On Jun 22, 2010, at 7:50 AM, fanatamac wrote: > Hi group, > > My Imac G5 20 inch, 1.8 recently turned into vacuum cleaner mode; > won't recognize the hard drive no matter what. > > Would appreciate advice on selling - better to list as a whole system > for fix or parts, or part it out and sell the components > individually? Everything but the board is in great condition. > > Thanks for your time, > > Matt Roland
Matt, What you've got is a parts machine which probably has a logic board suffering from the bad capacitor plague that affected most iMac G5s. If the iMac still chimes and attempts to boot before it goes into "vacuum cleaner mode," there's a good chance that replacement of the 25 or so capacitors on the logic board will restore it to life. But there's also a chance that it won't, especially if failing caps managed to damage video circuitry. Your iMac also could have a problem with the video inverter if the screen won't light up. If I were you, I'd first try to sell it locally as a parts machine. Failing success there, I'd then offer it to LEM Swap members as a whole machine. If no one wants to pay the shipping charges plus a modest price for the parts (LCD, optical drive, hard drive, RAM, bluetooth/Airport/modem cards, power cable, fans, etc.), then I'd part it out. Of course, having the original Apple shipping box will make things easier all around as the LCD is a delicate piece of equipment that can be damaged all too easily in transit in a non-Apple box. I've successfully revived several G5 iMacs and eMacs by replacing capacitors on the logic board as well as in the power supply. It's hard work because Apple started using lead-free, high-temperature solder which means hobbyist-level removal/replacement of caps isn't easy. Good luck! -- Jim Scott -- You received this message because you are a member of the iMac Group, a group for those using Apple iMacs and eMacs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/imac/list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to imaclist@googlegroups.com To leave this group, send email to imaclist+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/imaclist
