Here's a quick questions. I am looking for a 250GB hardrive for a dual G4 powermac. I am wondering if I can use a ordinary PC retail hardrive or do I have to buy a specially designed "Mac-compatible" hardrive. I don't see why a regular PC hardrive wouldn't work. Can someone help me with this?
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G4 Hardrives? Can I buy a regular PC hardrive?
- Thread starter obelix
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replace hard drive on a G4
Yes you can add any standard ATA hard drive you want to your G4. See this link from Apple http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=26259
One of the great advantages of Apple over PC towers is the terrific engineering that goes into the build of the machine. Its a joy to add hard drives, optical drives or PCI cards to a G4 tower. No sharp edges to cut your hands on. If only the fan system on the G4 MDD was as well designed.
Joe
Yes you can add any standard ATA hard drive you want to your G4. See this link from Apple http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=26259
One of the great advantages of Apple over PC towers is the terrific engineering that goes into the build of the machine. Its a joy to add hard drives, optical drives or PCI cards to a G4 tower. No sharp edges to cut your hands on. If only the fan system on the G4 MDD was as well designed.
Joe
Beware Western Digital
Although 95% of all the hard drives will work, there are a few that won't. Any Western Digital with a model number ending in 'J' will be seen but can't be formatted even by a G4 under 10.2+. I highly recommend Seagate as I have yet to find one with this issue (besides, they are a FAR better quality drive). I guarantee you'll be happy with it. They seem to have a much better life expectancy also. Just a preference and suggestion.
Although 95% of all the hard drives will work, there are a few that won't. Any Western Digital with a model number ending in 'J' will be seen but can't be formatted even by a G4 under 10.2+. I highly recommend Seagate as I have yet to find one with this issue (besides, they are a FAR better quality drive). I guarantee you'll be happy with it. They seem to have a much better life expectancy also. Just a preference and suggestion.
If your system doesn't have the Mirrored Drive Doors, stick to <137GB, to be safe. If you do have a QuickSilver, under your "About This Mac..." click on more info, and then on ATA. If it is ATA-100 or 133 you'll be fine with >137GB. To be on the safe side, I'd suggest buying an ATA-133 Card for the system and connect that way.
TEG
TEG