PowerMac G5 DP CPU temps?

Thanks to both of you. I may have to try and schedule a visit to the local Apple store (even if it is 40 miles away!) and see if they can run some test on it or re-calibrate things. Is there a charge for re-calibration? I am out of my warranty by 2 months now as it just started acting up recently with the fans.

Does anyone know also if there is a way to get the plastic shield with the G5 on it that covers the liquid cooling system and processors off? I'd like to be able to look inside there and see if there is any sizable amount of dust. I have pried at it a little but does not just pop out and I am afraid to break anything in there!

Congrats on the grand baby DP. Enjoy your trip to Columbus!

OK, here are the latest details. Took it into the Apple Store tonight. After having explained the issues and the many solutions I have tried as well as the AHT error code (2STH/1/2:CPU B AD7417AD1) that I had gotten, they told me CPU B is going.

They did not run any diagnostics as it would have yielded the same results I had already gotten. Also, they told me a thermal re-calibration would do no good. At the least they saved me the $85 charge to run a diagnostics test.

The cost of parts and labor if I want to get it repaired - $1,072.00

So, I have decided I am going to part ways with the machine as I worry it will only happen again in the future. This is the second time since I have owned the machine, the CPU has gone bad. There are no leaks from the liquid cooling system which is good. Too bad I'm two months outside my AppleCare and there is nothing else I can do.

Now, a new question in regards to a new machine. As a graphic designer, could I get away with a nice new 24" iMac 3.06GHz or am I best to stay in a toper and go with a bottom of the line MacPro?

Cost is an issue here as I really counted on having this machine a couple more years and just recently upgraded it to 4GB RAM. I also have an upgraded graphics card. I realize you can max out the iMac to 4GB, but can you easily swap out the graphics card or even put in a larger HD if wanted?

Thanks for all your help with this. I am really disappointed this is the end result. I really like this machine and am amazed for a top of the line product to have this many issues with it.

I assume it is possible. Whether or not if it just dies and the computer will still operate on one processor, I have no idea. Not sure if you have to physically remove the CPU or not. I guess I'd rather not go the process as I've had plenty of issues with this machine that I'd rather not try to keep things afloat at this point. It may last another 2-3 years, there's no way to tell when things will just give out.

Thank you for the links. It does seem like it's going to run a minimum of $800 just for the processor anywhere I look. What worries me about that is still having the liquid cooled system and the many issues I have be reading about lately with them.

As a designer, actually I have had LCD monitors for over 4 years now at every job I have had. I also use an LCD at home. I actually prefer them. I know there are color differences, but they have come such a long way that I'd hate to go back to a CRT again, so big and bulky. Again, this is just my personal preference.

I do love my PowerMac which why I am disappointed with the issues I've had with it. Not little issues either, the most expensive issues. Plus, with the new OS Snow Leopard possibly dropping the PowerPC line, I'd rather be looking ahead versus treading water with another used PowerMac, even if I could save and reuse all the extras I've put into it.

The more research I do, the more I am leaning towards the iMac 3.06GHz model and max it out to 4GB with aftermarket RAM. As long as I can get 1-2 working years out of it, I can then hand it down to my wife and then make another serious investment into a new MacPro.

I know you can't expand the iMac, other than adding more RAM, possibly putting in a larger HD. Although I have a 160GB in my G5 that I use maybe half of. I also have a LaCie 250GB external where I store most all of my things, so a 500GB internal on the iMac would be plenty for me right now.

As she is a very basic user (internet, music, word processing, etc.) she would still have plenty of computer after it being only 2 years old. She uses my 6 year old Ti PowerBook G4 now and it suits her just fine. (+mini rant here+...how is it my laptop which has traveled many miles has lasted twice as long as my more expensive chained to a desk in a controlled environment machine!?)

As she is finishing school working on her RN degree, I think the iMac is the best case scenario for now (very limited budget) and then when we can save up the extra cash, I'll just get a whole new system. Plus I'll be able to use her to get a student discount and save a few bucks and get a free iPod touch!

As for the Mac Genius, he told me it would cost $85 to run diagnostics as I was out of warranty. He ended up not running any as he told me based on everything I had done and the results I had gotten from my own hardware test, it would only indicate the same results there and doing the re-calibration would not fix anything.

Thanks again for all your help and feedback. Time to start pricing out a nice new iMac!