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Description

Experience the pinnacle of audio computing with the Apple Mac G5, a powerhouse designed to elevate your music production endeavors. This dynamic machine delivers unparalleled performance with its Dual 2.7GHz PowerPC G5 processors, allowing you to tackle the most demanding audio applications with ease. Whether you're running complex plug-ins or rendering high-quality audio tracks, the Mac G5 stands ready to meet your needs with speed and precision.

Equipped with a robust system architecture, the Mac G5 ensures seamless data transfer, eliminating bottlenecks that typically hinder performance. Its advanced graphics capabilities, featuring an ATI Radeon 9650 graphics card, support stunning visual displays, making it an ideal companion for film scoring or audio-visual production. The innovative liquid cooling system keeps your machine running quietly even under heavy workloads, allowing you to focus on your creative process without distraction.

The Mac G5 also offers extensive expansion options, providing you with the flexibility to grow your setup as your projects demand. With options for additional SATA hard drives and PCI-X slots, you can customize your system to fit your unique production requirements. Its comprehensive connectivity options, including FireWire and USB ports, ensure that all your peripherals are easily integrated into your workflow.

Key Features:

  • Dual 2.7GHz PowerPC G5 processors
  • 64-bit architecture with up to 8GB RAM support
  • ATI Radeon 9650 graphics card with 256MB DDR SDRAM
  • Advanced liquid cooling system
  • 250GB Serial ATA hard drive (7200 rpm)
  • 16x SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
  • Three open full-length PCI-X slots
  • Multiple FireWire and USB ports for connectivity
  • Optical and analog audio I/O
  • Compatible with 30" Apple Cinema Display

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Apple Mac G5.

Setup and maintenance

  • Avoid Single 1.6/1.8 and Early Dual 2.0 models due to RAM slot and solder problems; Dual 2.0 or 2.3 with solid CPU plate is more reliable.

    Source
  • PowerMac G5s require repasting the CPU and U3 on the board; PSU often clogs with dust, needing regular maintenance.

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Comparisons

  • Last model dual-core G5s, with PCIe slots, are noted for reliability and versatility with Linux; however, Quad Core models have liquid cooling risks.

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Software and compatibility

  • PowerMac G4 MDD offers superior native Mac OS 9 performance over G5, especially with a 2GHz 7448 CPU and GeForce 4 Ti 4600.

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  • Sorbet Leopard, integrating Snow Leopard beta and High Sierra patches, can provide a more secure OS option for PowerPC G5s.

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  • Users report that Sorbet Leopard, a hybrid of OS 10.5 and 10.6, enhances security and usability for PowerPC G5s, though it's not widely tested.

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Features and functionality

  • A1117 Dual Core 2.3GHz G5 variant lacks liquid cooling, reducing maintenance risks, and includes PCIe slots for potential upgrades.

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  • Power Mac G5 cases are praised for their aesthetic appeal, often maintained for modern builds due to their artistic design.

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  • Installing an SSD in the G5 is straightforward due to its easy-access design and SATA connectivity, significantly boosting performance for vintage tasks.

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Value and pricing

  • The Cinema Display included with a Power Mac G5 can be sold alone for $100, making a $50 purchase for both a bargain.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Installing an SSD in a G5 significantly improves performance, allowing for basic tasks like web surfing and running CNC software.

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Use cases and applications

  • A Power Mac G5 can be repurposed as a stylish, functional unit for basic workshop tasks, such as running 3D print software (CURA).

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  • The Power Mac G5 can be effectively used with Nikon Coolscan scanners, running NikonScan software for film photography enthusiasts who prefer it over modern solutions.

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  • The machine excels in non-HD video editing, music production, photo editing, and syncing older iPods, but it struggles with modern web browsing tasks.

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User experience

  • Owners find the Power Mac G5 Dual Core (2.3) to be a favorite due to nostalgia for early 2000s gaming, despite its limitations with modern web browsing.

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Critic Reviews

Apple Power Mac G5 Quad review: Apple Power Mac G5 Quad - CNET

cnet.com

The Apple Power Mac G5 Quad showcases impressive performance with its dual-core CPUs and workstation-class graphics, making it ideal for content creators. Its fan-free liquid cooling system and easy access interior are notable design highlights. However, the limited expandability, lack of wireless networking in the default setup, and impending obsolescence due to Apple's Intel transition are significant drawbacks. At a steep price, the absence of an AirPort card and poor wireless reception are disappointing for a product from a company known for championing wireless tech. While it excels in multimedia tasks, potential buyers should weigh the cost against the future-proofing of upcoming Intel-based models.

Test Bench:Apple Power Mac G5 - Videomaker

videomaker.com

The Apple Power Mac G5 is a mixed bag of cutting-edge features and notable limitations. It shines with its powerful 64-bit processors, promising future-readiness and significant improvements in speed for video editing tasks. Its sleek design and quiet operation are commendable. However, the real-world application of its 64-bit capability is limited by the scarcity of compatible software, and the high cost of maximizing its RAM potential. Furthermore, the restricted space for additional hard drives could be a deal-breaker for some video professionals. Overall, while the G5 is a step forward, its practical benefits are tempered by current market realities.

Apple G5

soundonsound.com

Apple's G5 is a powerhouse for music production, offering a significant leap in performance from the G4. Its sleek design, quiet operation, and advanced features like dual-processor options and PCI-X slots make it highly appealing. Notably, the G5 excels in handling demanding tasks such as running multiple reverb plug-ins and supporting large sample libraries. The built-in digital I/O and dual-monitor support add to its allure. However, compatibility issues with older PCI cards and the necessity of OS X might deter some users. Overall, the G5 is a strong contender for musicians seeking a cutting-edge Mac platform.

positive

Apple Power Mac G5 review: Apple Power Mac G5 - CNET

cnet.com

3.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Masafumi Takada uses Apple Mac G5

Masafumi Takada

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via goo blog

とりあえず、なんとか1曲MIXまで完成させました。 なんとかなりそうな感じです。

っつーかG5がすごいのか、Logicが軽いのか、プラグインやソフトシンセを結構使っても全然サクサク動きます。今までのDPでの作業はなんだったのか・・・って感じるくらい軽快です。

ソフトシンセもスゴいっすねー。 今までハードシンセばかり使っていて、遊び程度でしかソフトシンセを使った事がなかったので、軽いカルチャーショックです。 完全に時代に乗り遅れてたみたいです。。。 最近の仕事の内容だと、マックだけで殆ど完結できるなぁーこりゃ。

そのうち、この前買ったiBookでも作業してみよっと! どこでも仕事できるなぁー。

ちなみに、iBookとても重宝してます。 なんと言っても、寝る前に寝転びながらできるのがグー!

See how Russell Mael uses Apple Mac G5

Russell Mael

Singer

Sparks

...
Verified via the Guardian

"We have one of the 2GHz Apple Mac G5s - of course, they've just brought out the 2.5GHz so every week you're obsolete! The one we have was reputed to be the fastest computer ... up until two weeks ago obviously!"

See how Tom Rowlands uses Apple Mac G5

Tom Rowlands

Music Producer

The Chemical Brothers

...
Verified via Kreativ Sound

Tom Rowlands, of Chemical Brothers fame, working in his studio. Just check out the complete list of this synthesizer nerd … an instant daydream … and also explains the original sounds on their records! The Chemical Brothers Studio Equipment List Computer, DAW: Apple Logic Pro 7 software, Mac G5 computer;

See how Robin Beanland uses Apple Mac G5

Robin Beanland

Composer

...
Verified via Twitter

A pair of Mac G5 towers can be seen in Robin Beanland's studio.

H

Hans Joachim Irmler

Composer

Faust

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Perhaps unsurprisingly, given that he began making music in the '70s, Irmler still has a love for tape, despite the fact that he now runs Logic Studio on an Apple Mac G5. "I still love having analogue systems and digital equipment that's not part of the computer,” he says. "Logic is not too bad. I was wondering at the very beginning if this might work, so we went along both ways.

See how John Porter uses Apple Mac G5

John Porter

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

A Mac G5 can be seen in John Porter's studio (second photo).

See how Scott Kinsey uses Apple Mac G5

Scott Kinsey

Keyboardist, Music Producer

ARC Trio

...
Verified via All About Jazz

Scott Kinsey uses an Apple Mac G5 as part of his music setup, running all his virtual synthesizers. This information is supported by an interview conducted by Stefanee Freedman for All About Jazz, where Kinsey explains, "The keyboard is an 88-note semi-weighted M-Audio keyboard called a Keystation 88 ES, which is just a controller for my computer that is a [MAC] G5."

See how John Fields uses Apple Mac G5

John Fields

Bassist, Drummer

Nick Jonas & the Administration

...
Verified via pastemagazine.com

In an interview with Paste Magazine, John Fields discusses using the Apple Mac G5 in his music production process.

See how Phil Kieran uses Apple Mac G5

Phil Kieran

Music Producer

...
Verified via fabric london

"I run a Mac desktop G5"

See how Babydaddy uses Apple Mac G5

Babydaddy

Guitarist, Bassist

38 Special

...
Verified via Soundonsound

According to Babydaddy, the equipment at Discoball Jazzfest consists of a G5 Mac running Logic Pro 7 with assorted plug-ins including the Native Instruments Komplete package, Korg's Legacy Collection, Arturia's CS80V and Gforce's Minimonsta. Hardware includes the Access Virus Indigo and Virus Polar, Roland XV5050, Studiologic SL880 master keyboard, Roland Juno 106 and Novation K-station synths. The band's main microphone is a Neumann M149, which went through the studio's HHB Radius 50, Avalon VT737, or Universal Audio 6176 preamps, and then into their MOTU 828 MkII, with monitoring taken care of by Mackie HR824s.

See how Jason Hayes uses Apple Mac G5

Jason Hayes

Composer

Critical Hit

...
Verified via Rebell.at

"As far as equipment, I use a Macintosh G5 running Logic Pro software. For sounds, I have 4 PC computers running Gigastudio – a great program that basically turns each computer into a powerful musical instrument. Into each of these computers, I load in sounds to comprise sections of the orchestra, as well as electronic software synthesizers and other assorted sounds."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Apple Mac G5, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Apple Logic Pro
Apple Logic Pro DAW Software
9
Avid Pro Tools
Avid Pro Tools DAW Software
8
Shure SM57
Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphones
5
Universal Audio 1176LN
Universal Audio 1176LN Effects Processors
4
Roland Juno-106
Roland Juno-106 Synthesizers
4
Avalon VT-737SP
Avalon VT-737SP Preamps & Channel Strips
4
Apple Power Mac G4 Desktop
Apple Power Mac G4 Desktop Computers & Peripherals
4

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