lupechrist

Q: How do I destroy the hard drive on an inoperable G5 before recycling it?

The power cord is frayed, making my G5 inoperable. I want to destroy the hard drive before I recycle it. How can I do this?

iMac, Mac OS X (10.4)

Posted on Aug 9, 2013 6:09 AM

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Q: How do I destroy the hard drive on an inoperable G5 before recycling it?

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  • by John Galt,

    John Galt John Galt Aug 9, 2013 6:15 AM in response to lupechrist
    Level 8 (48,595 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 9, 2013 6:15 AM in response to lupechrist

    Remove it and smash it with a hammer.

     

    Use eye protection.

     

    The power cord is frayed, making my G5 inoperable.

     

    ??

     

    A G5's power cord is a generic part. If you don't already happen to have one lying around a replacement can be purchased for about $5.

  • by Michael Black,

    Michael Black Michael Black Aug 9, 2013 6:19 AM in response to lupechrist
    Level 7 (24,076 points)
    Aug 9, 2013 6:19 AM in response to lupechrist

    As John says, a damaged power cord is hardly a reason to get rid of an otherwise working device.

     

    But, that said, you can smash it as John says, drill holes through it, shred it (if you have access to an industrial size shredder), shoot it (IMO, a very fun way to vent frustration at a failed hard drive) or any other way that physically damages or destroys the platters.

  • by John Galt,

    John Galt John Galt Aug 9, 2013 6:24 AM in response to Michael Black
    Level 8 (48,595 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 9, 2013 6:24 AM in response to Michael Black

    Michael Black wrote:

     

    (IMO, a very fun way to vent frustration at a failed hard drive)

     

    Use eye and ear protection.

     

     

  • by Michael Black,

    Michael Black Michael Black Aug 9, 2013 6:59 AM in response to John Galt
    Level 7 (24,076 points)
    Aug 9, 2013 6:59 AM in response to John Galt

    John Galt wrote:

     

    Michael Black wrote:

     

    (IMO, a very fun way to vent frustration at a failed hard drive)

     

    Use eye and ear protection.

     

     

     

    Of course - been shooting for 40 years and would never go to a range without both.

     

    BTW, the industrial shredders are pretty fun too - I visited a site once that had one in a storage garage and did use it to throw company hard drives through.  Took all of 2 seconds to reduce a 3.5" hard drive to a few hundred pieces of scrap.

  • by Klaus1,

    Klaus1 Klaus1 Aug 9, 2013 9:50 AM in response to lupechrist
    Level 8 (48,821 points)
    Aug 9, 2013 9:50 AM in response to lupechrist

    nuke2.gif