Replacing the fan in a Power Mac G4 M8493

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Level 1

4 points

Replacing the fan in a Power Mac G4 M8493

I have a Power Mac G4 (Model m8493). It was free so I'm not willing to dump any large amount of money into it but when I turned it on for the first time one of the fan's sounded like a lawnmower with a stick caught in it. The fan is located behind the power supply in a 4-screw metal case. I am assuming it is the "case fan" but it seems like I have to remove the power supply to get to it so I'm not positive about that. It seems to be the 120MM size. I've read a-lot about this online and the replacement seems relatively easy if it is the case fan.
If anyone could help my out by telling me if I am correct in thinking this is the case fan and also if there is a good fan to replace it. Right now I am eyeing the Thermaltake A2018 120mm Blue LED Case Fan.
Lastly, I've seen a-lot of "how to's" on replacing the fan in the mirrored door G4 but not this version.
Any tips on replacement technique would be helpful as well.
Thanks!

Power Mac G4 M8493, Other OS, FAN REPLACEMENT

Posted on Jan 14, 2009 11:21 AM

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Answer 1

Jan 14, 2009 11:48 AM in response to CCGGG

CCGGG, welcome to Apple Discussions.

You have either a Power Mac G4 (QuickSilver) or Power Mac G4 (QuickSilver 2002). Both of these have the same model number (M8493). See http://support.apple.com/kb/TA25585

These may be the fans.

Power Supply replacement:
o Model: IXP-54-14
o Product Name: SilenX iXtrema Pro 80mm x 25mm 14dBA 32CFM Quiet Fan

chasis replacement:
o Model: IXP-74-11
o Product Name: SilenX iXtrema Pro 120mm x 25mm 11dBA 46CFM Quiet Fan

Silenx brand fans ( http://www.silenx.com).
http://www.eastluna.com is where you can purchased them from.

 Cheers, Tom 😉

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Answer 2

Jan 15, 2009 1:49 PM in response to CCGGG

If I am not mistaken, the original 120MM case fan is rated 86 CFM and 37db.
This one is rated 110CFM and is also 37db.
Click here

I replaced my main case fan with one of these and am happy with it. It does a better job cooling than the original, but these can be hard to find.

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Answer 3

Jan 16, 2009 5:38 AM in response to Dave Hamilton

Dave is correct and the Quicksilver takes fans with a higher CFM rating. The problem is I find anything over 20db just to noisy and these are fans that state silent operation on the packaging. I have taken a chance with mine and I have installed fans that are just over half of the spec they should be, I also have a variable control on my CPU fan so I can get it a quiet as possible.
I have had no problems with the machine so far and it does stay at a steady temperature though the computer is still fairly hot.

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Answer 4

Labonza

Level 1

40 points

Jan 17, 2009 6:16 PM in response to CCGGG

I also have a Quicksliver that was very noisy when I got it.Progressively louder and louder as it heated up and the fans gunned up.

The choices as I saw it were:
-get rid of the Quicksilver
-quiet it down.

So, first I replaced the fan in the Power Supply with a Thermaltake 80mm fan.Huge improvement in noise, air coming out still same temp.

The case fan I replaced with a 120mm model ( forget the brand)with the option of running it at 12,9 or 7.5 volts.Massive improvement in noise again. I normally run it at 9v and turn it up to full speed when it's been working hard for a while.You can buy a power adaptor at Radio Shack that will switch between the voltages on the fly.

Lastly, the horrible sounding intake fan that blows on the CPU.I took it out, and put a bigger fan directly on the CPU heat sink and run it at 7.5 volts,roughly half speed.(I think this fan was a poweer supply fan that I salvaged from an older Mac)Dead quiet and very effective.The intake fan will be replaced with a quieter fan sometime soon next time I'm in the mood for some tinkering.

Bottom line...this Quicksilver is less than half it's original noise level and runs great.Heat buildup is not an issue.Dont be afraid to experiment with different types of fans, dont think you have to exactly match the CFM to what was in the there.Stores and websites that sell PC parts have lots of options.

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