Need to make the Mac Pro wireless

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Right,

Mac Pro needs to go wireless, so I headed to the Apple store in Lakeside, who tell me that they do not resell cards for home users to install

this is apparently because it isn't just a pci card, I'm told it needs 3 cables running to it to various parts of the pro as well

Only thing I could think is that these are arials...but all the same I was a little peeved...he told me even the "genius'" have trouble installing them!!!

So if anything that sounds like a challenge, to source my own and fit it!

Can anyone tell me if the bloke was talking complete trollop? or is he speaketh *** truth?

he said if I brought it in they would fit one for £30. But taking a 30kg machine JUST for a wireless card...na thanks...

 

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I would imagine they are just difficult to install due to the layout of the MacPro's case. They are surely not gonna just be plug in and go.. To be honest unless it is not a tricky procedure then 30 coins for it to be done isn't awful.

I've had the case open several times, it's dead easy to get at the pci slots - it should just be plug and go really...

 

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The other connections are probably just the antennae. If it's anything like my various G4 PowerMacs the antennae are already in place, they just need to be attached to the card when you install it.

Thanks dude I'll pull it open this week and have a look, right now I'm using a 20m network cable into the hub in another room

If the antennae are already there then I'll just buy the card!

 

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Doesn't use a PCI card, it attaches onto a slot elsewhere on the motherboard.

Oh ok. I see!!

do you have a link to an installation guide by any chance? and if you can post it a link to where I can buy one from?

 

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A quick Google should come up with one for you, I remember seeing a few when my housemate wanted Bluetooth and Wi-fi installed in her MacPro. She ended up getting it installed for her though.

Cheers bud, I'll have a look later!

 

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TheVoice - got msn buddy?

 

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So what's the BT aerial for then

Utter confusion for anyone who dare install it themselves?

EDIT: I'm wondering if it is the Bluetooth, just the No.1 cable goes off around the case and comes back around and they labelled it BT.

It's a possibility

 

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If it proves to be difficult to source a card have you considered using something like the homeplug system, would probably be faster than wireless too.

No.

Is that a system where you plug one into the wall and into the hub, then the other into a plug in my room with a network cable into the pc?

 

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USB wireless adapter might be an option for less hassle.

These have a crap range though

 

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Could get an Airport Express to extend your network maybe...
Just throwing a few ideas out there

Yeah bring on the ideas dude!

Ideally I want internal wireless, the hub gives off a good range, so I should be fine to be honest. Phone picks up the network with very good signal in my room, even though it's through a wall I'm technicall 8ft away from the hub...

if it doesn't work...we'll try other stuff

 

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The cards are available, was looking into getting one for my Core Duo MBP as an upgrade from the slow old card. Part number I was supplied is MB363ZM/A, price was around £35. That was a card for the first rev Mac Pro, not sure which machine you have - if it's a 2008 Harpertown revision then check the compatibility.

Bargain! Just managed to find a place and order one!

Should be with me tomorrow, will keep you posted with the installation.

Thanks again!

 

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Got the Airport today. Installed it - took about half an hour as it's very fiddly. Boot up time was about 20 mins where it was configuring - blah blah blah.

Now running from it - works a treat!

 

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Nice, I take it you didn't need to plug an antenna in the back then? Or was that only for the Powermac G5s?

antennae as shown in the above pic was already there. Just had to blow the dust off - clamp it onto the card, card in and we were away

Had to take HDD02 out though.

 

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Some places won't sell you the cards as they are for AASP's only, but if you ask nicely most will supply them. I bought two a while back and only on the second did someone say erm I we supposed to be selling these. Luckily as I'd already bought one before they said what the hey

There are a couple of online places selling them two, but a local apple store would be slightly cheaper as there is no shipping.

The Lakeside store wouldn't sell me one. But the guy in the shop told me where to buy mine from.

 

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At the price of a Mac Pro, why doesn't it come standard with bluetooth and wireless? You would have thought so considering they do in a £600 laptop

Because they aren't always needed?

With a laptop you are pretty much guranteed to take it around and need wireless.

Plus a lot of them are bought by screaming teenage girls who are all "bluetooth that song to me!!!!!" - hence the reason

Mac Pro's are meant for business, so very rarely get transported so don't have to have a wireless. and Bluetooth isn't necessary as most people use wired keyboards and mice in work

So ners

 

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Just to review I was using the Airport, didn't drop once, signal was brilliant. Really really pleased with it

Can't count how many wireless problems I've had using windows Machine and Hardware

and for the record, I've got Bluetooth as well

 

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There's pics in the hardware thread.

He's had the Mac Pro for a million years.

I think he was getting at the actual installation process

but I could be wrong