2005 PowerBookG4- Replace Power PC w/ Intel Processor- Possible?

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2005 PowerBookG4- Replace Power PC w/ Intel Processor- Possible?

I have a 2005 Powerbook G4, PowerPC, version 10.5.8. I want to know if I can get an Intel (or other) processor to replace the old Power PC, and with that, install the current OS, which I think is now Mountain Lion. In othe words, I want to avail myself of the latest software innovations, and am willing to cobble together the hardware to make that happen, within reason. I like the physical design and architecture of the old G4 and am reluctant to part ways with it. Is this at all possible/practical,, or just too much $$ and hassle? I'm an old school guy who is happy luggin' around an older 'heavy' PC andf can do without tablets asnd such.

PowerBook, Mac OS X (10.5.8), Want to upgrade processor and OS

Posted on Feb 1, 2013 7:17 PM

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Answer 1

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Niel

Level 10

726,893 points

Feb 1, 2013 7:17 PM in response to sheagan

It's not possible.

(75833)

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Answer 2

MlchaelLAX

Level 4

2,286 points

Feb 2, 2013 9:17 AM in response to sheagan

glue one of these onto your Powerbook G4!

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Answer 3

sheagan Author

Level 1

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Feb 2, 2013 6:33 PM in response to Niel

So I was thinking maybe duct tape instead of glue- matches the color of my titanium G4, which apparently would otherwise be useful only as a 6lb. paperweight. Thanks for breaking the news with a bit of levity.

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Answer 4

sheagan Author

Level 1

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Feb 2, 2013 6:36 PM in response to Niel

Thanks for the no frills answer. Guess I'll start shoppin.

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Answer 5

romko23

Level 2

408 points

Feb 2, 2013 11:20 PM in response to sheagan

Its amazing how many people come in here and always ask this question or same sets of questions over and over again. Can PowerPC G4/G5/G3 be upgradable to Intel? Can I place an Intel processor in my Powerbook??, I don't mean to be rude or come off sounding bad towards those who ask these questions, but its getting rather long in the tooth.

PowerPC Macs, depending on which you have can go as high as 10.5.8 Leopard and thats all. Some can only go as far as 10.4.11, but those would be your low end PowerPC machines.

The best PowerPC Macs for Leopard would be the following:

G4 MDD dual 1.25/1.42

Any upgraded G4 based machine with a strong graphics card for core image(speeds up video acceleration under OS X) and processor. e.g.: Sawtooth G4 500 upgraded to 2.0Ghz PowerLogix.

All G5's in my opinion should have no problems running Leopard up to and including 10.5.8.

G3's are best suited for Tiger 10.4.11 and Panther 10.3.9(Low low end G3s).

A rule of the thumb: if its PowerPC it can't be upgraded to INTEL, period!

Hope I wasn't too rude.. didn't mean to ruffle any feathers here. Just tired of seeing the same thing over and over again.

enough ranting! Now, who's up for installing Leopard on their PowerPC Mac?

Romko

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Answer 6

MlchaelLAX

Level 4

2,286 points

Feb 3, 2013 1:16 AM in response to romko23

romko23 wrote:

Its amazing how many people come in here and always ask this question or same sets of questions over and over again. Can PowerPC G4/G5/G3 be upgradable to Intel? Can I place an Intel processor in my Powerbook??, I don't mean to be rude or come off sounding bad towards those who ask these questions, but its getting rather long in the tooth.

You're kidding, right?

You are concerned about how many times YOU have to read the question?

I don't mean to be rude or come off sounding bad yours you, but maybe it is time for you to take a break from your computer and go out and get some sun and fresh air and exercise...

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