Stock G5 / Vanilla OSX

[GeraldCole]

So, after doing software hackintoshes on my netbook and pc tower, I thought it was time to do a hardware mod.

 

I scored a PowerMac G5 from a local tv studio that was upgrading, and its in working condition (minus a power supply which was salvaged for another G5) so I was thinking rather than chop it to bits I'd like to keep it stock so I can put it back together if it doesn't work.

 

That then got me thinking, if I'm going to keep the case stock, and use hardware for an unmodified kernel, why not try to make this project 100% stock, no hacking required?

 

This is the back panel that I would like to keep stock. I could just run all the cables through the back ports, but perhaps I could mount the motherboard farther back and mount extension cables to the chassis?

 

Here is the is the inside of the case, fully stock minus the power supply (missing) and the G5 chip (unmounted). At this point I'll probably be selling off most of the internals, including the logic board. Any takers?

 

Here is the G5 dual-core (or is it only dual-processor? hmm...) water-cooled behemoth. Again, any takers?

 

So, possible issues and/or dilemmas:

 

1. Finding a smaller-than-ATX board compatible with an unmodified kernel. (chameleon? boot-132? efi-x? decisions, decisions...)

 

2. The board positioning. Do I mount it in the centre and route cables to the back, or mount against the pci slots and deal with the I/O mismatch somehow?

 

3. The old standoffs. I'd prefer not to bust them off, so perhaps some kind of adapter plate to mount between the standoffs and the new board?

 

...any thoughts?

[Gatorman]

When you're talking about stock, are you referring to using the original processors and just using a new motherboard? Or are you talking about keeping the case "as-is" and using new internal parts?

[bonestonne]

G5's (actually PPC) is Mac specific, and there are no alternate board options like there are for PCs.

 

Someone else did a hack putting the motherboard set towards the center of the case and extending all the ports out to the rear IO panel and PCI slots. When it's done right it looks clean.

 

Using the stock motherboard standoffs wont work, even with a new plate it would get really complicated, and you'd have to make the adapter plate yourself.

 

If the G5 works, why not use it? I know plenty of people still using G5's and even G4's that run just fine. Sure, they can't run Final Cut Studio HD and tons of effects, but what do you honestly need it for?

[GeraldCole]

G5's (actually PPC) is Mac specific, and there are no alternate board options like there are for PCs.

 

Someone else did a hack putting the motherboard set towards the center of the case and extending all the ports out to the rear IO panel and PCI slots. When it's done right it looks clean.

 

Using the stock motherboard standoffs wont work, even with a new plate it would get really complicated, and you'd have to make the adapter plate yourself.

 

If the G5 works, why not use it? I know plenty of people still using G5's and even G4's that run just fine. Sure, they can't run Final Cut Studio HD and tons of effects, but what do you honestly need it for?

Sorry if I was imprecise, my thinking was to either fully hackintosh it with 100% PC parts, or fully restore it to a stock Powermac G5--therefore cutting the backplate and standoffs renders it un-powermacable.

 

And thats it exactly, I'd be running Final Cut and After Effects. Most of the Adobe CS3 stuff nor all of CS4 even work on PPC anymore.

 

The problem with using a stock G5 is that I'd have to put as much cash into getting it running as I would buying a new one. A new 600w mac power supply is 100 plus shipping, ram is $30 per gig, new hdd is 50-100, it all adds up pretty quick and there is a used Powermac G5 for sale in my neighbourhood for $300.

 

I've been needing a new PC anyway so I'm better off hackintoshing and dual-booting. If I get it running as a G5 I would probably sell it and put the money towards a mac pro.