Mac Pro 4,1 CPU Retaining Frame (Spacer) by TheHouseOfMoth

Last crawled date: 3 years, 3 months ago

(this thingipage will be updated with photos and more details later)
This is the CPU retaining frame (commonly called spacer) you find on top of the processors in dual-CPU 2009 4,1 Mac Pros. These things are unobtanium, can't find them anywhere and when they do pop up on ebay they are absurdly priced. So, time to make my own! I copied the original and gave it a twist.
Three small 1mm air channels were added so that the hot air trapped between the CPU and heatsink can escape. The channels are located at the back of the frame so hot air can get sucked out but dust can not be blown in.
While the original spacers are identical, due to adding the air channels each CPU will need it's own frame. They are marked to help with the correct placement if needed.
Please let me know if you try this and what your thoughts are!
This was prototyped and printed on an Ender 3 v2, using Ender Black PLA at 200C/60C. The use of a glass bed and/or Magigoo gives the surface a really slick finish.
Depending on your printer's capabilities and/or how well it's calibrated, you may need to touch the end result up a little with a file.
WARNINGS/DISCLAIMERS:
At the time of writing I have tested these in my machines for just a few hours.
The material I prototyped with and printed the final versions with is PLA. PLA is only good for use up to 80C. My processors come nowhere near this temperature thanks to the use of fan control software (TG Pro) so I am fine with using PLA versions. If you do not use fan control software and find your CPU's often coming close to or exceeding 80C, these must be printed in ABS or some other filament that can handle higher temperatures.
I am new to 3D modeling, 3D printing and Thingiverse so I may have messed something up, use this in your Mac at your own risk.
Want to support my various works?
You can drop some of that hard earned (or stimulus) money right here: https://thehouseofmoth.com/campaigns/donate/