History
This page refers to the PowerMac G5s released in October 2005. These PowerMacs use DDR2 RAM (not normal DDR), have PCI-Express expansion slots (not PCI or PCI-X) and use dual-core G5 processors - the top of the range machine has dual dual-core processors, and was called a quad processor
machine by Apple.
For all previous PowerMac G5s you should refer to this page.
The dual core PowerMac G5 is the pinnacle of Apple PowerPC workstations, the dual-core CPU and the next-generation bus technology means that this will be a top-end workstation long after Apple has introduced Intel processors across its full range.
Apple's own specifications for this Mac can be found here.
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How to Identify these Machines
The PowerMac G5s are easilly distinguishable from earlier machines by their size, shape, distinctive handles
and front and rear grills. If your machine looks like the picture to the right
you've got a PowerMac G5.
To distinguish between the latest PCI-Express dual-core PowerMac G5s and earlier ones, one way to tell is by the number of ethernet ports. Machines dealt with on this page have 2 x RJ-45 ethernet ports on the back. If you have only one RJ-45 socket, you need to refer to this page.
You can also tell the difference by opening System Profiler (Apple Menu > About This Mac, then click on the "More Info" button), then selecting Memory on the window that comes up and checking the speed column for any of the modules already installed. For this later PowerMac G5, it will start PC2-4200. Earlier non-dual core machines will start PC3200 or PC2700.
Other main distinguishing features are the number of processor cores - the earlier machines use single-core processors (although frequently were sold with dual processors), use DDR RAM as opposed to the newer DDR2 RAM in these machines. The machines on this page were all sold in or after October 2005.
Apple's own specifications for this Mac can be found here.
If you are still unsure you can contact us on 01223 833 412 or by email for
confirmation.
Memory Upgrades
The PowerMac G5 has 8 memory sockets. The machines can accept up to 16GB in RAM - (8 x 2GB).
Our memory is lifetime guaranteed and
comes with a full compatibility guarantee.
All RAM for the G5s must be installed in PAIRS - that means matched sizes and types for best performance i.e. to add
512MB of RAM you need 2 x 256MB Sticks.
Please note the RAM below is for the Dual Core (which is different to dual processor) PowerMac G5s only. If you have
a PowerMac G5 with 2 ethernet ports, this RAM is correct. If you have only 1 ethernet port, you need the RAM listed here.
| 1 | Must be installed in matched pairs. Suitable for dual-core PowerMac G5s, NOT earlier dual processor models. |
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 1 / 5 - Very Easy
Open the side of the case by using the release bar at the rear of the machine.
Remove the metal grill and place to one side. Then remove the internal
plastic cover by lifting it up and out.
Next locate the two processor fans (on
one plastic runner) and remove outwards. This reveals the RAM sockets.
Place RAM into the sockets - RAM modules must be installed in matched pairs in this machine. The RAM is designed so it
cannot go in the wrong way around.
If you are unsure call or email our team.
CD & DVD Drive Upgrades
The PowerMac G5 came equipped with a Superdrive Optical drive loaded with a tray at the front of the machine. There
is no internal expansion for a second optical drive. It is possible to use an External DVD writer via USB 2.0 or FireWire
(FireWire is better since you cannot boot a PowerPC Mac from USB). The below drives will work with your Mac.
| 1 | Only fully supported under Max OSX 10.5 or later - see product page for more details. |
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 1 / 5 Very Easy (external), 2 / 5 Easy (internal)
External
Install and supplied software, restart the machine and connect the new device.
Internal
Open the side of the case by using the release bar at
the rear of the machine.
Remove the metal grill and place to one side, then
remove the internal plastic cover by lifting it up and out.
The optical drive
is located towards the top of the case. Disconnect the cables and remove mounting
screws.
Replace drive and reconnect power and data cables.
Apple's instructions can be found here.
Internal Hard Drive Upgrades
This range of drives will work in your G5 machine. These drives run at 7,200 RPM and
provide excellent speed for almost every application.
If you don't want to fit a new hard drive yourself, you can take advantage of the MacUpgrades Installation Service. Add the installation service from the list below to your cart along with your chosen hard drive. We can also clone your existing hard drive onto the new one, simply add the Clone Original Hard Drive service below to your cart.
Once you have booked the service, send your machine to us, we will carry out the work and return it to you. Alternatively, we do offer a Collection Service with our courier, please see here for details.
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 2 / 5 - Easy.
Turn off Machine, open side door. Use latch to the rear of the drive chassis to release the side panel.
Remove plastic grill by pulling gently upwards and outwards. The hard drive caddie is located on the top of the case
and has space for an additional drive in the caddie.
The special screws required to hold the drive in place are located to the left of the drive caddy. Remove caddie by pulling the release lever to the side. Disconnect
the cable and insert new drive to chassis. Set jumpers accordingly and connect up all cables. Restart machine and initialise the drive.
Apple's instructions can be found here.
eSATA Storage
This Mac can have an eSATA controller card added into an expansion socket - allowing it to control an array of eSATA drives.
For an explanation of what eSATA is, please see our eSATA FAQ. To see our full listing of eSATA products, please see the eSATA category.
eSATA products compatible with this Mac can be found on this page - eSATA controllers can be found on in the expansion cards section, eSATA enclosures are with the external hard drives, and SATA hard drives are listed with the internal hard drives.
Graphics Card Upgrades
The dual-core PowerMac G5s use PCI-Express for their graphics cards. Listed below are the compatible products that we sell.
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 1 / 5 - Very Easy.
Install software, Turn off Machine, open side door. Remove the existing graphics card from its PCI-Express slot, and insert the new card in its place. If you are unsure call or email our team.
Expansion Card Upgrades
The dual-core PowerMac G5 uses high-bandwidth PCI-Express for its expansion cards, unlike all preceeding PowerMacs. PCI-Express slots are not backwards compatible with PCI/PCI-X cards, so the only expansion cards for the PowerMac G5 Dual Core are those listed here.
| 1 | There are a number of warnings with this product, please see the product page for full details. |
| 2 | Requires 10.5.7 or later on the PowerMac G5 Dual Core. |
| 3 | Requires Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) or later. |
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 1 / 5 - Very Easy.
Install software, Turn off Machine, open side door. Locate a free PCI-Express socket and remove holding
screw. Replace card with new Card - If you are unsure call or email our team.
Keyboards & Mice
The following keyboards and mice are compatible with this Mac.
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 1 / 5 - Very Easy
Keyboards plug into the relevant port on your Mac. Mice can either be plugged into your keyboard, or they can be plugged directly into your Mac.
Power Supplies & Batteries
Listed below are power supplies, batteries and related products
we supply for this Mac.
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Cables & Tools
Listed below are power cables, tools and related products
we supply for this Mac.
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
External Hard Drive Upgrades
This Mac can use any of the following external hard drives.
| 1 | Will work fine for external storage, but cannot be used as a boot drive. |
| 2 | Cannot be used to boot this Mac. |
| 3 | Requires an eSATA connection to be added to this Mac (eg Tempo E2P). |
| 4 | This product requires an eSATA controller that support port multipliers, such as the Sonnet Tempo X4P or Sonnet Tempo E4P. |
| 5 | This product is an accessory for the Sonnet Fusion D500P external SATA controller. |
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 1 / 5 - Very Easy
Install any supplied software and connect the new device.
You will need to format the drive before use. This is done with the "Drive Setup" utility, which can be found in Applications > Utilities.
