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Is this a good G5 deal?

WalnutSpice

WalnutSpice

Suspended
Original poster
Jun 21, 2015
456
92
Canton, Oh
So me and a friend are getting into content production and video editing. We both have nice PCs but I would like for us to be using Final Cut 3.5 HD Which I own. It runs amazingly well on my Dual 1.8GHz G5 and I can edit in 720p comfortably. I'm looking into purchasing a second G5 for my friend to use and I came across a Dual 2.0GHz PowerMac G5 w/ 8GB RAM from late 2005 on Craigslist for $200.
Now, If I did purchase, this would definitely be mine and I'd have my friend use my November 2004 Dual 1.8GHz with a 128MB Geforce 5200 and 3GB RAM.

Here's the original listing:
http://cleveland.craigslist.org/sys/5320673120.html
 
Considering the prices of most of them on eBay, I think it's a good deal. 200$ seems like a very acceptable price for a 2x2GHz model. However, his explanations aren't very clear on the listing so be careful.
 
garirry said:
Considering the prices of most of them on eBay, I think it's a good deal. 200$ seems like a very acceptable price for a 2x2GHz model. However, his explanations aren't very clear on the listing so be careful.
Click to expand...
Yeah, details are a little rough but I give people some slack with PowerPC Macs.
 
I think the price is a bit expensive in my opinion, however, cant really say anything since I got my Dual 2.3 G5 for free so... See if you can ease him down a little, but be smart about it!
 
If you can talk him down to about $170 you would have a great deal because you can then spend the other $30 on an upgraded graphics card (7800gt or a x1900 for example).
 
I find that for me local face-to-face dealing works best, the sellers are very often swayed at the sight of the cash in hand even though it might be less then they were asking. I also assume most sellers have set their prices with the expectation of having to deal down somewhat.
So why not go for it?
 
What does this mean:

"I even have the special power cable you MUST have to just plug it into the socket."

Is there something unique about this model that requires a specific power cable? I know Apple provided cables have unique end on them which makes them look nicer but to my knowledge any standard power cable will work.

As to the OPs question...I think it's too high. I've seen plenty of the, albeit older, dual 2.0GHz systems selling for $100 or less.
 
pl595 said:
What does this mean:

"I even have the special power cable you MUST have to just plug it into the socket."

Is there something unique about this model that requires a specific power cable? I know Apple provided cables have unique end on them which makes them look nicer but to my knowledge any standard power cable will work.

As to the OPs question...I think it's too high. I've seen plenty of the, albeit older, dual 2.0GHz systems selling for $100 or less.
Click to expand...

Yes actually... The Quad G5s, which I don't believe this is, have specialized power cords since they require more power.
 
Thanks for information about the special power cable. I didn't realize there was one and now know to ensure it comes with the system.
 
pl595 said:
Is that all it is? A heavier duty cable capable of handling more current?
Click to expand...

The cable itself is pretty thick (compared to a traditional PC power cable). The end that plugs into the tower is configured/arranged a bit differently as well. When I first saw it, I thought it was from a different country, lol.
516002-5c017e9505e5ea8ded74233f15371130.jpg
 

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It's a IEC C19/C20 connector. It's 16A vs the 10A of the usual C13/14 "kettle" lead.

They're commonly used on datacentre kit like servers. 10A is fine for the 240V countries like those in Europe, but the 110V areas need the extra current for the 1kW PSU in the late G5s. It stands to reason they standardised the G5 range on the connector needed for the G5 Quad.
 
Seems expensive to me. In my area you can get a 1st gen Mac Pro for about $20-50 more which is significantly faster and more future proof.

I picked up my Dual 2.0ghz for $40 - with airport card, keyboard, and mouse.
 
CubeHacker said:
Seems expensive to me. In my area you can get a 1st gen Mac Pro for about $20-50 more which is significantly faster and more future proof.

I picked up my Dual 2.0ghz for $40 - with airport card, keyboard, and mouse.
Click to expand...

Where are you, because I'd want a $20-$50 Mac Pro!
 
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rawweb said:
To my knowledge all of the late 2005 g5's (2.0 2.3 and 2.5) require that special larger cable.
Click to expand...

That is correct.

BTW, here is a late '05 G5 cable next to an early '05(dual 2.7) cable. These are the original cables that shipped with the respective computers.

IMG_2099.jpg
 
G5's over $100 are not what I would consider a "good deal." As was noted above, you can score a first gen Mac Pro for under $300 these days.
 
I've recently got a G5 2x2,0GHz for 60$. It's a really cool computer design and my fastest PPC by now. I just couldn't resist to by it at this price.
Nearly got a heart attack, when I had to carry it quickly over a "short" distance to my car while the weather was really bad...
It's so heavy!
If you'd live next door I wouldn't hesitate to hand it over to you since the G5 is honestly a bit oversized to me ... Shipping is not an option.
By the way: the fan of that specific G5 is a bit noisy (too much for my opinion) and I also care about our future electricity bills ...
 
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