G5 Mac help - Won't display

matt_fsr · 13 Aug 2013 at 15:22

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to Mac hardware, but I'm wondering if anyone can help out with a problem I have with a friends' Mac?

It's an old desktop-style G5, unsure of the exact spec but when connected up to a monitor, it just no longer displays anything. I initially recommended he get a new graphics card, which has been fitted.... but, same problem.

So has the motherboard died? Something else on the board that could be causing it?

As far as I can tell the machine is actually booting up, the apple noise happens and I can hear the HDD doing stuff, but of course can't see what.

Any suggestions welcome - at this point I'm not really fussed how destructive / desperate they are, as I think it's well beyond the point of economical repair if he has to get another motherboard for it, which I'll no doubt end up fitting!

Cheers guys

GeX · 13 Aug 2013 at 15:24

I assume you've tried a different screen and cable?

matt_fsr · 13 Aug 2013 at 16:16

Tried a known working screen and cable, no signal, stuck a PC back onto the same DVI cable, screen displaying fine.

If I can disassemble the Mac without breaking anything, I'm tempted to whack the motherboard in the oven for 8 mins....

Worked for a Dell Inspiron motherboard a couple of weeks back!

GeX · 13 Aug 2013 at 20:37

Does any of this help?

Logsi · 13 Aug 2013 at 21:35

They're so very temperamental. I used to have to remove all RAM modules and try one and a time and see if it boots. When it does, shut down and put all back in.

My PSU eventually went but managed to pick up another PowerMac Dual G5 at a car boot for a tenner so just switched PSUs around.

matt_fsr · 14 Aug 2013 at 14:10

Thanks Gex, I wasn't aware of those instructions but I've had a try with as many of them that worked, and sadly none worked.

I've also had all of the RAM modules out, fired it up, shut it down, and then put the RAM back in and still no luck.

Bit short of ideas now, other than trading it in for scrap aluminium...

Skyboat · 14 Aug 2013 at 18:56

With the way computer components are going the chassis would make a great idea for a project

matt_fsr · 15 Aug 2013 at 09:06

I'm already tempted on that theme!

Apparently this motherboard mounting board is perfect for the case.

I'm tempted... I just have no actual need for a machine that I'd build into the case, and I don't think I'd want to put my primary PC in that case.