Just noticed one of my G4's is actually a Server.

[quantum003]

Hi there,

I was going through some old G4 towers I had stacked in the garage when I noticed one of them was actually a "Macintosh G4 Server", whereas the rest of them are just PowerMac G4's. This particular G4 came to me in a lot of 3 I picked up for very cheap because the processor, heatsink, optical drive, and everything else except for the power supply and motherboard basically had been removed.

Can someone please enlighten me? This G4 looks just like the others, what makes a server different? And is it worth adding a replacement processor/heatsink and trying to get it working? I might enjoy figuring out how to set up and run a small-scale server. Does this box have more value than a PowerMac G4 in a similar state?

Thanks!

 

[SuperCompu2]

The G4 model (depending on age) is usually similar to whatever the top-of-the-line PowerMac is at the time. I know in my case, about 2 years ago I had a G4 that had the same specs as the server at the time (Dual 500MHz G4s).

It's value isn't necessarily any greater than the other towers you have, especially in the condition you've mentioned. I say still give it a go though, as making a server for your home comes in very handy!

I used my server I set up in 2005 last night to transfer important files when I couldn't find my flash drive. Best part is, the files are now available all around the house to any networked computer, so it's as if my documents and files are copied to every computer in my home!

 

[Mac_Max]

The main difference would be the inclusion of Mac OS X server and possibly a multi-port Ethernet card, Fiber Channel card, RAID cards, &/or more hard drives depending on the configuration. Besides that it's the same Mac.

 

[quantum003]

Thanks guys!

Part of the reason I didn't notice is because even the motherboard looks just like a standard one would. On a PC server board, the differences are much more obvious.

Unfortunately there are no interesting or unique PCI cards left in the G4 Server husk. So am I correct in saying that, as it is now, there is nothing left in the G4 Server that makes it any different than a standard PowerMac G4 in the same situation? I am just as well off installing Mac OS X Server on a standard PowerMac G4 as I am fixing up this husk of a G4 server?

Thanks again.

 

[Mr-Stabby]

I seem to recall our old Macintosh Server G4 had a power supply(PSU) with more molex power ports than a standard PowerMac G4. Don't quote me on that though. Distant memories.

 

[quantum003]

Hey Mr. Stabby,

I think you're right! There are a bunch of extra molexes on that power supply. So it's not a total loss. Too bad it's only a 20 pin and not a 24 pin... I have a Quicksilver that needs a 24 pin.

I also have some new-in-box server PCI cards I would like to try out with the G4 server... (stupid question just ahead) Does the G4 server require "Mac" server cards, or do you think there's a chance I could get these Compaq brand SCSI and network controller cards working in it?

Thanks!

 

[RedTomato]

Not worth it.

Eh, I turned a B+W G3 into a server a few years ago (I put 5 drives in it with 4 in Raid 5 with a raid card). I'd say in 2009 it's not worth making your G4 into a server.

There's just too many bottlenecks in the system, especially if you are planning on using any modern drives or cards with it. Also it will suck a lot of power if you're planning to leave it on 24/7.

A cheap £50 box will serve files faster and with lower power bills than your G4.