Replacing HDD in A1133 iBook G4

[ikoniq]

Good morning!

I've bought myself a little project, an A1133 iBook G4, for toying around with. I plan on doing some restoration, tearing it down and cleaning it up, replacing the HDD with an MSATA SSD, etc. First off, I need to know if there's a hard size limitation with disk storage in the A1133 iBooks or if that's only the older ones. I was thinking about picking up a 256 GB mSATA SSD and a 2.5" mSATA to 44 pin PATA converter and I figure there's a few of you who have suggestions in terms of compatibility and reliability. Based on what I've seen, I really don't want to have to take this damn thing apart more than once 😂

 

[Amethyst1]

First off, I need to know if there's a hard size limitation with disk storage in the A1133 iBooks or if that's only the older ones.

There's no 128 GB size limit because the iBook supports 48-bit LBA.

 

[SecretSquirrel]

I really don't want to have to take this damn thing apart more than once

Yes these little guys can be a bit challenging to crack open. Best advice I can offer is to get hold of an old Spotify or gift card and file an edge on two sides and the corner- it’s just the right thickness to get in there and release some of the plastic clips. Enjoy your project! 😊

 

[eyoungren]

Good morning!

I've bought myself a little project, an A1133 iBook G4, for toying around with. I plan on doing some restoration, tearing it down and cleaning it up, replacing the HDD with an MSATA SSD, etc. First off, I need to know if there's a hard size limitation with disk storage in the A1133 iBooks or if that's only the older ones. I was thinking about picking up a 256 GB mSATA SSD and a 2.5" mSATA to 44 pin PATA converter and I figure there's a few of you who have suggestions in terms of compatibility and reliability. Based on what I've seen, I really don't want to have to take this damn thing apart more than once 😂

Only thing I can suggest here is to be very careful if you need to disconnect the hd cable from the logicboard. I had a friend give me an iBook G4 for my daughter and for the life of me I could not get Leopard installed because the Mac kept freezing during install.

Turns out that when he upgraded the hard drive he had torn the LB HD connecter partially off the logicboard. Basically, that small mistake rendered that iBook as impossible to use for normal use.

 

[hopfenholz]

Never mind gift cards, get yourself a proper set of tools if you're taking apart these macs. Not expensive and will make the job so much easier.

Something like this

26pcs Glasses Repair Kit/Screwdriver, Magnetic Precision Screwdriver Set, ESD Pliers, Metal Spatula, Cleaning Brush, Nylon Spudger for Glasses, Sunglasses Phone(iPhone), Laptop, Watch

Screwdrivers are widely used to repair everyday electronic equipment, such as smart phones, tablets, iPad Air, laptops, Macs, Macbook Pros, desktops, computers, cameras, printers, thermostats, game consoles, watches, even glasses, jewelry, guitars, Xbox. 8*Magnetic precision screwdrivers ...

www.amazon.co.uk

 

[SecretSquirrel]

get yourself a proper set of tools if you're taking apart these macs.

If buying tools specifically for this kind of work, I would recommend the set which iFixit sell as it has different shapes of spudger which is always helpful.

However to get the iBook open, regular spudgers are too thick and even nylon spudgers can leave damage. You need something thin, rigid yet flexible to get under the case edge and release the clips without damaging the plastic - it’s the same for PB or MBP display bezels. Old bank cards or gift cards are perfect for the job and you can bin them when they get damaged. Back in the day when I was flipping a lot of these I could get into an iBook in 20 secs or less, repair and have it boxed up and running in 10 mins.