Tech: Mac - new processor?

Subject: Tech: Mac - new processor?
From: Bainbo
Date: 29 Jul 12 - 03:06 PM

I know this is a pretty basic question, but I only know enough about computers to do what I need to do with them - I don't really understand the nuts and bolts. I'm the same with cars :-)

My old iMac G5 - probably about five years old - runs OSX 10.4. Its processor is PowerPC, rather than Intel, and now I'm getting left behind. Seems like no one makes software to go with that. So, my stupid question is: Do I need a new computer, or is there a way of installing a new processor?

Subject: RE: Tech: Mac - new processor?
From: Jack Campin
Date: 29 Jul 12 - 06:36 PM

I'm posting this from a PowerMac G4, about 10 years old, running 10.4. Works fine. Not much software I actually want that I can't use.

Your iMac G5 will be more than five years old. You can't replace the processor except with a faster G5.

Subject: RE: Tech: Mac - new processor?
From: GUEST,Stim
Date: 29 Jul 12 - 06:42 PM

You need to get a new computer.

Subject: RE: Tech: Mac - new processor?
From: GUEST,Stim
Date: 29 Jul 12 - 07:06 PM

Posted too soon! Meant to add that that is assuming you've got to have software that runs only on an Intel processor. Be warned that some of the software you use now probably won't be compatible, and you'll either have to buy new software(which, I suspect, is the reason we are always being pushed to upgrade) or run two computers. I have a perfectly good scanner/printer that which will not run when connected to my Intel-based Mac, so I print from my PowerPC unit. It's a pain, but I don't want to buy another printer.

Subject: RE: Tech: Mac - new processor?
From: Bert
Date: 29 Jul 12 - 07:42 PM

Apple have never been the same since they ditched the 6502.

Subject: RE: Tech: Mac - new processor?
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 29 Jul 12 - 08:33 PM

Actually replacing the processor isn't all that much of a problem if you also replace the mother board with one that has the right socket and BIOS for the new processor, which likely will require an upgrade to the cooling system (or at least a new heat sink/cooler for the processor) and you might need an upgrade to the power supply - which may or may not fit in the case you have. ...

They sell kits for doing it. Search the web for "Computers - NEW."

Stupid sarcasm aside, your best course depends a little on what you mean be "getting left behind." If there are programs you really feel you need, that clearly require a later Operating System, you will need to take a look at what both the new OS and the new programs require, and whether what's really necessary is something your current machine doesn't have.

If your problem is more related to speed or performance for programs that just "run badly" rather than to particular functions, it's actually unlikely that you can make enough of a processor update (without a full motherboard replacement) to make much difference, since processor speed is seldom the "bottleneck" that really limits overall computer performance.

Changes like additional memory might solve some problems, and would be a lot cheaper than a new machine. If your hard drive is more than 2/3 full, it's even possible that a larger hard drive (with more free space) might overcome even some "program compatibility" problems, but that would be fairly rare.

Unfortunately, once you start trying out bit-wise improvements, it's easy to spend quite a chunk of money as you accumulate "improvements" that still leave you with an obsolete machine, so a new hunk of hardware may be cost-effective even if you could solve your immediate annoyances a piece at a time.

So far, you've asked if a solution would help without telling us much about what the problem is that you're needing to solve. About all we can really offer is a pat on the head and sympathy, based on what you've told us so far; but it does seem likely that you should consider a new computer along with any other things you might do to get what we'd suspect you really want.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: Mac - new processor?
From: Andrez
Date: 30 Jul 12 - 08:51 AM

Hi,

Its worth knowing a few more specifics re your iMac G5.

For example if yours is the 20 inch iMAc introduced Aug 2004 and discontinued May 2005, it started with OSX 10.3.5 and is upgradable to OSX 10.5.8. An OS upgrade might make some difference letting you run some more recent software but if you want to do something more memory intensive other than running Office etc you have a maxxheadroom of 2Gb Ram. Thats a finite limitation and if you need to do stuff needing more Ram then you need to explore the upgrade path to an Intel processor.

Checkout this link and download the app to get details re your specific G5 iMac and see how your machine stacks up against the specs: http://mactracker.ca/

Hope this helps,

Cheers,

Andrez