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Can you convert a G5 to Intel?

B

BradCat

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jul 30, 2009
2
0
I am a lifetime Mac owner, but I am really pissed at Apple for not allowing the new version of Final Cut Studio to run on a G5, only on Intel processors. I have had my Quad G5 for 3 1/2 years and I don't want to buy a new computer. So here is my question: Is there anyway to upgrade my G5 to an Intel processor? or is there anyway to get the new FC Studio to run on my G5?

Thanks
 
You could, in terms of time and money you'd be wasting a lot of both. The amount of things that would have to be replaced would be ridiculous. But, it is possible.
 
Basically everything but the case? Which would still need modification to fit the new parts.
 
There was only one motherboard other then the G5, if I can remember correctly, that fit the back of the enclosure perfectly. However, the Pentium 4 is long outdated :p

To the OP; why do you need the upgrade? Just curious.
 
What's for dinner? Tuna ala Mac Pro. :D

geoffreak said:
Under that logic, you might as well stick a can of tuna in there as well :p
Click to expand...

That is why I purchased Leopard for my G5 to give it longer life realizing new software won't run on it, but it keeps it current for security issues.

BradCat said:
I am a lifetime Mac owner, but I am really pissed at Apple for not allowing the new version of Final Cut Studio to run on a G5, only on Intel processors. I have had my Quad G5 for 3 1/2 years and I don't want to buy a new computer. So here is my question: Is there anyway to upgrade my G5 to an Intel processor? or is there anyway to get the new FC Studio to run on my G5?

Thanks
Click to expand...
 
BradCat said:
I am a lifetime Mac owner, but I am really pissed at Apple for not allowing the new version of Final Cut Studio to run on a G5, only on Intel processors. I have had my Quad G5 for 3 1/2 years and I don't want to buy a new computer. So here is my question: Is there anyway to upgrade my G5 to an Intel processor? or is there anyway to get the new FC Studio to run on my G5?

Thanks
Click to expand...

Three years is Apple's support window.

If you're a pro, don't plan on being able to run the latest software after three years. Usually it's not an issue, just don't plan on it. My machines are on a three year replacement cycle for this reason.
 
If you want to throw everything out but the power supply you may be able to fit Hackintosh HW. There are dedicated boards for enthusiasts who are doing this. I understand it is by no means a simple thing because nothing fits right into the case and you have to splice with a bunch of specialised parts.
 
If you were to replace the insides, you'd still have to run a hacked version of OS X as it won't be recognized as a macintosh computer. If you were going to do that then you might as well just buy a cheap dell and throw some OS X sexiness on it.
 
Dustman said:
If you were going to do that then you might as well just buy a cheap dell and throw some OS X sexiness on it.
Click to expand...

Funny how vendors with totally different prices use the same parts :rolleyes:

Still, the main reason I see to move on to the new FCP7 would be the ProRes Proxy codec, which would make Power systems be able to run their vids faster in an offline process, if they were supported. Oh well; FCS2 still runs just fine.
 
gugucom said:
If you want to throw everything out but the power supply you may be able to fit Hackintosh HW. There are dedicated boards for enthusiasts who are doing this. I understand it is by no means a simple thing because nothing fits right into the case and you have to splice with a bunch of specialised parts.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, even the PSU would have to go I think, given Apple's penchant for customized wire harnesses. :eek: ;)

But the case could be reused, albeit some mods might be required. So it's just a hackintosh with an Apple case. ;) :p

As mentioned, a Dell (or other vendor) may be the least expensive way to go, but it would take a little research (OK, a lot), on some of the hackintosh sites to check out hardware compatibility first.

Not too hard, but if attempted "blind", the odds are higher some part of the system may not work very well, if at all.

Personally, if the OP wants to DIY, just start from scratch, as a better case (internal possibilities) might be in order. The ability to fit more than 4x 3.5" drives might be rather tempting. ;)
 
Four HDD's? The dang G5 only holds two!

Either enjoy a perfectly functional machine for what is now, and always was capable of doing, or DTMFA;)
 
wpc33 said:
Four HDD's? The dang G5 only holds two!

Either enjoy a perfectly functional machine for what is now, and always was capable of doing, or DTMFA;)
Click to expand...
There's a mounting device available that allows a G5 to hold up to 5x 3.5" drives. ;) (Sonnet G5 Jive)

For some, particularly those interested in an internal RAID, the possibility of more than 4 drives would be extremely interesting. :)
 
Yes there is!

You need to create your very own hack Mac.

Thats about the only way your able to do this.

Apple made sure that there current market buyers were the type that were not willing to create there own system.
Well, your still able to do so if you like.

Your even able to use a none mac tower case or other components if needing from what I have heard and seen.
 
BradCat said:
I am a lifetime Mac owner, but I am really pissed at Apple for not allowing the new version of Final Cut Studio to run on a G5, only on Intel processors.
Click to expand...

Such is the cost of advancement: YOu have to choose between leaving people behind, or punishing the up-to-date people with bloated multi-architecture software.
 
Lycrarob said:
<snip>
Click to expand...

Lycrabob, I'm guilty of this too, but are you a licensed necromancer?

No?

Because this thread was old and was happily collecting dust. Not as old as the last post you made before the revival, though, as April 13, 2007 was a long time gone. ;)

grue said:
...or punishing the up-to-date people with bloated multi-architecture software.
Click to expand...

Well, despite problems, I thought FCS3 was universal binary.
 
Dr.Pants said:
Lycrabob, I'm guilty of this too, but are you a licensed necromancer?

No?

Because this thread was old and was happily collecting dust. Not as old as the last post you made before the revival, though, as April 13, 2007 was a long time gone. ;)



Well, despite problems, I thought FCS3 was universal binary.
Click to expand...

Hah, nice. It's desperately in need of a top to bottom rewrite, anyway.
 
Yes and No but mostly Yes I Guess ...

For what it is worth ...
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/826162/

A few photos to show the beginnings and the ends of two independent projects.
PowerMac%20G5%2001.JPG


PowerMac%20G5%2070.JPG


DSC_0269.jpg


DSC_0128.jpg


back.jpeg



sources:
1) http://www2.arnes.si/~mbabic/G5 x86 project/
2) http://forums.vr-zone.com/project-logs/482680-project-log-pc-power-mac-g5-enclosure.html


p.s. yep, pretty free now thus did a little digging again. ;)
 
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