PowerMac G5 Dual Core Upgrades

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

The following keyboards and mice are compatible with this Mac.

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

Listed below are power cables, tools and related products we supply for this Mac.

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

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.

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.