A new Apple support document says that although the new Mac Pro is designed to be used in the upright position, it can be used on its side. (First thought that springs to my head? Watching it roll right off the edge of the table…)
Owners of multiple Mac Pro units should ensure that the exhaust and intake ports are not aligned too closely as this can affect the cooling abilities of the machine.
From the support document:
The Mac Pro (2013) has a fan system capable of cooling the computer in a vertical or horizontal orientation as long as you follow these guidelines.
- Provide enough space at each end of the computer for unrestricted airflow into the base and out the exhaust at the top. Make sure that the air intake and exhaust ports are not covered.
- When using multiple Mac Pro (Late 2013) computers, do not direct the exhaust at the top of one Mac Pro towards the intake of another system. Place the computers side by side with a gap of at least several inches between them.
- When on its side, secure the Mac Pro (Late 2013) to be sure that it doesn’t roll. Place the computer on a protective surface that will not scratch or damage the enclosure. Note: The Apple Limited Warranty does not cover cosmetic damage to the enclosure.
- Orient the computer so that the Input/Output (I/O) panel remains accessible during use.
Third-party companies looking to design rack-mount options for the Mac Pro will do well to heed these instructions.
