New Mac Pro Safe to Operate Horizontally

According to a new Apple support document, though the new Mac Pro is designed to be used in the upright position, it can also be used on its side. Owners of multiple Mac Pro units should ensure that the exhaust and intake ports are not aligned too closely as this can affect the cooling abilities of the machine.

Sidewaysmacproverge

The Mac Pro (2013) has a fan system capable of cooling the computer in a vertical or horizontal orientation as long as you follow these guidelines.

- Provide enough space at each end of the computer for unrestricted airflow into the base and out the exhaust at the top. Make sure that the air intake and exhaust ports are not covered.

- When using multiple Mac Pro (Late 2013) computers, do not direct the exhaust at the top of one Mac Pro towards the intake of another system. Place the computers side by side with a gap of at least several inches between them.

- When on its side, secure the Mac Pro (Late 2013) to be sure that it doesn't roll. Place the computer on a protective surface that will not scratch or damage the enclosure. Note: The Apple Limited Warranty does not cover cosmetic damage to the enclosure.

- Orient the computer so that the Input/Output (I/O) panel remains accessible during use.

It is likely that third-party companies will come out with rack-mount options for the new Mac Pro at some point and those mounts could see the machine aligned on its side in order to maximize space.

(Sideways Mac Pro courtesy The Verge)

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Top Rated Comments

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frozen220

56 months ago

Mac Pro on set

For those of us in the film industry, especially DITs (digital imaging technicians) this new smaller lighter design is great. Yes, people do need the power of Mac Pro outside of an office in a mobile setting. Go to any film set and you'll find at least one Mac Pro built into a rolling cart. A very heavy rolling cart with large monitors and other equipment like storage arrays. Rolling!!

Rating: 34 Votes

Klae17

56 months ago

I have a custom built rack here. Just need the Mac pros.

Rating: 33 Votes

eswinson

56 months ago

Rack Mount

That means you can rack mount them on something like a wine rack.

Rating: 29 Votes

micropig

56 months ago

secure the Mac Pro (Late 2013) to be sure that it doesn't roll

Yeah, yeah. I know how to use a computer.

Wait, what?

Rating: 18 Votes

Hastings101

56 months ago

Now just add an R2-D2 optional color scheme and I'm sold.

Rating: 16 Votes

mrsavage1

56 months ago

Rollin' Rollin' Rollin'

Rating: 11 Votes

Jynto

56 months ago

- When on its side, secure the Mac Pro (Late 2013) to be sure that it doesn't roll. Place the computer on a protective surface that will not scratch or damage the enclosure. Note: The Apple Limited Warranty does not cover cosmetic damage to the enclosure.

I'm just gonna post this again because it's relevant.

They see me rollin'...

They hatin'.

Rating: 11 Votes

mozumder

56 months ago

hmmm anyone know the rated thrust of the fan?

Rating: 9 Votes

thornwald

56 months ago

In a rack environment it may need to be aligned horizontally to be in line with proper cooling for the rack. Intake in the front and exhaust in the back. It will be interesting to see a beehive arrangement of Mac pros in a rendering farm.

I could also see this for custom transport solutions for mobile Mac Pro use. A rolling cargo unit designed to secure a Mac Pro and assorted professional gear for easy transport.

Who's going to be that first guy with his new Mac Pro & 27" 4K monitor at Starbucks?

Rating: 8 Votes

MacStadium

56 months ago

Mac Pro Datacenter Racks

Some of our contacts inside Apple had unofficially told us directly this past summer that they would work fine on their sides. Its good to hear that they have finally validated that. :)