Convert an iMac G5 PPC to Intel Based iMac early 2006?

I have been working with Macs for some time and I know how annoying their hardware will only work for one series of computers and that's it. I was given an iMac G5 2004 for free and when looking to replace the motherboard I realized that it only uses DDR memory, terrible. I know they have 17" Intel based iMac G4 computers and figured with an iMac there are few parts you need to worry about. I would need to change out the LCD screen or connector and rewire it, I have hard drives that will work, I will need an Intel Core Duo processor (can pick a working one up real cheap), Motherboard will cost me $100, and I assume the DVD/CD drive is universal and will work with the Intel board. Now my concern is the power supply and the LCD inverter. That is pretty much all there is to these machines.
Now why don't I just buy a 2006 iMac? Because where is the challenge in that? Has anyone ever attempted this conversion? Money is not a problem, I enjoy moding and having little projects like this. I have a flat screen eMac with an LED LCD screen, I have a G4 with Mac Mini guts, I have a Gen 1 Apple TV running 10.5... you get the idea. I am tearing the machine apart now I just need to find the proper information, Google has failed me. I assume the 2006 MOBO should be a direct fit because the form factor is almost identical. USB and other slots look to be the same, if not I can bust out the plastic fill and Dremel. Anyone have any thoughts besides that this is a dumb idea?
If I go ahead with this I plan on doing a write-up. In theory, these seems like a very simple conversion just because everything is based around the MOBO and the parts that would need to be replaced I have or are inexpensive. I figure the project would cost me around $300. I run a tech shop and get parts dirt cheap. Any ideas or information would be great as I typically don't work on 2004 models, thanks!
Please no flaming, if you intend to flame just go bother someone else thanks!

You also have to consider to port locations, and if the ventilation is enough for the logicboard.
Furthermore a Mac mini uses a SATA bus that is more geared towards powering 2.5" drives, not 3.5" drives. Though I've seen some who hacked an eSATA on a Mac Mini on the net. Don't forget a CoreSolo or CoreDuo Mac Mini won't give you much of an advantage over the G5. Core2Duo 2.2 Ghz or higher is better unless you still depend on numerous non-Universal applications.

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Using a PPC backup for an intel based iMac

I used my external hard drive with my PowerBook TM backup to migrate my data to my new intel based iMac. Afterwards I formated the external hard drive to the GUID scheme and initialed a TM backup. But somehow in the midway TM stopped backing up and produced this error message:
+Starting standard backup+
+Backing up to: /Volumes/Backup/Backups.backupdb+
+Event store UUIDs don't match for volume: Macintosh HD+
+Event store UUIDs don't match for volume: Medien+
+No pre-backup thinning needed: 71.14 GB requested (including padding), 285.93 GB available+
Is it not possible to use a PPC based TM backup to restore it on an intel based machine?

Well, that's not what the error means. There's a problem with the UUIDs of the volumes involved. However, that said, no you cannot put a PPC version of OS X on an Intel Mac. However, you can restore your data from any TM backup. But if you did a full system restore from your PPC system backup to the new machine, then you have a problem for which the only solution is to erase the internal drive and reinstall OS X using the original discs that came with the new computer.
I'm not really sure what you are trying to do, but if you actually formatted the external drive and re-partitioned it using GUID and are now trying to initiate a TM backup of your new Intel Mac, then I recommend you simply reformat the external backup drive Mac OS Extended, Journaled (and check to be sure the drive is partitioned as GUID,) and then reconfigure TM preferences and start a new backup.

Older Mac games on a an Intel-based iMac

Does anyone know if it is possible to play older (1995 and up) Mac games on a new, Intel-based iMac?

Seconded. Emulation is the only way to run Classic games on Intel Macs. Rosetta is the framework that allows Intel Macs to run PPC Mac programs (for OS X). Before the Intel switch, Mac's also used something called the "classic environment." This allowed OS X users to run OS 9-compatible applications in OS X, but this is impossible under OS X.
I don't have any experience with SheepShaver. I believe Q (which is Mac port of a emulator called QEMU) can emulate PPC environments (I know QEMU can; so I can only presume Q can). But as the previous poster mentioned, the only legal way to get the ROM images you need is by actually owning a PPC Mac.

What can happen to an intel-based iMac when a power outage occurs while it is on and I unplug it to avoid a surge when power comes back?

The power went out today, while I was using my intel-based iMac (2008) and I rushed to unplug the power from the wall, before the poser could surge back on. Did I do damage?
I have a surge protector that it was plugged into, but I thought just to be safe I should unplug!
Thanks, Group!
artdough

Good point!
Art a surge protector (a good one) is designed to provide contant power to the devices that are plugged into it. This is good in the event of a surge of power up or down however in the event of a complete power outage they're of no value.
A UPS (Uninteruptable Power Supply) is just that, it has surge protection like a surge suppresor however it also has a battery integrated into it. The battery is designed to provide enough power for a user to do an orderly shutdown. In addition most UPS's can also plug into your iMac via a USB cable. Then you can set energy saver preferences that you cannot see now. For example you can set how long the computer should run in the event of power going off. You can also set if you want the computer to reboot or not when the power comes back on etc. For about $100 you can get a fine UPS that will add an additional layer of protection for your computer and give you extra peace of mind.

User Contributed Tips in Intel-based iMac Your Intel-based iMac Display

*The following User Contributed Tips are located in the Intel-based iMac > Your Intel-based iMac Display forum:*
a brody - Using a second Mac as a display for a first
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1587927
Publish date: July 7, 2008
*The following related tips are located in other areas of Apple Discussions:*
See also User Tips Library

My 20" 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo had become almost useless due to freezes and crashes- with NO crash reports in the logs.
They were often preceeded by video glitches, so I assumed it was a bad video card- unfortunately soldered to mother board.
Apparently, from forum postings, this is not an uncommon problem. The computer would run longer if the day was cooler, but rarely more than 10 minutes, so I suspected it was aggravated by heat.
Then I found this post from Bodomann on an Apple Support forum:
"Following up on my previous posting regarding my son's late model 2006 iMac that required a $900 logic board replacement:
Turns out the problem is apparently related to a bad CPU temp sensor. I installed 'iMac Fan Control' (Google it) which reported the CPU temp always at 32 degrees Fahrenheit (obviously incorrect). The same software allowed me to adjust the CPU fan manually. After multiple trials I set the CPU speed to 2800RPM after which the system would run forever - never freezing with the dreaded grey box 'reboot me' screen. I tried several times reverting the software to default speeds and the system would always crash within 10 minutes. "
I downloaded free Fan Control 1.2 for Imac from Derman Enterprises (they have an Intel iMac and a Mac Book/Pro version). It installs as a system preferences control panel. I cranked up all three fan speeds. The fans sped up noticeably. Horizontal lines have gone from screen (so far), no color artifacts and no crashes yet. I may have a real computer back! Hope Apple checks this out-
The control panel also gives the temps sensors are reporting at the CPU, hard drive and DVD drive. The CPU sensor reports the CPU temp as 32 degrees F- which is clearly wrong, unless Apple has been installing little refrigerators inside.
So thanks to Bodomann for posting- Hats off and three cheers to Derman and Cristoph for source code.
http://www.derman.com/iMac-Fan-Control
http://www.lobotomo.com/products/FanControl/index.html

My old Intel-Based iMac is no longer recognizing USB wired input devices; it only recognizes Bluetooth. What happened?

My friend's old Intel-Based iMac is no longer recognizing USB-wired input devices (Kensington TrackBall, Logitech Mouse) plugged into any USB slot at the back of the computer.
They were working before and for many years.
All of a sudden, A pop up window came up. IT said no Bluetooth mice could be found. We don't know what set off that window to pop up and look for a WL mouse. It never has before in the 5 or more years my friend has been using this computer.
I supplied a wireless Apple mouse and his is back running again.
But want to know why his USB-input devices (Except his keyboard) are not being recognized. He would prefer to use his Trackpad (Wired), but can't find anything in SYstem PReferences to allow that. The computer only seems to want a Bluetooth input device.
Anyone have an idea what happened and if this can be reversed?
I think he is still running Mac OS X 10.5.8.

Hi Carol, lets try this...
reset FW bus, same goes for USB reset...
Reset the Firewire bus
If your Firewire or USB isn't recognizing any device. A solution which has worked for some whose hard drive became invisible in 10.4 was simply to follow these four steps to reset the Firewire/USB bus:
1. Shut the machine down.
2. UNPLUG the power lead to the computer and any firewire/USB drive/devices.
3. leave it for 10 minutes.
4. Connect back up and reboot.
http://www.macmaps.com/firewirebug2.html

HT1338 Left hand side of monitor dims on 2011/intel based iMac-any suggestions?

Left hand side of monitor dims on 2011 /intel based iMac-any suggestions? Called apple support. Restarted-didn't help. Unplugged my second monitor from the thunderbolt port-didn't help. Unplugged center cord in the middle on the back of the monitor-waited 15 seconds, restarted, held down option-command-p-r and this didn't help. Apple support thought that it was most likely a video card/hardware issue, but would like to hear of any other trouble shooting suggestions.

Not a hardware issue, since it shows up in a screenshot. Please boot in safe mode, launch Safari, and test. Same problem?
Some things won't work in safe mode, possibly including wireless networking.
After testing, reboot as usual (not in safe mode.)
Mac OS X: Starting up in Safe Mode

Hi . i have Intel based iMac. i erased whole hard disk. now it flashes folder icon with question mark... i have no internet or orginal dvd.... i want to clean install any mac osx..friend got mac book pro and osx in dmg format . what are my options?

hi . i have Intel based iMac. i erased whole hard disk. now it flashes folder icon with question mark... i have no internet or orginal dvd.... i want to clean install any mac osx..friend got mac book pro and osx in dmg format . what are my options?

On your friend's computer with an internet connection, log into the Mac App Store with your ID and download Yosemite from the Purchases section of the Mac App Store. The make a bootable USB install media using
http://liondiskmaker.com/
Then boot from that on your computer and install
You need an internet connection to install via Recovery mode

I have an Intel based iMac that has just developed two small spots on the screen. One 1/8" circle at bottom and a tiny circle at top. The fading on and off light isn't working anymore either. Does anyone know anything about this?

I have an Intel based iMac that has just developed two small spots on the screen - they look light brighter spots on the screen. One 1/8" circle at bottom right and a tiny circle at top right. The fading on and off light on area surrounding the screen isn't working anymore either. Has anyone else had similar problems? Any solutions? Thanks!

One way to test is to Safe Boot from the HD, (holding Shift key down at bootup), run Disk Utility in Applications>Utilities, then highlight your drive, click on Repair Permissions, Test for problem in Safe Mode...
PS. Safe boot may stay on the gray radian for a long time, let it go, it's trying to repair the Hard Drive
Reboot, test again.
If it only does it in Regular Boot, then it could be some hardware problem like Video card, (Quartz is turned off in Safe Mode), or Airport, or some USB or Firewire device, or 3rd party add-on, Check System Preferences>Accounts>Login Items window to see if it or something relevant is listed.
Check the System Preferences>Other Row, for 3rd party Pref Panes.
Also look in these if they exist, some are invisible...
/private/var/run/StartupItems
/Library/StartupItems
/System/Library/StartupItems
/System/Library/LaunchDaemons
/Library/LaunchDaemons

2007 intel based iMac has the white screen of death with the mouse visible?? WHATSUP

My 2007 Intel based IMAC has the white screen of death with the mouse cursor as the only visible item. What is up with this? Is this the equivalent of the windows blue screen of death?
Doug

Read the "More Like This" thread links located at the bottom left of this page.

Intel based iMacs won't netboot

Hi,
I'm trying to get two labs of intel based iMacs to netboot. I cannot get them to boot from my MacOS 10.4.7 server (Dual G5 1.8Ghz PowerMac). I have sucessfully used the server to netboot almost 100 PowerPC macs (either eMacs or iMac G4's). Is there something special that has to be done to netboot an intel iMac? I created my boot image from the OS X install DVD that came with one of the iMacs. I'm really stumped, any help would be greatly apprecaited

multiple network and netboot server problems caused this, it hds been resolved

Spector on Intel based iMac

Is anybody running Spector on an Intel based iMac or had any experience running Spector on an Intel based iMac.
There are some postings recording Spector but nothing referencing it being run on an Intel iMac.
I have tried contacting Spectorsoft but get the 'canned' response stating they cannot comment or endorse the product running on an Intel iMac as it was no designed as a 'Universal' application.
Thank You,
MV
iMac Intel Core Duo, 17" Widescreen Mac OS X (10.4.5) 1.83 Ghz, 1 GB, 160 GB HD, G3 Canon Powershot, 3210 HP Printer, 6 GB iPod mini

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Is it possible to run OS 9 CD-ROMs on an Intel-based iMAC?

My children have a bunch of CD-ROMs that run using Mac OS 9.
Is there any way to run these on an Intel-based iMAC?
My kids were so excited to get a new MAC and then so disappointed when they found they couldn't play some of their favourite games on it.

A quick search of the forum comes up with these results. Sheepshaver is an option sometimes.
http://discussions.apple.com/search.jspa?threadID=&q=sheepshaver&objID=f1110&dat eRange=last90days&userID=&numResults=15

I used migration assistant and my ethernet cable to move data and apps from my 5-yr old Intel-based iMac to my brand new Intel-based iMac running OS Lion. The old machine was running OS 10.5.8. Not all my files transferred (or I can't find them). Help

I used migration assistant and my ethernet cable to move data and apps from my 5-yr old Intel-based iMac to my brand new Intel-based iMac running OS Lion. The old machine was running OS 10.5.8. Not all my files transferred (or I can't find them). I've seen recommendations to select the old computer in System Preferences, but that didn't work. Help. Thanks!

IMO, wrong choice. Start over, using a FireWire cable and following the steps in Pondini's Setup New Mac guide.

Photoshop 6.0 on Intel based iMac

Hi, I'm new to Macs and I just bought an old copy of photoshop 6.0. Just tried to install it on my Intel based iMac and it said that the application wasn't supported on my system. Is there any way around this or should I return the software and save for a later version? Been looking for advice on here but haven't had much luck. A lot of mention of something called Rosetta?
Help me please!!
iMac (intel) Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Return the software and get Photoshop CS or CS2 at the least. Otherwise you can wait till 07 to get the intel native CS3. I think it's coming out in the Second quarter.
Earlier versions of photoshop weren't native to OS X. We used to be able to get around that by a stopgap measure called "Classic" that actually booted OS 9 in a shell inside OS X. Since the move to intel, classic no longer works. That's why you need an OS X native version of Photoshop.

Convert an iMac G5 PPC to Intel Based iMac early 2006?

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