[G4] Old mini or other machine for cheap/free?

[Amir 'CG' Caspi]

Hi Harry,

 	As mentioned, I checked all the cables - reseated them all and 
tried booting with one or both of them disconnected.  I also keep this 
machine relatively clean so there's no significant dust buildup (I use 
compressed air, just as you do).
 	I don't suspect the PS because this was a sudden event, not a 
gradual one, and I haven't changed the configuration of the machine in any 
way from when it worked to when it didn't.  I also don't suspect a blown 
capacitor because then I shouldn't get ANY boot, firmware or otherwise. 
In any case, I've looked and there are no obvious signs of damage.

 	I think John's suggestion of the custom firmware for the CPU 
upgrade might be the best one so far... I'll give it a shot when I can 
find the disk, and report back as to whether it worked or not.

 	In the meantime, I'd still love to replace this tower with a mini 
anyway (for noise and power reasons), in case someone has one they want to 
let go of. =)

Thanks!
 						--- amir

On Thu, 23 Feb 2012, Harry A. Freeman wrote:

> Amir,
>
> I understand that it is a single cable, I have a G4 AGP which I 
> purchased New in 1999. Not that I open the side panel a lot but it got 
> to the point that when I open the side panel the cable connecting the HD 
> (ATA) drives to the data buss would come loose. So after opening the 
> side panel I would always make sure that the cable was connected. I've 
> always had 2ea. drive installed in the drive cage and the drives are set 
> to "Cable Select"
>
> The DVD/CD drive is connected to a different buss know as the EIDE buss. 
> I think that the DVD/CD EIDE buss can effect the main ATA buss. But all 
> things possible.
>
> There is always the possibility that one of your Power Supply voltages 
> are low. The PS is a switching power supply and with your platform the 
> PS going bad is only remotely going to happen.
>
> One thing that I do at least once a year is blow the dust out of the PS 
> (I now use a 1.25Ghz Dual MDD) using compress air cans. You can get then 
> at a Staples Store, that where I usually get mine or at a Fry's.
>
> If you decide to blow the dust out of the PS and the rest of the 
> platform be sure to turn-off un-plug and let everything cool down for at 
> least 15 to 20 minutes.
>
> Cheers
>
> Harry