(Long term lurker, joined to ask this question.)

Hi, all!

I have a 17" iMac G5 that has performed valiantly over the years, but is finally dying. Startup is iffy, with the hard drive sometimes clicking. (Yes, I've backed up the important stuff. ) I will probably also need to replace the power supply soon. Since I have to crack it open and gut half of it anyway, I was also thinking of ditching the old G5 processor/motherboard combo and replacing it with an Intel while I was at it.

The question is, what can I get into the case with a reasonable expectation it won't overheat and cook itself?

Thanks!

Nothing! Even if you could you wouldn't be able to hook it up to the monitor. Keep the G5 is my advice!

Well, you can check out this thread:
http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=4525

Pretty interesting project, if you've got spare time.
Is that what you were looking for? =)

except you linked to G5 mods, as in the tower G5

I think he is talking about the IMac G5...

I think it can be done, but it would be hard, and may not work properly... I would probably end up getting a job and buying a new imac...

Catzilla: Very interesting! when this thing finally dies and I have to crack it, I will consider that as a starting point.

Scottapotamus: I'd get a job, but right now I'm my grandmother's full-time care until she needs an actual nursing home. So leaving the house for extended periods doesn't exactly work right now. Believe me, I'd rather be out and interacting with people who aren't slowly slipping away.

Im sorry for that AriRashkae... I found one where someone modded one of the old iMac G4 cubes, like the blue ones... and put a pc and screen in in... I will try to dig that up... I think that it would be very difficult, as any conventional pc parts would be too large and hot... I guess you could get a laptop, and pull it apart, as it would fit in a confined space... or M-ATX boards, but that would be hard also...

Thank you.

My husband wants to try the "laptop parts" route, since he likes the look of the iMac sitting on the desk. I'm not quite so fussy, but, like I said, I have to yank half of it out soon anyway.

Well, you could attempt to do repair the iMac g5 yourself. Chances are the probability of success is greater this way, as the problems are pretty well defined, and the fixes are well known: 1. failed electrolytic capacitors, either on the logic board or in the power supply. And, 2., it sounds like you could probably use a new HD. You can buy replacements electrolytic capacitors in a kit, check out http://www.jimwarholic.com/2008/07/how-to-...ple-imac-g5.php for more information.