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G5 Dual 2.0 Ghz (2003). Light blinks 3 times

Hi there: I have a big problem on my G5. It's impossbile to turn it on because the power light blinks for 3 times. I have the following configuration: G5 dual 2.0 Ghz (2003) and 2x256 + 2x512 MB of ram. I looked for posts in this forum, and I saw that this event occured to other people. Following some suggestions, I removed all USB and Firewire devices, removed all the ram, cleaned the RAM modules, installed only the 2x256 and tried a boot. Then I removed 2x256 and installed 2x512, but results are the same. I also reset the PMU/SMU through the button on G5 motherboard... but nothing. Manual says that a 3 time blinking light means RAM not supported, but considering that my G5 had been working for 3 years till yesterday and nothig was added or changed... it sounds very strange. Could it be possible that both ram (256 and 512) are broken?
I thank in advance everyone who can help me.
Greeting
Fabry 🙂

Powermac G5 2Ghz Dual Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Powermac G5 2Ghz Dual Mac OS X (10.4.1)

Powermac G5 2Ghz Dual, Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on Jan 31, 2007 12:57 AM

25 replies

Mar 28, 2007 8:14 AM in response to DaddyPaycheck

I use the APC UPS. SOrry didn't get it a first time:)

Mar 28, 2007 8:31 AM in response to Pavel Zhuravel

No worries.

At least you tried (:>)

-DaddyPaycheck

Mar 28, 2007 12:50 PM in response to DaddyPaycheck

Is it true, that the non apple memorry could cause for you motherboard to mulfunction under 10.4.9, because I've updated to that, and so I see the others who had their Logic board to fail...????? thanks

May 3, 2007 5:38 AM in response to Fabrizio Zambelli

Done! With 750.00 Euro a new logic board! :-((((
Same memory and now everything is ok!
Thanks to all who answered to my post!
Greetings
Fabry 🙂

May 3, 2007 7:54 PM in response to Fabrizio Zambelli

Hi everybody, I had the same problem occur about 2 wks ago. A few days after I upgraded to 10.4.9. I was very surprised to see a 3.5 yr old computer fail so suddenly, with no warning and no apparent cause. I think there is something in the 10.4.9 update that contributed to this demise. The only thing i remember noticing after this "update" is that the computer was more difficult to put to sleep. I had to hold the keyboard buttons a bit longer to put the computer to sleep. I wish I knew the exact diagnosis of the problem, but one thing is certain - this is not just "normal" wear and tear. This model of Apple computer has a problem that causes many of these machines to fail. I think that Apple should investigate this problem and remedy the situation. That would be the right thing to do.

Power Mac G5 dual 2.0 Mac OS X (10.4.9)

May 4, 2007 7:22 PM in response to AmateurTimeTraveller

I'm running a Dual 2GHz G5 (2003 vintage) (rev.A) and (knock on CPU) haven't experienced any hiccups as those folks above have described. The prospect of having a $2500 machine (what I paid at the time) turn into a heavy paperweight is not something I want to imagine.

I've upgraded the heck out of my G5 and so far so good. But now I'm worried...

-Krishna

May 5, 2007 8:07 AM in response to Fabrizio Zambelli

Add me to the list of irate customers...

My 2004 G5 1.8DP started blinking 3 times last Sunday. Local certified mac repair shop tested it. Needs a new logic board 😟

I hope Apple is listening. A 3 year life span for a logic board raises the cost per year of ownership to a level that I won't pay for again.

May 7, 2007 8:55 PM in response to Fabrizio Zambelli

If your sure that the ram was installed in pairs & seated correctly then you need a new Logic Board (Mother Board)

May 10, 2007 5:04 PM in response to Brock Suire

cc on the ram, I tried all three sets (original pair, 2 sets from Crucial).

I ended up buying a new Mac Mini (1.83GHz/2gb ram) last weekend. So far a nifty little machine 🙂

Not sure what I'll do w/G5 tower yet.

capriG5

Level 1

0 points

May 10, 2007 7:06 PM in response to DaddyPaycheck

I want to begin by thanking all you who shared their experience with this first generation of Power Mac G5s. I had the same issue with my 3+ years old computer (Blinking light, fan going nuts, etc.) I must confess that when I went to the Apple Repair Center (today) I was ready to blow -thanks to all the info I gathered from this forum. So I was pleasantly surprised when the tech who checked my computer said that although the computer was out of warranty they would cover all costs (parts and labor) in replacing the logic board.

I like to think that mine is not isolated case and Apple is changing its approach dealing with this evident quality issue. If that is the case your input in this and other forums has certainly place an important role.

Thanks again,

Richard

Power Mac G5 Mac OS X (10.4.9) Dual 2.0

G5 Dual 2.0 Ghz (2003). Light blinks 3 times