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ppllookkyy · Sep 2, 2007, 04:46 PM

I have a G5 20" (purchased a week before the Intel IMacs came out) and am attempting to install a new hard drive. I cannot get the back off.

I have looked at the Apple site and there is a generic PDF showing how to take the back off by unscrewing 3 screws (done) then grasping the stand and pulling.

The back does NOT come free. Does anyone know what the trick is? I can't be the only person in the world with this problem but I've googled everything I can think of regarding this and I can't find anyone else with the problem.

Thanks.

Eriamjh · Sep 2, 2007, 08:22 PM

If you have an iSight 1.9GHz or 2.1 GHz G5 iMac, the back does not come off as easily.

Read this: Disassembled New iMac G5-iSight by KODAWARISAN_Page1

adamfishercox · Sep 2, 2007, 10:10 PM

iSight Mac's backs aren't designed to be taken off by the user.

ppllookkyy · Sep 3, 2007, 07:19 AM

Thanks for the replies.

I came to the conclusion that something had changed before reading them, and I appreciate the confirmation. At this point I may try doing it, but it's frustrating that it's it has to be this complicated to change a hard drive in a computer.

JonoMarshall · Sep 3, 2007, 08:02 AM

You're kidding, an iSight iMac needs to have the front bezel removed first?!? - The original iMac G5 method was so easy, grrr.

adamfishercox · Sep 3, 2007, 11:01 AM

The user isn't supposed to do repairs.

ppllookkyy · Sep 3, 2007, 12:19 PM

I went ahead and opened it up. Not too bad since I took my time. Now I have to order a hard drive made specifically for the IMac because there is a 4 pin molex connector on the side of the original drive that connects to the main board.

I've been searching around for an explanation as to what it does but I haven't found anything yet. Just curious.

And yes, the user is obviously not supposed to do repairs. Apple has gone to great lengths to see to that. I've been peeking out my windows but no flashing lights or sirens yet.

cms · Sep 3, 2007, 01:23 PM

You don't need a hard drive that has been made "specifically for the Mac". All you have to do is unscrew Apple's special case that the hard drive is in. The connector you mention from the hard drive to the logic board is on the case, not the drive itself. I have done dozens of these, and it's dead easy. Just carefully unscrew the Apple part -- the case -- from the hard drive, then put a standard SATA drive in the Apple case, screw it back on again, and off you go. Five minutes, tops........

ppllookkyy · Sep 4, 2007, 10:13 AM

That sounds good. I'm not home right now so I can't look at it but I don't recall a "case" that the hard drive is in. It sure looked like the small IC board was glued (?) directly to the side of the drive. My buddy at work and I are sort of brainstorming here and we decided that it's probably some sort of temp probe. Like I say I'll take another look. It would be sweet if it's in a case like you say.

Thanks!

cms · Sep 4, 2007, 10:18 AM

Perhaps I have used the wrong word, as "case" is misleading. It's more like a bracket/sleeve. Look closely and you'll see what I mean. Very easy to miss the first time......

ppllookkyy · Sep 5, 2007, 05:12 PM

Well there was no sleeve or anything else surrounding the drive. I ended up carefully removing the temp probe from the old drive by peeling the adhesive off and attaching it to the new drive. Then the pins were unscrewed from the old drive and attached to the new.
Anyone wanting to know whether they should attempt a drive change. I say go right ahead. It's not as bad as it seems.

cms · Sep 6, 2007, 01:08 AM

You have described it better than I could...! As you say, it's easy when you know how. Glad you got it sorted