So after getting my dream machine, and posting about it some 7 months ago here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/macpro/s/WJotHZVrWl
And since everyone is flexing their CMPs again, here's mine, with status report on upgrades I did since then. 🫡
So initially it was perfectly physically preserved unit, with dual Xeons and 64GB RAM, and Pixlas mod already done by previous owner - so a plenty of potential for upgrade.
Since then:
- Added Sabrent nvme pci adapter, and Kingston KC3000 SSD.
- Bought 4 OWC ssd bays, and added 4 regular sata SSDs, totalling a 4TB of storage.
- First card was RX 580, and it was inside for about 5 months. It was good but quite loud upon heavy load.
- Needed something better for Linux/Steam gaming, and I got PowerColor Red Devil RX 5700 XT. I have to say even though that card barely fits the space, it's a monster even for today's standards.
- I got brand new DVD drive for my audio CD ripping needs mostly.
- Regarding OS, after few months of experimenting with Sequoia, the novelty of having new OS on this machine faded quickly, in favor of much snappier, and more stable Monterey. Right now it's a dual boot setup with Monterey and openSUSE linux.
As you can see from photos, I placed it in a dedicated corner in my living room, almost as a part of room decor, connected to tv, with all cables hidden of course.
It's a multi purpose all-around machine, used for all sorts of things, from graphic design, to gaming and media streaming. And it does all that without a sweat. Before someone brings "convenience" subject, power consumption etc, I don't really care at all. It's not turned on 24/7 and I turn it only when I need it.