Power Macintosh G5

Power Macintosh G5 (2004)

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Overview

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Less than a year after unveiling the original Power Mac G5, Apple released a new line of G5 models, each with dual processors and an 8x SuperDrive.

As before, the entry level model uses 64-bit PCI slots and only supports up to 4 GB of RAM vs. PCI-X slots and an 8 GB RAM ceiling in the faster G5s.

The motherboard architecture uses HyperTransport technology. System memory is so fast (400 MHz on a 900 MHz to 1.25 GHz bus) that Apple doesn't bother with a level 3 cache.

A headphone jack, USB 2.0 port, and FireWire port are located on the front of the G5 for easy access.

The G5 uses an aluminum enclosure that's vented in the front and back. The case includes four thermal zones and 9 fans to handle cooling, each independently controlled for speed. The 2.5 GHz model incorporates a liquid cooling system to keep the CPU from overheating.

Note that the 1.8 GHz model is one of Apple's entry-level G5s, which means it uses 33 MHz PCI slots instead of 100/133 MHz PCI-X, has 4 memory slots instead of 8, and uses a 450W power supply instead of 600W.

Power Mac G5 Reliability

Reliability ratings are based on statistics compiled by MacInTouch in June 2006, at which time the dual-core Power Mac G5 models had only been on the market for 8 months. Letter grades are based on failure rate: A = 0-6%, B = 7-12%, C = 13-18%, D = 19-24%, and F = 25% or higher. We also note the two components that failed most often.

G5/1.8 dual (June 2004), D+ (19%, logicboard, optical drive)
G5/2.0 dual (June 2004), C- (17%, logicboard, hard or optical drive)
G5/2.5 dual (June 2004), F (26%, logicboard, hard drive)

In each generation, except for the final dual-core one, the fastest model is the least reliable, while the second-fastest is the most reliable. Logicboards are the most expensive component to repair, followed by the power supply. Hard drives, optical drives, video cards, and RAM can be replaced inexpensively using third-party components.

Details

1.8 GHz dual 256/80 introduced 2004.06.09 at $1,999
2.0 GHz dual 512/160 introduced 2004.06.09 at $2,499
2.5 GHz dual 512/160 introduced 2004.06.09 at $2,999; shipped in August shipment; replaced by faster model 2005.04.27
requires Mac OS X 10.3 or later
CPU: 1.8/2.0/2.5 GHz PowerPC 970
bus: 900 MHz/1.0 GHz/1.25 GHz (half CPU speed)
performance:

Geekbench 2 (Leopard): 2083 (2.5 GHz), 1704 (2.0 GHz), 1553 (1.8 GHz)
Geekbench 2 (Tiger): 2105 (2.5 GHz), 1688 (2.0 GHz), 1582 (1.8 GHz)

L2 cache: 512 KB on-chip L2 cache
L3 cache: none
RAM, 1.8 GHz: 256 MB, expandable to 4 GB using pairs of 400 MHz PC3200 DDR RAM
RAM, 2.0 and 2.5 GHz: 512 MB, expandable to 8 GB using pairs of 400 MHz PC3200 DDR RAM
Video: AGP 8x

1.8/2.0 GHz: nVidia GeForce FX5200 Ultra
2.5 GHz: ATI Radeon 9600 XT
ATI Radeon 9800 XT with 256 MB optional

VRAM: 64 MB (nVidia) or 128 MB (Radeon 9600)
hard drive: 80/160 Serial ATA 7200 rpm
8x SuperDrive standard on all models
3 33 MHz 64-bit PCI slots on 1.8 GHz model
3 64-bit PCI-X slots on faster models (two 100 MHz, one 133 MHz)
modem: internal 56k v.92
microphone: standard 3.5mm minijack, compatible with line-level input, not compatible with Apple's PlainTalk microphone
FireWire: 2 FW400 ports (1 on front), 1 FW800 port
USB: 3 USB 2.0 ports (1 on front)
ethernet: 10/100/gigabit
WiFi: antenna and connector for 802.11g AirPort Extreme card
Bluetooth: built in, optional antenna
PRAM battery: 3V CR2032 lithium
size (HxWxD): 20.1" x 8.1" x 18.7" (51.1 x 20.6 x 47.5 cm)
weight: 39.2 lb. (17.8 kg)
Gestalt ID: n/a
model number: M9393 (1.8 GHz), M9455 (2.0 GHz), M9457 (2.5 GHz)
PRAM battery: 3.6V half-AA
upgrade path: none
Part no.: M9454 (1.8 GHz), M9455 (2.0 GHz)

Accelerators & Upgrades

none likely

Online Resources

Low End Mac's best Power Mac G5 deals
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PowerPC's last chance: The Mac's history with the G5 CPU, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.06.24. The introduction of the G5 Power Mac in June 2003 promised a bright 3 GHz future, and failure to achieve that paved the way to today's Intel Macs.
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Region free DVD viewing options for Intel and PowerPC Macs, Andrew J Fishkin, The Mobile Mac, 2006.09.12. Several hardware and software options that will let your view 'wrong region' DVDs on your PowerPC or Intel Mac.
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Sonata SD, Sonnet Tech, 2004.06.01. First new PCI video card for the Mac in ages sells for just US$99, supports OS 7.5.3 and later plus OS X 10.1.5 and later, works with VGA or old Mac monitors, 16 MB VRAM. Also compatible with PCI-X slots in G5.
Apple Specs: Power Macintosh G5

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