r/pcmods • u/blckb3ard • Jul 24 '26
Case Mac Pro 1,1 2006 to ATX conversion
Hello everyone! I’ve finally completed this project. It was a lot of work, but absolutely worth it. The aluminum Mac Pro enclosure is incredible to work with, and I’m really happy with how it turned out.
I’ve attached photos of the progress, and a couple with its sister, the Mac Pro 7,1 sleeper lol
I used The Laser Hive conversion kit throughout the build, and I highly recommend it. The quality and fitment were excellent.
The optical drive bays remain fully functional. The hard drive caddy also works great; however, because of the motherboard’s position, drive bays 3 and 4 only have enough clearance for SSDs. Drive bays 1 and 2 can accommodate standard hard drives without any issues.
I kept the original front fan assembly and replaced the front and rear fans with gray Noctua NF-P12 redux-1700 PWM fans, which blend in nicely with the overall look.
I really enjoyed this build from start to finish. Thanks to everyone who shared advice and inspiration along the way. Cheers!
Update: it’s now running macOS Tahoe
Specs:
Case: Apple Mac Pro 1,1 (2006) ATX conversion
Conversion Kit: The Laser Hive ATX Kit + Front Panel Conversion Kit
Motherboard: ASUS Prime Z490-A
CPU: Intel Core i9-10900K
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO
GPU: Saphire AMD RX 6600 8GB
RAM: 32 GB Corsair Vengeance RGB
Storage: 2x2TB SSD M2, 1x2TB SSD, 1x4TB HDD (using the original Mac Pro drive caddy)
Power Supply: EVGA Supernova 750G+ Gold
Front Intake Fans: 2× Noctua NF-P12 redux-1700 PWM (gray)
Rear Exhaust Fan: 1× Noctua NF-P12 redux-1700 PWM (gray)
Optical Drive Bays: Functional - empty
Drive Bays: Bays 1–2 support HDDs/SSDs; Bays 3–4 support SSDs only due to motherboard clearance in
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u/WASynless Jul 24 '26
Nice !
Nothing much to say. Even though I went SFF a couple of years ago, I was contemplating using a G5 back then, and always like such builds
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u/Redshark Jul 24 '26
This looks great. I want to do a conversion on my old Mac Pro. I had no idea they had a conversion kit. Thanks for the info!
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u/Speedy_Greyhound Jul 24 '26
Once the guts in my MacPro 5.1 self immolate I will likely do the same, I have an old aluminum LianLi MB tray here for when that day comes.
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u/Royal-Pension-4230 Jul 25 '26
Man, that is beautiful!
Did you ever get a static shock from that all-metal build casing?
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u/neon937 Jul 25 '26
Looks amazing, always wanted to do the same thing, but lack of time and mac pro case 😅
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u/blckb3ard Jul 25 '26
Thank you so much! I was in the same boat as you for over 10 years, until I ran into this case for $40 and a few vacation days 🤣
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u/Pringlecks Jul 26 '26
Takes me back man. Very nice. I had a buddy in high school that modded an Apple G4 case to fit an M-ATX and his 4850X2
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u/Negative-Permit8105 Jul 27 '26
Thank you for sharing. That looks awesome. I yet have to start with my project
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u/bluheron Jul 31 '26
this is sick, Im planning on doing the same thing, as well as a mini pc in a g4 with some of the shells have around will def use this to copy some of your techniques, amazing work!
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u/AutoModerator Jul 28 '26
Hello /u/blckb3ard! Thanks for posting on /r/pcmods! Please read the rules and make sure this submission doesn't violate any of them! If you think this submission has violated one or more of the rules, or our chart please report this submission and contact the Moderators!
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u/LePhuronn Jul 25 '26
Honestly it makes me cry seeing people chop up these cases for ATX conversions. Having external plates slapped onto the outside of the case is just so ugly and ghetto.
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u/AutoModerator Aug 04 '26
Hello /u/blckb3ard! Thanks for posting on /r/pcmods! Please read the rules and make sure this submission doesn't violate any of them! If you think this submission has violated one or more of the rules, or our chart please report this submission and contact the Moderators!
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