Trying to fix a G5

[quinterro]

A customer dropped off a G5 Dual/1.8ghz to install some hardware.

There's a pair of 256MB DDR DIMMS, and a SATA hard disk. When I got it there was no hard disk installed and a pair of 128MB and 256MB DIMMs were installed.

When powered on there is no video. The original GeForce FX5200 video card is installed and I have a DVI-VGA adapter installed to the DVI port. The other one is the ADC connector (I think - I've never seen one up close).

The DVD burner's tray does not eject either.

Any ideas on what the problem with the video could be? It's really nice to see a G5 up close but right now it's a solidly-built aluminum paperweight.

 

[Christopher]

Try a pram reset?

 

[quinterro]

Tried removing the battery. So far there is still no video. Also if it is left on long enough the fans begin to slowly speed up until you can't stand being in the same room with them.

 

[QuadSix50]

Sounds like what happened to my father's PMG5 1.6 GHz.

Check the following link and see if this might have something to do with it:

http://www.macintouch.com/reliability/pmg5.html

 

[SiliconValleyPirate]

Interesting, I think the high operating temperatures and high stresses involved in the G5 PowerMac, coupled with the general downwards trend in the quality of electronics goods, has probably done for them, especially the Rev. 1 machines.

 

[Temetka]

Hmm, strangely that site makes no mention of the first G5. The 1.6GHz model. Mine is working great. The previous owner (aka jackass) spilled something inside it. Even then after a little cleaning it still works. Heck it was running just fine even though there was some mold on the grating and interior metal. Though nothing got on the logic board.

I stripped that machine down and cleaned everything. It was a heck of a job, making my 8500 seem easier in regards to system tear down times. The machine runs great. It ran great moldy and dirty and it runs great clean.

I love my G5. I'll stick with the single CPU as I have noticed a penchant for the dual CPU machines to die before their time.

 

[quinterro]

One other thing. When the unit is powered on, the light above the power button is on for a brief fraction of a second, then it turns off again and the fans power start to spin.

I'm not sure if this unit has ever worked since the customer received it. Unfortunately I normally don't see the customers that drop off the computers so I can't ask.

 

[QuadSix50]

One other thing. When the unit is powered on, the light above the power button is on for a brief fraction of a second, then it turns off again and the fans power start to spin.
I'm not sure if this unit has ever worked since the customer received it. Unfortunately I normally don't see the customers that drop off the computers so I can't ask.

Well, when I went with my father to the Apple Store to have his Power Mac G5 1.6 checked out, they assessed that it was the CPU. I had come to the conclusion myself that it was either the CPU, the lobo, or both way before our visit to the Apple Store. Of course, they would choose the most expensive part to replace. My father just gave up on it for a while until he could spring for a dual 867 PMG4 MDD which he is quite happy with now.