PowerMac G5 Dual Core Upgrades
PowerMac G5 Side

This page covers all the upgrades we sell for the second of the two major PowerMac G5 revisions - models made between October 2005 and 2006. Choose the type of upgrade you are looking for from the tabs below.(Not the right Mac? See here for more PowerMac G5s, or here for all Macs.)

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If you want specific upgrades for your exact model, choose it from the Model ID links below, or enter your serial number here:


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G5 PowerMac Open

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.

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.

There are none available.

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/Blu-ray 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.

INSTALL SERVICE - Internal CD/DVD Drive in a PowerMac/Mac ProStock: Available£15.00 + vat (£18.00)

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 & SSD 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.

Installation Services

INSTALL SERVICE - Internal Drive in a Mac Pro 2006-2012Stock: Available£15.00 + vat (£18.00)
INSTALL SERVICE - Clone Original Internal DriveStock: Available£25.00 + vat (£30.00)
INSTALL SERVICE - Fit Customer Supplied PartStock: Available£17.50 + vat (£21.00)

3.5in Hard Drives

Seagate Barracuda SATA 600 1TB 7200RPM 32MBStock: Available£43.10 + vat (£51.72)
Seagate Barracuda 7200RPM SATA 600 2TB 7200RPM 64MBStock: Available£60.11 + vat (£72.13)

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.

Graphics Cards and Displays

The dual-core PowerMac G5s use PCI-Express for their graphics cards. Listed below are the compatible products that we sell.

There are none available.

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.

INSTALL SERVICE - Expansion Card in a Desktop MacStock: Available£15.00 + vat (£18.00)

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.

Trust 3 button USB Optical MouseStock: Available£6.75 + vat (£8.10)
Cherry Strait 3.0 USB Keyboard - UK Mac LayoutStock: Available£32.00 + vat (£38.40)

Power Supplies & Batteries

Listed below are power supplies, batteries and related products we supply for this Mac.

3V Coin Cell Lithium PRAM/Clock BatteryStock: Available£4.00 + vat (£4.80)

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.

Cables & Adaptors

FireWire 400 - 800 Adaptor Cable M/M (6pin - 9pin) 6 ftStock: Available£11.00 + vat (£13.20)
DVI-I - VGA M/F Video AdaptorStock: Available£6.50 + vat (£7.80)
Sonnet Tempo eSATA Cable Set - 1m (2 x eSATA Connectors)Stock: Unavailable£16.00 + vat (£19.20)1

Tools

Precision Screwdriver Set, 31 Piece - Phillips/Torx/TR6Stock: Available£12.50 + vat (£15.00)
Anti Static Wrist StrapStock: Available£8.50 + vat (£10.20)
1For use with an eSATA PCI card, e.g. Sonnet Tempo X4P eSATA PCI/PCIX Card, to connect to an eSATA external device.

External Drives & Enclosures

This Mac can use any of the following external hard drives.

3.5" USB Enclosures

2.5" USB Enclosures

Complete Machines - Refurbished

Any complete machines of this type or similar that we have for sale are listed here. Please note that these are refurbished models with a 3 month warranty, and that delivery is likely to take 3 - 5 working days. These can be purchased online with the standard website courier delivery charge for the mainland UK only. Please contact us for a quote on shipping to other areas.

There are none available.

Repair Services for this Mac

Here are the various repair services we offer for this Mac. You can have us take the machine in for evaluation, or book a fixed-price repair if you already know what the fault is and the service is listed below (for services without parts, please see the relevant tab on this page for compatible parts that we sell). If you know what the fault is, but we don't have a fixed-price repair listed below, please contact us for a quote.

Evaluation Services

Mac Repair - Evaluation ServiceStock: Available£39.00 + vat (£46.80)

Installation Services (parts not included)

Collection ServiceStock: Available£24.68 + vat (£29.62)
INSTALL SERVICE - Internal Drive in a Mac Pro 2006-2012Stock: Available£15.00 + vat (£18.00)
INSTALL SERVICE - Clone Original Internal DriveStock: Available£25.00 + vat (£30.00)
INSTALL SERVICE - RAM in a PowerMac/Mac ProStock: Available£10.00 + vat (£12.00)
INSTALL SERVICE - Expansion Card in a Desktop MacStock: Available£15.00 + vat (£18.00)
INSTALL SERVICE - Internal CD/DVD Drive in a PowerMac/Mac ProStock: Available£15.00 + vat (£18.00)