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Aqua_Geek · Jan 22, 2002, 11:20 PM

Hello, Mac faithful, I have a question:

Can I install a PC motherboard in a G4 (PCI) Case?

Before you all rip into me about being a traitor (and what not) - I have a G4 Dual 450 (Gigabit) that you could only have if you pried it from my cold, dead fingers.

I bought a G4 (PCI) case on eBay, and now I want to turn it into a PC. Why? So my Athlon 1900 can look as cool as my G4 450. I have to have one for work, so I figured it should look just like my baby @ home

So, my question is: do the motherboard mounting pegs in the PCI G4 case line up to a standard ATX or Micro ATX motherboard, or will I have to (somehow) get the motherboard secured inside it?? Specifically, either the Abit KG7 or KR7a (which was recently announced) motherboard.

Also, is the power supply enough to run the motherboard and an Athlon 1900??

Thanks,

Tyler

Dogma · Jan 23, 2002, 12:02 AM

Originally posted by Aqua_Geek:
Hello, Mac faithful, I have a question:

Can I install a PC motherboard in a G4 (PCI) Case?

Before you all rip into me about being a traitor (and what not) - I have a G4 Dual 450 (Gigabit) that you could only have if you pried it from my cold, dead fingers.

I bought a G4 (PCI) case on eBay, and now I want to turn it into a PC. Why? So my Athlon 1900 can look as cool as my G4 450. I have to have one for work, so I figured it should look just like my baby @ home

So, my question is: do the motherboard mounting pegs in the PCI G4 case line up to a standard ATX or Micro ATX motherboard, or will I have to (somehow) get the motherboard secured inside it?? Specifically, either the Abit KG7 or KR7a (which was recently announced) motherboard.

Also, is the power supply enough to run the motherboard and an Athlon 1900??

Thanks,

Tyler

Yeah, of course - it's a pain in the arse to do though. Can't remember where I saw the hack, but it was about three months ago or so, check in the Mac Modification forum on a search.

JoeG4 · Jan 23, 2002, 12:04 AM

Okay, this is what I can say:

First: The G4 is probably not ATX, and since you're using a sawtooth, it may bring about more problems.

The first thing I'd do is mount the board exactly the same style as the apple board, of course, that means on the door, and it does look cool!!!!!!

Good luck, and I will have more info later

Scotttheking · Jan 23, 2002, 12:10 AM

Moving to the mac modification forum

vmarks · Jan 23, 2002, 03:54 PM

It's been done before, it's not too hard to do.

The most recent one posted in the modification forums was nice, but not the nicest I've seen.

First, use an ATX supply, and you won't have to worry about how to power the thing.

Second, for the reset and power switches, tack leads on the board in the front of the case and run those to their positions on the mobo.

third, the last one of these I saw, the guy mounted the mobo on the inside wall of the case, and not on the drawbridge side that drops down. Don't do this, mount it on the drawbridge side.

You will have to move mounting pegs around. That's life.

if you want help, email me.

Victor Marks
lvmarks@mac.com

Aqua_Geek · Feb 8, 2002, 11:55 PM

OK, my case finally arrived today.

A few quick questions:

1. Where to cut windows (with dremel)

2. What to use to dissolve the paint - and where to get it?

3. Any other suggestions on what to do

Depending on when I decide to do this mod, I might have a digital camera to show you my progress

Thanks,

Tyler

Aqua_Geek · Feb 8, 2002, 11:58 PM

One more thing - the auction description said it was a PCI version case. When it arrived today, I was inspecting it and I noticed it was either an AGP or Gigabit version case.

Tyler

Mac Zealot · Feb 9, 2002, 02:29 AM

First aqua, party

AGP cases are cool.. and your other G4 should fit in if you knockout that little back panel..

Anyhoot, you cut the left side panel off, cut part of the top off

use 99% rubbing alchohol (Safeway has it), and fill a large pan or bucket (something big enough to stick the G4 case panels in), with it.

Now let those case panels be submerged in the alcohol for a while, they will run clear, and you'll have clear panels..

using a neon or cold cathode light, hook it all up, and you're ready to go

Aqua_Geek · Feb 9, 2002, 11:00 AM

Of course I'm going to party

Originally posted by Mac Zealot:
AGP cases are cool.. and your other G4 should fit in if you knockout that little back panel..

To clarify - if you read the first post, I'm going to put an Athlon 1900 in it, not my G4. Also, my G4 is the same version as this case, so I wouldn't have to knock out the back panel

Anyhoot, you cut the left side panel off, cut part of the top off

I was planning on copying the BlueIce G4 case mod. (ie cut off part of the side panel and part of the top).

using a neon or cold cathode light, hook it all up, and you're ready to go

Yes, I was planning on putting lights in it.

Another question: What do I do with the empty 3.5" bay? I was thinking of finding a temperature monitor/temperature activated fan controller/switch (for controlling the lights).

Anyone have any other suggestions on what you'd put in there?

I might even stoop as low as to put a floppy in it (it's a PC, afterall).

Or, if all goes well, I will probably end up transfering my old G4 into the newly modded case, and then modding my old case, too (and putting the Athlon 1900 in it).

If I do end up putting my G4 in it, what should I put in the bay then? Also, if my G4 is going to be in it, I think I'll use stencils to paint "Here's to the Crazy Ones" or something on the inside of the side plastic cover (then it would glow because of the black light )

[ 02-09-2002: Message edited by: Aqua_Geek ]

[ 02-09-2002: Message edited by: Aqua_Geek ]

Aqua_Geek · Feb 11, 2002, 05:01 AM

Project Status:

OK, I have cut the two holes out of the side. The left side panel has been soaked in Denatured Alcohol and all of the paint is almost off. Unlike the BlueIce, I had to scrub all of the paint off (it didn't just peel).

I am going to cut the hole in the top tonight. I might even get around to ordering the lights.

I took pictures along the way, but the software that imports the pics keeps crashing before I can get all of the pics downloaded.

So, if I have time, I'll get the pictures off and put up a website.

I'm also going to soak my AirPort base station in Denatured Alcohol tonight and start that mod

itomato · Feb 11, 2002, 09:34 AM

AFAIK, the G4 case is not a full ATX case, meaning that only a Mini-ATX (3 PCI slots) motherboard will fit.

Just a thought.

Good luck

Mac Zealot · Feb 11, 2002, 02:18 PM

3 slots would be mid, and the standard G4 case (later DA/gigabit) has 5 slots, 4 pci, 1 agp.

Anyhow, good luck with the mod, I'm tempted to do it myself.

btw: stick a rehostat in there!!

Aqua_Geek · Feb 11, 2002, 09:13 PM

It only has 4 slots. It's a version before the 5 slot case.

Any suggestions on the MicroATX?

The mod is totally awesome! It looks way cool. You need to have a steady Dremel arm, though. Mine has a few Dremel "whoops" marks

What is a rehostat?

Tyler

[ 02-11-2002: Message edited by: Aqua_Geek ]

Brit Ben · Feb 12, 2002, 08:47 AM

Originally posted by Aqua_Geek:


What is a rehostat?

Tyler

[ 02-11-2002: Message edited by: Aqua_Geek ]

Old folks' dimmer

Used to be honking great heavy iron bar spiral wrapped with resistive wire. The further along the wire you pushed the little handle that tapped off the power, the lower the current.

Nowadays, we use Triacs

Ben.