G5 PowerMac without the Apple, watercooled ofc.

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03-08-2009, 12:31 PM
s0lid

G5 PowerMac without the Apple, watercooled ofc.

Well i've had that case for about 6 days and yeees i'm goin to put there some PC goods :D

But now there's new twist, the watercooling!

The HW:
AMD X2 7750
Asus M3A78-CM
4GB DDR2
Sapphire HD4830
Nexus NX5000
+Dvd drive and 160GB hdd, lan rig why i'd need bigger?

Watercooling:
Rad: Hardware Labs Black ICE Radiator GT Xtreme M184
Pump: MCP335, from my main rig, going to retire watercooling from there.
Cpu Block: XCC CU block, man these are old but works like charm on X2 cpu.
Gpu Block: Swiftech MCW60.
Watertank: No idea yet, anyhow will be hidden under psu plate.

Mods:
White sleeving on the psus and other cables.
Custom made pcb for frontpanels cabling.

Pics:

I know she's little dirty in this old pic, will take new tomorrow...
http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/q...c/DSC_0303.jpg

The battle plan.
http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/q...c/DSC_0296.jpg

So empty...
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

Cable for psu, tho not goin to be used since i'm not going to use psus orig covers.
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024
03-08-2009, 05:14 PM
Jhors2

This will be an interesting one to watch for sure.
03-08-2009, 06:36 PM
twwen2

Excellent, a G5 project. I've had one sitting in my room for a few months now, just waiting to be cut to pieces.;)

I'll be watching this one!
03-08-2009, 07:08 PM
Angmaar

That's a pretty cool idea. Where did you get the G5 case from?
03-08-2009, 10:47 PM
s0lid

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotwaxisbad

That's a pretty cool idea. Where did you get the G5 case from?

Found this from mato78's forums :)

Arr just noticed than i've to remove vga and dvi connectors from motherboard, not enought clearance between mobo and backpanel connector board :F
E: Here's the main reason for removing the dvi and vga connectors:

http://www.lavrans.net/temp/G5-2/7.jpg
No free space there... Pic by: pirloui from insanelymac.
03-09-2009, 09:33 AM
s0lid

Well heres little updates:

Little bit cleaner:
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

Nicee, look what post brought me, Fine piece of G5 mainboard :)
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

Need to chop this a bit smalle :p:
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

One of the greatest details in powermac case :)
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024
03-11-2009, 12:23 PM
s0lid

This is what you all have been waiting... Updates!

Well i eventually decided to use Nexus NX-5000, great psu btw!
Tho need to cut and remove some of those cables, must leave atleast 2 molex, 24pin atx connector, 8pin esp connector and 2 pci-es. And yea sleeve all of those =)
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

Yes there is enought clearance for psu/pump rooms cover.
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

The stand offs for cover, it were pretty interesting than G5s orig psus mounting holes are at same spot at 2 with normal psus 2 mounting holes :)
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

1mm plate of aluminium which will become cover for power room.
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

Ready for soldering rampage =)
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

Awesome or pure awesomeness?
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024
03-12-2009, 04:29 AM
s0lid

No comments :(?

Oh well, today i drawed pcb for that frontpanels cable which includes Pwr button, pwr led, 3.5mm headphone jack,USB and FW.

Size is ~2x4cms :D

http://www.aijaa.com/img/b/00452/3784420.jpg

Lets see tommorrow is it possible to machine that PCB :yepp:
03-12-2009, 04:39 AM
Jhors2

This is brilliant, post some pics of that too. I love how well this is going to be integrated and utilize the original chasis really well.
03-12-2009, 09:26 AM
s0lid

Just quess what happens next:
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

More pix later.

E: Time: 19:33

http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024
One down, lots to go...
03-12-2009, 09:52 AM
Jhors2

Ack thats going to be time consuming to do by hand, keep the pics coming!
03-12-2009, 09:55 AM
ownage

Subscribed. :D
03-12-2009, 10:08 AM
s0lid

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jhors2

Ack thats going to be time consuming to do by hand, keep the pics coming!

Yea it's 3 to 5mins per every fastener.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ownage

Subscribed. :D

Neat a fan :D

Well, 5 down about 13 to go.
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

I'll cut couple more today and rest tomorrow :)
03-12-2009, 10:27 AM
pcaddict

We need MOARR!!!! ಠ_ಠ
03-12-2009, 12:01 PM
s0lid

7 down, 11left If i've counted them correctly, but i won't cut em before tomorrow :yepp:

Btw i'm gonna recycle those old stand offs for the new mobo, Araldite rapid should do the trick juuust fine :D

http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024
03-12-2009, 12:15 PM
Lunchbox21984

subbed, i really like the clean look the G5 case has. wish i wasnt laid off from work, i would buy one and modded it too. keep up the good work.
03-13-2009, 12:09 PM
s0lid

Hehe damn it, Every useless stand offs removed and i were able to take only one pic, since the battery died after that :D

http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

Btw i weren't even able to try machining that pcb, there were some maintance work going with cnc :(
03-13-2009, 01:02 PM
SiGfever

Looking good, keep the pics coming. :clap:
03-13-2009, 02:13 PM
exemay

wow, this looks awesome, i love builds like this....partially cause ive never seen it been done before....cant wait to see how it turns out and where everything is going to fit in......best of luck!!
03-13-2009, 04:09 PM
shazza

Definitely following this one. Looks good so far, although it is sad to see another Mac go down the drain :).
03-14-2009, 02:55 AM
s0lid

Quote:

Originally Posted by shazza

Definitely following this one. Looks good so far, although it is sad to see another Mac go down the drain :).

Well that cases macs logic board were busted so don't know is it really gone down the drain :p:

Blah, my imagehosts admin did some changes to img size system so i've to fix all the pics now :f
E: Done
03-14-2009, 04:07 AM
generics_user

great work

finally someone who doesn't cut out the back and ruins the looks of the case:clap:

best looking pc case ever :up:
03-14-2009, 04:24 AM
TheGanG

I have same project :) But hell hard to fit a regular mobo in it. Good work, subscribed...
03-14-2009, 04:45 AM
s0lid

Some soldering job done :)
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...ize=12800x1024

Next: the ethernet connector then some hotglue on the soldered wires.
03-14-2009, 05:06 AM
shazza

Quote:

Originally Posted by s0lid

Well that cases macs logic board were busted so don't know is it really gone down the drain :p:
E: Done

I know ... you're rescuing it. I just have a soft spot for the G5. Had one I passed on to my brother when I got more serious about gaming. For everything else, it was a very elegant machine.

You are really doing a great job - probably almost as difficult as building a case from scratch, given all the detail you are putting in to get it right.
03-14-2009, 06:54 AM
s0lid

Phew, done with the ethernet connector :)
Had to tear it open and remove some magnetic isolator...

http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024
03-14-2009, 07:50 AM
CyberDruid

You are a trip :D And I mean that in a good way. I enjoyed your detailed pictures of the interior...never really looked inside a Mac before...it's extremely well engineered..puts most modded PC's to shame...respect!

And what you are doing and how you are doing it is fascinating to me...I love how you simply rework and reuse the parts of the case that make it unique...I've seen a few G5 hack jobs that mutilate those bits because they can't see how incredibly cool they are.

Thanks for the eye opener ;)
03-14-2009, 07:56 AM
headala

I love G5 mods; there were several good ones over at bit-tech.net forums. Keep the progress coming!
03-14-2009, 08:09 AM
theseeker

This is quite fascinating I am really enjoying your work.:up:
03-14-2009, 08:52 AM
s0lid

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyberDruid

You are a trip :D And I mean that in a good way. I enjoyed your detailed pictures of the interior...never really looked inside a Mac before...it's extremely well engineered..puts most modded PC's to shame...respect!

And what you are doing and how you are doing it is fascinating to me...I love how you simply rework and reuse the parts of the case that make it unique...I've seen a few G5 hack jobs that mutilate those bits because they can't see how incredibly cool they are.

Thanks for the eye opener ;)

Hehe, thanks and you're welcome on that eye opener part :P

I'll try to remember take pictures as i progress with this.

Quote:

Originally Posted by headala

I love G5 mods; there were several good ones over at bit-tech.net forums. Keep the progress coming!

Yea i've seen them all. There's one really good thread on InsanelyMac Forums:
http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/ind...showtopic=4525

Quote:

Originally Posted by theseeker

This is quite fascinating I am really enjoying your work.:up:

Thanks!

Just tested the usbs, port 1 doesn't work but tho it gives the light for usb key, port 2 works 100%. Btw i've no need for Firewire connectors so i left em out, and my mobo don't even support FW :D
Got it shorted out, There were one piece of wire between data + and ground, now both of them work :)
03-14-2009, 09:28 AM
EagleRock

Great idea with the Psu :clap:
03-14-2009, 07:11 PM
emuexport

Awesome work s0lid! I really love what you are doing a true PC in a mac mod by the looks of it! And water as well right!?!?!

Subscribed!
03-15-2009, 05:31 AM
s0lid

Progress :)

Did 7 of these:
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

Perfect fit!
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

Next some epoxi and were done with the standoffs!
03-15-2009, 06:09 AM
rioja

So mini atx boards only fit in G5??
Cant wait when u put DFI X-58 Junior here :)
03-15-2009, 06:21 AM
s0lid

Quote:

Originally Posted by rioja

So mini atx boards only fit in G5??
Cant wait when u put DFI X-58 Junior here :)

Haha no :D
Unless someone sends one here, otherwise no. Don't have that much cash to burn with this.
03-15-2009, 06:53 AM
s0lid

Little update, mobos stand offs are glued:

http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024
03-15-2009, 09:24 AM
s0lid

Rear panels portboard glued into it's place :yepp:

If one of those ports doesn't work i'll curse this project to lowest hell :ROTF:

http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024
03-15-2009, 10:18 AM
SiGfever

Damn fine job sOlid. :clap: :clap:
03-15-2009, 10:27 AM
s0lid

Well here's pics with my sample mobo mounted :)

Yea i know there is some cables visible but they will be hidden under fans and rad :yepp:
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

NO this cable is not too short! :D
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

See?
http://xs537.xs.to/xs537/09110/md6lv...yj3_500589.jpg

Oops!
Almoust forgot the pics from rear :)

http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1400

http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1400

Not perfectly centered but should the trick w/o problems.
Yea i know there is glue inside of that mini FW port, i failed with that...
03-15-2009, 11:07 AM
theseeker

Nice work and very creative!:up:
03-15-2009, 11:34 AM
jcool

Very nice s0lid.. tho I wonder who on earth can get along with only 2 rear USB ports these days :shocked:
I got 8 and using almost all of them :rofl:
03-15-2009, 11:37 AM
s0lid

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcool

Very nice s0lid.. tho I wonder who on earth can get along with only 2 rear USB ports these days :shocked:
I got 8 and using almost all of them :rofl:

You really think than i'm not going to use usb bracket there?
Then you're wrong :P

Tho, this is lan computer so i don't really need more stuff than this:
Mouse
Keyboard
Headset
Display
Lan cable =)
03-16-2009, 07:48 AM
s0lid

1 Attachment(s)

Got the PCB done, small eh? :D

http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024
03-16-2009, 11:35 AM
s0lid

Oh damn it, spend this evening measuring that pcb and frontpanel, why even the powerbutton don't give any good readings at ohm area...

Well the reason is obvious... Pcb is mirrored :|

It's now:
http://www.aijaa.com/img/b/00452/3784420.jpg

But it should be:
http://xs537.xs.to/xs537/09121/mirrorpcb892.jpg

Well takes about 10mins to fix that and second 5min to machine new pcb...
03-18-2009, 11:17 AM
s0lid

Ok new board done and measured, works :D

http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

Next i need to start making cabling for it :)

Mods Todo:
Psu, shorten and remove cables.
Make good pracket for psu and pump. 1mm roster here.
Psu rooms cover.
Sleeve cables.
03-20-2009, 08:29 AM
s0lid

Ok, removed 2 molex cables and one sata cable, much better :D

Before modding:
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

After modding:
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

So theres only left:
2 Pcie connectors
2 molex connectors (pump and dvd/hdd drives cabling, yes there is already cable for that :yepp:)
8pin ESP, will be split in two when i sleeve cables.
24Pin Atx, damn i need to cut this shorter, maybe later.
03-22-2009, 12:22 AM
pcaddict

Ugly keyboard :D
03-22-2009, 12:44 AM
s0lid

Quote:

Originally Posted by pcaddict

Ugly keyboard :D

You're the third person who said that :rofl:
04-23-2009, 03:31 AM
s0lid

Ok back...
First the old pic which went missing from this thread:

El fatso, with old mountings:
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

With new ones, much more reliable.
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

Mounted
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

Psu & Pump mounting plate done:
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

Next:
Make cover plate for psu & pump room
Make mountings for microres
04-23-2009, 05:03 AM
s0lid

Cover almoust done!
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

Now only holes needed for psus cabling and hoses.
04-23-2009, 06:00 AM
Rise

s0lid, you are awesome. this is a great build log, keep up the good work and keep feeding us those pictures!!

i take it you are an electrical and/or computer engineer?
04-23-2009, 06:40 AM
s0lid

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rise

s0lid, you are awesome. this is a great build log, keep up the good work and keep feeding us those pictures!!

i take it you are an electrical and/or computer engineer?

Studying digital electronics atm, and well, computers are just for hobby =)

Thx for kind words.
04-23-2009, 08:13 AM
s0lid

More pics...
But damn it one part didn't come out as i wanted :shakes:
Since getting rad in there is kinda tight fit there were no other options...

http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

Not much todo anymore.
Little cabling job, sleeving and getting all parts in ^^
05-15-2009, 01:16 AM
s0lid

Well it's time to get this done ready :)
There isn't much work needed to be done:
Finish front panels cabling
Finish HDD/DVDs power cables
Install the parts

Final part list:

Athlon X2 7750 BE
Asus M3A76-CM (no HDMI but 10e cheaper than M3A78-CM)
4GB Corsair 800MHz XMS2
8800GT 512MB
160GB+250Gb
500W Nexus NX5000
05-16-2009, 11:10 AM
Arni

Not 2 much hole between rad and fans?
05-17-2009, 03:04 AM
s0lid

Well little update:
Did 10mm shroud for rad.
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

Not perfect but should direct most of the air flow into right place :)
05-17-2009, 03:51 AM
kvadzio

nice keyboard :p
06-06-2009, 09:28 AM
s0lid

Yay parts:
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

Testing psu, nope haven't been tested before. Fans are attached with superglue, hopefully they'll last over the next weekend (lanparty \o/):
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024

And pieces put together:
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/powermac/DSC...size=1280x1024
06-08-2009, 12:23 PM
s0lid

http://koti.mbnet.fi/ipe91/IMG_4477.JPG

2 to lanparty :o

SRY my imagehost is currently offline due server software updates :)
08-13-2009, 09:14 PM
s0lid

Hmmm looks like i've forgot to add the finished pictures :)
http://s0lid.bx.fi/kuva/maccivalmis.JPG?size=1280x1024

Will add more later since i've changed GPU to HD3850.
12-09-2009, 07:44 AM
trueg50

Looking good!

Here's a shot of the front panel power pinout from when I did my G5 mod. I just soldered to the middle and far pads, and didn't touch the closer of them (I marked the pads I needed to solder to with a sharpie).:

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...1228Custom.jpg

Here's my Build log in case you need any more idea's, though I think you pretty well have my mod beat.

I loved the G5 I modded so much that I am getting another one to mod this Christmas break, possibly with watercooling, and some other goodies.

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