Apple Power Mac G5 Desktop - M9748LL/A (April, 2005)

Hello All,

I started to buy and hope to sell the Power Mac G5 Dual 2.7 ghz Power Mac computers. They are 1 generation behind the newest Mac Pro (Intel Chip) computers.

The Bad:

You cannot run Windows-based programs like the newer Mac Pros using a program called Windows on Macs Parallels). Also, the highest OS that can be loaded on these computers is LEOPARD X 10.5.6.

There still are parts out there for this relatively-fast machine. The major problem with them is in their sheer weight, and weak handle design. There are "U"-shaped handles on the top and "legs" on the bottom. Unfortunately, most shippers do not sell in the original boxes. Specialized harder foam needs to be placed between the entire case and especially the handles. The reason for this is that these machines weigh in at 53-60 pounds when shipped.

Unfortunately, most of these "heavyweights" are dropped or banged around in transit, and the brunt of the weight is placed on the handles. This subsequently causes dents to themselves and the lower sides of the case.

The computers still work, but are not the "prettiest" sights to see in their damaged state. Used replacement cases can be purchased almost new ($300.00 US) to stripped-down cases sold by individuals for about $ 130-150.00 US). Shipping then "weighs in" from $40.00 - $100.00.

A certified Apple technician can then move the "innards" from the damaged case top the replacement case for another $ 150.00 - 200.00.


The Good:

If you want a fast machine and don't mind a few dents, then go for this Mac (or it's faster quad 2.5 ghz cousin).

You can still find copies of the last OS version Leopard X 10.5.6.

You need to be aware that early versions of this computer were prone to leakage from their "radiator/cooler". They have inside them a Delphi radiator (Built by the same company that I believe makes car radiators) to cool down the CPU's.


I think this might have been due to "gamers" who use their computers for hours at a time. I replaced an older G4, and undoubtedly am taking a chance by having bought these items.

However, I don't use mine for gaming, and so far have found no issues mind you it's only been 2 weeks.

Another common complain is fan noise. I do hear a rise in "noise" when I am downloading a lot of material or am working with several different programs at once (e.g. Photoshop and Indesign). However the "noise" is more of a pleasurable "whir" than a distracting noise.

You can put a lot of memory into the computer, and running Leopard is fun with all of it's features.

These models and the G5 PowerMac Quad 2.5 ghz are in big demand on e-Bay, so you have to be lucky or find "down times" when you can pick one up at a low price. The newest Mac Pro is expensive, and the IMac 24" goes for high prices.

Is the price for 1 of these worth it (plus another $ 100.00 for shipping)? I'll let you know in a year from now.

Right now I'm glad to have a relatively up-to-date computer at a moderate price. Of course, for the same amount you can purchase a PC that is new and guaranteed for 1 year. It's your choice.

I'm sure, if you speak to diehard Mac fans, it's worth it!

Thanks for reading this review, and don't be shy to e-mail me if you have any questions.

Stacey Bindman
Montreal,Quebec, Canada eh!

The Dual 2.33 G5 was the only option for my studio upgrade that allowed me to upgrade the audio editing system computer without having to pay upgrade expenses on software, plug ins, and sound cards. Upgrading to a Mac Pro would have ended up costing close to $5k. Pro Tools performance on this G5 is smooth, glitch free, and exactly what I needed for Pro Tools LE 7.1. I have two Glyph drives, 300 & 500 gb, for audio storage so the 250gb ide drive is more than sufficient. The super drive is also nice an fast for buring to CD.
In my case, this was a good choice.

lld about the G5: quieter than the g4 which is great in the studio, and from experience much faster on processing. I had to do some parts replacement, so modifying the system for better performance was necessary. Since you cannot speak on the sale in this panel I'll leave that to your imagination. one thing i will say before closing... apple needs to make obtaining the video card for these machines... more easily available. You cannot stick in just any card and expect it to come on; and I've searched high & low to get one, when you see two hundred to three hundred for a video card for a G5 Mac... its the norm, any pricing under two is a helluva deal.

Power Macs like most Apple products are very well built and are built to last. As PC's generally see about a 3-5 year lifespan....Macs are generally twice that period making them a good value even though they are more expensive than PC's. The Power Macs speed even though they are now about 4-6 years old are still pretty impressive 2.0 GHz to 2.7 Ghz. The only real issue that I think one has to consider is the difference between the Motorola chip and the Intel chip. The Power Macs all were built with the Motorola chip which can limit some software choices that require the new Intel chip which Apple converted over to sometime in 2005. One other issue that comes along with some of the Motorola chips is that some of them put out enough heat that that necessitated Apple installing watercooling units for the CPU's. Because watercooling in computers was somewhat new at the time the units that used this technology added some potential problems. Because Apple used a type of antifreeze in their units in the beginning which was corrosive to electrical components if it leaked this can be a potential drawback to purchasing one of these units if they used the watercooling technology. It is my understanding that only some of the 2.5 Ghz and the 2.7 Ghz units used this technology. It is my opinion that I would stay away from these units or make sure that someone has checked the watercooling units out making sure that a leak has not occurred and corroded some parts that may be an issue down the road. However, these machines are built like tanks, incredible craftsmanship, PC's don't even come close....so if you don't need the Intel chip and you stay away from the watercooling units (which are fairly rare anyway) these are great machines. As well because these are older technology you can get them on the cheap....usually around $300.

The Power Mac G5 still matches up favorably with the current crop of power computers. The Apple OS is so easy to use and puts Windows to shame. An older Mac
is one of the best buys available.