Powermac G5 Fault Diagnosis

[Stevo210]

Hi all, new to this forum so be gentle, apologies if this is posted in the wrong place.

I have a late 2005 Powermac G5 Dual 1.8 - Been working great from day one until recently. While using it, it just froze and the fan were stuck on high, no Kernal Panic just frozen.
Had to turn it off at the button. Pressed the power button to turn it back on and all I got was the LED flashing 3 times. I heard this could be faulty memory so Ive switched them around and removed them to isolate the problem but it still flashes 3 times and wont fire up.

Blown logic board??

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Avenger2SER]

Have tried unplugging it pressing the powerbutton in for about 10 secs then starting back up? Also, make sure you put the memory back in matching order (Outside sticks matching and progressing inwards). In other words, if your looking down on the memory they should be matched like this (I'm using 4 banks as an example): 1|2|2|1

 

[Stevo210]

Thanks for your help there, I've tried what you have suggested. I knew about the memory formation.

But it didnt work. Still get 3 blinks on the power button LED.

Thanks again, more suggestions appreciated.

 

[harryb2448]

Well it is not a late 2005, as Dual Core machines came only in 2GHz, 2.3z and 2.5GHz. If you have the original discs that came with the machine, pop in disc one and run Apple Hardware Test which diagnoses logic board, memory, graphics etc. Also check this link out and look at replacing the PRAM battery in your G5.

http://forums.macresource.com/read.php?1,536585,536961

Stevo you probably have a PCI-X model known as late 2004/early 2005 model as per these specs:-

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/powermac_g5/stats/powermac_g5_1.8_2.html

 

[Avenger2SER]

Harryb, it doesn't seem to even get to a grey screen so I doubt booting from the disk will work. It's worth a try tho.

 

[Stevo210]

You're right it wont even power up. Neither will it safe-boot or start from the CD.

Thanks though.

 

[harryb2448]

Sounds like you got a shot logic board.

 

[Stevo210]

Hi there, that link you sent me pretty much described my symptoms. I forgot to mention that the fans come on as well once the power button is pressed and stay on until I've forced the power off.

What are my options on purchasing another board or is it likely to be a gamble or another ticking time bomb?

Thanks again.

 

[the8thark]

Well if it's the logic board and nothing else, replacing it will do the job. But in saying that you know the G5 is old technology and it might be better for you to upgrade to a new Mac if you can afford it. Lots of possible options for you.

 

[Stevo210]

Its definitely crossed my mind.... I'd like to maybe go down the patch it up route first before having to fork out loads of money.

But if I was able to get a second hand board theres so many knocking around but none that seem to be suitable, ie. dual 2.3, 2.0 etc. Do I have to get a specific dual 1.8 for it to work?

Thanks.

 

[harryb2448]

You need precisely the same model board, and there are a couple of different 1.8DP models, PCI and PCI_X for starters. Is your machine a PCI-X model do you know?

 

[Stevo210]

Hi Harry, not a clue, what should I be looking for?

My logic board number is: KD40700ZCQEJF.630.4914.630T4918

My G5 serial number is: CK409JE3QVH

if any of that helps at all?

Thanks again for your help.

 

[harryb2448]

Stevo give these guys a call and see what they come up with, but logix board replacements are probably as dear as another G5 alas!

http://www.galaxyhp.com/PMG5/parts_pmg5.html