Early (2003-2004) Powermac G5 CPU

Question

Early (2003-2004) Powermac G5 CPU

Hi,

I've been noticing higher temps on my 1.8 single processor Powermac. After working a lot with upgrading heatsinks on video cards, replacing the old worn out thermal paste, etc. I'm wondering if I need to redo the thermal paste on the CPU. The heatsink itself is spotless clean.

Online, I have read about many people replacing the thermal paste for the CPU, but for my model, the apple take apart states:

"Warning: The heatsink and processor are a unit. Never separate the heatsink from the

processor, or you will damage the processor and void the warranty."

So who is right? 3-5 years is about the life of thermal paste, so I've read.

Is this just a precaution for people that aren't careful, or is it the real deal?

Thanks!

PowerMac, Mac OS X (10.5.8), 1.8Ghz, 2GB RAM

Posted on Oct 5, 2012 1:10 PM

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Answer 1

japamac

Level 7

24,400 points

Oct 5, 2012 4:04 PM in response to TheRealAnubis

Is this just a precaution for people that aren't careful,

Yes.

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Answer 2

Oct 5, 2012 10:14 PM in response to japamac

Excellent!

I went ahead and pulled it apart. The whole process only took about 15 minutes.

1. Remove 4 screws and the CPU and heatsink all pop out as one unit.

2. Flip it over and remove the screws from the small board that go into the plastic standoffs

3. Remove the four 2.5mm hex head screws that hold the CPU on (a few turns on each screw to keep more even pressure on the CPU, then carefully unsnap the smaller heatsink from the side of the larger heatsink - it comes off similar to the big G5 plate on the top of the heatsink.

The old paste was dry and chalky and came off very easily. Cleaned the CPU and heatsink completely, then applied Artic Silver and put it all back together.

I ran the AHT and it said that it didn't need thermal calibration, so I booted it up and played a game.

Before the new thermal paste it would run up to 59 degrees C and stay there. After only 3 power cycles it's down to 50 degrees C, and idling at around 40 degrees C.

I'm happier already! 😀

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Answer 3

japamac

Level 7

24,400 points

Oct 5, 2012 10:23 PM in response to TheRealAnubis

Excellent! 🙂

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Answer 4

BDAqua

Level 10

251,329 points

Oct 5, 2012 10:37 PM in response to TheRealAnubis

Good work... and you've had Premiere help from jmac! 🙂

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Answer 5

Oct 6, 2012 8:10 PM in response to BDAqua

Yes, Japamac has been very helpful and involved with most of the questions that I have asked. I certainly appreciate him taking time to help me out. I would rather ask in a forum where I know someone will know the answer as opposed of getting random information from the net.

The discussions area is top noch!

😎

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