Joebillydean2
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: 2005 Powerbook G4 won't recognize new SSD drive

I know others have had this very problem but I could not find a recent thread where there was a solution. I installed a new OWC SSD 120 GB HD (made for legacy Powerbook) to replace the original HD. Used the original Powerbook G4 install CD, but after startup get the blinking Question mark. Used Disk Utility on install CD, new drive still not showing up. I thought the SSD drive was DOA and sent it back to OWC, only to have them send it back and say it was OK.Tried System Profiler on the G4, nothing shows as new drive. Tried Firewire target using a MacPro as host, and the G4 mounts on host screen as Untitled 1, with 119.7 GB capacity. Ran Disk Utility on the drive identified as 120.3 GB AAPL Firewire Target Media, with Untitled 1 volume, and drive checks out OK. Before I screw things up, any wisdom for out there on next step? Seems I need to reverse the host config if I wish to install OS on the G4 via Target, or some such wizardry?

iPhone 4S, iOS 6

Posted on Jan 25, 2014 5:39 PM

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Joebillydean2

Q: 2005 Powerbook G4 won't recognize new SSD drive

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  • by a brody,

    a brody a brody Jan 27, 2014 9:15 AM in response to Joebillydean2
    Level 9 (66,899 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    Jan 27, 2014 9:15 AM in response to Joebillydean2

    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3003 is the formatting you need to be aware of.

  • by jaesonk,

    jaesonk jaesonk Mar 19, 2015 9:23 AM in response to Joebillydean2
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Mar 19, 2015 9:23 AM in response to Joebillydean2

    I had problems with OWC legacy SSDs for my PowerBook5,6.  I went through similar experiences with them as you.  Returned & exchanged.  They felt unusually warm/hot and the PowerBook wouldn't recognize them.  Maybe a bad batch of drives or a bad adapter.  The legacy SSDs are just 2.5 Electra SDDs enclosed with a SATA-IDE adapter.  Other people don't report problems with the OWC drives.

     

    I did not try the Master/Slave/Cable-Select jumpers with the OWC SDD.  If it does have them, you can try changing it.  This link isn't OWC SSD specific but gives you the jumper basics:

    http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1547944

     

    I went the another route with a crucial SDD, enclosure & adapter.  My PowerBook recognized it immediately and it's been working fine since.

     

    Boot from your install DVD (hold C on power up).  Run Disk Utility.  IF DU can see the drive, make sure to set the partition map to APPLE PARTITION MAP (PPC) and not GUID (intel).  Format with Mac OS Extended (HFS+) Journaled.