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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.

    Source

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 Trent Reznor uses Apple Mac G5

Trent Reznor

Keyboardist, Singer

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via EMusician

Mac G5 is included in the "COMPUTERS, DAWs, RECORDING HARDWARE" list.

See how Robert Smith uses Apple Mac G5

Robert Smith

Singer, Guitarist

The Cure

...
Verified via YouTube

A pair of Mac G5 towers can be seen behind him.

See how Joe Satriani uses Apple Mac G5

Joe Satriani

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Mixonline

"The process of writing, arranging and ultimately recording began in Satriani's home studio, a spaceship-like enclave containing a Pro Tools HD2 system running on an Apple G5, a set of Roland V-Drums, a couple of keyboards and, of course, a whole lot of guitar amps."

See how Brian Eno uses Apple Mac G5

Brian Eno

Singer, Keyboardist

David Bowie (band)

...
Verified via Moredarkthanshark

Eno's Apple Macintosh G5 sits behind the stage generating the images that make up his morphing 77 Million Paintings exhibit.

See how Tom Petty uses Apple Mac G5

Tom Petty

Singer, Guitarist

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Given Ryan Ulyate’s long-standing involvement with a handful of old rockers, it’s perhaps surprising to find that he works entirely ‘in the box’. However, the fact that he “froze” his system in 2006 means that until very recently he worked with Quad G5 Power PC Macs from that year, running Mac OS 10.4 and Pro Tools HD version 7.4cs11, and 95 percent of his processing was applied with just two plug-ins. All the Tom Petty-related albums he’s engineered were recorded on this system.

“I’ve been very happy using the same Pro Tools system for seven years, because everything works, and I don’t spend my time chasing down the latest upgrades. Once Pro Tools got to version 7.4, all the main really important mix features had been integrated, and any new developments since then have not really been that important for our process. In any case, I value stability over being cutting edge. The two plug-ins I use for most of my processing are the Massenburg DesignWorks Hi-Res Parametric EQ, and the TDM version of the UA 1176, which is not compatible with Macs that run on Intel. I love that plug-in so much that it’s one reason I froze my system in 2006, as well as Tom’s system, which is exactly the same system as mine.

See how The Chemical Brothers uses Apple Mac G5

The Chemical Brothers

Music Producer

The Chemical Brothers

...
Verified via Kreativsound

In an interview featured on Kreativsound, Tom Rowlands of The Chemical Brothers discusses their creative process in the studio, mentioning their use of the Apple Mac G5 to explore new sounds in electronic music.

See how Jean Michel Jarre uses Apple Mac G5

Jean Michel Jarre

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Dustbins

...
Verified via Synthtopia

"I have a Mac Pro and a Power Mac G5 in my recording studio, a Mac Pro at home and I’m inseperable from my 15” MacBook. On top of that, I have two iPhones and several iPods, I like to keep hold of the older models. At the moment, I’m very tempted by the MacBook Air. I tell you, it’s a passion…"

See how BT uses Apple Mac G5

BT

Music Producer

BT and Tommy Stinson

...
Verified via The Hollywood Reporter

As the center of his studio, BT uses M-Audio's Radium61 61-Key USB MIDI Controller to drive his system, complemented by an array of Pioneer Pro DJ gear. He has both a Macintosh G5, running Logic Pro with Digidesign's Pro Tools HD hardware systems, and a G4, allowing him to run older software and hardware interfaces. Additionally, there are multiple AMD Dual-core Opteron computers running Native Instruments' Kontakt 2 with EastWest/Quantum Leap Symphonic Orchestra and Symphonic Choir libraries as well as Quantum Leap Colossus and Stormdrum and Native Instruments' Kompakt. The space is nothing if not versatile. For his score for 2004's "Monster," BT wanted a more organic sound, so vocals, guitars and percussion overdubs were done in various room at his home. For this, he used a variety of mics, some of the many guitars hanging on his wall and Neve microphone preamps.

See how Vince Clarke uses Apple Mac G5

Vince Clarke

Keyboardist, Composer

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via YouTube

A Mac G5 tower can be seen in Vince Clarke's studio at 12:25.

See how Air uses Apple Mac G5

Air

Music Producer

...
Verified via MusicRadar

The gear they used included an Apple Mac G5 running Digidesign Pro Tools; a bevy of period keyboards including an ARP Solina, Korg MS20, Sequential Circuits Prophet 5, Wurlitzer, Memorymoog, Moog Source and Minimoog; a classic Roland TR-808 drum machine; and some modern synths such as an Elektron Monomachine and a Manikin Memotron. They patched and mixed everything through a 24-channel Trident Series 65 console, and also employed a '70s-era Rogers drum set, various MoogerFooger processors and three Neumann U47 mics.

See how James Murphy uses Apple Mac G5

James Murphy

Singer, DJ

LCD Soundsystem

...
Verified via EMusician

In the EMusician article "STRAIGHT SHOOTER," James Murphy is mentioned using an Apple Mac G5 as part of his music production setup.

See how Alan Wilder uses Apple Mac G5

Alan Wilder

Drummer, Keyboardist

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via Recoil

PowerMac G5 is included in the list of hardware used to record the Recoil album "subHuman."

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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