PowerMac G5 Mod - Untouched Exterior

[dokotr]

Hi Gents,

I decided to build a my PC in the some old fahsion case and then I found G5.
I like G5 case exterior so decided to do a cutting on interior, only.
As I do not using any Apple device, running PC on W10.

Mod Main Facts

• Untouched Exterior with 2x USB, Audio Output, MIC IN, Ethernet plug on Rear IO
• Fully Functional Front Panel expect Fireware, as I'm not using it
• Interior Layout close to original look with using G5 Fan Holders
• Using SFX PSU without loosing Warranty
• Perfect Airflow for overclocking and Silent Run

Used Hardware

CPU Cooler: Artic Freezer 33
GPU: MSI RX470 Gaming 4G
SSD: WD Blue PC SSD 250GB M.2
HDD: old 1TB SATA Seagate
RAM: Crucial 8GB DDR4 2666MHz CL16 Ballistix Sport LT
PSU: Corsair SF600
FANS: ARCTIC F9 PWM and F8 PWM​

FINAL RESULT





REAR IO

Biggest challenge was to keep untouched Rear IO as I decided to mount GPU to Rear Case PCIE bracket.
I like Zammykoo solution from InsanelyMAC with small extra PCB but can't use it as is cause Mobo is too close to Rear IO and his design is pretty wide. So did my own slim PCB design for Rear IO with smallest USB and Ethernet plug I found in local store. Audio and Ethernet is connected to Mobo external Rear IO, USB to internal Mobo header.
Rear IO PCB is fixed with G5 stand offs glued to back panel.
.




Front Panel

Used original connector where I pull out all unnecessary wires and extend by soldering wires and put "Dupont" connectors on the end for Mobo Headers. Important thing to make USB running data + and - wires have to be twisted each other to eliminate EMI. Attached my wiring diagram as well.




PSU

I like idea to put new PSU into original G5 PSU housing but as I don’t want to lose warranty I decided to use SFX PSU and put it in as is. I thought will fit perfectly and have to make just cut on top cover for fan size only but on the end PSU sticks out by 3-4 mm and have to make cut for PSU to avoid bottom cover bending. SFX PSU is fixed with double sided tape ;-)
Wires come with SFX PSU is really short so have to make my own wires used 1.0 mm2 CU wires and paracord for sleeving.



Fan Splitter & Acoustic Insulation

As like to have silent PC with good airflow decided to use Arctic PWM fans with original Fan Brackets.
Unfortunately my Mobo has only 1 case PWM fan header so have to make a fan splitter. Fans are powered from PSU.
My GPU has terrible coil whine so I attached acoustic insulation mat on the side cover (used in Mercedes Benz Doors ;-)

 

[sebecam2000]

Very clean and nice work!

 

[dokotr]

Very clean and nice work!

Thank you!

If somebody is interesting for PCB design and part list for Rear IO and PWM Fan Splitter can find them in those threads:

• G5 Custom Rear IO
• PWM Fan Splitter

 

[VEA2005]

Very clean! I just got my G5 case stripped and trying to find which standoff’s I need to break off, planning to use full ATX Mobo. Do you know? And can they be used to attach to the new Mobo or do I need new ones?

Do you sell the rear IO panel?

 

[dokotr]

Thank you. I kept only 3 standoff's at top left corner used to fix metal plate for fixing of the fan bracket.
There are 2 types of them longer and shorter but dont rember which one used...

I just rememeber rear IO is higher then Mobo, so have to used washer to pull Mobo Higher cause VGA conenctor was in clash with Rear IO pcb... if I new it I will use metric screws instead of standoff's cause with screw you will have possiblity to adjust high of the mobo...
Check here:
G5 mod - standoff screws?

No I do not sell IO panel but you are able to make it your own, posted Gerber files for PCB manufacturing and part list for connectors above.

 

[ulisch]

Very very nice job, especially doing a custom PCB for the rear I/O. I did NOT have the patience doing that, so I added little flanges to the USB, Ethernet sockets and bolted those to the original back panel with tiny M2´s, almost invisible. But the custom wiring still was a lengthy job, especially cause the clearance between mATX panel and MacG5 panel is so tight!

 

[laptopleon]

[…] so I added little flanges to the USB, Ethernet sockets and bolted those to the original back panel with tiny M2´s, almost invisible.

Interesting. Could you please post a close up photo of that?

 

[dokotr]

Have small update, found outstanding idea to modify any display to "Cinema Display" look did by user balazs631.
Original thread:
Dell display on iMac stand

Bought iMac stand for 15$ and Vesa adapter for 1$ on ebay and combined it with LG 24MP88HV lcd monitor
and here is a result:

 

[ShatteredAvenger]

Gotta say, that looks pretty clean! I think the lack of any kind of adjustability would bug me though