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Replacement Hard drive for Powerbook G4

Also need new hard drive for powerbook g4 17"

Hi there,

Was wondering if anyone could tell me which drive to get. I have this: Hardware Overview:

Model Name: PowerBook G4 17"
Model Identifier: PowerBook5,9
Processor Name: PowerPC G4 (1.5)
Processor Speed: 1.67 GHz
Number Of CPUs: 1
L2 Cache (per CPU): 512 KB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 167 MHz
Boot ROM Version: 4.9.6f0


1) I need at least a 250gb hard drive, but don't know which one. I know it should be an IDE, that's all.

2) Do I need more ram? Where do I get that? Which kind?

3) what about installation kits? data transfer?

Thanks! I called our only tech place in town and they want $189 for installation of a hard drive and $150 for data transfer! That on top of the hard drive cost.
 
I just replaced the HD on my macbook (very easy job) and went through the same size issues.

In the end I went for a 320GB 5400rpm drive, as when it has 200GB of stuff on it, it will be far faster than a 200GB 7200rpm drive that is 95% full.

So go for the biggest IDE drive you can afford. I tried to replace the drive on a dying iBook, and I screwed it up - I pulled one cable socket right off the mobo, killing the iBook stone dead. I think it's the same as the poster above, NotJustJay. How did you manage to fix it?
 
you need a western digital 250gb ide 2.5" ide hard drive do the repair yourself (www.ifixit.com) so much cheaper!!

the socket on the motherboard can be replaced but you will have to solder it and be v careful!
 
appleaddy said:
Hi there,

1) I need at least a 250gb hard drive, but don't know which one. I know it should be an IDE, that's all.

2) Do I need more ram? Where do I get that? Which kind?

3) what about installation kits? data transfer?

Thanks! I called our only tech place in town and they want $189 for installation of a hard drive and $150 for data transfer! That on top of the hard drive cost.
Click to expand...

1) "At least" 250 Gb? 250Gb is the largest capacity drive that is available for your PB. "At least" in this case equals "At most".

There is only one PATA drive that is at 250Gb, and that is WD (google WD2500BEVE). (I installed this exact HD into my 1.5Ghz PB in March and it has been good so far).

2) More RAM is entirely up to you. This has nothing to do with what drive capacity you have or want to.

3) An installation kit? That would be you once you get a couple of needed screwdrivers (see the procedure and req-s for your particular model at ifixit.com). It is not the easiest job to do but is not the hardest. Make sure you have a printout of the ifixit guide and all the necessary screwdrivers. I had decided to go with bad tools for my replacement (was too impatient and used oversized phillips screwdrivers) and ended up breaking a couple of screws such that one is still sticking out of the case half-way in (or half-way out, depending on how you look at it).

Transferring data? Before installing your hard drive you might want to place your new drive into an enclosure and make a copy of your current hard drive using SuperDuper. This is a free (donationware?) program that works very well. Carbon Copy Cloner does too.

The price quoted is a ripoff. Unless you are highly paid executive or have severe technophobia, you should do it yourself. In the end, it gives a sense of accomplishment as a free perk :).
 
Seagate Momentus 5400 rpm/160GB

I just received this from newegg.com. I paid $74.95 with s/h.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...A-Approvel-_-Content-_-text-_-N82E16822148073

I still need to buy the spudger tool so I can safely open my 15" PB's crashed hd. I want to make sure I have all the right tools based on ifixit's step-by-step instructions before I open the PB for surgery. :)

I bought the iMac 20" with 2GB/2.66 ghz Intel Core 2 duo. I am not in a real hurry to replace the PB's HD.
 
Jaymax said:
Thank you very much for your advise my friend, you have been of great help!;)
Click to expand...

You are more than welcome. Good luck with it all.

just a few points of advice (and summary of what others have said too);

1) Use an egg box or Ice cube tray to keep the screws separate.
2) Use the ifixit guide on another computer next to you if you can. (or failing that print it out)
3) Ground yourself before poking about inside. (just touch something metal) better safe than sorry.
4) Go slow, be careful when taking off the keyboard/top cover, they are usually still attached on the bottom side.
5)Get the right size screwdrivers (including the torx) before you start. It's easy to thread a screw.(I've done this too many times)
6) I found bent needle nose pliers to be useful for removing things stuck to the logic board (you don't want to be pulling on the wires!)
 

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ATA-6 vs. SATA

alphaod said:
Well the 250GB is only $99, so why get a 160GB?
Click to expand...

Yes, the 250GB is only $99. Based on what I read here, I need ATA-6 drive. The 250GB is SATA. I believe this 250GB drive will work with the PB generation after mine and the newer Macbooks. I could be wrong. ;)
 
Just picked up a WD scorpio 250GB HD for my PBG4 15". Debating having Best Buy do the instal for $50 USD. Seems to be reasonalbe price. Anyone have good/bad luck with Best Buy for doing computer work?
 
if your not comfortable get them to do it, if you are buy some ram with the $50 ;)

make sure they are warrantied as well
 
junior77 said:
Debating having Best Buy do the instal for $50 USD. Seems to be reasonalbe price. Anyone have good/bad luck with Best Buy for doing computer work?
Click to expand...

50 dollars seems reasonable I suppose, but I would recommend doing it yourself...
It really isn't that hard. But on the other hand if you tend to snap things off and have fingers like sausages..50 bucks isn't that much for peace of mind.

Will they transfer your data over too? or just do the HD swap?
 
RAM is maxed out at 2GB.

They will not transfer data over, $50 is just for the hard drive swap. To transfer data is additional exoborant cost. ~$100-150.

I have a Super Duper copy on a FW external drive, so that should be easy to transfer back.

BestBuy are supposedly Apple certified, insured, with IIRC a 30 day warranty.

I probably *could* do the install myself, but am afraid I might bend something or break a tab, etc...
 
Anyone know how much Apple will charge?

I can't get an answer over the phone, either retail store directly or telephone tech support. Apple insists on scheduling an appointment with the Genius bar. PITA!!
 
junior77 said:
Anyone know how much Apple will charge?

I can't get an answer over the phone, either retail store directly or telephone tech support. Apple insists on scheduling an appointment with the Genius bar. PITA!!
Click to expand...

After making the trip to the Apple store I was told they do not offer that service. They will only replace the drive with the same exact size. So, glad they couldn't tell that to me over the phone!!!!

I then considered to buy the tools necessary to install it myself....local computer store wanted ~$15 for the tools or $40 to do it themselves. Figure, I'd save myself the pain and trouble for $25.
 
acruzjr said:
Oic, yes I saw the WD Scorpio's. My personal preference is the Seagate. After the HD crashed on this PB, I have NO intention to store a lot of my critical data here. I will backup somewhere else regularly. Thank you for the recommendation.
Click to expand...

Btw, I just finished installing Mac OS X in my PB after replacing the drive. I just made sure I have all the recommended tools from iFixit's site.
 
quick question: i've noticed on my powerbook that the fan kicks in all the time. after say 5 minutes of low usage (2-3 tabs on firefox, no other progs) it comes on. anyone else have this issue and have a solution? maybe hard drive related? or age?
 
acruzjr said:
Oic, yes I saw the WD Scorpio's. My personal preference is the Seagate. After the HD crashed on this PB, I have NO intention to store a lot of my critical data here. I will backup somewhere else regularly. Thank you for the recommendation.
Click to expand...

I prefer Seagate as well, but unfortunately the WD is only option out there AFAIK.

donga said:
quick question: i've noticed on my powerbook that the fan kicks in all the time. after say 5 minutes of low usage (2-3 tabs on firefox, no other progs) it comes on. anyone else have this issue and have a solution? maybe hard drive related? or age?
Click to expand...

Yeah I have that issue too. I hate it. My kicks on when the computer is doing nothing.
 
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