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shatten22 · Jan 30, 2003, 03:04 PM

Any ideas? If I got a logic board, the case and a processor (or upgrade) would that be all I need? I'm thinking it might be cheaper to build one than buy one.

I could get a Gigabit Ethernet logic board for $179, a video card for $50, a CDRW for $35, a gigadesign g4 800 for $290 and use an old hard drive. I figure I can get a case for $100.

That's pretty damn good for about $600.

Am I missing anything?

thanks

geoff

tikki · Jan 30, 2003, 03:26 PM

Power Supply.

On TechTV's The Screen Savers, one of their resident geeks built their own G4 a few weeks ago. Search through their show archives for the article.

www.thescreensavers.com

boots · Jan 30, 2003, 03:28 PM

If you have a gigabit logic board, check to see whether the power supply connects with 20 or 22-pin connector. This can be important for you choice of power supply.

jaisun · Jan 30, 2003, 03:29 PM

Those are the most expensive parts for sure...but you'll also need:

RAM
Power supply
Cabling
Cooling fan(s)?

If you're looking to buy an Apple case, that should be it.

However, if you're looking to buy and ATX-style case, you'll probably need mobo stand-offs (plastic or metal), a drill, a tap and die set and, if a little "rice" is in order, hole saws of various sizes for exhaust/intake fans. You're also likely to want thumb screws for the case panels...makes access to the guts a bit easier. And last but not least, some skillz (and a dremel) to fabricate a backplane.

Apple to ATX transplants are generally quite beneficial (and fun) but can be a pain in the arse at times. Just don't get the case painted by an autobody shop unless you're buddies with one of the painters...trust me on this one

Overall, you're right. It does sound like a pretty decent deal! I'd do it if I had the $$$

Good luck!

jaisun · Jan 30, 2003, 03:37 PM

Originally posted by boots:
If you have a gigabit logic board, check to see whether the power supply connects with 20 or 22-pin connector. This can be important for you choice of power supply.

I second that...

shatten22 · Jan 30, 2003, 05:05 PM

Originally posted by boots:
If you have a gigabit logic board, check to see whether the power supply connects with 20 or 22-pin connector. This can be important for you choice of power supply.

does it have to be an apple power supply?

thanks,
g

D'Espice · Jan 31, 2003, 01:08 AM

Not necessarily. If it's the standard 20-pin connector that ATX power supplies have too, you can get a standard 250W ATX power supply and modify it. I did it with a Sawtooth w/ dead power supply, matter of minutes and works just fine.
That is, for Sawtooth. I am not 100% sure about Gigabit Ethernet.

MasterBeta · Jan 31, 2003, 07:41 AM

Could you list your suppliers for those parts?

Thanks.

Macola · Jan 31, 2003, 08:54 AM

Originally posted by MasterBeta:
Could you list your suppliers for those parts?

Thanks.

Yes, especially where you got a logic board for $179!!!!

SirCastor · Jan 31, 2003, 10:34 AM

You didn't include the processor in your pricing, look for that, I would expect it'll be between $200 and $800...

shatten22 · Jan 31, 2003, 12:39 PM

Originally posted by SirCastor:
You didn't include the processor in your pricing, look for that, I would expect it'll be between $200 and $800...

I thought I did: the gigadesign g4 800 for $290.... Unless I need an original processor card, but I don't think so.....

Oh and the $179 gigabit logic board can be had at Macresq refurbished or on eBay for even cheaper.

thanks,

geoffrey

boots · 01:36 PM

Originally posted by D'Espice:
Not necessarily. If it's the standard 20-pin connector that ATX power supplies have too, you can get a standard 250W ATX power supply and modify it. I did it with a Sawtooth w/ dead power supply, matter of minutes and works just fine.
That is, for Sawtooth. I am not 100% sure about Gigabit Ethernet.

Its a little more complicated than that. A standard ATX power supply can work if you make the right splices, but it can also be problematic.

The G4 chip requires a 28v trickle prior to boot. most ATX supplies don't give this...hense the splice. If you do it wrong, there are two possible outcomes:

1) you can't boot because you aren't getting proper voltage.

2) you can fry the processor and mother board (probably the ram too) by giving too much voltage to the system.

You're better off trying to find an apple power supply. The ATX hack isn't recomended...even by the hackers who have done it.

You can find both 20- and 22-pin supplies for around $80 on e-bay.

And yes, the mother boards are also available on e-bay for about $180.

Look here for a decent outline of what to do and why.