thinking of buying mac pro with no HD

...how do I get the os x?

macpronohd said:

...how do I get the os x?

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Just so it's clear. Are you talking a "Mac Pro" desktop computer…or a "MacBook Pro" laptop computer?

Also. If it has no hard drive. How will you be testing it prior to purchase to make sure it works (or is there some sort of guarantee)?

- Nick

pigoo3 said:

Just so it's clear. Are you talking a "Mac Pro" desktop computer…or a "MacBook Pro" laptop computer?

Also. If it has no hard drive. How will you be testing it prior to purchase to make sure it works (or is there some sort of guarantee)?

- Nick

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you are correct it is a mac pro desktop....and yes the place selling them has a garauntee. My problem is that I can't seem to find the os x for sale except online and you need a mac in order to download....all I have currently are PC's

If you could give us some information on the exact model you are contemplating buying, such as the year and speed of the machine, and what they're asking for it ... we could be A LOT MORE HELP in giving you good advice.

Mac Pro 2.8 GHz Intel Xeon QUAD CORE Desktop.....Item Note:MAC PRO TOWER IS IN VERY GOOD BODY SHAPE WITH MODERATE SIGNS OF WEAR FROM NORMAL USE! TOWER DOES NOT INCLUDE THE RAM MEMORY STICKS OR A HARD DRIVE.

Price is about $90

I see it needs ddr3 ecc memory and also a 1 tb drivebut how do I purchase and install the os x?

There are two models of 2.8GHz quad core towers, but at that price I have to assume it's the 2008 version rather than the 2010 version.

So, knowing THAT, I can answer your question correctly (even if it is the 2010 version!).

To obtain a copy of the OS, you would contact Apple and buy (for $20) a copy of OS X 10.6.8 on DVD. This is, and I want to stress this, **a very outdated OS version that is not safe for regular use,** but is what is required to install a functioning OS X with the Mac App Store that you can then use to obtain the latest OS X. Let me repeat this: DO NOT STOP AT 10.6.8.

Once you have installed and drive and used the Snow Leopard (10.6.8) DVD to install an OS, you will see the Mac App Store in your dock. Before you start using the computer routinely, proceed to the Mac App Store and "buy" (free) El Capitan, the current version of OS X, currently at 10.11.3. Use that installer to upgrade, and now you're cookin' with gas!

For running OS X El Capitan, you'll want to have at least 4GB of RAM, preferably 8GB or more (that model can handle up to 64GB, but that's waaaay overkill).

Enjoy it!

which version do you think is better..the 2008 or the 2010?

macpronohd said:

which version do you think is better..the 2008 or the 2010?

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Newer is generally better. And the newer one (2010) is going to cost much more than $90!

Also depends on what you are going to do with it…and how many cores the computer has.

- Nick

theyre telling me its an "A1289".....can anybody tell me more?

macpronohd said:

theyre telling me its an "A1289".....can anybody tell me more?

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This is a 2010 Mac Pro. If it's only $90 bucks & is guaranteed to work. You better snap it up ASAP!!!!!!!!!! That's a great price.

- Nick

If, and when, you get it make sure you get your mempry modules from mac specialists OWC or Crucial. Macs are very fussy about memory and do not get it from a PC shop.

got it....just have to get the os

Remember Mac Pros use ECC RAM also and not just plain DDR3. Like was said above, check out OWC and that way you will be sure to get the right memory. The Mac Pro is VERY picky with Memory and OWC will give you exactly what you need for that machine.

I'm up and running on the Mac pro....installed and upgraded os x.....that was interesting..

All 2009-2012 models have the identifier of A1289. So what have you got? How much memory did you install? What video card did you install? Hard drive size and type?

Just curious.

Lisa

So...it is a Mac Pro mid 2010 2.8 quad core (single processor) it came with the ATI Radeon HD 5770 with 1GB of ram, and 2 Superdrive DVD units.

It was missing from what It appears 2 hard drives as both #1 and #2 drive carriers are gone. Also all the memory was removed.

I bought a WD Black 1TB hard drive and 4- 2GB memory sticks (8GB total)....luckily found a local authorized apple repair and purchased Snow Leopard 10.6.3.

Hopefully you can find carriers for the drive. That machine can take a LOT more RAM so load it up!

chas_m said:

Hopefully you can find carriers for the drive. That machine can take a LOT more RAM so load it up!

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A close friend of mine on a budget just got that very machine. 2 of his Drive Carriers were missing. I found some for him on Ebay for quite a reasonable price. He now has 16GB RAM and 4 hard drives, the 1st 2 are SSD's! He loves that machine!

Nice! For the price - truly awesome! I just put 64GB in my Mac Pro because I just happen to find some Samsung memory for a really really good price. These older mac pros are fun because you can continuously upgrade and tweak them.

Lisa

macpronohd said:

...it came with the ATI Radeon HD 5770...

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You got one heck of a crazy great deal! If you paid the price you mentioned earlier…the video card by itself was worth the price!!!

Congrats again.

- Nick