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Author Topic: PowerMac G5 LCS - hints and tips?  (Read 5802 times)

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Offline Boot_WBTopic starter

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PowerMac G5 LCS - hints and tips?
« on: July 15, 2014, 10:00:48 AM »
It's been sat on the side for a few months, but it's just about time to get the G5 "Next Generation Amiga" up and running: 2.7GHz, liquid cooling, everything working as it should now that the coolant leak (from the original owner) has been cleaned up.

The target OS is MorphOS, although I'll probably put a Linux on there too just to see what it's like with dual 2.7GHz and 8GB Ram.
I'm planning on putting an Audigy soundcard in there until (if) Envy24HT drivers are re-released for pcix.device.

Any suggestions for a replacement liquid coolant to use in Powermac G5? I'm currently leaning towards Triple QX Red formulation (ethylene glycol based and contains a corrosion inhibitor).
My instinct was initially to go for an 'aluminium friendly' coolant, but in retrospect I think only the heat exchange fins (which don't come into contact with the coolant) are aluminium.
I've also obtained some replacement O-rings, so will be fitting them as part of the rebuild.

Has anyone here done a complete LCS rebuild on a G5? Any hints and tips to share? Best way to empty/fill the system without spilling coolant everywhere?

I've already got http://www.saunalahti.fi/~holindho/g5-quad-v1-lcs-repair.html bookmarked - it's not quite the same LCS, but it's close enough as a rough - if detailed - guide.
Mac Mini G4 (1.5GHz, 64MB VRam, 1GB Ram): MorphOS 3.6
Powerbook 5.8 (15", 1.67GHz, 128MB VRam, 1GB Ram): MorphOS 3.8.

Windows-free since 2011-2014 (Damn you Netflix!)
 

Offline Boot_WBTopic starter

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Re: PowerMac G5 LCS - hints and tips?
« Reply #1 on: July 15, 2014, 02:29:37 PM »
Quote from: ElPolloDiabl;768990
Shouldn't you ask at an overclocking forum?   :confused:


The G5 Powermac came factory fitted with LCS - it's not an aftermarket mod to increase heat dissipation.
Mac Mini G4 (1.5GHz, 64MB VRam, 1GB Ram): MorphOS 3.6
Powerbook 5.8 (15", 1.67GHz, 128MB VRam, 1GB Ram): MorphOS 3.8.

Windows-free since 2011-2014 (Damn you Netflix!)
 

Offline Boot_WBTopic starter

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Re: PowerMac G5 LCS - hints and tips?
« Reply #2 on: July 15, 2014, 02:45:22 PM »
Quote from: TeamBlackFox;769010
Don't go to an overclocking forum as they attract the wrong type of internet users who will scold you for using PowerPC while they circlejerk to their riced Windows desktops.


Heh. I'm capable of filtering out the noise.

Hi Smerf :)

Quote
In regards to rebuilding the LCS there are a number of guides. However, unless the system is leaking there is literally no reason to mess with it at all - G5s run very hot anyways ( up to 50 degrees celsius, and you'll see why I got rid of mine - I want a computer to run 24/7 but not burn me up in the process!! ) and rebuilding the syetem will only make minor difference.


G5 Macs are notorious for failure as a result of coolant leaks.
As stated in the OP, the coolant leak on mine has been cleaned (will be repaired by replacing the O-rings), it's just the drain/flush/refill that I'm procrastinating over.
Just want to make sure not to make a stupid error such as using an unsuitable coolant.

Quote
Here is the one that Floodgap.net ( whose webmaster uses a G5 named Bruce as his daily driver ) wrote up on the subject: http://tenfourfox.blogspot.com/2014/04/long-life-computing-plus-quad-g5-cpu.html

In addition you may find this website very useful: http://g5center.net


Pretty top-level stuff, a good introduction to those who haven't already bled their knuckles inside the chassis. Not much detail on the LCS,  but then I've not  found many Mac owners who were hardware modders.
Mac Mini G4 (1.5GHz, 64MB VRam, 1GB Ram): MorphOS 3.6
Powerbook 5.8 (15", 1.67GHz, 128MB VRam, 1GB Ram): MorphOS 3.8.

Windows-free since 2011-2014 (Damn you Netflix!)
 

Offline Boot_WBTopic starter

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Mac Mini G4 (1.5GHz, 64MB VRam, 1GB Ram): MorphOS 3.6
Powerbook 5.8 (15", 1.67GHz, 128MB VRam, 1GB Ram): MorphOS 3.8.

Windows-free since 2011-2014 (Damn you Netflix!)