Powermac G5 ATX Conversion - Is it worth it these days?

Managed to pick up one of these beauties the other day. Dual 2.0GHz G5, 2GB ram, etc, etc. Fully working running OSX 10.5.8 (maximum supported version).

Now the conundrum. Do I keep it working as-is (don't really have a use for it..) or do I scrap the internals and have it as a long-term project to convert it to ATX?

I've owned an ATX G5 before and it was a pretty nice case, but that was a few years ago. At the moment I run a Corsair 600T and it's got a stack of well filtered ventilation, it's got a window, it's well built, etc, etc.

I don't really know if there would be any kind of tangible benefit in doing the mod, when there is nothing wrong with the current crop of ATX cases. When you can pick up a brand new Define R5 for less than the cost of getting a laser cut backplate for the G5, it really makes you think.

Thoughts...?

Edit: 2000th post, woo!

 

Getting collectible these, go look ebay

 

MorphOS rig.

The Power Mac G5 hardware is pretty useless these days otherwise.

 

MorphOS might be fun, but the Powermac has an Nvidia card, and isn't supported by MorphOS. Again, though. Probably wouldn't have much use for it, as I currently have my main PC that does everything.

 

Did you buy it? If so, can't help but wonder why if you have no use in mind for it.

If you're not going to use it, don't mangle it. Give it to someone who'll use it.

 

I did buy it, it was only cheap. The idea first was to use it as a case mod project, then found out that it still works perfectly, and had the train of thought above in the OP.

If I was going to mod it, I'd want to do a good job of it, and I don't have a shed full of the exact tools and donor cases to get it done on the cheap. I'd have to source the hole saws, the backplate, the motherboard tray, etc.

Just wondering if there is any real advantage to getting all that stuff done?

 

I disagree, they're the least collectable Macs at this present time. You can pick up a working G5 for less than $50 on eBay, cheaper/free elsewhere. The ones that are worth something, for collectors, is the G5 Quad, most of which are hosed due to leaking liquid cooling so good examples are rare on the ground.

Modding a G5 case is fun, especially if you can find a donor ATX case with removable tray etc. to make it an easier process.

JB

 

All collectable.

Not matter what type. Not saying go out buy quad for top $ either.

Worth low bucks. Buy. Then can have enjoyment using this machine which is/will be important part of history.

Just gonna gain in value later. I'm in the NOT modify camp for this one!!

Sure if machine is busted, all for the modding

 

Depends on how much you like the case.

 

That is the million dollar question though. It's nice, but do I like it enough to do all that is required to get a nice example built? The open design is a credit to them, that's for sure. Otherwise, there is better airflow and filters on the 600T and I'll need to mount a 3.5"/5.25" fan controller somewhere... Hmm.

 

You could run linux on it.
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/are-there-still-any-legitimate-uses-for-a-powerpc-mac/

 

Mod the living hell out of it

Take your time

 

Sammy, sounds like you can't decide if you want a project or not.

You have modded a G5 before so you shouldn't have regrets of you pass this one up.
Sounds like a good specimen and I can understand your hesitation.

Depends on what is happening around you; are you pretty busy and this might not get the attention you think it otherwise would?
Or, do you think you could do it justice and make a conversion that could be returned to original with minimal signs of modding?
That would be the real challenge!

Are

you

up

to

the

CHALLENGE ?!?!!!?!?

 

Maybe he wanna hack something like this in my shed ATM. Post #281

http://forums.overclockers.com.au/showthread.php?t=1116908&page=19

Not that peeeerty thing

 

Damn Shane, that thing is nasty!

Put it away before you scare people away.

 

Yeargh.

Yep, that's pretty much what I'm thinking. Just moved to Canberra, funds are a bit tight for modding supplies, but I do have a huge shed here in the rental place that has a workbench and everything in it.... the whole thing is empty aside from a mower and some boxes. I could definitely have a project going.

Maybe it would be a benefit just to have something I can slowly work on again? That's always fun.

After doing some reading on aforementioned links, there doesn't really seem to be much you can do with a Powermac G5 - this one is ATI based, so cant run MorphOS... I've got a functioning PC so the G5 wouldn't be doing any tasks... I'm power conscious, so it's overkill for a torrent box, or a file server to be left on 24/7...

There really isn't much I can do with it aside from either donate it to someone who really needs a computer... but again, outdated tech, can't run the latest software, can't run anything passed 10.5.8, etc... So really isn't the most use there either.

So maybe I should just have it as a project to take apart, give me something to do.

 

Sounds like a good idea.

Some suggestions:

Prodigy's big brother


Or the total repurpose mod

 

That BBQ mod is vicious, heh. I'll have to have a look around for some more inspiration. Not sure if I want a simple replacement tray, mount the PSU on the shelf and some fans in the front, or try to re-imagine it somehow.

 

If I see another LianLi G5 I'll smash the shit out of the G5's in my shed, just to spare them from potential retardation in the future.

Please, if you do it put some effort into it

IMHO, I like it when cases are done uniquely and to a good level of detail. I put a fair amount of time into my G5 case but tbh I still haven't finished it.

P.S. If you put fans on the front with screws you'll probably damage the anodising inside the holes and it seriously shows up easy and looks like shit. Just saying.

 

I see. Thanks for that warning/advice

I would like to do something interesting with it, but I'm not flush with resources or funds to make it extreme or unique. I can think of a few ideas, but then again, it would lose what makes it a PowerMac G5. If I start cutting holes left right and center, windows, etc, I might as well have just stayed with the 600T. It's got lots of fans and a window. The G5 is sleek and elegant.

When you start cutting triple billet 120's onto the front and stuff it will lose that charm.