Powermac G4 : Reducing Noise levels

Apologies, if this was posted innocently under Tiger forum. I am intrigued that suddenly that noise levels went up on my G4 Powermac[2004]. Cleaned all possible sources of dust, including Grilles. Tried PMU reset. Suspect the bearings in the PSU fans ? Scouted these forums for assistance and instead, I Would welcome any ideas from anyone who's resolved partly the noise levels. Do not necessarily wish to change the PSU on account of cost and delivery distances. Or go for the Mac Mini yet. Thanks.

10.4.11/10.3.9, Powermac G4

Posted on Sep 7, 2010 5:57 AM

67 replies

japamac

Level 7

24,400 points

Jan 26, 2011 5:16 PM in response to paulcezanne

I described removing the processor and logic board here:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=8368719

The Sonnet MDX instructions can also help:
http://www.sonnettech.com/support/kb/kb.php?cat=314&expand=_a1&action=b345#b345

rpowife

Level 1

10 points

Jan 29, 2011 5:05 PM in response to japamac

Ok, dredging this subject up again.

I tried the Panaflo and Scythe Slipstream. Are they supposed to start spinning right away when wired to the MB? I must have done something wrong as neither one started spinning at all. Seemed simple and straight forward but didn't do a thing.

I ended up using the Silverstone FM-121 but used the controller that came with the FM-123 as it fit in the PCI slot. Both the 121 and 123 started spinning right away as long as the controller was turned on. I didn't do any splicing, used the molex for power and the controller had a disconnect plug on it so it was easy to switch out. What was the lone yellow wire for?

It now runs a bit quieter and I am watching the temps to see how low I can run the fan. It would be nice to have the MB run the fan though.

What went wrong with the MB wire splicing? I have another MDD to work on yet.

japamac

Level 7

24,400 points

Jan 29, 2011 5:11 PM in response to rpowife

Are they supposed to start spinning right away when wired to the MB?

They should start spinning either right away or within a minute or so of operation.

What was the lone yellow wire for?

That is for a fan control display to show speed- a tachometer line.

What went wrong with the MB wire splicing?

A damaged connector?
It is very odd that 2 fans didn't work......

rpowife

Level 1

10 points

Jan 29, 2011 5:27 PM in response to japamac

I bought some splicing connectors that I will try tomorrow (insert wires and snap together). I either botched the splicing or blew the MB connection I guess. Is that possible?

japamac

Level 7

24,400 points

Jan 29, 2011 5:30 PM in response to rpowife

I either botched the splicing or blew the MB connection I guess. Is that possible?

Botch splicing, possible.
Blown MB connection, much more difficult.
Use a volt meter to test.
Look for +5v or so from the pins at startup.

rpowife

Level 1

10 points

Jan 29, 2011 5:42 PM in response to japamac

A trip to Radio Shack then for a volt meter it is then.

rpowife

Level 1

10 points

Jan 30, 2011 8:32 AM in response to josephpap

Doh! I feel so stupid! I broke off the little tab when I removed the original fan. I had the plug upside down when I put it back in. Works fine now.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Powermac G4 : Reducing Noise levels