PowerMac G5 Case Conversion.
Completed Dec 2019.
I bought a really old 2005 Apple Mac, then replaced its entire internal components with PC parts.
Why? Why not!
Many regard the Apple PowerMac G5 / Mac Pro 2012 computer case an aesthetic "dream" computer tower case - myself included. It features a power-coated exterior and interior, and its defining mesh grille design. It is literally a huge block of aluminium - it is heavy!
Build Log
12 March 2019 - Bought the PowerMac G5 A1177 as 'used' on eBay / gumtree (I can't find it in my history). I paid $60 AUD, sold by some web developer guy in Hurstville. He tells me not to ring the doorbell to avoid waking the baby. Dropped by to pick up after my after-work swim at the pool.
To my pleasant surprise when I plugged it in, the computer itself was fully functional (the seller didn't think it was).
The computer then sits in my room for the next few months lol.
October 2019 - Disassembly begins. The nice thing about summer here in Australia is that there is still daylight hours after work: 6pm-7pm.
12 October 2019 - Began removing rivet bolts from a PC case found road-side (thinking to transplant it across). Drill ran out of power. Got half removed so far. Also found out that removal of CPU heatsink requires extra long hex tool.
14 October 2019 - JB Weld cold steel weld ordered from eBay
November 2019 - Properly begin planning which parts of the aluminium casing to cut off.
I picked up an "Orizo RTR-2000 170W Rotary Tool Set" from Bunnings for <$50. I get and it doesn't even work so I have to drive back and get a replacement. It's a bit of a cheap toy.
Dad wanted to help too, bringing out his big grinder. Beware the grinder is not a precision tool!
I transplanted the "back metal frame" of an old case - a roadside pickup hehe - and aligned it to the mobo IO ports. This back frame had Standard-ATX PCIE slots, which is what I wanted.
The JB Weld is used to glue the motherboard stand-offs (screw mountings) into its place on the motherboard. I followed the advice from several forums and YouTube videos.
I cut out a square hole for the PSU fan.
The rear exhaust fan looked a little bare so I bought a plastic grille covering for it (again, ebay is great).
I was going to add an IEC connector myself on the "rear metal frame", and internally route this to the PSU, but I got lazy.
December 2019
Fitting in the mobo for real. I used parts from an existing PC at home for this build.
I'm happy with the end result. Kept the authentic look as much as I could.
I don't actually use this desktop myself (I don't need one, and neither do I have the space for it) so I've replaced dad's desktop with this 🙂