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.
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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)
Top Rated Comments
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!!
That means you can rack mount them on something like a wine rack.
Yeah, yeah. I know how to use a computer.
Wait, what?
I'm just gonna post this again because it's relevant.
They see me rollin'...
They hatin'.