Power Mac G3 no output to screen

Question

Power Mac G3 no output to screen

I recently bought a Power Mac G3 on ebay. I hooked it up and turned it on. It worked just fine. It booted into OS X 10.3 and OS 9 with no problems. I then unplugged the machine and opened it up to look inside it. I didn't remove or put anything in, and just closed the machine back up. I hooked it up again and now I'm not getting any output to the screen. Is this a failed graphics card or something more serious?

It's a Blue and White Power Mac G3 by the way.

PowerMac, Mac OS X (10.3.x)

Posted on Sep 3, 2015 4:47 PM

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Answer 1

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Sep 3, 2015 5:10 PM in response to Glitchmanbeta

Hmmmm, this is going to be a bit tough remotely with not much to go on, but...

Open it & see if the graphic card has come loose, maybe reseat it.

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Answer 2

Sep 3, 2015 5:16 PM in response to BDAqua

I did that after realizing that I wasn't getting output to the screen, didn't work. Do you need any more information seeing as you mentions that you don't have much to go on?

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Answer 3

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Sep 3, 2015 6:02 PM in response to Glitchmanbeta

Do you know which G3 it is... there were ones called Beiges, then ones called Blue & Whites.

I understand why there's not much info available, no problem.

When it starts up do you hear a bong sound?

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Answer 4

Sep 3, 2015 6:04 PM in response to BDAqua

I'm assuming the Blue and White one is the one that actually looks Blue and White, so that would be the one I have.

I didn't here the chime the first time I booted it up, but after checking out OS 9 I went back into OS X, and I heard it that time. I'm not hearing it now though.

I should probably mention that I'm not using an Apple Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, or Speakers. I'm not sure if that will make a difference.

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Answer 5

Jeff

Level 6

12,334 points

Sep 3, 2015 6:18 PM in response to Glitchmanbeta

Anytime that you buy an old computer like that, you should assume that it was probably disconnected from electricity for some time. Depending on the seller, it may have been in storage for months, or been on a pallet-load of old computers bought at auction. When disconnected from electricity for long periods of time, the battery on the motherboard becomes discharged, especially if it's an old one. It's a 3.6-volt, ½AA battery, as seen here. A very weak or dead battery can cause a number of startup problems, including no video to the display. Was the date & time set correctly, after booting it up for the first time. If not, it should be replaced.

The use of a third-party keyboard, mouse, display, speakers, etc. will not cause the symptom that you're experiencing.

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Answer 6

Sep 3, 2015 6:09 PM in response to Jeff

I did notice that the time was wrong when it was working. Is there any way to recharge the battery or will I have to get a new one?

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Answer 7

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Sep 3, 2015 6:22 PM in response to Glitchmanbeta

I'd get a fresh PRAM Battery, which was my next suggestion but Jeff beat me to it.

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Answer 8

Sep 3, 2015 6:17 PM in response to Glitchmanbeta

Those batteries are not common. You may have to pay a premium at a special battery store or Radio Shack. If you have time the last time I needed one I ordered it from mac-sales.com/OWC for a couple of $

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Answer 9

Sep 3, 2015 6:21 PM in response to Limnos

Thanks for all of your help! 🙂

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Answer 10

THX1136

Level 1

5 points

Sep 7, 2015 11:44 AM in response to Glitchmanbeta

I was going to second Limnos suggestion. OWC has the batteries for around $4 plus shipping. Radio Shack has them for $19.95. I'd go with OWC if you haven't already. Best of luck on the Mac.

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