Re: Power Mac G5 – to buy or not to buy?
I have an iPad, btw. I've reviewed it a couple times on LEM (Austin Leeds, Apple Everywhere). Well, we'll see about my school's G5. Our Mac tech is going to have a look at it. My HTPC that I'm building now is the shell of a 1999 Compaq Presario Internet PC, coupled with a new mobo and a triple-core AMD Athlon II. Its main OS will be Ubuntu Netbook Remix, with Unity, or possibly Mythbuntu (Ubuntu optimized for MythTV). Windows XP will be installed for gaming on the side. I would have gone with the Mac mini, but the Compaq is sort of a sentimental item (first family computer, and older than my youngest sister) that my whole family is excited to see made useful again. Well, off to upgrade my iMac G4—she's getting a 500 GB HD, 1 GB of RAM, and Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger Server. Man, I love that thing... Thanks for your opinions everyone! On Aug 4, 9:19 pm, Kris Tilford wrote: > On Aug 4, 2010, at 9:06 PM, Robert MacLeay wrote: > > > If you are paying 13 cents per kilowatt hour, two hundred dollars a > > year. Every year. > > This is an excellent point. I think this is one reason why laptops > have finally overtaken desktops in sales. When you add in the cost of > electricity over the lifetime of the computer a laptop can be cheaper > to operate in some instances. An iPad takes efficient computing to a > new level, so it's another option in a more limited sense. -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Power Mac G5 – to buy or not to buy?
On Aug 4, 2010, at 9:06 PM, Robert MacLeay wrote: If you are paying 13 cents per kilowatt hour, two hundred dollars a year. Every year. This is an excellent point. I think this is one reason why laptops have finally overtaken desktops in sales. When you add in the cost of electricity over the lifetime of the computer a laptop can be cheaper to operate in some instances. An iPad takes efficient computing to a new level, so it's another option in a more limited sense. -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Power Mac G5 – to buy or not to buy?
Great point. But the price jump from mini to iMac is only $500 and you get 2GB more RAM, a keyboard, a mouse and a 21" high quality display. Eventually, I will need an Intel machine, but I believe that entry level Mini should be more like $450-500, not $700. On Aug 4, 2010, at 10:06 PM, Robert MacLeay wrote: PowerMac G5s, at idle, consume 140 to 185 watts of power, depending on the model. Mac minis at idle, on the other hand, consume 10 to 23 watts of power - with the current C2D consuming the least! -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Power Mac G5 – to buy or not to buy?
On Jul 25, 11:25 am, "ah...clem" wrote: > On Jul 25, 1:48 am, Kris Tilford wrote: > > > Anecdotal evidence says that the liquid-cooled G5 need to run > > 24/7/365, and the more often they're shutdown the quicker they have > > issues with the coolant causing corrosion and leaks. The coolant needs > > to circulate in order to prevent the corrosion problem. > > that concurs with the stories i've heard. Jumping in a bit late here, as Austin has already made his decision, but I would like to point out a hidden cost of computer ownership: electricity! PowerMac G5s, at idle, consume 140 to 185 watts of power, depending on the model. Mac minis at idle, on the other hand, consume 10 to 23 watts of power - with the current C2D consuming the least! How much does running a computer that sucks an extra 175 watts 24/7 out of your local electric utility cost you? If you are paying 13 cents per kilowatt hour, two hundred dollars a year. Every year. -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Power Mac G5 – to buy or not to buy?
On Aug 4, 2010, at 2:44 PM, John Carmonne wrote: My PM G5 Dual 2.7 early 2005 is liquid cooled and has PCIx slots Yes, I forgot about that one, so that means there are three of the four possible combinations, the absent one being the single "dual- core" air-cooled. -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Power Mac G5 – to buy or not to buy?
The only liquid-cooled are the "late 2005" G5's with PCI-e slots. All the earlier G5's that have either PCIx or normal PCI slots are air-cooled. > > > All the earlier G5's that have either PCIx or normal PCI slots are > air-cooled. The "quad" is actually a "dual dual", and is the only 2.5GHz G5. > The ambiguity comes in the 2.0 & 2.3 GHz duals. The earlier versions all have > two CPUs and air-cooling; the later ones have one dual-core CPU and > liquid-cooling. At least there are only two combinations rather than the > possible four, but it's still ambiguous talking about 2.0 or 2.3 GHz "dual" > G5 PowerMacs. > My PM G5 Dual 2.7 early 2005 is liquid cooled and has PCIx slots John Carmonne Yorba Linda USA Sent from my MBP -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Power Mac G5 – to buy or not to buy?
On Aug 4, 2010, at 12:48 PM, Austin Leeds wrote: In the meantime, my school's G5 DUAL (found out its not a liquid- cooled quad) is having some heat issues. Hmm… We've touched on this before, the term "dual" for G5 is ambiguous. The problem is that there a two types of "dual" G5's. One has a single "dual core" CPU, while the other has two "single core" CPUs. Both are being referred to as "dual". Another problem is that there are air- cooled "duals" and liquid-cooled "duals" depending upon date of manufacture. The only liquid-cooled are the "late 2005" G5's with PCI- e slots. All the earlier G5's that have either PCIx or normal PCI slots are air-cooled. The "quad" is actually a "dual dual", and is the only 2.5GHz G5. The ambiguity comes in the 2.0 & 2.3 GHz duals. The earlier versions all have two CPUs and air-cooling; the later ones have one dual-core CPU and liquid-cooling. At least there are only two combinations rather than the possible four, but it's still ambiguous talking about 2.0 or 2.3 GHz "dual" G5 PowerMacs. The fact the your school's G5 is having heat issues would likely indicate that it IS liquid-cooled. Several list members have posted that liquid-cooled G5 tend to corrode when they are turned off daily, which is something schools usually do. I'd avoid any liquid-cooled G5 myself unless you know it's been left running 24/7 for most if its life, or you're getting a killer deal and are prepared for the worst when the coolant starts leaking. -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Power Mac G5 – to buy or not to buy?
After evaluating the options, I'm still going with my rebuilt Compaq Presario as an HTPC. However, my iMac G4 will be getting a sweet upgrade (1 GB maxed out RAM + 500 GB hard drive + Mac OS X Tiger Server) to turn it into a server. In the meantime, my school's G5 DUAL (found out its not a liquid- cooled quad) is having some heat issues. Hmm… Thanks for your advice everyone! -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Power Mac G5 – to buy or not to buy?
On Jul 25, 12:31 pm, Eric Herbert wrote: > On Jul 25, 2010, at 12:16 PM, ah...clem wrote: > That said, getting back to the OT and in regards to the OP, > for the things he wants to do, it seems like a better use of > time, space, and financial resources to get a computer the > size of a CD wallet that will do everything he wants to do and more. Plus, the original poster said that he wants to run MythTV and the MythTV group just got it running properly on the 2010 Mac Mini. It is discussed in the MythTV User email list. The only disadvantage to a Mini as MythTV back end is that it won't hold a bunch of drives, and there's no room for internal tuner cards. However, if one is using something like the HD Homerun tuner (TV tuners with USB or Ethernet interfaces) then the tuner card issue isn't. And the NewerTech MiniStack makes a very nice external hard drive case which stacks perfectly under a mini, although, I think I might put some little rubber feet on the bottom of each device to provide a little more air space in between. Honestly, if the main purpose of a computer is to run MythTV under Ubuntu, why not just build a PC out of PC parts in a nice PC case? Something like the Antec 2480 is a beautiful HTPC case but with not a lot of room for drives. If one wants terabytes and terabytes something like the Antec P183 or even the Antec Twelve Hundred might be a good choice. And when it's all said and done, it will still probably cost less than that used G5. Two years ago I built a MythTV box based on an MSI logic board, Intel 7200 Core 2 Duo and an Antec P180 case. I think it all cost me less than $600, including four tuner cards, but not including hard drives. I did find some good sales including an in store special on the case at Frys. One of these days I might even find the time to actually install Mythbuntu. Sigh. Jeff Walther -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Power Mac G5 – to buy or not to buy?
On Jul 25, 2010, at 12:16 PM, ah...clem wrote: >> > > eric, - did you not read the original post? > > > are you saying a used intel mini is going to radically outperform the > late 2008 iMacs that Austin mentioned? don't think so. if you've got > an app that utilizes altivec effectively, the latest intelmac still > cannot beat a quad G5. why else would a 4 year old quad G5 still > command $1000+ on the used market? Yes, I did read the original post, I also read what the OP wants to do with said machine. He wanted opinions and thoughts, so I shared mine. I have a 3.06 Ghz Late 2009 iMac in my office at work, and yes..it is faster than the quad G5's. A friend of mine has one, and while they feel about the same navigating through the OS and doing an average workload, the Intel beats out the G5 hands down on anything CPU intensive or graphics intensive. I'm not saying the Intel Mini will radically outperform anything, but load Snow Leopard on an Intel and watch it soar compared to Tiger or Leopard. The catch I've found with it is that an "upgrade" usually results in disaster. The latest Intel Macs use the Core i5 and Core i7 processors. They WILL beat out a quad G5. The quads still command $1000+ on the used market for several reasons. For one, they were the fastest PPC machines made, and there are still situations where PPC is required. We keep PPC machines around at work for that very reason, some of our programs don't run well on Intel machines due to their age and reliance on older operating systems. They're also popular with people who want a faster computer than what they have, but don't want to shell out for a new one. I'm personally one of these kinds of people which is why I have a 2005 model G5. Sure it's old, but it's plenty fast to do what I want with it and to the untrained eye, it still looks like the mac Pro, just without the 2nd optical slot. They're stylish, they're powerful, and they hold their resale value. That said, getting back to the OT and in regards to the OP, for the things he wants to do, it seems like a better use of time, space, and financial resources to get a computer the size of a CD wallet that will do everything he wants to do and more. Just my own $.02 -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Power Mac G5 – to buy or not to buy?
On Jul 25, 1:48 am, Kris Tilford wrote: > Anecdotal evidence says that the liquid-cooled G5 need to run > 24/7/365, and the more often they're shutdown the quicker they have > issues with the coolant causing corrosion and leaks. The coolant needs > to circulate in order to prevent the corrosion problem. that concurs with the stories i've heard. though FWIW, the leaking probably has more to do with the thermal cycling than with the fact that the coolant is circulating. if the liquid were capable of corroding the pipes at rest, circulating it would only increase the rate of corrosion. more likely, some of the metal parts undergo thermal fatigue as a result of the heating/cooling cycle. changes in the microcrystalline structure at the surface of the metal alter it's resistance to corrosion. these are well known and observed properties. -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Power Mac G5 – to buy or not to buy?
On Jul 25, 2010, at 10:16 AM, ah...clem wrote: > On Jul 25, 12:50 pm, Eric Herbert wrote: > >> With what you say you're doing with it, you're probably better off with an >> Intel Mac Mini in all honesty. They've got a LOT more processing power, the >> newer ones have better graphics power (due to not only a better graphics >> design than the 5 year old G5 design but also a faster processor), > > eric, - did you not read the original post? > > ". . . I can't get enough of this thing. It beats out all > Late 2008 iMacs in the room hands down and can multitask like there's > no tomorrow. The "blown away" commercial says it all . . ." > > are you saying a used intel mini is going to radically outperform the > late 2008 iMacs that Austin mentioned? don't think so. if you've got > an app that utilizes altivec effectively, the latest intelmac still > cannot beat a quad G5. why else would a 4 year old quad G5 still > command $1000+ on the used market? > This page shows the improved replacement cooling system on the right for the later PM G5's I have one in my 2005 PM G5 Dual 2.7. No leaks so far. http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/powermac_g5/faq/powermac-g5-liquid-cooling-info-leaks-issues.html John Carmonne Yorba Linda USA Sent from my MBP -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Power Mac G5 – to buy or not to buy?
On Jul 25, 12:50 pm, Eric Herbert wrote: > With what you say you're doing with it, you're probably better off with an > Intel Mac Mini in all honesty. They've got a LOT more processing power, the > newer ones have better graphics power (due to not only a better graphics > design than the 5 year old G5 design but also a faster processor), eric, - did you not read the original post? ". . . I can't get enough of this thing. It beats out all Late 2008 iMacs in the room hands down and can multitask like there's no tomorrow. The "blown away" commercial says it all . . ." are you saying a used intel mini is going to radically outperform the late 2008 iMacs that Austin mentioned? don't think so. if you've got an app that utilizes altivec effectively, the latest intelmac still cannot beat a quad G5. why else would a 4 year old quad G5 still command $1000+ on the used market? -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Power Mac G5 – to buy or not to buy?
On Jul 25, 2010, at 11:39 AM, Austin Leeds wrote: > OK, so avoid the quad? I'll agree with the peppiness factor—it really > does seem faster. How about a dual 2.5 or 2.3? > > I'm hooking this thing up to a 480i (?) CRT via SVID, so HDTV is no > factor. The big demand here is compatibilty with older hardware, which > I believe the G5 would have more than a rebuilt PC. I'm considering a > Mac mini vs. the G5, so I'm trying to stack the pros and cons. Thus > far, the big advantage the G5 has is its speed (it may be running > video game emulators) and PCI-e graphics cards. > > Thanks for all your advice thus far. I'm going to talk to my family, > hopefully today, to discuss exactly how our home network should be > laid out, including which computers we should keep/throw/upgrade/ > purchase. I'll probably have some more questions after that. With what you say you're doing with it, you're probably better off with an Intel Mac Mini in all honesty. They've got a LOT more processing power, the newer ones have better graphics power (due to not only a better graphics design than the 5 year old G5 design but also a faster processor), and of course the ability to hide it just about anywhere. If you decide to ever upgrade to an HD set or subscribe to a video streaming service, the Intel will love you back as much as you love it. The G5 with it's dated hardware will likely cough and sputter, especially in the coming years when Apple drops support for them entirely. If you're intending to slap generic PC hardware into the G5 you have a very rude awakening coming. Apple hardware requires Apple hardware. Simply inserting a generic PCIe graphics card into it will cause a no-boot or no-video situation, you have to use a Mac ROMed card for it to work. You CAN flash PC cards to work in a Mac, but usually you're limited to particular chipsets and often times the ROMs for a Mac are twice the size as the ROMs for a PC. For what you've said you want to do so far, I'd say skip the G5 and get an Intel Mini. You'll have MAYBE $100 difference in cost and you'll wind up with a much faster and more capable machine with about 1/20 the footprint. YMMV, but that's my own opinion. Others may disagree, but after building, servicing, and upgrading machines as a trade for the last 12 years, those are my own observations. -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Power Mac G5 – to buy or not to buy?
The quad is the best machine reliability wise as it has the good liquid cooling system. Try and get one with a 6800 Ultra video card. I have a quad 2.5 and a dual 2.5, and the quad is much, much faster. The quad will beat out a mac mini speed wise. Sent from a computer running either the SPARC, Itanium, or PowerPC architecture. On Sun, Jul 25, 2010 at 12:39 PM, Austin Leeds < firepowerforfree...@gmail.com> wrote: > OK, so avoid the quad? I'll agree with the peppiness factor—it really > does seem faster. How about a dual 2.5 or 2.3? > > I'm hooking this thing up to a 480i (?) CRT via SVID, so HDTV is no > factor. The big demand here is compatibilty with older hardware, which > I believe the G5 would have more than a rebuilt PC. I'm considering a > Mac mini vs. the G5, so I'm trying to stack the pros and cons. Thus > far, the big advantage the G5 has is its speed (it may be running > video game emulators) and PCI-e graphics cards. > > Thanks for all your advice thus far. I'm going to talk to my family, > hopefully today, to discuss exactly how our home network should be > laid out, including which computers we should keep/throw/upgrade/ > purchase. I'll probably have some more questions after that. > > -- > You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for > those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power > Macs. > The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our > netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml > To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com > For more options, visit this group at > http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list > -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Power Mac G5 – to buy or not to buy?
OK, so avoid the quad? I'll agree with the peppiness factor—it really does seem faster. How about a dual 2.5 or 2.3? I'm hooking this thing up to a 480i (?) CRT via SVID, so HDTV is no factor. The big demand here is compatibilty with older hardware, which I believe the G5 would have more than a rebuilt PC. I'm considering a Mac mini vs. the G5, so I'm trying to stack the pros and cons. Thus far, the big advantage the G5 has is its speed (it may be running video game emulators) and PCI-e graphics cards. Thanks for all your advice thus far. I'm going to talk to my family, hopefully today, to discuss exactly how our home network should be laid out, including which computers we should keep/throw/upgrade/ purchase. I'll probably have some more questions after that. -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Power Mac G5 – to buy or not to buy?
On Jul 25, 2010, at 8:44 AM, Austin Leeds wrote: > Yeah, I know PPC is dead-in-the-water—all of my Macs (except for a 68k > PowerBook 180) are PPC. Nonetheless, I'm not too worried about it—if > it can word process, print, connect to our wireless hotspot, watch TV, > and possibly turn our VHS and HI8 tapes into DVDs, it's all good. > > Actually, the PC isn't going to be a hack. It'll be running Ubuntu— > next best OS after Mac and iOS—with MythTV. Trouble is, it doesn't > exactly go with the decor, and it doesn't have much room for upgrades. > Also, I am a little nervous about unleashing Linux upon a very PC and > Mac household. > > Thanks for the info about the coolant—I'll have to let someone know > about that so they can turn it back on (it's been shutdown for the > summer). > I have to echo what everyone else has already said about avoiding the water-cooled models. Water + electricity = bad. I don't care what the situation is, a computer used in the home or as a workstation should never have to be cooled with fluid! Back on topic though, I run an early 2005 model 2x2.0 Ghz G5 (BOL model) as my HTPC/File Server. It sits out in my living room tucked away behind my entertainment center where it quietly hums away doing it's job flawlessly. I've got it hooked up to a 720P HDTV via a DVI-HDMI cable and it runs everything I throw at it with ease, including 720P HD video files. It does choke on 1080P files, but plays 1080i files smooth as silk. Because it's air-cooled, I don't even give it a second thought, it just sits out there and does it's job, getting vacuumed out every 4 months or so. In the last 2 years that it's been installed, it's only been down once, and that was due to a tree taking out my utility mast! In all seriousness though, you need to remember that the end of the line for PPC machines is Leopard, or if you're feeling adventurous: Linux (which I personally dislike). For me it's not a problem since all the machine does is host files, display movies, play music, and surf the web. For everything I want it to do, the G5 does a fantastic job, and it does it totally reliably. What's interesting is that even though it lacks the processing power of modern computers, it still "feels" faster when using it. The machine seems to be more responsive than my new MBP and even my high-spec desktop PC. I guess that's why I've always had sort of a soft spot for the G5's, they're just so peppy! -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Power Mac G5 – to buy or not to buy?
On Jul 25, 12:48 am, Kris Tilford wrote: > Also, PPC Macs are dead-in-the-water, so rebuilding your old PC into a > Hack wouldn't necessarily be a bad idea. It may be pretty cost > effective to leapfrog the liquid-cooled G5 in performance and also > have Intel compatibility going forward, not to mention no leak > possibility. Yeah, I know PPC is dead-in-the-water—all of my Macs (except for a 68k PowerBook 180) are PPC. Nonetheless, I'm not too worried about it—if it can word process, print, connect to our wireless hotspot, watch TV, and possibly turn our VHS and HI8 tapes into DVDs, it's all good. Actually, the PC isn't going to be a hack. It'll be running Ubuntu— next best OS after Mac and iOS—with MythTV. Trouble is, it doesn't exactly go with the decor, and it doesn't have much room for upgrades. Also, I am a little nervous about unleashing Linux upon a very PC and Mac household. Thanks for the info about the coolant—I'll have to let someone know about that so they can turn it back on (it's been shutdown for the summer). -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Power Mac G5 – to buy or not to buy?
On Jul 25, 2010, at 5:41 AM, Eric Volker wrote: > I'll generally echo what Kris has said regarding the liquid cooled G5's. An > additional factor to consider is that the G5 you're using may be a quad-core, > as opposed to the more common dual-core/dual-processor G5's. That would > explain why it's able to smoke the more recent iMacs, which only have dual > cores. If I recall correctly, later model liquid G5's had an improved coolant > system resulting in fewer problems with leakage (that would include the > G5's). If you really want a G5, I'd recommend the fastest air cooled model > (dual 2.3 GHz) or a later liquid cooled model. If you really want the speed, > you'll have to get a liquid cooled quad G5, which still aren't cheap and run > some risk of coolant leakage. > - I have a 2005 PM G5 Dual 2.7 liquid cooled that was refurbished by Apple in 2006 it's been so far a real nice machine. I would't be afraid to buy one if the price is right and it's in pristine condition, I think if it hasn't leaked by now maybe you're OK. The way to tell if one is refurbished by Apple is a sticker on the case right at the bottom of the side plate opening. John Carmonne Yorba Linda USA Sent from my MBP -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Power Mac G5 – to buy or not to buy?
I'll generally echo what Kris has said regarding the liquid cooled G5's. An additional factor to consider is that the G5 you're using may be a quad-core, as opposed to the more common dual-core/dual-processor G5's. That would explain why it's able to smoke the more recent iMacs, which only have dual cores. If I recall correctly, later model liquid G5's had an improved coolant system resulting in fewer problems with leakage (that would include the G5's). If you really want a G5, I'd recommend the fastest air cooled model (dual 2.3 GHz) or a later liquid cooled model. If you really want the speed, you'll have to get a liquid cooled quad G5, which still aren't cheap and run some risk of coolant leakage. If you intend to use the unit as an HTPC, you'll also need a tuner and software to manage it and your recordings. As Leopard and PowerPC is getting older by the minute, you can expect to see the DVR software companies start shutting the platform out. The one that comes to mind is EyeTV. You can check out their website to see if Leopard and PowerPC are supported with the latest tuners, or just get updates for their old hardware. Eric -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Power Mac G5 – to buy or not to buy?
On Jul 25, 2010, at 12:19 AM, Austin Leeds wrote: Is there anything to look for when buying a G5 that would indicate a problem (or a good unit)? Anecdotal evidence says that the liquid-cooled G5 need to run 24/7/365, and the more often they're shutdown the quicker they have issues with the coolant causing corrosion and leaks. The coolant needs to circulate in order to prevent the corrosion problem. I don't know how you'd find one that's known to be running all the time. I might suggest one of the "early 2005" air-cooled G5 models as a safer alternative unless you can find a really nice liquid-cooled that's not been cycled too often. When they leak, they tend to die AFAIK. Also, PPC Macs are dead-in-the-water, so rebuilding your old PC into a Hack wouldn't necessarily be a bad idea. It may be pretty cost effective to leapfrog the liquid-cooled G5 in performance and also have Intel compatibility going forward, not to mention no leak possibility. -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Power Mac G5 – to buy or not to buy?
Hi all, After what I've heard about the G5s, I was a little wary of the Power Mac G5 my college bought for the music department (which I often help with tech-wise). It's a liquid-cooled 2.5 Ghz – sounded cool in theory but still, I was a little nervous. Well, after a few months of no problems (and the awesome sound of the fans kicking in), I can't get enough of this thing. It beats out all Late 2008 iMacs in the room hands down and can multitask like there's no tomorrow. The "blown away" commercial says it all – it's got a lot of power in it for its age. So, I'm debating now whether I should rebuild an old '99 Compaq Presario or just buy myself a Power Mac G5. Cost-wise, the Power Mac would be more efficient, but I am still concerned about getting a dud. Is there anything to look for when buying a G5 that would indicate a problem (or a good unit)? This unit will either be a desktop or an HTPC/media server. Thanks, Austin Leeds -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
