iMac - build an Intel mac from a G4 iMac

andrewthegreat · andrewthegreat #1 (**permalink**)

07-29-2009, 09:22 PM

I can't in any way dispose of my great looking G4 iMac.

But it's useless!

Is there any way I can use my average computer skills to build a modern intel mac out of it?

I know it would require replacing everything and it would be cheeper to just buy a new mac but it's about what it looks like.

Help.

chscag · chscag #2 (**permalink**)

07-29-2009, 10:06 PM

I don't know why you say your G4 iMac is useless? There are lots of folks who still use the same machine and are happy with it. Why not fork out the money for a new iMac and keep the G4 too? I'm not even sure it would be possible to refit a G4 with everything that would be needed to turn it into an Intel machine. And it would cost $$$!

Regards.

vansmith · vansmith #3 (**permalink**)

07-29-2009, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chscag

I'm not even sure it would be possible to refit a G4 with everything that would be needed to turn it into an Intel machine. And it would cost $$$!

I agree. The cost of even attempting to upgrade that machine to an Intel architecture (which I doubt is even possible) would cost more than getting a new machine. Have you considered getting a Mac Mini?

ADKhikerVW · ADKhikerVW #4 (**permalink**)

07-29-2009, 10:43 PM

A project like this is impractical, expensive, and difficult, but it would be so cool to do.

I have thought about doing this with my G4 iMac and have done a lot of research into it. It certainly is possible to fit all the components into the base of the iMac, although the ports wouldn't line up correctly. The major problem, and the reason why no one has done it that I know of, is the screen. More specifically, the wiring. The display on the iMac uses a proprietary connector and wiring setup. Unfortunately it is virtually impossible to adapt the wiring to any standard DVI or VGA plug. Furthermore, even if you were to replace the wiring and the screen, the opening in the neck is far too small to run a cable through. Further-furthermore, the neck is impossible to disassemble without a special tool, and even then it will never be the same once put back together.

It's an awesome idea and I would love it if someone could figure it all out and get it to work, but it would take a great deal of knowledge and time, and isn't something I would want to try.

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andrewthegreat #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Jul 19, 2006 Posts: 21	07-29-2009, 09:22 PM I can't in any way dispose of my great looking G4 iMac. But it's useless! Is there any way I can use my average computer skills to build a modern intel mac out of it? I know it would require replacing everything and it would be cheeper to just buy a new mac but it's about what it looks like. Help.
	QUOTE Thanks

chscag #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 23, 2008 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 32,378 Mac Specs: 21.5" iMac 2.5 GHz i5, iPad 3rd Gen., 3 iPods	07-29-2009, 10:06 PM I don't know why you say your G4 iMac is useless? There are lots of folks who still use the same machine and are happy with it. Why not fork out the money for a new iMac and keep the G4 too? I'm not even sure it would be possible to refit a G4 with everything that would be needed to turn it into an Intel machine. And it would cost $$$! Regards.
	QUOTE Thanks

ADKhikerVW #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Aug 18, 2007 Location: Wilmington, NY Posts: 715 Mac Specs: 15" Unibody MBP (2009), White MB (2009), iMac G4	07-29-2009, 10:43 PM A project like this is impractical, expensive, and difficult, but it would be so cool to do. I have thought about doing this with my G4 iMac and have done a lot of research into it. It certainly is possible to fit all the components into the base of the iMac, although the ports wouldn't line up correctly. The major problem, and the reason why no one has done it that I know of, is the screen. More specifically, the wiring. The display on the iMac uses a proprietary connector and wiring setup. Unfortunately it is virtually impossible to adapt the wiring to any standard DVI or VGA plug. Furthermore, even if you were to replace the wiring and the screen, the opening in the neck is far too small to run a cable through. Further-furthermore, the neck is impossible to disassemble without a special tool, and even then it will never be the same once put back together. It's an awesome idea and I would love it if someone could figure it all out and get it to work, but it would take a great deal of knowledge and time, and isn't something I would want to try.
	QUOTE Thanks

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