First Timer--Early 2005 Power Mac G5 2.7 Ghz Upgrades

[hulksmashed31]

Hello, I just received my first Mac computer. It is an Early Power Mac G5, 2.7 Ghz with 3gb of ram.

I have done some research and just had a couple of question, but was also looking for suggestions on how to get the most out of this computer. I would really only be using it for internet browsing, music, movies, homework, and maybe photo/video editing (I have always wanted to learn)

1. Memory- I have gone to crucial and based off of that I think I will be able to snag some deals off ebay to max it out at 8gb.

2. Hard Drive- It has a 250 gb 7200 sata

3. CD Drive- Pioneer DVD-RW: I feel pretty satisfied with this, but is it possible to add a blue ray one?

4. Video Card: Right now it has the ATI Radeon 9600. What is the best video card this computer can have?

5. Wifi and Bluetooth: On the back of the computer it have the wifi logo and bluetooth. What can i do about this? I have read that others were just buying usb and bluetooh adapters, but it does seem like the computer might already have some support for it.

6: PCI-X: I have 3 free slots. What can I add to really make this computer shine? TV Tuner? Any other suggestions

I'm I missing anything that can be upgraded or added to this computer?

Software/OS:
I am aware that the latest version that this computer can run is the OS X 10.5.8 Leopard. I am using this video as a guide
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55oH_nxikdU

For software I cam across sites like:
http://www.oldapps.com/mac/
http://www.macintouch.com/leopard/compat.html
http://www.powerpcsoftware.com/
I have also heard of the TenFourFox Browser
(I not sure why but I am able to view hulu and youtube in safari as of now?)

Are there any must have software for a g5?

 

[Intell]

You could add a Blr-Ray drive, but it would be a waste in a PowerPC Mac. They can't play back Blu-Ray media. The one of the best video cards for it is the ATI X800/X800. They run about $80-$140 for already flashed or Mac edition cards. You can get a PC FireGL3x card for it and flash it yourself, but you don't have ADC capability with it anymore.

Your machine has the internal antennas for Bluetooth and WiFi, but not the cards or the external antennas. They take Airport Extreme cards and little Bluetooth boards. The external antennas are a bit expensive, causing many people to use an internal antenna or a USB solution. Beyond another gigabit Ethernet card or a RAID card, there isn't much you can use the PCI-X slots for. Most Mac PCI cards will work just fine in them.

 

[jrsx]

For the software end of things....

I would suggest TenFourFox for web browsing, Microsoft Office 2004-2008, OpenOffice or iWork 09' is a great alternative, MacTubes and the MacTubes Enabler for YouTube, because PowerPC doesn't handle flash well, also, I would suggest iLife 08' or iLife 09'
I might disable Spotlight and Dashboard for speed VLC Player is a good alternative for media, but personally I just use the built in DVD player. If languages take up too much space on your system, try Monolingual, which will delete those extra languages.
A good software site for other things you might want or need: http://ppcarchive.dyniform.net

 

[California]

You could add a Blr-Ray drive, but it would be a waste in a PowerPC Mac. They can't play back Blu-Ray media.

I thought there was a work around for PPC Macs to play Blu Ray. I think it exists somewhere.

This is the card I would get if I had your Mac. I've owned a couple back in the day, great card. They shipped with your Powermac as an upgrade from Apple; as you can see it is Apple branded:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NVIDIA-GeFo...943?pt=PCC_Video_TV_Cards&hash=item338a9a82d7

Hello, I just received my first Mac computer. It is an Early Power Mac G5, 2.7 Ghz with 3gb of ram.

I have done some research and just had a couple of question, but was also looking for suggestions on how to get the most out of this computer. I would really only be using it for internet browsing, music, movies, homework, and maybe photo/video editing (I have always wanted to learn)

1. Memory- I have gone to crucial and based off of that I think I will be able to snag some deals off ebay to max it out at 8gb.

2. Hard Drive- It has a 250 gb 7200 sata

3. CD Drive- Pioneer DVD-RW: I feel pretty satisfied with this, but is it possible to add a blue ray one?

4. Video Card: Right now it has the ATI Radeon 9600. What is the best video card this computer can have?

5. Wifi and Bluetooth: On the back of the computer it have the wifi logo and bluetooth. What can i do about this? I have read that others were just buying usb and bluetooh adapters, but it does seem like the computer might already have some support for it.

6: PCI-X: I have 3 free slots. What can I add to really make this computer shine? TV Tuner? Any other suggestions

I'm I missing anything that can be upgraded or added to this computer?

Software/OS:
I am aware that the latest version that this computer can run is the OS X 10.5.8 Leopard. I am using this video as a guide
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55oH_nxikdU

For software I cam across sites like:
http://www.oldapps.com/mac/
http://www.macintouch.com/leopard/compat.html
http://www.powerpcsoftware.com/
I have also heard of the TenFourFox Browser
(I not sure why but I am able to view hulu and youtube in safari as of now?)

Are there any must have software for a g5?

Image
Image
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[MrPilot]

dont get TenFourFox browser, it's not going to let you use ANY flash at all.

Huge handicap and really nothing to be gained by it.
Flash works very well with webkit for leopard browser, a modernized and optimized safari (dont get any version 538.x.x it's a tad slow) Roccat is also pretty good.

Flash works well on this powerbook g4 and surely on yours it'll fly

BE ADVICED:

Better graphics cards won't let you play HD movies better as there is no graphic accelerated playback!
Best PPC performing media player is XBMC followed by latest VLC for ppc

 

[eyoungren]

dont get TenFourFox browser, it's not going to let you use ANY flash at all.

Seriously? You're advising the OP not to use the one modern and updated browser that the PowerPC community has simply because plugins are disabled by default as a security measure?

So, use Firefox 3.x instead?

Huge handicap and really nothing to be gained by it.

I beg to differ. It's modern. It's updated. It's equivalent to Firefox 24, where Mozilla left PowerPC back at Firefox 3. Try using Facebook with Firefox 3. Addons? Including ones that work for current versions of Firefox that PowerPC Mac cannot run? Addons that Safari and Leopard Webkit do not implement very well if at all?

Can you customize Safari, Roccat or Leopard Webkit? Themes, add in bars, custom icons, etc?

Flash works very well with webkit for leopard browser, a modernized and optimized safari (dont get any version 538.x.x it's a tad slow) Roccat is also pretty good.

Both good options. But there is no one browser these days that does everything. I use T4Fx for my general browsing. When I want to watch a video online I use Safari or Camino. Both outdated browsers, but ones that do work with Flash. Don't throw out the secure browser for general internet surfing duty just because plugins are disabled.

If your video watching happens to be mainly Youtube, why not also use Mactubes (a dedicated app) instead of a browser.

Be advised. There are some in the Mac community (ME) who have a SERIOUS, SERIOUS HATRED for Safari and Webkit browsers.

 

[Intell]

This is the card I would get if I had your Mac. I've owned a couple back in the day, great card. They shipped with your Powermac as an upgrade from Apple; as you can see it is Apple branded:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NVIDIA-GeFo...943?pt=PCC_Video_TV_Cards&hash=item338a9a82d7

The GeForce 6800 Ultra isn't the fastest AGP card for a G5, the ATI X800/X850 is: http://www.barefeats.com/radx800.html

dont get TenFourFox browser, it's not going to let you use ANY flash at all.

Huge handicap and really nothing to be gained by it.
Flash works very well with webkit for leopard browser, a modernized and optimized safari (dont get any version 538.x.x it's a tad slow) Roccat is also pretty good.

Those who still use the dangerously outdated Flash player are not very wise when it comes to computer security. Even just recently, Adobe pushed out a new fix for a zero day exploit to Flash player that effects all versions prior to 12.0.44, including PowerPC 10.2. It allows for total control of the target's computer. A silly risk to take just to watch an internet video or play a simple game.

 

[jrsx]

dont get TenFourFox browser, it's not going to let you use ANY flash at all.

Huge handicap and really nothing to be gained by it.

Flash works well on this powerbook g4 and surely on yours it'll fly

We're talking about PowerPC here, not intel
TenFourFox is an EXCELLENT browser for the PPC platform. Youtube runs great in MacTubes, which I already explained.

"Flash works well on this powerbook g4 and surely on yours it'll fly"
Really. PPC can't handle flash well on hardly any browser, except occasionally camino. But flash never flies on a PPC based mac.

 

[eyoungren]

never[/B] flies on a PPC based mac.

Ain't THAT the truth!!!

 

[MrPilot]

We're talking about PowerPC here, not intel
TenFourFox is an EXCELLENT browser for the PPC platform. Youtube runs great in MacTubes, which I already explained.

"Flash works well on this powerbook g4 and surely on yours it'll fly"
Really. PPC can't handle flash well on hardly any browser, except occasionally camino. But flash never flies on a PPC based mac.

I can promise that he will be able to use flash without issues if he stays on webkit.

Camino wasn't fast at all with flash, I have had in the past more luck with omniweb for that.

The security aspect of flash is nothing that worries me. Java is also unsafe, yet I use it. Flying airplanes is also considered potentionally dangerous, but yet I fly. I cross the streets knowing people get killed every day.

And if I go to sites like tubeplus me, facebook, and others I'd like to be able to watch videos. Flash is unfortunately the standard and my trusty old PB works just fine with that!

Telling people to completely ignore flash is like ignoring a big part of the web content.

That is why I don't like TFF.

 

[Intell]

Continuing to use severely insecure and outdated plugins on a PowerPC system is the rough the same to crossing a very busy street or flying in an unmaintained aircraft. Yes, you may survive a few times, but you'll get hit or crash rather soon. As opposed to crossing an empty street or flying on a well maintained aircraft, which would be like using up to date plugins. Just don't come crying to MacRumors when your machine starts acting funny or your accounts are broken into due to your continued use of insecure plugins.

 

[jrsx]

Continuing to use severely insecure and outdated plugins on a PowerPC system is the rough the same to crossing a very busy street or flying in an unmaintained aircraft. Yes, you may survive a few times, but you'll get hit or crash rather soon. As opposed to crossing an empty street or flying on a well maintained aircraft, which would be like using up to date plugins. Just don't come crying to MacRumors when your machine starts acting funny or your accounts are broken into due to your continued use of insecure plugins.

I honestly couldn't have said it better.

I can promise that he will be able to use flash without issues if he stays on webkit.

Never the case for anyone.

Camino wasn't fast at all with flash, I have had in the past more luck with omniweb for that.

Again, not the case for most people.

That is why I don't like TFF.

Did I even begin to mention how much faster TFF is than any other browser?

 

[MrPilot]

Just don't come crying to MacRumors when your machine starts acting funny or your accounts are broken into due to your continued use of insecure plugins.

Of my rather large social circle spanning three continents, I only know ONE guy who got a RANSOMWARE Trojan. That's it. Oh maybe the occational virus on older xp boxes, but that's it.

The latest flash 0day hole is based of content that is actively triggered by the user. I always set the content to be displayed on the flash placeholder "on demand" as it not only improves security, but also lessens the strain on the CPU.

So far, java seems to be an even bigger concern than flash but I realize that I still need it. I ain't gonna stop using flash and java because I'd only end up trashing the pbg4 and use only my mbp. That's not happening. Besides, there really isn't much they can do with this old puter...

Btw, having an outdated platform like ppc mac gives you a certain amount of insurance against malicious attacks... simply because this platform has an almost non-existent market share.

And yes, a well maintained airplane can still be a victim of a poor batch of type IV deicing fluids for example.

And oh jrsx, remember your poor flash experience might stem form a lower-spec:ed CPU. the OP clearly has a nice dual 2.7Ghz. Heck even this old PBG4 can display flash in HD (ok, ok for HD I have to use VLC to display the flash video)

PS. Try icloud on TFF vs webkit for leopard ... try web spotify and notice a difference? I'm talking about the 537 builds not 538

I could post videos of both in action

 

[eyoungren]

Of my rather large social circle spanning three continents, I only know ONE guy who got a RANSOMWARE Trojan. That's it. Oh maybe the occational virus on older xp boxes, but that's it.

The latest flash 0day hole is based of content that is actively triggered by the user. I always set the content to be displayed on the flash placeholder "on demand" as it not only improves security, but also lessens the strain on the CPU.

So far, java seems to be an even bigger concern than flash but I realize that I still need it. I ain't gonna stop using flash and java because I'd only end up trashing the pbg4 and use only my mbp. That's not happening. Besides, there really isn't much they can do with this old puter...

Btw, having an outdated platform like ppc mac gives you a certain amount of insurance against malicious attacks... simply because this platform has an almost non-existent market share.

And yes, a well maintained airplane can still be a victim of a poor batch of type IV deicing fluids for example.

And oh jrsx, remember your poor flash experience might stem form a lower-spec:ed CPU. the OP clearly has a nice dual 2.7Ghz. Heck even this old PBG4 can display flash in HD

PS. Try icloud on TFF vs webkit for leopard ... try web spotify and notice a difference? I'm talking about the 537 builds not 538

I could post videos of both in action

No one is arguing against the merits of other browsers when it comes to Flash, or plugins or so on. But disabled plugins in T4Fx is not such a signifigant issue for a lot of us here that we would simply dump T4Fx and refuse to use it ever again because of that.

Other than security it has a lot going for it that the other browsers don't. Again, I mention customization, addons, themes. For myself I am quite willing to sacrafice a bit of speed for the customized experience I have on the net using my customized version of TenFourFox. I'm quite happy with the way FB works with it and the fact that I can use Stylish to style FB the way I want to is a big plus.

You can't do a lot of these same things with the other browsers. No speed dial, no ability to customize shortcuts and so on. Sure, there's Top Sites, but that's not speed dial. I hate digging through bookmarks or the bookmark bar to find what I want.

Which is why I say that utilizing more than one browser is pretty much the reality. No single browser has everything most people want or can do most of what everyone wants.

I don't use T4Fx for iCloud. This is when I pull out my custom Fluid made browser app that is specific to that site and use that. Fluid is based on webkit. I hate webkit. But in this instance, a Fluid app does the job better than TenFourFox. But I don't use Webkit for my general browsing because not being able to customize it the way I want always drives me nuts!

My point is that just because T4Fx is incapable or even deficient in one area is not a reason to toss the entire thing out. Just use a different browser for something else.

Lastly, because T4Fx IS equivalent to Firefox, there are a number of about:config changes you can make to improve it's speed and memory issues. You CAN'T do that with non-Mozilla based browsers at all.

 

[jrsx]

And oh jrsx, remember your poor flash experience might stem form a lower-spec:ed CPU. the OP clearly has a nice dual 2.7Ghz.

No, no...... it's not about the CPU. It doesn't matter if it's a 300 MHz G3, or a 2.7 GHz quad G5, it's just that flash just isn't good on PPC. It's like trying to take a 15 ton plane off with two propeller engines. It might be possible, but it won't really fly.

 

[Intell]

Of my rather large social circle spanning three continents, I only know ONE guy who got a RANSOMWARE Trojan. That's it. Oh maybe the occational virus on older xp boxes, but that's it.

The latest flash 0day hole is based of content that is actively triggered by the user. I always set the content to be displayed on the flash placeholder "on demand" as it not only improves security, but also lessens the strain on the CPU.

So far, java seems to be an even bigger concern than flash but I realize that I still need it. I ain't gonna stop using flash and java because I'd only end up trashing the pbg4 and use only my mbp. That's not happening. Besides, there really isn't much they can do with this old puter...

Btw, having an outdated platform like ppc mac gives you a certain amount of insurance against malicious attacks... simply because this platform has an almost non-existent market share.

And yes, a well maintained airplane can still be a victim of a poor batch of type IV deicing fluids for example.

Just because you may not know of malware, doesn't mean it isn't there. Well made malware doesn't present itself to the user and is designed to run as long as possible without being detected. Your machines could be harboring some currently undetected malware as you read this. Just because the latest zero day exploit must be triggered by the then user, doesn't mean the other exploits fixed since Flash player 10.2 doesn't. All it takes is a bit of social engineering, something that will be helped along by your extensive social circle, to click the malicious Flash or Java applet. By the way, one fun thing about Java and Flash player is how they are byte code and the exploit and payload within them will run the same no matter the CPU architecture, if written in Java or ActionScript. Be it ARM, MIPS, Intell, or PowerPC. It'll run its payload and infect the end machine. One thing nifty thing about the airline industry is that it has many safeguards in place. While the chances of the de-icing fluid not performing well or as designed may be there, they are still much less than someone running outdated Java and Flash plugins getting exploited.

 

[iamMacPerson]

Just be ready, those Liquid Cooling systems need repairs every few years or so and is probably due for them by now.

TenFourFox is a must for PPC systems running 10.4 or 10.5. As far as YouTube goes, MacTubes is bad IMO. With Safari 5 (10.5.8 required), you can install extensions. Among those is YouTube5, an extension that converts any and all YouTube videos to HTML5 and doesn't overload the processor and graphics card. Runs great really on any G4/G5 system with 10.5.8. Auto set the quality to 360 or 480p and your off to the races. Just let it buffer the whole video before playing (might not be a big issue on G5 systems, but I wouldn't know).

 

[maflynn]

[MOD NOTE]
Lets stay on topic folks, this thread is not about planes. I've removed the OT posts.

 

[hulksmashed31]

Update:
I was struggling for some reason with a fresh install of OS X Leopard 10.5.8 the enhanced version, so I dont think I have to touch monoligual and xstripper stuff.
I got it working now though, it it looks great and its fast.

I have read the other post about TenFourFox vs Webkit.
From my understanding Safari is unsafe to its security when using flash. (Seems like I am able to play youtube/hulu without any problems)
Thats why we use TenfourFox, but we just have to download Quick Time Enabler, MacTube Enabler, and Flash 10.1

I might try webkit in the future, but honestly the TenfourFox site just looks a lot cleaner and easier to navigate, so I'll use that as my deciding factor lol.

So that being said so far I have downloaded:
(All from http://ppcarchive.dyniform.net, thanks jrsx for the link)
TenFourFox:
-QuickTime Enabler
-Mactube Enabler
Mactube
YouView
Dropbox
VLC
Spotify
Flash 10.1
Delivery Status

Now I am interested in:
Microsoft Office vs Open Office or Both?
Plex Media Center

Still doing some hardware research, but thanks for all the comments!

 

[Intell]

There is an older (mid-2012 build) of Plex for PowerPC. It's hit or miss for different machines. It seems to work best with a good CoreImage capiable card. I don't recall if it would playback videos with my G5's GeForce 5200.

 

[jrsx]

I might try webkit in the future, but honestly the TenfourFox site just looks a lot cleaner and easier to navigate, so I'll use that as my deciding factor lol.

TenFourFox is the safest, fastest, and most modern, in my opinion. I would recommend sticking with it. I tried going back to Safari/Webkit recently, and I noticed how much better TenFourFox is than at first it seems

So that being said so far I have downloaded:
(All from http://ppcarchive.dyniform.net, thanks jrsx for the link)
TenFourFox:
-QuickTime Enabler
-Mactube Enabler
Mactube
YouView
Dropbox
VLC
Spotify
Flash 10.1
Delivery Status

No problem. gavinstubbs09 made the website.

Now I am interested in:
Microsoft Office vs Open Office or Both?

Microsoft Office 2008 is great for Leopard, but it's pretty expensive. OpenOffice usually cuts it, so if your not willing to spend a lot of money on Office, I would go with OpenOffice. You can also pick up iWork 09' for pretty cheap.

 

[hulksmashed31]

Just be ready, those Liquid Cooling systems need repairs every few years or so and is probably due for them by now.

TenFourFox is a must for PPC systems running 10.4 or 10.5. As far as YouTube goes, MacTubes is bad IMO. With Safari 5 (10.5.8 required), you can install extensions. Among those is YouTube5, an extension that converts any and all YouTube videos to HTML5 and doesn't overload the processor and graphics card. Runs great really on any G4/G5 system with 10.5.8. Auto set the quality to 360 or 480p and your off to the races. Just let it buffer the whole video before playing (might not be a big issue on G5 systems, but I wouldn't know).

Is there a certain version of Youtube5 i need to look for? or just the most up to date one?
Ya i also read about the Liquid Cooling System, i hope it stay intact for as long as possible. Ya if Safari is safe just to browse videos ill definitely do that.

I have been playing around with TenFourFox and like others suggested, it doesnt handle flash. I am fine with that because there is added security.
I have 2 questions:
-I'm I able to make an online puchase with TenFourFox without being paranoid?
-If i just want to watch a video that requires flash like hulu, is it dangerous to use Safari?

 

[Intell]

TenFourFox is just as safe as Firefox. Just make sure you're using the latest version, as of this post that's 24.3.0. Using stock Safari with the Flash plugin is very insecure. You can make it slightly more secure by using WebKit for Leopard, but you'll still be using the insecure Flash player 10.

 

[hulksmashed31]

TenFourFox is just as safe as Firefox. Just make sure you're using the latest version, as of this post that's 24.3.0. Using stock Safari with the Flash plugin is very insecure. You can make it slightly more secure by using WebKit for Leopard, but you'll still be using the insecure Flash player 10.

Okay thank you
Guess ill have to try webkit then.
I noticed there are a lot of version is there a specific one im looking for?

 

[Intell]

Get the stable version from here: http://code.google.com/p/leopard-webkit/wiki/Downloads?tm=2