Sweet!

anyone else have more pictures of the beginning phases...

im just startin this mod and i would love to see peoples images of the front pannel connections, and if you used the mac power cable ... pictures of your mods. as well as if you used the hard drive fan and blower

thanks

Hello ho11ywood45,
unfortunately I don't have photo of my mod's beginning phases.
For the G5 front panel connections I used an electrical tester to surely identify pinouts but you can find also some Apple service manual images
For the PSU I used an ATX power supply that I modified (I put my ATX PSU in a G5 PSU box)... I used the G5 power cables for HD and optical drive. Actually I have 5 HD and 1 optical drive on my G5
The G5 HD fan and blower are quite noisy at 12Volt so I use them at 5Volt
I will post some photo in next days

PS. Take your time with the mod
Don't cut the case to install the motherboard...

Look here for front panel pinouts http://forum.insanelymac.com/index.php?showtopic=41483

As for cutting the case, why not? I choose to cut mine to mount an ATX back plane rather than run a bunch of cable throught the existing holes. Was not an easy thing at all but I much perfer the results I have seen doing it this way.

im interested as to why you say dont cut the case...i almost dont want to but just want to know your reasoning why

Hi,
when I started my mod I looked on the web for other G5 mods... a lot of modders decided to cut their case to install an ATX motherboard because by this way they can solve a big problem...
I suggested you to keep your case as it is because I think that it's a beautiful case and if you don't cut it your mod will be very similar to the original G5
It's only a personal idea...

I had a broken PowerMac G5 once. (Long story but f you very much the TSA). I stripped it clean and tried installing a PC into it. I did the stupid thing and tried to use the I/O ports in the rear via cables. If I hadn't and found something for the front ports instead... I might've suceeded. ANyway, good job to those who did suceed

Finally finished the Air cowling for my Hackintosh.


Hackintosh Mods

^rock on. i can only hope mine will be half that nice

Is it possible to add my components in Apple G4 case ?
Is there enough space?

It is a challenge, but not impossible. The hardest part is the memory hitting the cd drive.

Click Here & Here

wow, you sure mod a lot of stuff

Full ATX form factor will not fit in a G4 case. I tried that too... At any rate, I've heard success stories with mini-ATX mobos for both the G5 and G4 cases.

Aquamac just out of curiosity how did you attach your evercool fans to your radiator. I have a Black Ice GTS and two evercools but haven't figure out an easy way to mount them.

Hi atomsk,

Yes that is a good question! The Swiftech radiator that I used had holes drilled for self tappers, no good at all. I borrowed from work a tap and die set, drilld out the holes on a pillar drill set to limited travel then put a 4mm thread into them. Finished this off with a nice set of Hex head Stainless steel socket screws. The angle on the back was drilled and pop rivited to the radiator.

i was thinking of using a macpro or g5 case but im building a dual xeon setup so will a 771 mobo be able to fit in there?

why would you want a dual xeon setup when a single LGA 775 quad-core would be just as fast, cooler, and more efficient?

I hate you hahahaha

just bought my G5 Case Should be getting it in about 5-6 days time. Can't wait to mod!!!!

i got one too

I love the work you guys have done. Great job guys.

i would love to have a g5 case and would gladly pay some one to build it for me (caugh) since i would probably f it up some how if i tried to mod it my self.


great job again guys.

^lol, i wish there was an experienced modder in my area that i could pay to build my case. i'm nervous as all hell that i'm gonna screw it up and be out $115

also having a hard time deciding between the bad axe 2, the gigabyte 965p-ds3, and the gigabyte 965p-dq6

though, if p35/ich9 support comes soon, i may go that direction

you cant go wrong with the d975xbx2, all you do is patch the audio, install your favorite video card and you are on your way. plus it has support for quad core kentsfields

cept for the high ass cost... 965p-ds3 is like $80 less

Ooo thanks!
Maybe eventually when I can afford I will get around to doing something like this...

The hardware choices are limitless right, everything will fit it well in these case?

Hi Empreality,

Yes, you can fit basically any hardware in the G5 case as it is fairly big internally. It will require some fairly extensive modification though.

After seeing all the G5 case mods here, I am thinking of trying my had at making one. Though I do have a few questions, if anyone is willing or able to answer them I would really appreciate it.

First, a general Os X86 question. I figure if I end up doing this I might as well update my PC at the same time. I currently have an AMD 64 3800, and my question is; would it be better for me to upgrade to a dual core AMD or go for an Intel Duo Core? Is there a noticeable difference between the two in Os X?

Second, is it at all easier to fit a microATX in the G5 cases then a full form ATX? If so, any recommendations?

Third, skill wise how much is required to preform a g5 hack? While I do know my way around a soldering gun and Dremel I would not go so far as to say that I am an expert at either. From the pictures and descriptions of other peoples projects it seems that such a hack uses a lot of both tools.

-Thanks in advance

To answer your questions one at a time,

1. Definitely go for the core 2 Duo/945/965 chipset motherboard in my opinion if you want the least amount of hassle with upgrading/hardware. Have a look at the wiki and choose one that can be got working 100 %. This will take a load of hassle out of the project, but bare in mind not to go too crazy, you do not want to stray into Mac Pro territory price wise.

2. Whether you go for a full ATX board or mini ATX, the ports will not line up, so the chances are that you are going to have to cut the back of the case. To allow for future hardware expandability, you need to find a PC ATX motherboard tray and fix this into the G5 case. That way if you ever decide to upgrade your motherboard you will have no problems with IO panels lining up. So if you are going to those lengths, you might as well get a full ATX motherboard.

I used a Gigabyte 965-DQ6 mainboard and everything works although you need a sata DVD drive or adapter to install OSX. The Bad Axe II is also an excellent choice, but once again check the wiki & read the forums. There is loads of info here.

3. The one thing you need to do is collect all your components together, offer them up and take your time before you make any cuts. Always mark any areas to cut carefully and recheck your measurements, twice, before cutting. Once you have your board mounted you have plenty of space to think about upgrading cooling. That is the main advantage of the G5 case, the best potential cooling around + loads of space. You won't be disappointed you chose this case.

Take things one step at a time and you should be fine.

Thanks for the swift reply! I was not expecting to hear anything so quick. I think I am going to give it a go. It will give me a good excuse to finally upgrade some, if not all, components. Which is something that I have been meaning to do. I will definitely be back here as soon as I get a g5 case and some components.

Hi there. I finally completed my Hackintosh to working stadium, so I can use my PC and do final things to finish it. Anyway, I have a problem with frontpanel. Found pinout, connected so power-on button is working and LED is shining when PC is on, but: When I turn my PC on, it just normally starting-up, and then switch off in few seconds. Problem is, that when is connected Power-button ground on front panel and I start pc, it still hold power-on connected (of course that I released power button) and switch off. When I start PC again and immediately after that disconnect power-button ground cable from front panel, everything is ok. So I am asking if somebody met the same problem.

My mobo: MSI RS482M4-ILD
Revision of case and its front panel: No idea

ill respond to that with a quote:

From looking at the different images posted in this thread, it looks like it, but I want to double-check. Can you fit a full ATX mobo in a G5 case?

Yes. See five posts back.

Yes, it is possible, but not when you want to put to the floor PSU in original apple psu casing. So if you want to do this (as I did), mATX is the only way.

// depends on layout, but if you dont want to cut top floor under optical drive and HDD shell, regular full ATX mobo wont fit in when PSU in original PSU housing is downside

{censored}. the brass mobo standoffs that i bought don't screw into the wavemaster mobo tray. the standoffs are too big (diameter-wise) i can turn then maybe 1/2 a turn and they stop cold

the standoffs are standard size, i bought them on performance-pcs.com... right now i'm thinking i'll have to tap out the mobo threads? but i don't have a tap and die set, so i'm looking for alternatives.. do standoffs come in the smaller size?

Hi, any one know where to buy a G5 Case in Australia??

I have managed to do a G5 case mod with its original back if you want pics I will uload them soon.

Yeah pics

Here we are if you want step by step. I am doing it and will post it soon.
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Nice job!

I'd like fit my pc into a G5 case too, but here in Brazil is very hard to find one available.

if you guys know anyone who would ship it to Brazil, I'll buy you a beer

Viper: Check american eBay. They sell there number of used or new G5 cases, or you can order directly from AllMac company. (www.allmac.com). Good for you that it is not overseas Anyway, postage will cost something. Good luck

shaanky98: I am really interested in your step-by-step guide, backpanel is the only one thing which I miss on my almost finished hackintosh. So I will be happy for that.

Hi from the Gold Coast, send me an e-mail awh1@bigpond.com

Thanks for the hint CZ*DarkLight, but can I trust this store? I found the case in there for US$ 200,00 without the cost to send it to me. Even without knowing the price of the Sedex, it's probably about US$ 100 cheaper then if I would pay for one here in Brazil.

no step by step guide to the backpanel?

Wow, nice work everyone on your projects - you've all inspired me to build my first hackintosh!

For the curious, these are my build parts so far...

Gigabye GA P35-DS4 rev 2.0
Intel Quad Q6600 2.4Ghz (looking for the G0 / SLACR, to overclock)
WD Raptor 74GB 16MB SATAII 10k rpm
GEFORCE 7600GT 256M DDR PCI-E
2GB of 1066 DDR2 ram (then later 2GB more)
Samsung SATA Black 20x DL DVDRW Drive

All enclosed in a never used Early 2005 G5 Powermac case off eBay scored for $145 - still in the box with the plastic cling protecting the case!

Cooling, I'm not sure what I'll be using yet - it really depends on the sound of the fans / temps I get when I push the processor - I'm looking for something around 3.2GHZ

I'll post more info when I get it started...


Oh, and this is my first build ever, I've been a Mac user till now

Gutting a G5. That article almost made me cry I feel so sorry for the guys parents who bought him such a nice gift....A high performance G5 replaced with a junky AMD motherboard and 2 dumb 36GB SCSI HDs. Look:

Before:



After:



Look at the complete wastage he did to this computer. I would he happy to buy an empty G5 case and mod it but gutting out a G5? *sob* I've always wanted a G5.

But I like that thats a joke.

I finally got my G5 case but I'm still planning how to fit everything inside. That's wha I got so far (suggestions are welcome):



1) Would be 2x80mm fans side by side and on top of them 2x120mm (one on top of the other)

2) Would be the place for the HDs, probably I'll borrow one from another case and modify it for better coolance

3) Would be the place for the PSU

The case I got came completely naked inside, so I also need to figure it out how to place the DVD drive and the front connections.

PS: Sorry for may bad english The motherboard on the picture is a damaged one, just used for the picture.

I would love to do this. I think it would be cool to solder off the ports on the mobo and make a pcb for the ports on the back to make it look like a real g5. Just need some money, Hey Mom!