Mac Pro (2019): Refurbished, Specs & Repairs
Apple’s modular Intel workstation
The Mac Pro (2019) brought back the tower design, with a stainless steel frame, lattice-patterned aluminium case and handles on top. Inside are an Intel Xeon W processor with up to 28 cores, up to 1.5TB of memory in 12 slots and eight PCI Express slots for graphics, audio, video and storage cards.
It remains popular with studios that rely on PCIe cards, large amounts of memory or specific Intel-only software. As an Intel Mac, it supports macOS Tahoe, the last major version Apple has said will run on Intel Macs, so check your applications before buying.
Every refurbished Mac Pro (2019) we sell is checked by our technicians and comes with a 12-month warranty. Browse our refurbished Mac Pro range, or book a repair if you already own one.
About This Model
The Mac Pro (2019) was announced at WWDC in June 2019 and went on sale in December 2019. It replaced the cylindrical Mac Pro (Late 2013) and was sold until the Apple silicon Mac Pro (2023) took its place. A rack-mounted version was also available.
Complete Mac Solutions supplies refurbished Apple Macs in Bristol for home users, students and businesses. We also offer Mac repairs and can help you compare upgrading a Mac Pro with a suitable replacement.
Which Mac Pro does this cover?
This guide covers the Mac Pro (2019), with the model identifier MacPro7,1, in both tower and rack versions. It looks almost identical to the 2023 Mac Pro, so check the processor: the 2019 model has an Intel Xeon W, while the 2023 model has Apple’s M2 Ultra.
Choose About This Mac from the Apple menu to check the model, processor, memory and graphics. Many machines have had their memory, graphics or storage changed since they were built, so check the details of the individual machine.
Specifications at a glance
| Processor options | 8, 12, 16, 24 or 28-core Intel Xeon W |
|---|---|
| Memory | 32GB up to 1.5TB DDR4 ECC; 12 user-accessible slots |
| Graphics | Up to two MPX Modules: Radeon Pro 580X, W5500X, W5700X, W6600X, W6800X, W6800X Duo or W6900X, depending on when it was built |
| Storage | 256GB up to 8TB SSD, encrypted by the T2 Security Chip |
| Expansion | Eight PCI Express slots, including two MPX bays; optional Afterburner card |
| Connections | Four Thunderbolt 3 ports, two USB-A ports, two 10Gb Ethernet ports and headphone socket |
| Wireless | 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Power | 1.4kW power supply |
| Size and weight | 52.9cm high, 21.8cm wide, 45cm deep; approximately 18kg |
Ask us to confirm the exact configuration of any refurbished machine available. Configurations vary widely, so check the processor, memory, graphics and storage carefully.
What is it useful for?
Our recommendation is to assess this model for professional audio, video and scientific work that depends on PCIe cards, very large amounts of memory or Intel-only software and plug-ins. Its expandability is unmatched by any other Mac.
For most video, 3D and AI work, a Mac Studio with an Apple silicon chip is now faster, quieter and uses far less power. The Mac Pro (2019) makes most sense when you need its slots, its memory capacity or Intel compatibility.
A Mac for Bristol students
A Mac Pro is rarely the right choice for students. It is large, heavy and expensive to run, and a Mac mini, Mac Studio or MacBook Pro will suit almost every course better.
It may suit postgraduate research or studio work that relies on specific PCIe hardware. Check course requirements carefully and ask about our student deals on more suitable Macs.
Macs for businesses
Complete Mac Solutions supplies Macs for businesses as well as individuals. Tell us which applications, cards and storage your team uses so we can help you choose a suitable machine.
The Mac Pro (2019) suits recording studios, post-production houses and labs with existing PCIe audio, video or capture cards. The rack version fits standard equipment racks. Check application support and your organisation’s security requirements, as Intel Macs will not receive new major macOS versions.
macOS compatibility
This model supports macOS Tahoe. Apple has said Tahoe is the last major version of macOS for Intel Macs, so future versions will need an Apple silicon Mac. Security updates for Tahoe are expected to continue for a time after that.
Check the developer’s requirements for your essential applications and plug-ins before purchasing, as more software is moving to Apple silicon only. Tell us what you need to run so we can help you compare suitable alternatives.
Memory, graphics and storage upgrades
Memory is easy to upgrade through 12 slots under the case. The highest capacities need the 24-core or 28-core processor, so check which processor your machine has before buying large memory modules.
Graphics are fitted as MPX Modules or standard PCIe cards, and Apple released newer MPX graphics modules during the model’s life. Storage can be added with PCIe cards or internal drives, while the original SSD modules are paired with the T2 chip and need Apple-compatible replacements.
Ask us about the exact machine and the work you want it to do before deciding whether an upgrade is worthwhile.
Repair symptoms to check
Startup and power problems
Failure to start, random shutdowns or a machine that powers on without a picture can have several causes, including the power supply, memory or a graphics module. Tell us what happens when you press the power button and what the status light does.
Graphics and display faults
Lines, flickering, missing displays or freezing during graphics-heavy work need diagnosis. Tell us which displays and cables you use and whether the problem follows a particular port or module.
Fans, heat and noise
The Mac Pro is normally quiet. Loud fans can point to a demanding task, a blocked intake or a card that is running hot, and deserve assessment.
Storage and data
If you need files from a Mac Pro that will not start, ask about data recovery before any repair. The T2 chip encrypts the internal SSD, which makes recovery from a failed system more involved.
Complete Mac Solutions can discuss Mac Pro repairs in Bristol and help you weigh the likely cost against the condition, usefulness and replacement value of the machine.
Buying a refurbished Mac Pro (2019)
Confirm the processor, memory, graphics modules, storage and any cards fitted, and whether it is a tower or rack version. Check that it has been removed from the previous owner’s Apple Account and any business device management. Most importantly, check that your essential software and cards are supported.
Complete Mac Solutions carries a large stock of refurbished Macs and has an extensive supplier network to help source suitable configurations. Many of our Macs come fully boxed, with all accessories and in fantastic condition. Packaging, accessories and condition vary between machines, so ask us to confirm what comes with the one you choose.
Explore our Apple Macs for sale or speak to us about a workstation for your studio or business. If you already own this model, we can help you consider whether repair, an upgrade or replacement offers the best value.
References and further reading
Compare the Mac Pro (2019) with similar models
The 2023 Mac Pro keeps the same case and PCIe slots but uses Apple’s M2 Ultra chip. For most demanding work without PCIe cards, a Mac Studio is the better value choice.
Buy or repair a Mac Pro (2019)
Need a workstation with PCIe slots and huge memory capacity? Ask about our current Mac Pro stock, or let us diagnose and quote for a repair or upgrade on the one you already own.
Image credit
Photo: Gavin Lckg. Wikimedia Commons source · CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized and compressed to WebP.
