MichaelJRodriguez
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Apple G5 Display Question...

I build PC's in my spare time (non apple type).  I get them from the local goodwill.  I rebuild em and sell em. 

 

The other day, I grabbed an Apple G5 tower for $20.

I am a NOOB when it comes to Apple Computers.  This is the first time I have troubleshot one, and the first time I have even turned one on.

So, here is my question:

It was missing the HDD & Power Card.  So I got a power cord off eBay.  Plugged it it (with no HDD installed) and booted it.  I have a dvi cable running to a Dell Monitor. No keyboard or mouse plugged in.

 

I powered it up and the tower came on.  But nothing on the display.  I was at least expecting a BIOS error MSG saying no HDD or no KYBD (or something). 
But, since this is an Apple, I really don't know what it is gonna do.  I read a post that said if there is no OS on the HDD, then you will not get anything on the display. 

 

Here is what I think the problem is.  Just remember I have zero experience with Apple PC's.

 

 

Possible bad cable > that's why there is no video.  I tried both DVI connectors.

Possible broke video card > thats why there is no video

No HDD installed.  Apple has some wierd BIOS and if there is no OS on the hdd then no display or if there is no hdd installed, you get no display??????  >>>

I need an Apple proprietery video cable???

I need an Apple Monitor?  Apple towers don't output to non-apple displays??? 

 

These are some of my thoughts.  Of course it could be anything.  I got the tower from goodwill, so I have no idea what could be wrong.  But, every other pc I have bought from them, I was able to get up and running pretty easily.  You would be surprised why people drop off the pc's at the goodwill.  I bought one recently and the only thing wrong with it was the hdd power cable was loose.  I plugged it in, and it booted right to the desktop. 

 

So, yes there could something else wrong I am not aware of, but I find it unlikely.  So, I think I am missing something simple with regards to troubleshooting because I have never done this before.

 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated...

 

Thanks,

 

Mike...

Mac Pro

Posted on Sep 14, 2013 7:41 PM

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MichaelJRodriguez

Q: Apple G5 Display Question...

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  • by MichelPM,

    MichelPM MichelPM Sep 14, 2013 8:24 PM in response to MichaelJRodriguez
    Level 6 (13,912 points)
    iPad
    Sep 14, 2013 8:24 PM in response to MichaelJRodriguez

    Without an HDD and without an HDD that has been properly formatted and system installed on that drive, no Mac will ever boot up.

    You'll need to purchase serial, ATA style hard drives.

    A good Mac source for everything, including internal hard drives is OWC ( macsales.com)

    You need an OS X version to install.

    The highest OS a G5 can take is OS X 10.5 Leopard.

    Replacement OS install/restore discs can be had directly from Apple.

    You need to contact Apple in order to get OS X 10.4 Tiger or OS X 10.5 Leopard from Apple assuming they still have copies.

    Call Apple Store Customer Service at 1-800-676-2775  These discs will be replacement OS install discs.

    You will need to give the rep your Mac model and serial number and you'll, also, need a credit card as there is a nominal fee of around $18 for processing and shipping of the disc.

    Good Luck!