Mac Pro case

[Deleted member 222586]

Can't comment on unannounced products, sorry.

But if you look at our product lineup of, what, 4 cases? 5 if you count the white 600T? Then you'll see we have quite a few openings compared to our competition. Small Form Factor is one of them, but we have some bigger openings to fill up, first.

OK. So, no comments....but bigger comes first, which is an answer

Again, it is *not* cost prohibitive because Lian Li makes money in the all-aluminum case market. I think that if Corsair made an aluminum case that competed with Lian Li offerings, it would be well received.

Making a case at the same level as the Mac Pro is understandably cost prohibitive, and that makes sense for the reasons outlined by Readbeard. However, I am not making an argument that compares Apples to oranges.

The difference is huge. LL makes everything from alu....and thus has quite a volume there. Corsair doesn't, and price per unit would be enormous.

 

[Redbeard]

Again, it is *not* cost prohibitive because Lian Li makes money in the all-aluminum case market. I think that if Corsair made an aluminum case that competed with Lian Li offerings, it would be well received.

Making a case at the same level as the Mac Pro is understandably cost prohibitive, and that makes sense for the reasons outlined by Readbeard. However, I am not making an argument that compares Apples to oranges.

Actually, it IS cost prohibitive for a couple of reasons. The cost has to go somewhere. The 800D, for example has cost in a variety of areas.

If we made the 800D (or 650D) out of aluminum probably the first thing to go would be the black interior. It costs a lot of money to anodize stuff, especially parts that are going to have rivets punched through them and stuff sliding around. The reason a lot of Lian-Li cases still have silver interiors is that when you do it in black (or red) it's expensive and can be scratched pretty easily with a motherboard or video card.

So to be honest, I'd rather have features like the hot-swap dock, easy access side panels, black interior, tool-free optical and hard drive trays, and fan filters for my money instead of saving a pound or two because we made it out of aluminum.

I recognize that there are people who feel the other way - that's fine. If everybody wanted the same thing this would be a pretty boring hobby.

And I'm not saying we won't do a full aluminum case in the future - we might. But it's going to have to have a reason to be full aluminum. I'm not willing to make something more expensive just for the heck of it.

 

[coconutboy]

...
So to be honest, I'd rather have features like the hot-swap dock, easy access side panels, black interior, tool-free optical and hard drive trays, and fan filters for my money instead of saving a pound or two because we made it out of aluminum.

I recognize that there are people who feel the other way - that's fine. If everybody wanted the same thing this would be a pretty boring hobby.

And I'm not saying we won't do a full aluminum case in the future - we might. But it's going to have to have a reason to be full aluminum. I'm not willing to make something more expensive just for the heck of it.

Honestly Redbeard, I'm glad ya'll have brought some sanity back to the case market by NOT making aluminum cases. For a couple years there that market trend was annoying and overhyped IMO. I own a high-end Lian Li, but if someone told me I could have the exact same case made out of steel for ~$100-200 less, it'd be all over it.

• steel costs less and like aluminum can be brushed or anodized for spiffy looks.
• steel is sturdier than Al. Since most of my cases aren't moved much, the extra few pounds are of almost zero importance. Besides, I'm a man. Lifting heavy stuff is cool and impresses the ladies! For LAN cases, I'd still rather have a steel tank that doesn't bend or warp versus saving weight on a comparably flimsy aluminum product.
• most importantly of all... if Iron Man decided to upgrade and adamantium/vibranium was in short supply, what do you think he'd name himself? The pansy-ass, lightweight, Aluminum Man? FUCK NO. Even Superman knows it's cooler to be the Man of Steel! (insert ladies' man joke about steel's durability/rigidity here)

 

[Redbeard]

[*] steel costs less and like aluminum can be brushed or anodized for spiffy looks.
[*] steel is sturdier than Al. Since most of my cases aren't moved much, the extra few pounds are of almost zero importance. Besides, I'm a man. Lifting heavy stuff is cool and impresses the ladies! For LAN cases, I'd still rather have a steel tank that doesn't bend or warp versus saving weight on a comparably flimsy aluminum product.
[*] most importantly of all... if Iron Man decided to upgrade and adamantium/vibranium was in short supply, what do you think he'd name himself? The pansy-ass, lightweight, Aluminum Man? FUCK NO. Even Superman knows it's cooler to be the Man of Steel! (insert ladies' man joke about steel's durability/rigidity here) [/list]

Thanks for the kind words, but I just want to correct a couple of things.

1) Steel can't be anodized like Aluminum, but both can be painted or powder coated. Aluminum can also be "brushed" like the front of the Obsidian cases, for that hairline look you get. You can get a similar look with Stainless Steel, but that's very expensive and can really only be done in silver, as Stainless Steel shouldn't really be painted or powder coated.

2) To be fair, the reason a lot of aluminum cases are flimsy isn't a fault of aluminum as a material, it's a cost-cutting measure manufacturers make by using thin aluminum. Look at something like the Silverstone TJ07, which has thick aluminum as the frame of its chassis. It's a fantastically solid design, but in order to get there, it's $50-$100 more than the 800D and it has less features. I'm sure the new TJ11 is just as solid, and has a lot of the features of the 800D, but it costs twice as much.

3) "Aluminum Man" sounds a lot worse than "Iron Man" or "Man of Steel" or "Adamantium Skeleton Man With Regenerative Healing Powers", you're right on that one.

Holding out hope for Titanium Man.

 

[coconutboy]

Thanks for the kind words, but I just want to correct a couple of things.

1) Steel can't be anodized like Aluminum, but both can be painted or powder coated. Aluminum can also be "brushed" like the front of the Obsidian cases, for that hairline look you get. You can get a similar look with Stainless Steel, but that's very expensive and can really only be done in silver, as Stainless Steel shouldn't really be painted or powder coated.

Well slap me silly. I was under the impression that steel and various steel alloys could be anodized. Guess it's only the alloys? I prefer the metalic shine/silver anyhow, but it's a bitch to match optical drives unless the case comes with built-in hdd covers. That's part of what kept me from buying a SIlverstone ft02.

2) To be fair, the reason a lot of aluminum cases are flimsy isn't a fault of aluminum as a material, it's a cost-cutting measure manufacturers make by using thin aluminum. Look at something like the Silverstone TJ07, which has thick aluminum as the frame of its chassis. It's a fantastically solid design, but in order to get there, it's $50-$100 more than the 800D and it has less features. I'm sure the new TJ11 is just as solid, and has a lot of the features of the 800D, but it costs twice as much.

Aye, wasn't knocking aluminum as inherently being crap. Mainly I don't feel the added cost provides me any value. Yet, for a few years there in the mid 2000s, some manufacturers were cranking out these thin gauge lightweight cases that bent far too easily for my tastes (coughThermaltakecough). This trend led to a common misconception that aluminum cases offer a huge weight savings when in reality, the manufacturers were really just using less metal. 5-10lbs saved on a case means nothing to me once I've loaded the chassis up with a bunch hdds, beefy coolers and other weight.

 

[daro2096]

You can get an empty mac pro case on Ebay but be prepared to part with at least £200 for it.

 

[Scuba Steve in VA]

Can't comment on unannounced products, sorry.

But if you look at our product lineup of, what, 4 cases? 5 if you count the white 600T? Then you'll see we have quite a few openings compared to our competition. Small Form Factor is one of them, but we have some bigger openings to fill up, first.

How about a 600T with:

• No fan control knob (or one that is nearly hidden)
• No LEDs in Fans
• Better airflow, higher CFM front fan(s)
• Replacing the 200x200x20mm front fan with something more standard and easier to replace...even if it is thicker and cuts down on supported card length by 10mm

On that last point, seriously, how many of us use more than four HDs in the same rig that needs to support extra long video cards? I would jack that mid-mounted HD cage in a second if I could have a higher CFM, non-LED fan that is more easily replaceable,


By the way, I generally dislike white cases, but I have been tempted by the white 600T. You folks did an outstanding job on that case...and it really is beautiful...and that is from a guy who hates side windows. Of course, because of the issues above, I am unlikely to buy a 600T until I see a rev 2.

Okay, thread hijacking done...but you started it

Scuba

 

[Sir_Poop_Alot]

someone converted the mac pro case to house pc hardware

http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=989658&page=70

 

[WorldExclusive]

someone converted the mac pro case to house pc hardware

http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=989658&page=70

try linking the actual post

 

[coconutboy]

Here's the [H] peep nalc's conversion and the aquamac thread I posted earlier. I'm not too keen on those fans peeking out from behind the grille on nalc's, IMO it ruins the look of the case. Still a pretty nifty project though, much like the NES mini-PCs or other custom mods.

 

[Relleum]

Actually, it IS cost prohibitive for a couple of reasons. The cost has to go somewhere. The 800D, for example has cost in a variety of areas.

If we made the 800D (or 650D) out of aluminum probably the first thing to go would be the black interior. It costs a lot of money to anodize stuff, especially parts that are going to have rivets punched through them and stuff sliding around. The reason a lot of Lian-Li cases still have silver interiors is that when you do it in black (or red) it's expensive and can be scratched pretty easily with a motherboard or video card.

So to be honest, I'd rather have features like the hot-swap dock, easy access side panels, black interior, tool-free optical and hard drive trays, and fan filters for my money instead of saving a pound or two because we made it out of aluminum.

I recognize that there are people who feel the other way - that's fine. If everybody wanted the same thing this would be a pretty boring hobby.

And I'm not saying we won't do a full aluminum case in the future - we might. But it's going to have to have a reason to be full aluminum. I'm not willing to make something more expensive just for the heck of it.

Again, it is tough to believe you cannot make a bad ass all-aluminum case when so many around you are doing it. And I don't understand why you think that a sexier, lighter weight case isn't enough reason to make one. Apple sells products like crazy, and part of it is because of their simple, elegant aluminum designs.

I personally decided on the case for my next build; it is the Silverstone Fortress FT03:
http://www.silverstonetek.com/products/p_contents.php?pno=FT03

FTD: 2.5mm thick, sand-blasted and anodized aluminum outer shells

It isn't entirely aluminum, but it seems to have enough of the benefits (lighter weight and looks beautiful) to keep me happy. And they managed it for $160, which is well within reasonable pricing. The only thing I don't like are the plastic grates, but they aren't as pronounced on the black version. If they eventually offer an aluminum door and top panel as replacement, I'd be excited to shell out for those upgrades.

 

[DOOMHAMMA]

Apple sells products like crazy, and part of it is because of their simple, elegant aluminum designs.

I just assumed it was because most Apple owners are sheeple who can't make decisions for themselves, and prefer looks over function.

 

[coconutboy]

Again, it is tough to believe you cannot make a bad ass all-aluminum case when so many around you are doing it. And I don't understand why you think that a sexier, lighter weight case isn't enough reason to make one. Apple sells products like crazy, and part of it is because of their simple, elegant aluminum designs.

So, you skimmed the thread, as evidenced by your comparison of a Fortune 100 company with nearly 6 billion in profits to (relatively) tiny outfits like Corsair and Silverstone, and now you're questioning why Corsair doesn't make a $160 micro-ATX case? I really do like the ft03 and it's a great design, but the TCO is pretty high when you consider that the user is also locked into buying a slot-drive optical. These aren't the old days of pricey Shuttle SFF systems selling like hotcakes; times have changed and there's a LOT of competition. By comparison, Apevia's sub-$100 Qpack line of micro-ATX cases has probably made them a ton more cash than Silverstone will ever see from the ft03. This is why companies tend to be very deliberate/careful when taking risks on expensive niche products. It's not an accident that Cooler Master mostly moved away from being one of the very best all-aluminum case manufacturers. It's just a tough way to make a buck versus catering to the majority of buyers.

Corsair, Silverstone, Lian Li, and plenty of other companies have really done a great job of catering to the picky enthusiast market, but they need to be very sure of each product they release because they can't afford to lose millions on a mistake like an Apple or Dell. I have little doubt Corsair could make a kickass all-aluminum product, but the initiative to do so won't happen till they've filled the larger holes in their case lineup.

I just assumed it was because most Apple owners are sheeple who can't make decisions for themselves, and prefer looks over function.

Are you really stuck on stereotypes from a decade ago? Please. I'm a PC guy myself, but my friend won an Emmy and does all her work on her Apple. My ex-neighbor is a well-regarded photographer who is very tech savvy. He too uses Apple. My Dad is a pretty successful musician with a helluva resume. Yep, he's an Apple user too. And how about all the non-"sheeple" software devs flocking to make apps for Apple products? Point is, longtime tech community stalwarts like like Anandtech and Arstechnica are very pro-Apple these days for a reason. It's not that Apple computers are better than PCs. It's that Apple (and the 3rd party software devs) has done an excellent job of integrating software and hardware in consumer-level products. Personally, I have zero use for Apple's desktops and their huge Apple tax, but their portable products are excellent which is why we own an iphone, ipods, and will prolly be picking up an ipad as well.

 

[Redbeard]

Again, it is tough to believe you cannot make a bad ass all-aluminum case when so many around you are doing it. And I don't understand why you think that a sexier, lighter weight case isn't enough reason to make one. Apple sells products like crazy, and part of it is because of their simple, elegant aluminum designs.

I personally decided on the case for my next build; it is the Silverstone Fortress FT03:
http://www.silverstonetek.com/products/p_contents.php?pno=FT03

FTD: 2.5mm thick, sand-blasted and anodized aluminum outer shells

It isn't entirely aluminum, but it seems to have enough of the benefits (lighter weight and looks beautiful) to keep me happy. And they managed it for $160, which is well within reasonable pricing. The only thing I don't like are the plastic grates, but they aren't as pronounced on the black version. If they eventually offer an aluminum door and top panel as replacement, I'd be excited to shell out for those upgrades.

For one, Apple sells because it's Apple. They probably spend more money on Industrial Design than Corsair's total yearly revenue. They are an absolutely massive company with resources we don't have. The Mac Pro would sell to the people who buy it even if it was steel and plastic. The important part isn't necessarily that it's aluminum (though that helps with the appearance/strength in that design), it's that the design is exceptionally clean. And importantly, they know exactly what hardware is going into each chassis at the factory how it needs to be cooled, powered, and whether or not they want it to be easily removed for servicing. In comparison, we've got to maximize compatibility with a dozen Taiwanese motherboard manufacturers who like to move ports around and come out with stuff like XL-ATX and HPTX for home systems just for giggles.

And as for the FT03, it's a Micro ATX chassis, not a full-sized chassis. And it's a steel & plastic case with an Aluminum "shell", just like the FT02 was. The FT02 weighs about 33 lbs according to Silverstone's site, the FT03 weighs about 14. In comparison, a Lian-Li PC-9 weighs about 11 lbs and is a full ATX mid-tower, and the PC-P50, a "gamer friendly" mid-tower case, weighs 14 lbs.

As for steel & plastic 600T, it weighs about 28 lbs, and the 650D weighs around the same (don't have it memorized yet).

I just don't see the benefit to an all aluminum chassis aside from weight savings.

You can't inexpensively anodize aluminum, so the interior of any full aluminum ATX case is going to push prices into the $200+ range by the time you add the other features.

I like Silverstone and Lian-Li cases a lot, but I like ours better. I also fully respect that not everybody is going to agree with me, and I'm cool with that.

The Silverstone TJ11 is a good example of what happens when you go full aluminum without making any feature compromises. I believe it costs $599.

 

[Omerta]

You can't inexpensively anodize aluminum, so the interior of any full aluminum ATX case is going to push prices into the $200+ range by the time you add the other features.

Yeah but you can just powdercoat the interior instead of anodizing.

 

[jenneth]

I use a Mac Pro at work, and I have a Zalman GT-1000 case for my home computer. They have similar build quality. Neither is as attractive as Windy however. Just my 2 cent.