Garage sale haul finds 2013 ‘trash can’ Mac Pro nestled inside 2010 Mac Pro enclosure

SiliconFeed EditorialApril 11, 2026

Apple Mac Pro Mac Studio modularity hardware

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At a glance:

Apple has discontinued the classic Mac Pro line in favour of the smaller Mac Studio.
A Reddit user sold a bundle that included a 2010 Mac Pro chassis and a 2013 Mac Pro inside it.
The 2013 model, known as the “trash‑can” Mac Pro, can only run with its original case attached.

What the sale reveals about Mac Pro modularity

Apple’s decision to drop the Mac Pro line came after a decade of offering a highly modular desktop that many enthusiasts still chase. The 2010 Mac Pro, often called the “cheese‑grater” model, let users upgrade CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, and even swap in modern AMD cards with a few tweaks. In contrast, the 2013 “trash‑can” Mac Pro prioritized a compact, quiet design and top‑tier graphics performance, but sacrificed the deep interchangeability that had made the 2010 model a favorite among power users.

The odd pairing of chassis and internals

The Reddit post (r/macpro) showed a 2010 Mac Pro enclosure that was empty, with a 2013 Mac Pro sitting inside it. The 2013 machine is missing its own case, which is essential for proper operation because the chassis sensor relies on the metal shell to detect the power button. Users can trick the sensor with a magnet, but that is a makeshift solution. By placing the 2013 internals inside the larger 2010 chassis, the owner could mount expansion items that would otherwise be impossible in the smaller circular body.

Why collectors still hunt for the 2010 design

Even after Apple announced the discontinuation, the 2010 Mac Pro remains a sought‑after piece for its modularity. The ability to swap out components and add expansion cards is a feature that newer Apple desktops, including the Mac Studio, do not match. Enthusiasts who want to keep a high‑performance, upgrade‑friendly system will likely continue to scour garage sales, eBay, and other second‑hand markets for the 2010 chassis.

The future of Apple’s desktop lineup

With the Mac Studio now positioned as Apple’s premier desktop offering, the company is moving away from the large, modular Mac Pro toward a more compact, silicon‑powered design. While the Studio delivers comparable performance in a smaller form factor, it lacks the same level of hardware upgradeability that defined the legacy Mac Pro line. This shift reflects Apple’s broader strategy to streamline its product line around Apple Silicon, but it also leaves a niche for hobbyists who value the open architecture of older models.

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FAQ

What is the difference between the 2010 and 2013 Mac Pro models?

The 2010 Mac Pro, often called the cheese‑grater, is known for its modularity, allowing users to upgrade CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, and even install modern AMD cards with tweaks. The 2013 Mac Pro, dubbed the trash‑can, prioritised a smaller, quieter design and high‑end graphics performance but sacrificed many upgrade options and required its original case to function properly.

Why does the 2013 Mac Pro need its original case to run?

The 2013 Mac Pro relies on a chassis sensor that detects the power button through the metal shell of its case. Without the case, the sensor cannot function, so the machine will not power on unless a magnet is used to trick the sensor—a makeshift workaround that is not reliable for regular use.

Where can I find more information about buying older Mac Pro models?

Collectors and enthusiasts often turn to online communities such as r/macpro on Reddit, as well as eBay, Craigslist, and specialized hardware resale sites. These platforms frequently feature listings for 2010 and 2013 Mac Pro units, sometimes bundled with accessories or sold as parts for upgrade projects.