Mac Mod: Project MacBane - Converting my PowerMac G4 to Core i7

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Hi everyone, I have been a lurker forever here and I thought I would share my first Mac Modding project. I have had my old PowerMac G4 lying around the office for a couple of years just being used for website and Flash testing. It is ten years old this winter and it’s time to retire it forever as the ancient and completely obsolete guts it has now make it next to useless when compared to my modern Macs. Don't worry about the PowerPC components as they have found a new home already

I am however quite attached to this particular machine as I started my career with it, so I decided to breathe some new life into it as my new gaming machine. I guess I am about half way to being complete, below are the latest shots from my progress.








It has taken a lot of time and care to get it this far, more updates to follow, you can also check out the full project on my Flickr page here.

Thanks for looking

fyrefly

That looks sexy! It's like aliens have taken over the PMG4 and are rebuilding it

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hdh607

I have a powermac G4 quicksilver I'm trying to figure out what to do with.

You've inspired me!

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Manatus

I wish I had the skill to do something like that, that looks awesome.

i-rui

cool. Are you going to leave the front panel open like that?

looks like a lot of work

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Photograph

Thanks everybody, glad to see you like my work

Nope, the original covers will go back on, the old Zip drive opening will now be used to access the newly installed USB 2.0 and e-SATA ports. The CD/DVD drive cover will be used for airflow as there is no room for an optical drive within the case. I have a USB DVD-R that will facilitate all of my optical media needs with this machine.

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More work has been done

Latch plate and u-channel for all holes completed:



Bottom intake fan mounted:



A 120x12mm Scythe fan that will be mounted between the metal and plastic parts of the case providing the 5770's some fresh air:



And Mounted:



Next the PSU Was mounted:



And now it is the motherboards turn:



Fiber and rubber washers cushion all motherboard mounts:



When closed everything fits...just barely. I have less than a millimeter between the ram lever and the edge of the bottom SATA drive.



And next... I turned it on



And with the lights out:



More to come tomorrow.

kps

As an owner of a G4 tower...you're my new hero.

Great project, can't wait to see the final result.

hdh607

wow.

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No, seriously, after this post I'm going outside...

www.hughdaleharris.ca

Manatus

That's really pretty remarkable. I bet you could make some good money making those.