Used Mac's

[lampostudio]

Need some advice,
I have a G5 2.3 or 2.7 ( not sure which) dual processor. I believe the power supply blew, lots of smoke and sparks. I do not know if the motherboard was damaged or not. I do not have the money to upgrade to a new mac and replace all the hardware and software that would be required. So I have a choice to either buy a used G5 or fix the one I have. If it is just the powersupply there is someone local that works on macs that can do it but if I try to relplace the powersupply and I fried the motherboard it may not be worth the cost. SO my question is if I need to replace the entire G5 what should I look for that will be an upgrade from my dual processor G5 that is running Tiger without having to replace software and hardware.
Software OSX 10.4
DP7
Bias peak
Hardware, 3 UA single cards.
I have heard that certain G5's and certain OS operating systems do not like DP.

[Larry Mal]

Sorry about your luck, hope it's just the power supply. The way I see it, offhand, you have a couple of choices and problems with both of those.

1) This is a good time to move to Intel. The G5 platform is very much dead in the water. DP 7 will work for you, and Bias Peak must have something going for you, even if you have to upgrade. And all the Intel processors are much better than the G5s ever were, even if you get into a first or second generation.

2) On the other hand, your UAD cards are unlikely to go with you to Intel. You are most likely using PCI UAD cards, and Intel Mac Pros need PCIe. The only way to make them work is with an incredibly expensive- for what you will get out of it- Magma expansion box.

3) However, if you stick with a G5, they are going dirt cheap... yet they are limited in life, as are all computers, but probably more limited than any Intel.

You have a lot of choices... hope I helped in any way. Good luck!

[mikehalloran]

The problem with G5s is that the processor runs hot - very hot - the faster the hotter. The older 1.8 and 2.0 tend to last longer than the later liquid cooled versions but even that is not a given. My first generation G5 1.8DP still works like a champ but I replaced it this year and am glad I did.

The intel platform runs cooler and has been the future of the Mac for a few years now. A used MacPro will prove to be a much better investment than any used G5. DP will run faster and the machine will be quieter. Yea, we'd all like a tricked out 12 core but even an old dual core will be an improvement.

DP 7 won't be a problem with an Intel and 10.6.x. You mention 3 UA cards but don't say if they are PCIx or PCIe - if PCIe, you can use them in a MacPro. Your hard drives, likewise, can be used in a new machine - there are some things you will have to do first to make them work but it can be done.

BIAS upgrades may or may not be necessary for 10.5/6 but they're not that expensive. I got a special price during MacWorld last year - coming up soon - by calling BIAS and asking.

Yes, you have a lot of money tied up in your old system - we all do - but you haven't been keeping up. You are still on 10.4. It's time. Unless you can get the right G5 for practically free, you will be throwing good money after bad.

[bayswater]

Seems likely the logic board will be damaged if you had sparks and smoke. If your options are restricted to fixing the G5 you have, or getting another one, get another one. It will keep you going while you work out a more permanent arrangement, but I would not expect any G5 to last very long.

[HCMarkus]

http://www.gainsaver.com/Catalog/Detail ... Code=43681

[Frodo]

GAINSAVER

[HCMarkus]

GAINSAVER

Thanks Frodo... couldn't get the URL to work in my post. The link I reference is to, I believe, a Power Mac either identical to or very similar to the OP's. Power Mac G5 Desktop Dual 2.7 GHz. - Apple Computer M9749LL/A $484.10 is the price.

[Frodo]

Not to worry, HCM. There's something suddenly odd about the way URLs appear these days. It wasn't always like that, but I complain not.

Most importantly is that website. For the price of a new Mac these days, Gainsaver may indeed be showing the true market value of a used Mac more honestly than ever. I'm 100% certain that my next Mac will be a warranted used model if getting one for half price or less is part of the equation.

[kgdrum]

GAINSAVER

FWIW,I am speculating a bit,

a person who briefly visited this site a few months ago told us about Gainsaver.
In the thread he mentioned the Gainsaver site as where he would buy his next Mac.
HC , Frodo and I discussed Gainsaver ,HC figured out the location from the area code and I remember we were all a bit stunned w/ the great prices they were offering(with special prices always ending that night).......

I would like to upgrade to a newer Intel based Power Mac as much as anyone here but my instincts as well as sales background makes me very cautious with internet "bargains".
Something smells a bit weird about Gainsaver to me,so I spent a bit of time via google searches to find as much info as I could about this outfit.
Finding the actual address of a business should not require as much detective work as I remember required trying to find the location of Gainsaver.
I found numerous complaints of people paying for Macs they said were in stock and then the Macs were not available ,various complaints about bait and switch tactics ,problems with refunds etc.... a few people said they got good deals but as I remember more people stated horror stories.
Has anyone here actually successfully purchased a used Mac from Gainsaver as advertised?
I am skeptical on the legitimacy of Gainsaver.
I might be wrong,paranoid,misinformed and totally off base and I apoligize if they are totally legitimate.
I consider you guys friends and I just want to voice my concerns about their prices seeming too good to be true.

On the other hand, Powermax seem like a good place to hunt down a used Mac, they have good rep,reasonable prices and Motunation regular(if I remember correctly)Twisted Tom has stated they are near him,actually have a store and they are a great company to do business with.
just wanted to mention this.
KG

[HCMarkus]

Thanks KG... point well taken. I have not purchased anything from the company. I seem to recall that its area code was the only clue as to its physical location.

regardless of it reputation, Gainsaver's pricing may be a good resource in negotiating with other vendors or comparing prices on Craig's List.

EDIT:Phone Area Code Los Angeles. Fax Nevada.

[Pappy725]

Yeah, I looked at them in late 2009 when I upgraded my laptop. A little too weird... I got a good deal at Powermax.com. It wasn't a brand new machine, but close enough for me. And you can trade yours in! (maybe? )

Worth a look.
Pappy