advice on Quad rescue

[xreliable]

I purchased this Power Mac G5 PPC ($7500) at the end of 2005 (delivery was Jan or Feb 2006). Great computer which we got a lot of use out of. (mostly my son a student filmmaker)

Power Mac G5 Quad-core 2.5GHz
065-6069 4GB 533 DDR2 ECC SDRAM- 4x1GB
065-5980 2x500GB Serial ATA - 7200rpm
065-5982 QUADRO FX 4500 512MB SDRAM

I started getting red lights and was able to get it to startup for a couple of minutes at best. After trying to troubleshoot extensively the only plausible option seems to be to replace the logic board. I can't afford that right now. And of course being non-intel that limits my software options so how much do I really want to further invest? I'm on a tight budget and was wondering if anyone had some sort of creative solution that would require no/minimal cash outlay?

thanks
Paul

 

[Joshuarocks]

I purchased this Power Mac G5 PPC ($7500) at the end of 2005 (delivery was Jan or Feb 2006). Great computer which we got a lot of use out of. (mostly my son a student filmmaker)

Power Mac G5 Quad-core 2.5GHz
065-6069 4GB 533 DDR2 ECC SDRAM- 4x1GB
065-5980 2x500GB Serial ATA - 7200rpm
065-5982 QUADRO FX 4500 512MB SDRAM

I started getting red lights and was able to get it to startup for a couple of minutes at best. After trying to troubleshoot extensively the only plausible option seems to be to replace the logic board. I can't afford that right now. And of course being non-intel that limits my software options so how much do I really want to further invest? I'm on a tight budget and was wondering if anyone had some sort of creative solution that would require no/minimal cash outlay?

thanks
Paul

Hello Paul,

Speaking of G5 Quad, I just ordered one today to fill my need of that machine which allowed me to get to a mac pro.. Anyway, Have you looked around the processor area for any signs of coolant leaks? While the G5 Quads were the most reliable in terms of LCS, they do have their setbacks elsewhere. Did you try running Apple Hardware Test to further diagnose the problem?

If you need Apple Service Diagnostic - more comprehensive than apple hardware test, I can send that to you and it will diagnose even further the underlying cause of the problem.

When did this problem start to occur? Did you get any kernel panics, pointing to see if its hardware based?

 

[xreliable]

I checked extensively for coolant leaks and found nothing. I also looked on the board for any signs of burnout and the board at least superficially, looks like new.

I don't remember the specific response codes but when I did the tests everything I found online pointed ultimately to a defective logic board.

I also removed the two drives and tested them via my MBP with no problems found. If you have a more thorough way to test with no spy/malware, I'd like that.
thanks
Paul

Hello Paul,

Speaking of G5 Quad, I just ordered one today to fill my need of that machine which allowed me to get to a mac pro.. Anyway, Have you looked around the processor area for any signs of coolant leaks? While the G5 Quads were the most reliable in terms of LCS, they do have their setbacks elsewhere. Did you try running Apple Hardware Test to further diagnose the problem?

If you need Apple Service Diagnostic - more comprehensive than apple hardware test, I can send that to you and it will diagnose even further the underlying cause of the problem.

When did this problem start to occur? Did you get any kernel panics, pointing to see if its hardware based?

 

[Joshuarocks]

I checked extensively for coolant leaks and found nothing. I also looked on the board for any signs of burnout and the board at least superficially, looks like new.

I don't remember the specific response codes but when I did the tests everything I found online pointed ultimately to a defective logic board.

I also removed the two drives and tested them via my MBP with no problems found. If you have a more thorough way to test with no spy/malware, I'd like that.
thanks
Paul

Ok, skype me at psychomacuser343 and I can send you the needed Apple Service Diagnostic which will not only troubleshoot the problem for you, but will give you also in PLAIN, EASY ENGLISH the actual problem itself.. which unlike Apple Hardware Test, the error code is some cryptic hex code.

I think we might be able to save it if we can work together some how.. Please tell me when was the last known working date of the G5, and was the problem a progressive error just building up?