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swimfan · Jun 20, 2005, 11:09 AM

I'm just curious to know if anyone has tried this yet. I've been toying around with the idea of purchasing an older 667 DVI Powerbook that is defective and then replacing the logic board with a g4 800/867/1ghz logic board. i don't see why this wouldn't work. That is basically the brain of the whole computer and should recognize all the components without a problem. If anyone can think of a reason why this wouldn't work, please, let me know. thanks.

Big Mac · Jun 20, 2005, 11:14 AM

Where are you going to get the replacement board?

swimfan · Jun 20, 2005, 11:15 AM

they are all over ebay. every once in a while an 800+ logic board pops up in working condition.

ibook_steve · Jun 20, 2005, 11:29 AM

OK, and why would you want to do this? Chances are it would not work. Thermal and case designs change with each rev of the machine so a newer board will not always fit in an older machine. Do you really think you'll be saving a lot of money doing this?

Steve

swimfan · Jun 20, 2005, 11:38 AM

those logic boards are going for under 100 bucks in some cases and a defective dvi powebook between 3 and 4 hundred. 500 bucks for an g4 800+ powerbook is a steal.

turtle777 · Jun 20, 2005, 11:53 AM

Yeah, but also a great bet. What are your chances that *something* doesn't work ? Is it worth the risk ?

-t

GSixZero · Jun 20, 2005, 12:06 PM

Frankly, the cheapest way to upgrade a powerbook processor, especially if your time is worth anything, is to buy a new powerbook.

kmarketing · Jun 20, 2005, 12:25 PM

Hi,

I always wondered about doing this, but I just figured that when people are selling logic boards only, it usually means there was something wrong with it.

Sounds risky, no?

swimfan · Jun 20, 2005, 01:07 PM

ok, aside from the fact that i am completely aware of the risks involved. my actual question is whether or not anyone has tried this. i wouldn't mind being a guinea pig if i can get some actual feedback or ideas of what problems i may run into.

the way i see it. the form factor of the powerbook cases externally haven't changed since the DVI versions. all the same ports are present. 2.5 hard drives remain the same size as do airport cards and ram. combo drive? have these changed in size at all? does anyone know if compenents have shifted locations during revisions to faster processors? (i.e., has the HD moved to a different location?) have the connections remained the same? (i.e., does the LCD display use the same connector on g4 800+ logic boards as the 667 dvi?)

i believe this could be a valuable expirement so if you don't have any information regarding the types of questions below, please do not post. thank you.

GSixZero · Jun 20, 2005, 01:24 PM

You're probably right that all the components will fit inside the case.

The place that you're most likely to run into problems is the mounting points. Just because the logic board, etc are the same size does not mean that the screws and cables are all the same length, and in the same positions.