Need advice for what to do with G5 (sorta long)

[volcs0]

I have a Dual 2.0 GHz G5 sitting around - basically collecting dust.

What I want is to set up a computer for two main purposes:

1. Homework station for the kids
2. Garageband machine - to work with our full-sized Yamaha keyboard

One problem with the machine is that the fan on the stock graphics card went out, so I bought a new fan http://www.vantecusa.com/front/product/view_detail/92 but unfortunately, the power supply on the fan did not match what I had on the G5, so I had to rig up something - basically it is plugged in using an external power brick... not very elegant but it seems to work.
I think the stock graphics card in there is a 9800XT. I think. Everymac suggests 9600, so it might be that.

So, one question I had was whether or not I could use this card in the G5 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6814102688
I have one - not using it right now. Some reports suggest yes, some no - requires firmware flash, etc.
I'd like to fix the graphics card issue no matter what - but especially if I'm going to sell the machine.

So, options are:

1. Install Leopard on it and iLife '09. Run previous version of Garageband. Be satisfied with this.

2. Sell the G5 and get a Mini. I'm not sure of the value, but I'm guessing $250-$350 for the sale, so I would have to front $300-$500, depending on whether I got a used or new Mini. I already have a 22" display I could use.

Thanks for the advice.

[btfc]

Sell it. If for efficiency reasons at least.

[spacescape]

I'm really thinking it's time to dump the Dual 1.8 G5 and grab a 24-27" iMac for the wife and kids and music production.

[Silencio]

Is the 22" display one of the old Apple Cinema Displays with ADC connector?

If so, then it maybe be worth keeping the G5. The Radeon 9800XT is not the "stock" video card, but an upgrade model (ATI made a retail version and Apple made a couple of OEM models). The cheapest Apple card was the fairly horrid GeForce 5200FX. I'm sure those are available for practically nothing on eBay or LEM-Swap. At least it has an ADC connector and should get the job done.

If you have a third party VGA or DVI display, then I'd sell the G5 for whatever I could get and upgrade to the mini.

That Newegg video card is PCI-Express. Won't work in your G5.

[volcs0]

Silencio wrote:
Is the 22" display one of the old Apple Cinema Displays with ADC connector?

It is a Dell Ultrasharp - probably about 5 years old now.

[Wailer]

Sell and buy a used mini or imac. I don't use garage band but a core duo mini or imac should be more than sufficient for anything other than World of Warcraft type games.

I'd actually recommend a used imac since there is still a premium on used intel minis. Back in July, I bought a 17" 1.83ghz core duo imac w/radeon x1600 that needed a new HD for $200 on CL. Last month I bought another for $100; the display was bad but apple fixed it for free. These were great deals, but prices are really dropping on what I consider a great machine that should last 2+ years. I often see people asking $350 for used core duo imacs ($400 for 2.0ghz C2D) so you should be able to find one for under $300 with a little effort. It runs Snow Leopard just fine and my kids love photo booth and the sound on the imacs is decent for music and movies.

The G5 might be appealing to people with legacy apps or who think "dual 2.0ghz" outperforms a 1.83ghz intel. I wouldn't waste time or money on the graphics issue but rather disclose and sell it that way. Someone may want to put a better card in there anyway. Either way, the G5 is loud and an energy hog/heater (winter is coming, though!) that'll be stuck at Leopard. iLife'11 and the new garage band requires at least an intel core duo.

[ADent]

Pretty sure you have to go with an Apple Firmware card in True Macs. (It has to have an EFI compatible ROM and for G5s, it has to have PPC & EFI compatible ROM).

For a Hackintosh you can use a wide variety of cards.

[volcs0]

Thanks everyone.

I just picked up a 17" Core 2 Duo 2.0GHz iMac from Craigslist for $300. With that 22" monitor attached at well, it should do the trick.

I'll sell the G5, probably as it is.

[Wailer]

Woo! Nice score. I also have one of those and have been very happy with it. Even though the video card is "old", it handles flash video and steam games (portal, civ 4) much better than my 2.4ghz C2D macbook with it's gma x3100.