Upgrade G5 PPC to Intel?

I do not think it is possible to upgrade a PPC machine to an intel machine.

If you mean "Pull the G5 chip and put in an Intel one." then absolutely not. If you mean "Add an Intel chip in some sort of daughterboard or other add on board." then maybe, but I still think not.

Technically possible, but would require replacing logic board, processor, power supply, maybe more. It will be expensive, you will be hard-pressed to find someone to do the work for you, and you'll end up with a home-brew machine that few will be willing or able to work on should problems arise (which they probably will).

Sell your G5 and buy a new box.

Kenneth Griffin,

There is no supported method of making that upgrade. Even the "maybe" solution offered in this thread would not work, and if somehow managed to make it work definitely not be supported. In addition it would be more expensive than a new machine.

There is a solid market for used Macs, especially high end PPC machines like yours because some businesses and others have not made the transition to Intel yet. For example some are still using business or education applications that require Classic. I am not making a guarantee or suggesting you would be able to sell your current machine, but rather suggesting it as something to look into.

If you are primarily looking to make the change for games and not other applications, in addition to the Mac Pro, you may want to consider an iMac. All of the current Intel based Macs are multicore, even the Mac Mini. The Mac Pro's offer up to an 8-core configuration.

Hope this helps,

Nathan C.

Is it possible to upgrade my G5 quad PPC 2.5 GHz with 5 GB DDR2 SDRAM running 10.4.11 to an Intel processor?

Yes. Purchase a new or used MacPro and then sell your old G5 on ebay. Upgrade completed.

😉

Hi Kenneth Griffin;

To answer your question about PPC to Intel upgrade being possible is sure. It is called jack up the power cord and back a new Mac Pro under it.

Allan