Powermac G5 Explosion

Have you disconnected the power and looked inside the PowerMac for any visual confirmation of some kind of damage?

Apple2 said:

After using third party software on my dual 1.8ghz Powermac G5, I had to force shut down by holding down the power button because the computer had completely frozen up. When I pressed the power button to turn the machine back on, there was a flash and a loud explosion from the computer. The G5 no longer boots, and is completely unresponsive. Any ideas as to what happened? Is there any way to fix this, or do I need a new computer?

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I would guess the third-party software had little to do with it. Sounds like the power supply cooked off/shorted out.

I would venture to say, she's given all she has to give. You wanted a new Mac Pro anyways, right?

OMFG You'll be lucky if it's only PSU damaged (i guess it's lobo too). If you can afford new computer then go for it. I've seen many dying/dead G5, but no one was end with explosion...

Do you smell the smell of fried electronics/burnt wires?

You may have "merely" a shorted out power switch.

Was it very dusty/dirty, as in caked-on?

Apple2 said:

The flash and bang came from the front panel of the G5, near the power button. Don't know if this is important, but throwing it out there in case it is.

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Hmm, it's little changing things... but not much, i think. Front panel is burnt for sure. To remove it you must disassembly almost whole unit: CPU, PSU and lobo. To test rest of components, you will need to get working one (or other G5 case). If you want to try and don't know how to disassembly your G5, PM me your email address, and i will send you service source (if you don't have one).

Sounds like the Thermocouplers blew. Could be due to a faulty Magneto Hydro propulsion inducer.

I've seen this happen before, As a PC repair tech, I normally pull out the p/s and try to see if it gives a burnt oder.

If the Mac P/S has a fuse, it could have blown to protect the unit.

Good luck

I would take it to an Apple store and see if they'll fix it or replace it for free. Even out of warranty, they might repair/replace due to manufacturer error, e.g. Leaky G5 Quads. If not, no harm done, either fix it yourself or buy a new Mac. Good luck!

Apple2 said:

After using third party software on my dual 1.8ghz Powermac G5, I had to force shut down by holding down the power button because the computer had completely frozen up. When I pressed the power button to turn the machine back on, there was a flash and a loud explosion from the computer. The G5 no longer boots, and is completely unresponsive. Any ideas as to what happened? Is there any way to fix this, or do I need a new computer?

Click to expand...

From my experience as an Apple tech I can all but guarantee your PSU fried (and might of taken more hardware with it). We had quite a few machines come in with your same problem.

Take it in for repairs but it's up in the air as to what happens. Some shops have the parts to do the job and some don't; supplies are all but dried up on G5 replacements. Just before I left my job, we were told by Apple not to touch G5s anymore and to give the customer a number to call (Some customer's were given Mac Pro's free of charge).

^^^ Well said, sir. It might be your lucky day at the Apple store, Apple2!
Best of luck!

from what i have heard before it is the psu, but if it is from the power button i would think it is the front panel board

If it is fried, consider ebaying the enclosure instead of letting Apple have it. There's quite a demand for them, and they often go for well over $100.

Apple2 said:

I guess a new Mac Pro is coming my way.

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For Free!?? My iMac G3 (Blue one) has broke...... Could I get a free Mac Pro then?

MacintoshMaster said:

For Free!?? My iMac G3 (Blue one) has broke...... Could I get a free Mac Pro then?

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If your parents are willing to buy ya one!

Apple2 said:

I came home from work, and found a Mac Pro sitting on my desk. It seems my parents felt generous. BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!!!

SPECS:
8 core 2.26ghz
6gb RAM
Airport Extreme Card
Mac OS-X Snow Leopard

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Frick dude!

nice man. now i hope mine blows up too and will wish for a new one

Apple2 said:

I came home from work, and found a Mac Pro sitting on my desk. It seems my parents felt generous. BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!!!

SPECS:
8 core 2.26ghz
6gb RAM
Airport Extreme Card
Mac OS-X Snow Leopard

Click to expand...

Sweet. Now I know they'll be updated tomorrow for sure.