ClarisWorks

Q: iBook G4 Internal Fans

Hello. I have an iBook G4 (1.07 GHz, 512 MB RAM, 12.1 In.) without the black screen and high speed fan issue.

Sometimes, I feel my iBook get hot and I don't feel the fans turn on very much. I do not know why it is doing it for some reason.

 

Is there any way or tips for the iBook G4 fan?

iBook, Mac OS X (10.4.11), A Nice Mac for Educational uses

Posted on Sep 16, 2014 11:17 AM

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Q: iBook G4 Internal Fans

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  • by K Shaffer,Solvedanswer

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Sep 17, 2014 4:33 PM in response to ClarisWorks
    Level 6 (14,244 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 17, 2014 4:33 PM in response to ClarisWorks

    For the iBook G4 to run a little cooler, you may choose to increase the

    installed chip RAM by adding more capacity to the user-upgrade slot...

     

    This should allow the computer to rely less on Virtual memory, where

    the hard disk drive is used for swap, temporary and other read-write

    files that otherwise may have been handled in RAM primarily.

     

    Since Virtual Memory is essentially the computer writing and reading

    files to the hard disk drive, this also means that hard drive is working

    harder more of the time; it also means it needs to have a significant

    amount of free or unused capacity.

     

    So to add 1 - PC-2100 DDR266 200-pin SO-DIMM (PC-2700 supported

    however it will run at only 266 MHz; not the 333MHz on the chip) This

    may or may not be near whatever is already installed. Depending on

    the build model iBook G4, it may have as little as 128MB soldered on

    the logic board and the upgrade slot under the keyboard holds more.

    The largest capacity chip is 1024MB or 1GB, so that's best.

     

    You could take a look into a guide such as this, to see how complex the

    insides of these portable models are. Tedious with great attention to all

    fine details is a minimum requirement, experience and skill is helpful.

    The Fan may be only part of the issue, dusty stuff may block air-flow.

     

    •iBook G4 Repair Guide - iFixit:

    https://www.ifixit.com/Device/iBook_G4

     

    If the hard disk drive is getting full of stored content (user created) then

    it's time to save the content to an external hard disk drive (FW enclosed)

    since USB1.0 is rather slow data speed. Also a FW (firewire) enclosed

    hard disk drive, with its own power supply can be handy. The ones with

    an Oxford-type chipset allow the ability to boot the PPC G4 from a Clone.

    A fully bootable copy of the installed computer's OS X, from the external.

     

    This can be an ultimate backup, since it can run the Mac when the internal

    hard disk drive fails. These are such a chore to get into for repairs, many

    people either try a DIY or find a shop that still works on them, if there is an

    attachment to the iBook series. Otherwise, a newer vintage intel based

    MacBook (circa 2006 to 2010) may be a value, if not trashed or worn.

     

    Anyway, the need for Virtual Memory (hard drive usage) can generate heat.

    Actual installed chip-RAM can reduce that heat generation. A dusty fan or

    other issues (worn hard disk drive) can also cause heat issues. A slower

    Mac may be due to these kinds of issues as well.

     

    Some sources of parts or service may include wegenermedia.com or

    other places at a distance, experts who specialize in compact portable

    Apple computers can do a fair job. Many could have inventory of fixed

    models in their stock of limited items. OWC sometimes has newer ones.

     

    The iFixit.com site has some repair guides that may cover Apple portables

    this old, I have not checked lately; however these are not easy to get into

    and sometimes the wires, screws, solder joints and other bits can fail after

    an attempt to clean or upgrade the interior components.

     

    At any rate, keep an eye on early model Intel-based MacBooks with an OS X
    of about Snow Leopard 10.6.8, as these are a fairly good series. Yet be care-

    ful of worn or beat models that have evidence of abuse. You can get these in

    repaired condition usually for under $400. or so, with a guaranty. For that kind

    of upgrade, keep in mind they use a different kind of RAM and are not PPC.

     

     

     

    Good luck & happy computing!

    edited