to the guys at applepalace... package to arrive monday. Logic board, PS, and card risers. The rest from newegg... two quad xeon 2.5 Ghz, 4 gigs of ram, coolers, and some other miscellaneous crap... So far... still undercuts apple's near equivalent by 1000+ bucks. Im going thermoelectric water hybrid to cool system.. plans in development; going to implement custom temp controllers that monitor, compare, and takes action to preset and actual values... interesting part will be condensation control... first home computer encased within inert gas or vaccuum? Nitrogen? Got tons of cylinders at work. Let's do this shhhiiiiittttttttttteeeeeeeee

What model Xeons and ram did you get? I did not know Newegg sold FB-DIMMs with the super beefy heatsinks.

Hey dude... here's what you were asking about from newegg. Might not be apple-certified but who gives a crap... People pay for apple's stamp of approval even though memory comes from the same place... China sweatshop... when are we going to manufacture in the United States? What ever happened to being the greatest country on the planet? Well anyway hope this helps with your build... Keep it coming... I'm so excited about my build... HELLL YEAHHHHZZZZZ

Processors:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16819117147

Memory:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList....+Mac+Pro+System

4 Gigs of iRam for a $160.. for DDR2 667 FB-DIMM

Replacement Memory HeatSink... I'm going with this one instead of apple's stock:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16835106098

Which logicboard did you get? I have not heard of anyone using the Harpertowns in the older Mac Pros yet. They *should* work but you never know. Thanks for being the test subject on this one

OWC is the place to get memory... http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20Wor...g/53FB2MPK04GB/

EDIT: Just saw the OTHER set of iRam same prices as OWC doh... but going to leave the link to OWC for others

Plus you really want 4 sticks of memory to get Quad-Channel support.

Those heat sinks look sexy!

ok, i have taken the standoff's out of the case and can no longer find them so do i epoxy the mobo tray to the side of the case or putty epoxy it raised about 1/8-1/4 inch. i also detached the mobo tray from the backing it came. i am going to epoxy the tray and rivet the backing to the mac case.

Umm I am really confused. You took ALL the standoffs out? You only need to take the 8 standoff out for the heat sinks IF you are using after market heat sinks.

Maybe this was meant to be in a G5 case mod thread which this is not.

..and the end of Apple producing computer hardware about 24 months after that

yes it was i apologize

Really would be great to see if digitalperformer's E5420's work or not. Much rumor and one actual attempt ( E5410 by Listed1st.com ) says they don't.

I wonder which logic board revision Listed1st.com was using. I saw his comments on http://www.o0o.it/pro/ but there really was not much else other than it did not work.

Presumably a MacPro1,1 as there is little reason to change processors ( for speed ) on a MacPro2,1 unless doing a DIY build.

Interesting question about the Harpertown... Instruction sets of Harpertown vs Cloverfield equate with the exception of an added set... SSE4.1 ... socket type same... voltage range same... FSB higher with Harpertown, ver 2 logic board should have FSB of 1.33Ghz which acommodates Harpertown... Now how the NorthBridge handles it is another story... The computer industry, to some degree, has always designed components to be somewhat future proof... meaning upgradibility and compatibility... I doubt that Apple will have scumbagged owners from upgrading processors... otherwise, why not soilder the CPU to the motherboard? In anycase... I read the comment left by "Listed1st"... He didn't leave much detail... only that the cpus didn't work... was he referring to an Engineering Sample With or Without BSEL mod or was he only running one processor; he refers to the E5410 as plural and then singular in one sentence... I really get frustrated with people who perform experiments without disclosing some sort of documentation or procedure blah blah blah... Whatever, I have the balls and I'm going for it unless someone can prove me wrong. Can we possibly create some sort of "all about mac hardware" collective... I'm willing to start a website myself... Sick of not having accurate, detailed, information... always a codename or "ver 2" if you know what I mean Thanks Guys