alexeijazz
asked on
G5 doesn't start - no display
My situation is very similar to described earlier, but with some diferrences.
Computer G5, SN: XB3480R4NVB, running 10.5.6, A 1038 display, 2 GB RAM, two drives.
Just froze on me a few days ago, After force quitting with power button, when trying to boot chime sounds, fans work, no display, light steady. NO power to keyboard or mouse, CD/DVD not powered either, so I can't boot from disk.
The only change lately was that I connected Beringer audio- digital converter to the FireWire port more than a month ago and computer was working fine after that - until now.
I tried to take out one pair of memory, then another - no effect. Tried the PRAM battery - it is pretty fresh. I can't zap the PRAM from keyboard - keyboard doesn't work and I have an extra Mac keyboard, changing it doesn't help. Also pressed PMU/Cuda button (as recommended on the net) - didn't change anything.
I didn't try to reset the video card yet. The fact that neither the mouse, nor keyboard (nor CD/DVD) work, I suspect it is Power Supply. I would really appreciate getting some suggestions!
Computer G5, SN: XB3480R4NVB, running 10.5.6, A 1038 display, 2 GB RAM, two drives.
Just froze on me a few days ago, After force quitting with power button, when trying to boot chime sounds, fans work, no display, light steady. NO power to keyboard or mouse, CD/DVD not powered either, so I can't boot from disk.
The only change lately was that I connected Beringer audio- digital converter to the FireWire port more than a month ago and computer was working fine after that - until now.
I tried to take out one pair of memory, then another - no effect. Tried the PRAM battery - it is pretty fresh. I can't zap the PRAM from keyboard - keyboard doesn't work and I have an extra Mac keyboard, changing it doesn't help. Also pressed PMU/Cuda button (as recommended on the net) - didn't change anything.
I didn't try to reset the video card yet. The fact that neither the mouse, nor keyboard (nor CD/DVD) work, I suspect it is Power Supply. I would really appreciate getting some suggestions!
ASKER
As I said, I tried to toggle the two pairs of RAM chips with no success.
For some reason, your link didn't get me to the article, I will be looking for it.
What makes me suspect the power supply is that all USB connectors don't have any power (I tried all of the slots and two keyboards and 3 mice).
Thanks for the help.
For some reason, your link didn't get me to the article, I will be looking for it.
What makes me suspect the power supply is that all USB connectors don't have any power (I tried all of the slots and two keyboards and 3 mice).
Thanks for the help.
ASKER
Well, I'm back.
I've tried to clean the contacts on the Video board and it didn't help.
My computer Serial Number is not in the range Apple was repairing, it seems it was before mine was maid.
What confuses me the most is that USB bus is down and the CD/DVD is not powered. On the other hand, the chime sounds, the light goes on and doesn't blink. Do you think that bad RAM could affect the CD/DVD drive - seems strange to me.
Now I have to make a choice - try to fix G5 or just buy Intel Mini. If I wouldn't be able to find the problem myself, the repair could run up to $700, which is actually the cost of good refurbished Mini.
I've tried to clean the contacts on the Video board and it didn't help.
My computer Serial Number is not in the range Apple was repairing, it seems it was before mine was maid.
What confuses me the most is that USB bus is down and the CD/DVD is not powered. On the other hand, the chime sounds, the light goes on and doesn't blink. Do you think that bad RAM could affect the CD/DVD drive - seems strange to me.
Now I have to make a choice - try to fix G5 or just buy Intel Mini. If I wouldn't be able to find the problem myself, the repair could run up to $700, which is actually the cost of good refurbished Mini.
Well re-seating/toggling RAM is different than replacing it. Try a whole new set of RAM. Do you know any other G5 owners? Another thought would be to go buy the RAM and if it doesn't work for you see if you can take it back to the store. Maybe check on the return policy before purchasing.
The thing that sucks about this sort of problem is there is a few reasons it could be happening so there is still a chance the RAM may not fix it. But like I said before, replacing the RAM has fixed most of my issues with MAC's.
The thing that sucks about this sort of problem is there is a few reasons it could be happening so there is still a chance the RAM may not fix it. But like I said before, replacing the RAM has fixed most of my issues with MAC's.
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ASKER
Thanks to everybody! I've read so many "horror" stories regarding these G5's, I'm definitely going with Intel - I can't afford a full blown machine, so I will go with Mini.
I'v e called a repair shop and found that repairing will cost me $500 - $750 (or even more) It is possible to buy a working G5 absolutely like mine on Ebay for 3-4 hundred - but it seems a stupid choice.
My plan of action now is to buy the simplest new generation Mini, get an enclosure for one of my drives from G5 (500GB) . I had 2GB RAM,, so I can go with default RAM in the Mini for now.
How does it look - do you have any other or different suggestions?
And thanks once more!
I'v e called a repair shop and found that repairing will cost me $500 - $750 (or even more) It is possible to buy a working G5 absolutely like mine on Ebay for 3-4 hundred - but it seems a stupid choice.
My plan of action now is to buy the simplest new generation Mini, get an enclosure for one of my drives from G5 (500GB) . I had 2GB RAM,, so I can go with default RAM in the Mini for now.
How does it look - do you have any other or different suggestions?
And thanks once more!
i like the iMac much better. 20yr mac fan/veteran/pro. not a fan of the mini unless you get a smokin deal on it. I suspect you can get a smokin deal on the intel iMac. GL
ASKER
Thanks!
I'm not a computer pro, but I started with Mac + also 20 years ago.
If the money wasn't a problem, I would get the top of the line (as I usually did before, in better times). I had to consider that I still have 2 good displays, three sets of keyboards and mice and very little money to spend. I hope to be able to pass Mini to my wife if I get enough for the real Pro model.
Thanks again, I'll have to compromise for now - and I don't like it, but for what I do (music and some middle level Internet PHP, Javascript and MySQL programming) it seems to be enough.
I'm not a computer pro, but I started with Mac + also 20 years ago.
If the money wasn't a problem, I would get the top of the line (as I usually did before, in better times). I had to consider that I still have 2 good displays, three sets of keyboards and mice and very little money to spend. I hope to be able to pass Mini to my wife if I get enough for the real Pro model.
Thanks again, I'll have to compromise for now - and I don't like it, but for what I do (music and some middle level Internet PHP, Javascript and MySQL programming) it seems to be enough.
This question has been classified as abandoned and is being closed as part of the Cleanup Program. See my comment at the end of the question for more details.
From what I''m reading sounds like an issue with the RAM, perhaps replacing the RAM would be a best bet.
To reset the PRAM, sounds like there may be a button on the system board somewhere.
RAM has always been my first place to look when working with MAC's. Not sure why they have that common issue with RAM, but replacing RAM has solved more issues than not for me.
To your point about the power supply I found this thread, apparently they did have issues with the power supplies a while back..
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/06/1/07/apple_initiates_power_mac_g5_power_supply_repair_program.html
Hope that helps...