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Panz · Mar 24, 2007, 09:06 PM

Hi!

I have an old G5 powermac (1.6ghz solo version) which is no longer my primary machine. It has a damaged case (a lot of scratches and bent metal!) and I would like to smarten it up and make it look a bit nicer so that I can use it a either a supersize media center or move it to my office (in which case it needs to look good so clients are not thinking wtf when they see it!).

I have found a few replacement cases available but they all seem very expensive and i was wandering if there are any pc (shudder) cases on the market it would fit into (with no cutting!)? Or does anyone know of a place which sells reasonably priced official cases and would ship to the uk?

Thanks for your time

Panz

bowwowman · Mar 25, 2007, 08:46 AM

ebay has lots, but still fairly pricey. Thats what happens with most super sleek, uber cool industrial designed artwork

Sub · Mar 25, 2007, 09:45 AM

I am going to think about that too, I love my PowerPC! I am going to start a new thread to see if I can fix my scratches...

centerchannel68 · Mar 25, 2007, 11:43 AM

Just put it under your desk.

Panz · Mar 26, 2007, 04:27 PM

I have managed to find an official replacement online but as mine is the first version I am not sure if they are all the same and it will fit if maybe the replacement is of a later g5? Can anyone confirm if this is the case?

Waragainstsleep · Mar 26, 2007, 04:57 PM

The only case you will get that rig into without some degree of customisation is one the same as it has. And even if you stump up for one, they are not fun to take to bits. Don't forget your ESD precautions.

Panz · Mar 27, 2007, 05:50 PM

ok so i just got a genuine placement now, apart from the general anti static stuff can anyone advise me on any specifics i may possibly need to take into account or otherwise overlook when making the swap from the crappy case to nice new one?

applgeek · Apr 2, 2007, 02:41 AM

make sure you dont scratch anything. i advise wearing rubbber or vinyl gloves (takes care of esd and protects your hands from solder points.) also protects the board.

Where did you get the G5 case?

Waragainstsleep · Apr 2, 2007, 02:04 PM

Rubber gloves are not ESD safe. You must be earthed. ESD mats are also earthed. Insulators build up charge on their surfaces and are only too happy to discharge to metal objects.

Electrostatic Discharge Precautions

I would add that ESD damage is not always (or even usually) instantaneously obvious. Sometimes it can take a while to manifest itself after the event. It could be that it will simply reduce the working life of the component in question, but computers are so complex these days that faults can go unnoticed, even by diagnostic programs.
$50 will buy you enough ESD kit to last you a lifetime.

imitchellg5 · Apr 3, 2007, 09:56 PM

Nothing worse than a not sexy G5.

Panz · Apr 4, 2007, 03:28 PM

I got the case off ebay from a guy who decided to upgrade rather than do a bit of DIY.

I made the switch over today, took me about 3 hours because I took my time and also cleaned the components of dust.

I was slightly concerned when i booted it up there was a small unfamiliar noise and there seemed to be a strange smell emanating from the small fans that cool the hard disks. It booted fine and doesnt seem to anything wrong at the moment but that obviously was not normal so i will have to keep a watch out and not leave it on unattended for a while but so far it seems to have gone pretty well.