Powermac G4 - Chimes, but no video

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Powermac G4 - Chimes, but no video

I recently hooked up my old Powermac G4 AGP graphics model to use as backup file server, but when I turn it on, it chimes, makes startup sounds ( like the fan and hard disk spinning ), but doesnt seem to display any audio. Another problem ive noticed is also when its booted, the keyboard caps lock light doesnt seem to work when plugged into the USB, nor does it seem to charge anything. This is leading me to believe its more of a motherboard problem. Would you guys agree? Or could it be something else?

Thanks! 🙂

Posted on Jun 9, 2014 1:37 PM

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Answer 1

kaz-k

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Jun 9, 2014 2:30 PM in response to danjones1

Did you replace PRAM battery?

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Answer 2

danjones1 Author

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Jun 9, 2014 2:55 PM in response to kaz-k

Hi, no I havent touched the PRAM battery. Could this prevent the USB ports from working, becuase it chimes and spins up?

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Answer 3

BDAqua

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Jun 9, 2014 4:39 PM in response to danjones1

It can cause really strange startup problems.

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer%20Technology/BAA36VPRAM/

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Answer 4

danjones1 Author

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Jun 10, 2014 4:03 AM in response to BDAqua

Thanks ! Would I be able to use any 1/2 aa battery? Or do you have to buy dedicated ones?

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Answer 5

BDAqua

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Jun 10, 2014 8:29 AM in response to danjones1

Any should be fine.

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Answer 6

danjones1 Author

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Jun 11, 2014 7:55 AM in response to BDAqua

Okay so I changed the PRAM battery, and still no luck. The same as before.. so would this be more likely to be a motherboard issue?

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Answer 7

BDAqua

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Jun 11, 2014 10:25 AM in response to danjones1

It certainly could be, but I'd try reseating the Video Card, the RAM, all power connectors, thinking it may be corrosion on some connection.

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Answer 8

Mar 18, 2015 12:03 PM in response to danjones1

so i'm having the same video issues, did get a noise, but no video tried another possible card and no go....

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Answer 9

Mar 18, 2015 12:04 PM in response to jguimond84

and if it is corrosion then what would come next, I've checked the board and mostly everything and reapplied thermal grease, and see no corrosion really visible....

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Answer 10

BDAqua

Level 10

239,177 points

Mar 18, 2015 1:55 PM in response to jguimond84

It's starting to sound like a logic board problem for both of you. 😟

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Answer 11

Mar 18, 2015 5:26 PM in response to BDAqua

ooo but the thing is lol I forgot to mention is that I don't have a battery installed, and it's no longer chiming, I think the speaker died lol. gonna pick up a battery sometime this weekend.

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