Apple G5 Troubleshooting

Your computer will not boot.

Make sure the wall outlet is working. (To check if the wall socket is working, plug in any electrical device.) Also, make sure the power cord is properly connected to the wall outlet.

If the battery on the logic board is dead, the computer will not turn on. Replacing the battery is inexpensive and is a fast solution.

The power supply is the primary reason the computer does not turn on. An option is to replace the power supply.

The problems mentioned in this section relate to troubleshooting problems with the display connections and video processing of the Apple PowerMac G5. This section assumes the computer turns on, as indicated by drive and fan noise, it just is not displaying an image on the monitor.

Check the monitor to be sure it is getting power and all cables are properly connected to the computer. Make sure the video cable does not have any poor connections or bent pins on the connectors of the cable or the computer. Try replacing the video cable. If everything seems to work try replacing the monitor with another one that you know works.

The graphics card is the device the monitor plugs into that serves as a connection between the monitor cable and the logic board. Check the internal graphics card to be sure the card is properly placed and has a good strong connection. This step will involve opening the computer and removing and reinserting the graphics card. If the graphics card appears to be operating correctly and the computer does not appear to have any other problems, the graphics card may need to be replaced.

There are possible problems that will prevent the CD-ROM drive from working properly.

Make sure the CD-ROM drive does not have scratches or any other apparent damage. Also make sure it is a standard 120mm CD, and not a CD of different dimension. If the CD is not standard or is damaged, the CD-ROM drive will not be able to read the disk, and could provide error messages from the computer.

If a CD is stuck in the CD-ROM drive try ejecting the disk by pressing the eject button. If that does not work locate the small pin size hole on the front left side of the CD-ROM drive. Push a paper clip into the hole and press firmly. The drive should eject.

If the CD-ROM drive is scratching CD's consider replacing the CD-ROM drive.

If the CD-ROM drive is causing noise and vibration, make sure the drive is set at a horizontal position and check that all the feet on the computer are on. Also, make sure the computer is set flat on a level surface.

Problems mentioned below relate to why your computer may be turning itself off after a couple of hours, why it may suddenly crash while operating it, or why it may freeze up at any time.

A main problem for the computer freezing up is dust build up. Depending how old your computer may be, dust buildup can greatly affect performance. Dust build up can clog or block air intake and exhaust vents to the computer, which will reduce performance and causes overheating.

One problem that can cause your computer to freeze, crash, or turn off is a non-working fan. Fans are necessary to keep your computer running without overheating. To check that the fans are working properly turn off the computer but keep it connected to the power supply. Open the side panel of the computer. (NOTE: keep the power cable plugged in to the computer). Turn the computer on and check that all visible fans are spinning at a constant rate. If a fan is not spinning correctly consider replacing the fan.

There are three main fans:

1. Top left cooling fan
2. Front cooling fan
3. Bottom right cooling fan

Your computer might freeze if there is insufficient memory. Consider upgrading the amount of RAM you have in your computer.