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

Fabrizio Zambelli-

Have you tried putting two of the original sticks in different slots? Maybe one of the RAM slots is fried, as I have heard of this problem before. I don't think it is very likely that all of your RAM is bad.

Have you upgraded the system software lately? Each subsequent 10.4.X upgrade seems to make machines a little more picky about what brand RAM they use.

Luck-

-DaddyPaycheck

I have had the exact same problem after 3 years of ownership. I have 4gigs of ram installed from day one and never an issue until a few days ago. Took it to apple store and they said that it might be bad ram or I may need to replace the motherboard (very expensive)! Of course I am out of warranty but after scanning a lot of folks posts I see this is a problem with many people. I removed the ram and re-installed it and got a start up. I immediately backed up everything and booted off the startup disk doing as much repair as possible (small issues taken care of). I then did both a quick and long version of the hardware test and it passed with flying colors...everything! I boot back up using my hard drive and the screen freezes. After pressing the power button again, my computer is back to 3 blinks and a blank screen. I've done everything possible to fix this on my own but I really think these desktops are flawed..too many people with the same issues. Not sure if I am going to fix it. Out of warranty repairs cost a fortune.

Powerbook G4, Powerbook G4 Mac Pro, Power PC G5 dual 2ghz, PowerPC G4 dual 1ghz. Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Powerbook G4, Powerbook G4 Mac Pro, Power PC G5 dual 2ghz, PowerPC G4 dual 1ghz. Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Yes I have as a matter of fact. So now I have to replace all my memory with OEM ones from Apple?. The computer worked fine until this last update. Something very strange is going on and I am not sure it is related to any updates? My ram passed the extensive hardware test (2 1/2 hours long) but now its not compatible with the latest software upgrade? My ram is 2 512 OEM Samsung( I think) and 6 512 Kingsington. Total 4 gigs. At least I backed up my business files because I may have to put this thing out of its misery.I did remove all my ram except the 2 original ones and still 3 blinks and no startup. After leaving the computer on for a few minutes (in this situation) all the fans go full steam and it turns into a Hoover?Computer is power pc G5 dual 2.0about 3-4 years old.

Powerbook G4, Powerbook G4 Mac Pro, Power PC G5 dual 2ghz, PowerPC G4 dual 1ghz. Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Powerbook G4, Powerbook G4 Mac Pro, Power PC G5 dual 2ghz, PowerPC G4 dual 1ghz. Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Powerbook G4, Powerbook G4 Mac Pro, Power PC G5 dual 2ghz, PowerPC G4 dual 1ghz. Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Fabrizio Zambelli-

After installing RAM it is a good idea to reset your PRAM.

I don't know if this will do it but it is worth a try.

Do you have the original RAM that came with your machine?

Luck-

-DaddyPaycheck

Update, after further testing and speaking with Apple care it is now narrowed down to a failing logic board. Cost to repair $1000.00. Of course my extended warranty expired. I will not fix this. Too much money to sink into an older computer. I am really ticked off about the quality issues these particular models have and am dissapointed that Apple is NOT backing up its products even if my warranty expired. (if its a known issue)? Will research this problem further and make a decision as to what brand of computer I will purchase next.

Powerbook G4, Powerbook G4 Mac Pro, Power PC G5 dual 2ghz, PowerPC G4 dual 1ghz. Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Powerbook G4, Powerbook G4 Mac Pro, Power PC G5 dual 2ghz, PowerPC G4 dual 1ghz. Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Powerbook G4, Powerbook G4 Mac Pro, Power PC G5 dual 2ghz, PowerPC G4 dual 1ghz. Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Apple is doing a job on you. The G5, early models up until mid 2006 have a serious power suply problem that is so severethat they have a "Quality Program" aimed at avoiding a recall. Consumer reports has this well documented, with a failure rate of almost 26% on some models. My 10 month old coputer was fried because ofd this.. and They didn't even put up a fuss when I brought it in. Not even AppleCare was asked for. You need to make them aware you know this is a major issue with your model and that you wanty it covered under their Quality Program... The techs at the Apple Store I brough mine too made very clear reference to the issues with the Power supplys and the affect it has on both processors and logic boards.... My 10 month old machine is in need now of all 3! Be demanding and don;t give up... This is a quality issue well documented on quite a few consumer report sites and publications... Apple keeps pulling my response off the site... but I will continiue until I get my computer back!!!!

I will tell you this, if Apple doesn't cover this problem my 15 years of loyalty with over 15+ computers will come to a halt and I will switch to PC. They made it clear so far that they will not cover this. We ar talking about the early production run of this model. Do a Google and search for "G5 logic boards for sale. You will find the phrase "2nd generation or revised version, etc. etc". Why? because there was a major issue with initial runs of this computer and a faulty logic board/power issue that is being ignored. My computer, only 3 or 4 years old is dead. Nothing but 3 blinking lights, a pause, then 3 blinking lights. This points to ram but the ram is fine. Its the board that the ram snaps into thats causing the problem (confirmed by Apple). Why should I pay for a KNOWN QUALITY ISSUE with these machines? At least cover the part. Come on $1000 for a logic board after 3-4 years? How could this be "my problem" when the other dozen or so computers I've owned rarely had any hardware issues? If Apple takes down these posts then they choose to ignore the situation. I have enough experience with computers to know when one is a lemon. Yes, from day one this computer had issues from crashes, freezes, to high speed fan noises. The high speed fan noises continued (even after the initial firmware upgrade) because the computer is getting a signal to cool things down at inapropriate times (like sleep mode)....after a usual episode the computer usually freezes and has to be manually re-booted which can't be a good thing over the long haul. Anyhow, sorry for the whinning but I feel that the company i had faith in in the past is now letting me down. If this situation changes, I promise to post it, but it doesn't look good at this point. Good luck to you and the many others who have or will have a stong possiblity of future issues with this particular model.

Powerbook G4, Powerbook G4 Mac Pro, Power PC G5 dual 2ghz, PowerPC G4 dual 1ghz. Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Powerbook G4, Powerbook G4 Mac Pro, Power PC G5 dual 2ghz, PowerPC G4 dual 1ghz. Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Agree. I've been a Mac loyalist since my very first 128K back in the Miami Vice days... That's along time. In that period I've purchased for work and pleasure an untold number of products, just about every new/next generation machine. Sometimes it didn't pay to be an early adopter,,,but Apple isn't alone in that category... However, this is the first time I have experience total failure with a machine with such widely publicized product failure. 1/4 of units sold having the same issue is unacceptable in any industry -- that's clearly "recall" numbers. Home many untold customers have simply walked away without a fight?

I am totally disappointed in how Apple is handling the situation, and the time to takes to get anything fixed. The degree of honesty in their customer service is reaching DELL status. I can deal with the truth... but getting lied to every time you call them is not the way to treat the situation. I wish I had a dollar for every time they told me it "should only be a day more... It's on the bench now..." Just give me the f-ing parts and I'll do it myself!!! Really, can they actually think we are that stupid... Steve, who's minding the shop? Don't just grow consumers... retain them!!!! Especially those of us that have supported your efforts for the past 20 years!!!!

I find it hard to carry your torch knowing the first time you need to rely on Appple... there is no one there to support you.

Be ashamed Steve. Be very ashamed.

Please moderators, its important not to delete these posts. I ask anyone out there with early build power Mac G5's (mine was the 2.0 dual processor 2ghz and I was one of the first people to get one as I had a 2 month wait before it was shipped) to come forward if you have experienced these particular issues: Mainly, (1) bad power supplys (2) premature logic board failures (3) ram that use to be compatible but now is not. (4) Your computer does not start up but flashes its white light 3 times, stops and repeats and (4) erratic fan behavior where all of a sudden the fans go full steam for no apparent reason (even in sleep mode). All these symptoms may or may not be related but if you have to constantly re-boot your hard drive and have eliminated software issues please tell us your story. Thank you for listening.

Powerbook G4, Powerbook G4 Mac Pro, Power PC G5 dual 2ghz, PowerPC G4 dual 1ghz. Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Powerbook G4, Powerbook G4 Mac Pro, Power PC G5 dual 2ghz, PowerPC G4 dual 1ghz. Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Wow!!!! mind buggeling, I'm having my Dual 2.0 in the apple store as we speak testing overnight for the same problem, I have 5 gigs of ram, and the sticks were all tested, and of good quality, purchased from the company before, and all of the sudden one day my mac wouldn't wake up from it's sleep, Just as Described here, 3 flashes, and then the pause, just like the Waltz!!!!!!, so it would cost me $100 bucks to find out that I need to spend another $1000 to fix this, and after I need to spend another $1000 for 5 gigs of ram Does apple think People would take this for long? THIS WAS THE FIRST AND THE LAST MAC I'VE PURCHASED!!!! Mark my words there would be a Lawsuit, sooner or later, because this is an absolute rip off, I've spent over 7 grand to get my mac good enough for my studio, and now this? I can't use it because they screwd up with desighning the Logic board? I can't Upgrade to INTEL because my expansion cards would have to be upgraded too 1000 bucks a piece, and the the software 15000 dollars worth, to? Man I'm talking about this with apple tomorrow, if I don't get taken care of to me apple is history! who needs the overpriced bells and whistles if they brake faster the PC's and apple wouldn't even own up to it? This will get out there, because this is USA, and last time I checked that's why monopoly is not in favor here!! That's all I would say about this!!!

I'm sorry may be I'm out of line but I'm as Mad as I could be!!!

G5 Dual 2.0 Logic pro 7.2.3 Reason 3 M-box ect. Mac OS X (10.4.9)

And you have this $7000 machine on what kind of UPS?

-DaddyPaycheck

when I purchased the G5, I needed at least 5 gigs of ram that went a little over 2g's, than I purchased the Tc Powercore, that was almost a g and a half, then I needed another drive, back in a day they were pretty expencive, then I purchased an expansion card for Tc powercore $800, and then I spent another two and a half grand for a soundcard. Logic pro, another grand, and the apple 20" almost a grand and a half all plus tax, and the cost of brand new G5, you figure how much it was!, I'm not saying it wasn't worth it, Set up itself is great, I love working with macs, and I do realize that hardware fails, but don't test my inteligence, a Logic Board Made in China, is not worth a grand, I'd live with 300 bucks, shure, but now I'm preshured into buying a whole other machine, and scraping this one for parts, wich with these kind of prices is a good thing to have! Spare parts:)

Pavel Zhuravel-

And what brand of UPS do you use?

I am totally flabbergasted that folks would spend this much for a computer and not put it on a UPS.

Luck-

-DaddyPaycheck