Power Mac G5 Random Freezing and No Signal Going to Display

[justperry]

It's probably worth remembering, before throwing money around, that old G5s are available in the $100-200 range. While I hate to see any computer go on a scrap heap, if the OP's problems are more than software, he very quickly will approach the point where he would be better to buy a "new" old G5.

In essence I agree, but the OP is not in North America where secondhand Powermacs are cheap to come by, sending such a machine to the UK will cost more than the Powermac.
All in all, it's hard to know what's wrong, I myself can repair electronics to an extent but then I have to see it myself.
I could for instance measure the voltages on the Power supply on a load.
Or just look at the motherboard, if there are anomalies.
As I suggested the OP should start with the easy parts, if it was a RAM problem you would most likely hear a beep , if you have a SATA drive at hand, just try to get that one in.
Step by step you can try to eliminate probable causes.

I've got the ASD CD ready, but I'm still just getting a blank screen

[EDIT] So you're saying that, if it is a problem with the crack like you just described, that it's pointless trying to repair it anyway?

It really depends, for instance if it's just a loose solder connection it is easy to repair, if it's a component it's probably too hard to repair.

The only problems with that are:

1: It's America delivery only, and I'm in the UK
2: I have no idea of how to check if it even fits, let alone how to fit it.

1: Yes, I am aware you are in the UK
thejaffinator
macrumors newbie

Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: England

2: There should be a sticker on the power supply with an item number, but as I said, you don't know if the power supply IS the problem

 

[mike457]

In essence I agree, but the OP is not in North America where secondhand Powermacs are cheap to come by, sending such a machine to the UK will cost more than the Powermac.

A quick look at eBay in the UK does show that (while there are crazy prices) there are G5s in the £80-120 range. If the OP does get to the point where it's hardware costing money, he should weigh the possibility of replacing the machine.

 

[justperry]

A quick look at eBay in the UK does show that (while there are crazy prices) there are G5s in the £80-120 range. If the OP does get to the point where it's hardware costing money, he should weigh the possibility of replacing the machine.

Yeah, I should have checked myself before I say something, I do know though that in some countries in Europe they ask stupid high prices for secondhand Macs.
In the Netherlands for instance it's hard to find good deals, they all seem to want to get the max. possible.

 

[thejaffinator]

I'm back!

And still only the startup sound and a blank screen is there to greet me.

The fan noise is still only at 50%, so I'm leaning evermore towards the faulty power supply suggestion.

If I were to get a new power supply (and I'm not saying that I'm going to or anything), would anyone be willing to help me install it as I have no idea what to do?

 

[justperry]

I'm back!

And still only the startup sound and a blank screen is there to greet me.

The fan noise is still only at 50%, so I'm leaning evermore towards the faulty power supply suggestion.

If I were to get a new power supply (and I'm not saying that I'm going to or anything), would anyone be willing to help me install it as I have no idea what to do?

Installing a new power supply isn't that hard, probably only a few plugs and screws, if you want to find out how you can go to ifixit.


Link to ifixit powersupply

I am of to bed now, past 12.00 now.

Edit: It's a bit more complicated than I thought, still doable if you are a bit handy.
And now I am really of to bed.

 

[havokalien]

Motherboard

Intermittent problems upon heat up point to bad cold solder joints on ram or CPU failure. Super common on these machines. If you have already cleaned all the dust out and reseated everything you can try the blow drye trick. Open the case use a hair dryer on the ram slots area, get it good and hot, then hit the base of the CPU, if it starts you know for sure.

Good luck, thank whoever said lead was to dangerous "in" electronics for these failures. Never had this issue until the switch. Cold solder just bites the big one.

 

[Timewinder]

Hi, to answer your question. ASD is short for Apple Service Diagnostic - its a more comprehensive hardware testing application usually restricted to Apple techs only and not available for the general public. Unlike the Apple Hardware Test which if any errors in hardware do come up, it gives you a hex type cryptic error message which sometimes can't be deciphered, where as ASD tells you in simple english what the error is.

I have 2.5.8 and also 2.6.3 for those who need them. Every mac user, whether you have a G4, G5 or intel mac pro SHOULD have these important comprehensive testing applications.

Send me a private msg and I can hook you up if you need it.

PPCMM

Hi, I need ASD 2.5.8, but I can't send a PM on this forum (yet)