Q: G5 startup light flashes 3 times then after a pause flashes 3 times etc.

Well here is an update on the reworked 2.5 GHz G5..

It started doing strange booting errors, then it refused to boot into an OS of any type, tried everything, no go.

Im now using my other repaired logic board, still not a bad deal though:

$20 for a complete 2.5 GHZ G5.

$22 for a complete processor unit

$11 for a logic board.

But a boat load of work and frustration...

Let's see how long this one lasts...

G4ever wrote:
Well here is an update on the reworked 2.5 GHz G5..

But a boat load of work and frustration...

Let's see how long this one lasts...

Kind of like buying a "fixer" house. You don't know for sure what you are up against until you get in there. On the other hand, sometimes there is good value in "sweat equity" after you are done.

My G5, 1.8 GHz. Power Mac problem started with fans going hi speed. Thereafter refused to startup and showed three blinking lights. Problem remained after swapping memory chips. I ran a hair dryer as recommended with increasing heat five times (consecutively) around the memory chip locations. Finally the G5 then started properly. After shutdown, it again started. Then I left it on for about 15 or more minutes and the fans went on medium and then to high. After cooling off it will start up again, but with the same results. No improvements since then. Any advise you can give for further tests would be much appreciated. Ted

The logic board will need replacement it would seem, I havent been able to reliably fix that failure on these.

How difficult is it to remove the Mother Board ? Is there a procedure ? I tried to disconnect the Power supply connectors, but was not successful so far. What is the approximate cost for a new or refurbished MB ? I have enjoyed using the G5. Replacing the MB may not be cost effective even if I do it myself. I will appreciate your (G4ever) reply and other opinions very much. ~Ted

ayinat wrote:
How difficult is it to remove the Mother Board ?

Moderate difficulty, expect it to be a two-hour effort for R&R, at least. You also will have to get a copy of the Apple Service Diagnostic in order to perform the required thermal calibration. Which version depends upon machine vintage. 2.5.8 would probably be the earliest one that would work well.

Is there a procedure ?

Yes, described in the appropriate Apple Service Source document for the machine vintage.

I tried to disconnect the Power supply connectors, but was not successful so far. What is the approximate cost for a new or refurbished MB ?

Cost can vary all over the place, but I would suspect $250 as the low end of a pulled board, up to about $800 for a NOS board. There are three vintages of 1.8 GHz G5s, though, so you have to have to know which one your machine is, plus its configuration. Plug the serial number into the following site and you will get some system information, such as build date:

http://www.chipmunk.nl/klantenservice/applemodel.html

The serial number is on the configuration label near the bottom of the processor(s):

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2330

There are some vendor websites that may prove helpful:

http://www.mac-pro.com/ has exploded parts drawings with part numbers and some used boards

http://www.dttservice.com/ exchange boards and stuff

I have had good dealings with both of these sites in the past.

I have enjoyed using the G5. Replacing the MB may not be cost effective even if I do it myself. I will appreciate your (G4ever) reply and other opinions very much. ~Ted

There is somewhat a learning curve with working on PM G5's, the order in which it is done is:

1, remove processors.
2, remove video card, and CPU exhaust fans.
3, remove CPU standoffs, bottom plate, and then power supply.
4, remove slot fan and card edge holder.
5, remove all screws and connections.
6, remove Logic Board.

The service manual has a more detailed description on this procedure, and would be a good idea to reference it if you haven't worked on one before.

G4ever wrote:

The service manual has a more detailed description on this procedure, and would be a good idea to reference it if you haven't worked on one before.

I would say more a necessary than just a good idea, as there are 8 pages of details on logic board replacement in the original G5 ASC manual, not including the other sections on things like fans, cards, power supply, etc. It's those details that can bite.

Thank you very much for the technical information you have provided me. I have decided not to pursue replacing the G5 motherboard. If G4ever wants the G5 (less hard drive) I will be happy to give it and ship it to you if you pay for the shipping. theoh1@verizon.net

Wow, I appreciate the offer but I have to many as it is! lol, I'm sure someone will take it.

Thanks again, but the misses would have a fit...

Message was edited by: G4ever

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. I am ready to buy a new machine, as the tech crew at the Mac store says it is probably a logic board or processor problem.

I lloked at both the MacMini and the iMac.
My display and keyboard, mouse all work fine ... I am wondering if the mini will be able to do all I want?

Can I work Final Cut Express 2 on it?
I notice that the software package includes iMovie, can i edit short video form my Nikon D90 with the mini?

The difference in between the two is $500, and I could buy another lense for my camera with that !

Thanks,

Loretta

Hi Loretta,

The new Mini will outperform your G5 & iMovie will allow editing Videos to some extent.

But since the new Mini comes with 10.6.x, you might not be able to use FCE2, I don't see it on the list here, only FCE4.

Which apps work with Mac OS X 10.6?...

http://snowleopard.wikidot.com/

Hi,

Thanks for the link. I am off to the store to see what I can do.
I need to have my info from the G5 HD migrated to a new machine.
They charge $60 to do that, or else I can buy ann "enclosure" for the HD and do it myself.

Normally I would not shy away from the challenge of doing it myself, but just in case there might be compatibility problems going from Panther to SL, best they handle it.

Will post back soon.

Thanks all for the support !!

Loretta

Hi, Just found out that my older Apple Cinema display will not work with the mini without $120 worth of adaptors, one of which is discontinued.

So, now I am looking at an iMac.

They charge $60 to do that, or else I can buy ann "enclosure" for the HD and do it myself.

Naw, just get the right Firewire cable & boot the G5 into FireWire target disk mode...

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=58583

The G5 will be just a big FW drive to the iMac.