Mac Mini (PowerPC version) will not boot - or reinstall...

All of a sudden my MacMini is playing up. It will not boot. I have tried leaving it overnight and reinstalling the OS to no avail.
It boots from CD and reads the install disc, but it hangs everywhere for ages. It verifies the install DVD - then just fails to install. And I have tried installing to external USB drives too with the same result.
I have run DiscWarrior twice and that sees no problems...any ideas? Any help will be greatly appreciated,
Neil

Does the external HD have a GUID partition table?
Is the external drive formatted Mac OS X Extended (journaled)?
Is this a 2011 or late 2012 Mac?
How was Mavericks installed on the external drive?
Who is the builder of the drive mechanism in the external drive?
Who is the builder of the external enclosure?
What type of interface does the external drive have USB2, USB3, Firewire 400, Firewire 800, thunderbolt?
Is the external enclosure directly connected to the mini?
Have youtried a different interface cable?

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