Transform a Powermac G5 into an Intel Windows/Linux Box

[RavingMac]

More of as a project than anything else I am wondering about the feasibility of picking up a G5 Powermac off of eBay and installing a new Motherboard and Intel Chip to use the system as a Windows/Linux Box.

I know it will probably be cheaper and easier just to buy a Windows Box, but this is for fun.

Things I want to know are:

1) Is it even reasonable to do, and if so things to watch out for
2) What would I be able to reuse (or not) such as Video Cards

Thoughts, comments or personal experience??

 

[rabbitjetta]

I think that it would be cool if you did it but i cant offer any advice on what you can do. Could you post i a guide if you get it working?

 

[RavingMac]

Will do . . .

 

[Slydude]

Do that and you will be king of the forum for life lol

 

[cradom]

Are you talking using an intel/mac motherboard or a pc motherboard? I can see putting a pc board in the case but wouldn't plan on re-using cards from the mac side in it.
Probably have to replace the power supply also. I would think it's viable, a case is a case right?

 

[RavingMac]

Are you talking using an intel/mac motherboard or a pc motherboard? I can see putting a pc board in the case but wouldn't plan on re-using cards from the mac side in it.
Probably have to replace the power supply also. I would think it's viable, a case is a case right?

Was planning on using a PC motherboard. Wasn't certain about the power supply. FWIW, I have a power supply from an Old Dell Tower that I could potentially use.

 

[cradom]

I don't see why you couldn't rig a pc motherboard into the case as long as the board isn't too big.
Might end up gutting the whole case and rebuilding things but hey, that what projects are for, right?
I actually thought about doing something similar to a G4 case I have.

 

[RavingMac]

I'll post results and pics if I do it? First thing will be to get a cheap G4 or G5, should be relatively easy since I won't need them to be functional.

 

[Germany_chris]

Visit tonymac x86, you'll find lots of help from the people that have gone before you.

You'll need that Dell PS because the Apple PS won't work.