[fastfred91]

I have used this G4 workhorse for 4 years now, avg. 8 - 12 hrs/day, 6 days/week. I have all USB ports used, and a powered 4 port USB hub installed, again all full. Running 1.75 GB RAM and a 22" Viewsonic LCD monitor. Lately, at random times (eg. today I downloaded Mac software updates that required a re-start) the screen will start streaking like the power supply is getting weak or something. I turned the system off for 30 minutes and re-booted. System is working perfectly now. A week ago, I had an internal back-up 60GB HD fail, and removed it. Before removal, the screen behaved in the same way. I don't know if the HD is dead yet, or if a weakening power supply could no longer handle both HD's.

I am not a techno-wiz, and don't necessarily want to replace the G4 with a new Intel Mac yet (not enough debugged software yet, and the older RISC stuff runs like a wounded snail via the emulator). Three questions for anyone who has experience in these areas.

1) Does this sound like a failing power supply? If not, what do these symptoms indicate?

2) Can items like a power supply for the older Macs be replaced by a Mac repair shop?

3) Realistically, is the G4 worth saving?

I would very much appreciate some guidance from a smart person who has no interest in selling new Macs...

Thanks,

[Moderator]

FYI The Xeon Mac Pros will will run rings around your G4 even through Rosetta.

You need to figure this out by finding out what it is not. Create new user account..test...archive install...test...boot off fireire drive...test..try new video card..test..

etc.

[bowwowman]

I agree with Mod man that some more troubleshooting/testing is in order 4 sure, to narrow down the culprit.....

Although your PSU could be failing, and can be replaced easily, this sounds more like a failing video card, monitor, or possibly some overheating (which could be caused by failing fans too) or any combination thereof....... It also could be from corrupted video drivers or other software problem too!

But on a more positive note, there are tons of machines out there, way older than yours (B&W's, Sawtooths, QS's), that are still running just fine with their original psu's

And IMHO, yes, your machine is DEFINITELY worth saving. It still has lots of life left in it !

Good luck, and please post back with a progress report

[TimmyDee51]

Check your video card's fan. Mine died on my dual 867 a few months back and the GPU ended up overheating before I caught it, frying the card. The banding is almost certainly a result of this. I would replace the vid card and sell your tower.