Would you buy this iBook G4?

[jrsx]

Why do these processors get so hot? I have used tons of other computers with many different ranges and brands of processors, and none, none, get as hot as PowerPC processors.

 

[RedCroissant]

Why do these processors get so hot? I have used tons of other computers with many different ranges and brands of processors, and none, none, get as hot as PowerPC processors.

Well, I think the main reason that the CPUs are getting so hot has something to do with their age. I think any machine and any CPU will start to heat up more often and reach higher temperatures as they get older or as more demand is placed on them.

I noticed this as well with all of my PPCs and I think that mainly has to do with running apps that these machines weren't necessarily designed for and increasing the load on the CPU.

As an example, I know my iBook G3 wasn't meant to run iWork '09, and I do it anyway. It also decreases battery life and the CPU gets warmer faster while running it.

If you stick to the apps that the iBook was designed to run and is within the system requirements, then you should only notice a moderate heat increase as the load is not too demanding.

 

[Cox Orange]

I have different fans in my ibook G4 1,33GHz mid2005 models. It seems someone (the owner before me) has put a bigger fan of a 14" model into one of these. I am not sure, if it really does anything different/better. I also Wonder, if it not might draw more power and that destroyed the circuitry on my Logic board, since it does not support sleep any longer.

 

[Altemose]

Computers run hotter as the thermal paste starts to degrade. Normally it isn't a significant difference, but definitely there. I read somewhere that thermal paste is supposed to be replaced every five years for maximum efficiency. That being said, I don't know the authenticity of that claim.

 

[jrsx]

I have different fans in my ibook G4 1,33GHz mid2005 models. It seems someone (the owner before me) has put a bigger fan of a 14" model into one of these. I am not sure, if it really does anything different/better. I also Wonder, if it not might draw more power and that destroyed the circuitry on my Logic board, since it does not support sleep any longer.

Are they silent? My G4s fans are loud compared to more modern computers. But I have a computer from 2002 and its fans sound like jet turbines 😱

 

[Altemose]

From my experience, G4 desktops sound like jet planes (or a wind tunnel 😀 ). Now my PowerBook G4 has a very distinct hum, which is louder than my MBP when running. However an iBook G3 I own has a very low fan sound. Go figure that the Mac I use more often has a more annoying fan. 😕

 

[Cox Orange]

Are they silent? My G4s fans are loud compared to more modern computers. But I have a computer from 2002 and its fans sound like jet turbines 😱

The small fan is clearly heard as a phew, but not extremely annoying, also it is not on very long. The big fan (from the 14" ibook) is loud, because it is defective, which I unfortunately only learned after the transplant. It rattles. If I will get the ibook open ever again (which I actually plan for some other things) I will put in the old one again.
It would be interesting to know, if a bigger 14" fan in that 12" ibook would do better still, though, if only I had a working one.

As Altemose says, I consider all Mac towers as loud, too. But I am a bit over sensitive (if that is the right word).
Well of course the iMac G3 DV is quiet, because it has no fan, the only thing you can hear is the HDD and that could be made quieter with a newer one 😉 I never had Flatpanel iMac or Macmini. But G4s (all models) and a G5 Quad and 2,3GHz DP and DC and I considered all as loud, but then again, hey they are towers.

 

[jrsx]

Do you know of any fan replacements, perhaps made later than the ibook g4, that would be possible quieter and newer? My stock fan works fine, but it does get loud when it is on. But it really does make a difference when it turns on.

 

[Altemose]

To be honest. PPC parts died with the processor. For a couple of years after they made video cards but that is about it sadly. I think the best idea would be to order a new fan assembly and try to rebuild it if possible. That being said, those bearings can be a royal pain in the neck and oiling a fan that small is annoying.

 

[sigamy]

I agree with all the other comments. $120 is too high for a G4.

I just purchased a 2008 MacBook C2D in December for $150. These are not hard to find around that price.