Restoring A Filthy Mac Pro... From A School Bin!

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Today we’re going to clean up and restore a free Apple Mac Pro that was being thrown out by a school. Does this trash picked desktop work? Can this filthy corroded machine be useful in 2023? Let’s find out 🙂 #apple #mac #restoration
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(Spoilers) Mac Pro Specifications:
Early 2009 4,1 Mac Pro
2.66GHz Quad Core Xeon W3520 Cpu
8GB DDR3 1,066MHz Ram
Nvidia GT 120 512MB Graphics
480GB SATA SSD (Upgraded)

[@psivewri]

💯Download Fishing Clash on your iOS/Android device for free fishingclash.link/Psivewri! Use my gift code PSIVEWRI to get an awesome reward for a total value of $20!

[@ngf]

wasn't a big fan, mainly because I saw a video of a cat trying to get some fish from a frozen lake and they couldn't get it :(

[@mizinoinovermyhead.7523]

Honestly if you don't want the macpro I'll take it. I'm sure I can figure something fun to do with it.

[@michaelwood9866]

does the gmail address have to be in caps? LOL!

[@LambdaMiscellaneous]

@@mizinoinovermyhead.7523 bro.

[@AM562]

I’m curious just wondering how much that Mac is worth ?

[@CoreyDWillis]

Watching old computers like this get all cleaned up so so weirdly satisfying.

[@NebukadV]

What you called corrosion at for example 5:45, 5:51, 5:58, 8:05 is actually just flux-residue from the original manufacturing, that got not cleaned off properly in the factory and turn white over time. That is also, why this white discoloration only form in very specific spots, where that form of flux was used for thru-hole soldering.

[@TheVintageApplianceEmporium]

They really were wonderful computers, the aesthetic is quite something. I have an old G5 Pro in my collection; you can fit a 17" G4 Powerbook between the 'handles' 🤣

[@kaangirginer3826]

I've placed '98 iMac keyboard while I'm installing OS

[@coryvb3056]

Do you have a picture by chance? Just ordered an old G4 off eBay.

[@aspieantics9817]

that apple power connector is my new best friend. its a bloody nightmare removing it in other systems LOL

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

The 5.1 version can be updated to dual 3.46Ghz Xeons and while Apple list a max of 64Gb ram, there's a kit that will allow 128Gb. With an NVMe based drive and a decent GPU, they still make for a very good Broadcast Graphics box, or for an Uncompressed Raw video capture box for some Cinema cameras, using either Sonnet or similar software raid cards and SDI connected capture cards.

[@mavicman21]

If the mac can run fishing clash, it is not junk, it is a treasure.

[@jlj945]

A dual CPU version of this is my main system. It started out as a lower end 2009 4,1 such as this one except it was a dual CPU. It has since been upgraded to two 6c/12t Xeon X5680’s, 96 GB of RAM, and a Radeon RX 590. It runs the latest release of macOS Ventura booted off an NVMe, and Windows 11. It plays the new Hogwarts Legacy very well, and does anything I throw at it. These old Mac Pro’s even a single CPU model like this, are far from just being a paper weight. I also want to add that I have a second one that is my server. It runs TrueNAS, with 6 HDDs, 4x4 TB disks, and 2x12 TB disks. It also is my Plex server. That one started out as a similar 2009 4,1 but now has two 6 core Xeon X5675’s with 32GB of RAM.

[@vicchopin]

someday they're gonna throw that 2013 macpro aka "the bin" in.... BINS so that's gonna be a huge vid for ya!

[@laurihoefs5841]

Most of the white residue on the boards you suspected to be corrosion was just flux residue from selective soldering process. No need to clean that with vinegar.

[@BTL400]

I've got a 2006 macbook pro, the chunky one. I got it for $10, but it has no battery. I changed the DDR2 ram modules and I only use it for recording live music since it cannot be upgraded through a patcher unlike my other computer, a macbook white which I was able to update to Catalina and I also use it for recording live music, light web browsing and online teaching.

[@steverae68]

Just for info, with a proper metal compliant GPU, my Mac pro 5,1 is running Mac OS 13,2 via OCLP. These old machines are awesome, well worth still picking up if you can get one, the graphics cards are probably double the cost of a system but well worth it

[@Tvj_films8452]

i sold my 2012 Mac Pro, 48 gig ram, 6 core for 200 bucks. So glad to see it go. I was tired of dealing with open core every time it needed a new os update. And besides m1 mini crushes the performance compared to it.

[@vueeyle7162]

I am still in love with the design of these Mac Pro's! Maybe you can do a Hackintosh or a PC Conversion to the case and give the case some new life?

[@shanemitchellspencer]

I wish there was a way to convert these machines but still make use of the optical drives, SATA drives and USB. I believe a lot of custom work would have to go into it. A M2 Pro Mini motherboard with some custom thunderbolt adapters could make it work, but it would take a lot of skill.

[@theglowcloud2215]

If Apple has no intention of exposing PCIe lanes from their SoC in the next Mac Pro, they might as well just not make a Mac Pro. Removable storage is a requirement in Mac Pros, imo; without that, you may as well buy a Mac Studio and a DAS enclosure for storage.

[@seppmartti]

00:38 "...panel comes off, revealing a moistly complete unit."

[@TheMrGamer1]

Love the video! And also the email part was funny

[@londongaz2]

I love mine! Installed Win 10 on it, a more modern graphics card, and it will quite happily run most games I throw at it. Granted it's noisy and hot, but it was absolutely dirt cheap. Slight downside is you need to keep the original graphics card in as well as the bios screen won't display on the new card.

[@egbront1506]

Not any more. That requirement went with OCLP and a custom BootROM which does the same and a bit more besides is in testing.

[@BenjaminMillar]

Opencore legacy patcher! With an SSD you can run way more modern versions of MacOS as long as the GPU is Metal capable.

[@foxyloon]

Might make for a decent NAS or home server if you can get a custom OS running on it. Not exactly power efficient, but it's an option for repurposing old hardware without throwing a ton of upgrade parts at it.

[@LaGamerLia666]

I believe this model still didn't have the T2 chip so you can probably install any OS with no hassle

[@foxyloon]

@@LaGamerLia666 Get TrueNAS going on it, utilize the drive sleds for the data drives. It’ll have plenty of cpu power to do the job.

[@JohnnnyJohn]

I've always wanted to take one of these and cram a modern gaming rig into it.

[@mr.number9279]

If it's not a thermally conductive material like some bad pastes or liquid metal (Which is also bad, but...), the "wrong" amount of thermal paste is not enough to adequately spread. There's not too much. Period. It is OKAY if thermal paste gets places, it's not conductive, it can't cause harm. Except to your wallet, since, well, it isn't free. You put enough to spread. That's good.

[@jeffsims7386]

If that’s a 4,1 you can update the firmware and put a 6 core 12 thread Xeon in it. I have a 5,1 with them 6 core and an RX570 in it.

[@sgtpeppers3021]

Nice vid, plus great music for end credits

[@homesteadishdad]

The email and Mac table made me ugly laugh hahahaha. Also, I'm sad to find out that eucalyptus oil spray is illegal or something in the US *cries*

[@corrosionoc69]

My 5,1 Mac Pro is running the current MacOS... Ventura. I flashed an AMD gpu, dropped it in and installed opencore.

[@xbrun3356]

Recently got a Mac Pro had no corrosion but it was a workstation in a video editors house, only thing the house smelt like it had been smoked in for about 50 , plenty of half full whisky bottles, and don’t forget about the animals, let’s just say I filled 5 grocery bags full of dark black smoker dust filled paper towels later and several days later i regretted my cheap purchase. I’m thinking about posting a vid of the cleaning on my other channel.

[@amberisvibin]

I've got one of the max spec 2.93 dual quad core xeons models. stuck debian on it and use it as a server

[@brianbloom1799]

Psivewri, I don't know why that little water bother,s you so much, I have taken them apart washed blow them off, Then spay with alcohol blow them off again, Nice and clean It has never hurt any thing.

[@flaviusbelisarius3240]

You should make a video on your cleaning supplies and tactics.

[@themaik882deaf9]

when the sus bule 0:52

[@Trigger4589]

I love these macs! My mum used to have one of them

[@megatronskneecap]

This is why I sightly agree with schools buying s**tty eBay Windows PC's for their IT rooms. You buy expensive brand new Mac Pros or Minis and they just become outdated and slow in under a couple of years. At least with cheap Windows PC's you can replace em every couple months.

[@grimmpickins2559]

And it was a trash mac, my favorite flavor. My secondary computer is a dual x5680 5,1, Titan Black (no pixlas), running a CRT with a heavily customized installation of PopOS. These machines can still do retro-gaming (or modern with a lesser resolution)... Maybe not my main PC, but... umm... this era marks a really remarkable point in Apple history, because they keep on keepin' on... I'm waiting for the 2019 Pro to get to this price point. I bought my 2010 for $50, 2-3 years ago. Hospital library castoff.

[@willm5032]

I've got a 2008 model that I've hacked Big sur onto. Surprisingly capable machine for its age.

[@zakspop]

I'd love to have one of these. I'd strip it and put in the guts of a new M2 Mac Mini. Maybe convert the DVD drives to USB versions. I always liked the design of these.

[@tidedetergentyummy]

I really like the case but I can't seem to find it in my country

[@derpydashdjblazekin]

assuming you can run older mac os9 games unreal tournament 99 is a good bet along with quake

[@masx4813]

Dayum, it's better than my school's computer

[@carson2646]

Apple Silicon is making these old Macs less and less an attractive option. Not to mention the tinkering required to maintain compatibility. I think most people would be much better with a modern Mac mini

[@mashirohakase]

I thought the original cards are expensive because you need them in order to upgrade firmware from 4.1 to 5.1

[@hackintoshslovakia368]

great job ! as always !

[@gibblsworthiscool]

The gpu is still used and worth a lot because it gives you a boot menu

[@raulstaforelli1493]

nice Captain Willard

[@ShorrockPeter]

Great work ❤

[@oggie3105]

Next time restoring computers or laptops mod it with spray paint it will make more cool

[@Live-방송]

When cleaning an aluminum case such as a Mac Pro, you should never mix acidic ingredients such as vinegar to clean it. The aluminum will corrode and turn white. Remember, when cleaning aluminum materials, use an alkaline kitchen detergent!!! vinegar??? That's a big mistake STOP!!!

[@joeturner7959]

Eucalyptus Oil? Yes, I use it too. I have two of these dual processor systems. ( Oh, I gave one away ). 4x too much heat compound, and I do not care either. One fatal mistake with the video which will slow down your machine forever. ( pointed out to me by a precocious 14 year old ). Mine renders Blender fine. Thanks.

[@bryans8656]

I picked up a 5,1 2009 Mac Pro a few years ago and had a good time upgrading it. I ended up selling it on eBay, where I purchased my next project, a 2013 Mac Pro 🙂

[@Billyhime]

I use my old Mac pro as a capture device for my Xbox

[@moe_1886]

Such a beautiful looking design... shame it cost an absolute bomb at the time... even today! Hope you gave the toothbrush a good clean before brushing your teeth 🤣

[@Laynel8]

My dad used to own one of these things and my god are they heavy 😂

[@ShippoHsu]

10.11 is El Capitan 10.13 is High Sierra 10.14 is Mojave

[@Nobody_256.-qj3kd]

Your old server can be your new PC :)

[@utkarshat3]

Bro please donate this desktop to a needy student. This machine can very easily be used to learn coding, basic project management, etc.

[@damolin77]

Install Linux on the Mac I would like to see that video please.

[@antoniom.andersen6704]

How about keeping the case and just tear everything out and build a PC in the case?

[@Gabiblocks]

Nice mac

[@echonomad94]

what school did you get it from

[@TheDustin151]

You can make it a server.

[@mattblatchley2061]

oh, yeah...I always insist on original packaging when I buy 14 year old hardware that is institutional surplus👍

[@mattblatchley2061]

😝

[@mattblatchley2061]

oh, hey...too much thermal paste...and it was the wrong kind...

[@mattblatchley2061]

great video!

[@jtstacey83]

I cant tell you how stupid people get when applying thermal paste. EVERYONE has a opinon. If it was me I would drown it in the stuff just to have people freak out. People seem to be under the impression that too much paste could short the board but that hasnt been the case in decades.

[@robsquared2]

Now I wonder if that gmail address is in use.

[@monoholgazan]

Ya no le pongas MacOS, cambia Windos y veamos de qué es capaz esta Mac.

[@FlamingShutter]

I have a Mac pro 5,1 with dual x5690s, 128 gigs of ram and a Vega 64 graphics card. I also have a pci-e SSD as well. While on Mac os I can play some games like world of warcraft and civ 6 running well. I also have windows 10 installed on another hard drive and am able to game without any issues. While this won't be able to complete with newer Intel chips it make for a great editing rig. For either 1080p or music editor. Honestly just use the DOS dude back to run Catalina or big sur. It's a great computer with lots of potential.

[@WindowsSeven7601]

Trashintosh Pro. (Because it’s from a bin!)

[@oldcmputer]

What watch are you wearing?

[@Pixelman-k3v]

Youb can run Minecraft 1.20.4 on MacOS High Sierra.

[@plixrplays]

Nice

[@Live-방송]

The act of using vinegar when cleaning is a principle that only applies when cleaning the kitchen or bathroom. Please don't mess with our Mac Pro. . . .This is basic common sense.

[@brokenelectronics3665]

Just a tip about accessing the PCIe slots, there is a button on the fan casing. Press that, and it will slide back, freeing the slots. There is no need to remove the fan completely.

[@psivewri]

Well, I didn't know that! 👍

[@ComicalDans313]

@@psivewri hi

[@notsoseagatey]

dont try to get his attention ​@@ComicalDans313

[@carloisdoingstupidtechstuff]

4:11 @@psivewri: vinegar has a very strong scent and not a lotta fun to breathe in me: weak, I am 13 but I still can't suffer from the smell of vinegar jk

[@archlinuxrussian]

Aside from power consumption and CPU efficiency concerns, this Mac could be quite useful still! As others have suggested, Firmware upgrade, newer GPU/CPU, and maybe even Linux could make this computer someone's new rig! Maybe a home server or video editing machine or whatnot ☺

[@fredericconsavela8484]

I run linux mint on a 4.1 it's a breeze and the system stays up to date with no need for any mod or tweak. Those Mac Pros are PC servers in fact so...

[@Dave102693]

Or opencore

[@KrishnaDraws]

Throw Linux Mint on it and you have a great working system. Loved the video. Another Mac saved!

[@nukelauncher95]

The AMD RX580 is a great GPU for these Mac Pros. The special Mac compatible GPUs just allow you to see the UEFI screens. This can be annoying if you're trying to reinstall an OS or if you're dual booting since you can't see the boot picker. PC compatible cards will just show a black screen until MacOS boots and the GPU drivers load. It is possible to flash a Mac compatible VBIOS to the GPU too.

[@Frank72364]

OpenCore fix that bootscreen problem. With OpenCore Legacy Patcher you can run even Ventura on these Mac Pros.

[@Qbed]

It's satisfying to see old piece of hardware from trash comeback to life. Keep up with great work.

[@noenken]

I bought that machine when it was new. Over time I have updated my 4,1 to 5,1 and upgraded to the 6 core 12 thread Intel Xeon W3690, 48GB 1333 ECC DDR3 in triple channel mode, a Samsung 970 EVO M.2 drive on a PCIe card and the AMD Radeon Pro WX5100. These days I am using the machine for light virtualization tasks, as a ZFS NAS with 4 internal HDDs and for legacy hardware like optical drives, firewire stuff and so on. All on macOS Mojave. Without any doubt this Mac Pro has been the most reliable and useful piece of computer hardware I have ever owned. It is in it's 14th year of service and still going strong.

[@hxdeci]

I think you can just install any old PC GPU in these as long as the OS on the machine has drivers for the video card. In that case, it'd probably be Windows or Linux. My friend used one of these with an RX 580 in it for a while. The Mac firmware wouldn't support the card so it'd have a black screen until the drivers load in the OS

[@arisusanchez]

yup dont need mac os on these old machines, just use windows or linux

[@egbront1506]

If you are that determined, you can flash the Mac Pro 5,1 firmware onto this machine. Along with the latest OCLP release, you can run Ventura on it as long as you have a Metal compatible GPU, such as the RX580. On Macrumors, there is also a project, which is in testing now, to flash a BootROM onto the MPro to give a boot selector screen and a boot progress screen with almost any modern GPU without having to flash the graphics card first. It is also intended to give USB 3.0 support in EFI.

[@MrCooper83]

I still use a 5.1. ITs all maxed out. Best Xeon CPU and the max RAM. Still capable and with newer metal supported video card you can run the latest version of MacOS. I have been using this with a matching 30" Cinema Display. They are old but still work as new. Love the design, however I need to clean it regularly due to its HUGE fans. Great video!!

[@randolphdecker5893]

I have a MacPo4,1 What video card? I want to upgrade from the 120

[@OhHeyItIsNano]

The repair projects look rather fun and good to watch.

[@SamJD1976]

I Learned A Crap Ton Of Things From These Repairs and Restore Videos And With Having Some Personal Work Experience I Now Do Repairs For Money

[@rickynrocks9211]

You do not need to unscrew the upper fan to remove PCIE cards. Look for the white button near the fan. Push and slide back. 04:43

[@rollingtroll]

Nice case to build another system in. Maybe some Linux-Based-Gaming system or so, something as little apple as possible

[@duelgundam]

For the Graphics card, with a compatible OS, you could use up to a GTX 1080 on a High Sierra install(last macOS with Nvidia support) Although, you could also run comparable AMD GPUs from the same period(for stability. I don't think the PSU would be able to handle big power loads), as macOS still supports 3rd party Radeon cards.

[@Zebra_Paw]

@user lol I put an AMD Radeon HD 7970 in mine, and I am running AMD with OpenCore. Full support with Metal and it's the 2008 model. A GTX 600/700 is also going to work until Big Sur, and perfectly in Monterey with the root patch.

[@Zebra_Paw]

@user very much does

[@EvilTurkeySlices]

Catalina was the last one with native Nvidia support, there were still supported machines that had Nvidia cards. Big Sur was the one to drop it(although you can still get it to work with patches)

[@Zebra_Paw]

@@EvilTurkeySlices no Big Sur doesn't need patches for Kepler.

[@willm5032]

I've got an Nvidea GPU that I flashed with mac firmware. Supports Metal and is natively supported in OSX too

[@AnthonyChopra]

one day all intel macs could lose MacOS unsuported Modding via Opencore due to apple going all Silicon but i think 3rd party softwere like Windows or other is ok. i do wish apple to keep a major massive macpro like this one even when they switch to silicon for the ssd sleds or nvme sleds or what ever we all want.

[@robd1365]

Aussie dumpsters seem a lot better than ours, EEV finds some nice items in his office workspace dumpster, never had such good luck here.

[@shakymctwitch8615]

What a FANTASTIC computer. The 4,1 can be firmware updated to a 5,1 and the device itself is upgradable to near modern power. The dual processor models could go up to 128 GB of RAM and with Opencore patcher, it will run Ventura (albeit with a few limitations). The GPU can be upgraded to modern specs too so gaming isn't unrealistic. Really good piece of history.

[@johannes960]

yeah if it wasnt a mac...

[@Castigar48]

always liked the look of these guys. glad to see pc cases have just been getting cooler and nice looking over the years

[@Zebra_Paw]

Dude literally take whatever GTX 600/700 series or Radeon HD 7000/r5/r7/r9 200 + series. Then you get a boot screen with OpenCore legacy patcher and full Monterey support, isn't that amazing? I am still daily driving my 2008 model with Monterey. There are USB support issues but you wouldn't get them on the 2009 model, + a USB hub solves it. Also, macOS 10.11 High Sierra... yeah it's OS X 10.11 El Capitan

[@Nahuekeys]

Seeing this video on my 5.1 Mac Pro with Dual 6 cores Xeons, 96gb of ram and a Amd rx 5700 XT. I use it for 4k Multicam video editing without a problem. Runing Monterrey. If you install a cheap used Metal compatible GPU and use Open Core you can further upgrade this machine and giving it a new life span. Still are great and cheap machines.

[@itsmesb4399]

I still use one of these today, with a Xeon X5680, 32GB RAM, various SSDs, and an RX 580. This is all used with an install of open core so it can run windows 11 and macOS Monterey.

[@madcat4563]

From what I have heard people need the original GPU to update the drivers or firmware to install a different gpu. Something along those lines. Saw it in a video from Austin Evans a few years ago. 10:27 Look mate it's a PKCELL battery. I only now learned Runescape is actually called old school rune scape and isn't a reference to its age.

[@9852323]

I definitely don’t think this is a paperweight. Processing power wise Its worlds better than a chrome book. It’s usable..nobody really games on macs anyway 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@TheSpotify95]

That 4C/8T CPU should still be OK, and upgrading the RAM to 16GB (4x 4GB) would also help as well. I'm pretty sure there should be a way of installing a newer Mac OS to keep this machine running - even basic programs such as Chrome/Firefox/Spotify now require 10.13 or newer.

[@Rusty_Gold85]

My 2011 macbook has Chrome , dropbox issues and now most wireless mouse wont sync

[@SDRIFTERAbdlmounaim]

it almost feels like you picked it just for that Sea/fish Advertisment spot 😂

[@tdm3bros]

6:00 as a wise man once said: "that's a job for your mother's tooth brush"

[@Arilith]

I've got a 2008 Mac Pro and two PowerMac G5's an boy, are they some beautiful machines. I definitely use them as chairs, and they do definitely work well for that! Also, my Macbook fits right in between the handles, so I also use them as a laptop holder and/or small table-esk thing. Such multifunctional devices with this case design! :)

[@eshaanbhargavpatel1768]

How do you find these computers from the trash? Is there an easy way to get them?

[@goncaloferraz1569]

i bought a broken PowerMac G5 (basically identical case) and gutted it, and converted it to ATX, looks really good and the airflow is amazing, no overheating problems (i7 9700 and gtx 1080). The only logical use for those computers as they are essencially E-waste in 2023

[@LellePrinter82]

Great video. I love these old mac pro's and also the mac g5, g4 and g3. I got ALL these three in the original box (old new stock) it is a G3, a G4 and a Apple 20" crt Studio display from an old workplace that went bankrupt. I also have a working powermac g5 with dual 1.8ghz cpu's, a working g4 (without the box), an empty g5 case and an empty mac pro 1.1 case with just the power supply in it. I love old Apple stuff. And btw, u have a new subscriber and that's me. 🙂

[@edlippjr]

Cool vid. The way those things open up and come apart is amazing. The next Mac Pro should be nearly identical, just up to date.

[@msthalamus2172]

I have this exact model. It's been on 24/7 for the last decade, most recently built out as a 6TB RAID file server (back when 6TB was considered a lot). Built like a tank, and more dependable than just about any other machine I've ever had. Decently priced, too, at least compared to the lunacy of Apple's current Mac Pro line.