Upgrading a G5 Processor?

Step 1: Sell the computer.
Step 2: Buy a computer with the specs you want.

 

Why put money into old technology? I know you are getting it for free but your money would be better spent on something newer with an intel processor so you could at least run Snow Leopard and maybe even Lion when it's released. The highest you'll be able to go with a G5 is Leopard 10.5.8. While they are adequate machines for certain tasks, don't look pouring money into a PPC, look for a used Mac Pro 1,1 or iMac with an Intel CPU.

 

To make a single core G5 (either 1.6 or 1.8GHz, there never was a 1.9) a 2.5 quad, you'd need;

- a new logic board
- a new case that can take the logic board
- a new PSU
- new RAM
- a new graphics card
- new processors
- new cooling system

It's a completely different system, so except for the optical drive and the HDD, no parts are interchangeable. The only option to make your single a quad is so sell the single and buy a quad. Simple as that.

 

That's actually not bad at all. Go for it.

 

I don't have a g5, but tend to use older 'low-spec' pcs (I don't edit video or wall-size poster photos, etc, so don't need mega machines).
- ask the current owner under what circumstances the g5 has become deficient.
- I'd use that g5 for a while. if it's so horribly underpowered, you'll soon notice.
- also, if it does seem underpowered, check for cheaply fixed limitations. iow, more ram.
- afaik, software writers are currently 'abandoning' tiger 10.4, so any later osx should run the latest version of whatever might tempt you.

(also, if it does or does not work ok for you, i'd be curious if you followup post, including the name of the 'heavy duty' software that is or isn't taxing the g5...)