F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Mac Pro 3.1 SAS port issue resolved, requires updated storage setup

Mac Pro 3.1 SAS port issue resolved, requires updated storage setup

Mac Pro 3.1 SAS port issue resolved, requires updated storage setup

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Error_Sans55
Member
245
04-03-2023, 09:56 AM
#1
Hello. I've invested a lot of time trying to make the Mac Pro stream at full resolution using the GPU, but I ended up breaking the SAS/SATA breakout on the board. Given the project's demands, I need to use this machine regardless. I'm considering three paths: 1) A new setup—like a fresh 3.1 model or upgraded chassis with 64GB RAM; 2) Switching to an SATA/ESATA controller or a NVMe + SATA combo board; 3) Upgrading to a new machine altogether. I'm weighing the costs and trade-offs. I'd like to hear if anyone has any suggestions.
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Error_Sans55
04-03-2023, 09:56 AM #1

Hello. I've invested a lot of time trying to make the Mac Pro stream at full resolution using the GPU, but I ended up breaking the SAS/SATA breakout on the board. Given the project's demands, I need to use this machine regardless. I'm considering three paths: 1) A new setup—like a fresh 3.1 model or upgraded chassis with 64GB RAM; 2) Switching to an SATA/ESATA controller or a NVMe + SATA combo board; 3) Upgrading to a new machine altogether. I'm weighing the costs and trade-offs. I'd like to hear if anyone has any suggestions.

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TaylorMay
Junior Member
11
04-03-2023, 09:56 AM
#2
I’m not very familiar with Macs, but the connector looks like a miniSAS 8087. You might find a similar LSI controller on eBay—it would likely be affordable and let you reuse your existing cables.
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TaylorMay
04-03-2023, 09:56 AM #2

I’m not very familiar with Macs, but the connector looks like a miniSAS 8087. You might find a similar LSI controller on eBay—it would likely be affordable and let you reuse your existing cables.

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VlaxImp
Junior Member
10
04-03-2023, 09:56 AM
#3
cable length, lane problems, GPU capacity If I place my 290 in the final position it obstructs the HDD bays and works only in 4X mode. Unless you know a way to find an 8087 controller with an NVMe port
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VlaxImp
04-03-2023, 09:56 AM #3

cable length, lane problems, GPU capacity If I place my 290 in the final position it obstructs the HDD bays and works only in 4X mode. Unless you know a way to find an 8087 controller with an NVMe port

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Spaceface16518
Senior Member
564
04-03-2023, 09:56 AM
#4
You assessed the damage and considered possible fixes. If only part of the connector was damaged, you might be able to repair it by removing the old one and installing a replacement. Professional services that handle component repairs—such as computer technicians or smartphone repair shops—can usually desolder and reattach the connector, even if it comes from a raid card with the same port. However, if pads on the circuit board were completely removed, the repair becomes much more challenging or unfeasible.
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Spaceface16518
04-03-2023, 09:56 AM #4

You assessed the damage and considered possible fixes. If only part of the connector was damaged, you might be able to repair it by removing the old one and installing a replacement. Professional services that handle component repairs—such as computer technicians or smartphone repair shops—can usually desolder and reattach the connector, even if it comes from a raid card with the same port. However, if pads on the circuit board were completely removed, the repair becomes much more challenging or unfeasible.

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shanleighrose
Member
181
04-03-2023, 09:56 AM
#5
I don’t have a clear view of the pads, but it’s not part of the device.
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shanleighrose
04-03-2023, 09:56 AM #5

I don’t have a clear view of the pads, but it’s not part of the device.