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TypeStyler For Mac OS X is Now Shipping! Download The Free Fully Functional 60 Day Tryout at www.typestyler.com

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Compare products like desktop computers, apple laptops, apple macs, and LCD Monitors side by side! All the information and reviews to make the best purchasing decision for new mobile phones, sat nav systems, or MP3 players. The Ciao online shopping community makes searching products easy for you.

Low End Mac's Best Deals

Best Power Mac G5 Deals

2009.10.29

Short link: http://bit.ly/ses85

The Power Mac G5 was the most powerful PowerPC-based computer Apple ever sold and the last line of Macs to support Classic Mode. Unfortunately, reliability has been all over the board, with up to one-third of some versions requiring service in the first few years of use.

Reliability ratings are based on statistics compiled by MacInTouch in June 2006, at which time the dual-core Power Mac G5 models had only been on the market for 8 months. Letter grades are based on failure rate: A = 0-6%, B = 7-12%, C = 13-18%, D = 19-24%, and F = 25% or higher. We also note the two components that failed most often.

  • G5/1.6 single (June 2003), D- (24%, logicboard, hard drive)
  • G5/1.8 single (June 2003), D+ (19%, logicboard, video card)
  • G5/2.0 dual (June 2003), F (32%, video card, logicboard)
  • G5/1.8 dual (Nov. 2003), F (27%, logicboard, optical drive)
  • G5/1.8 dual (June 2004), D+ (19%, logicboard, optical drive)
  • G5/2.0 dual (June 2004), C- (17%, logicboard, hard or optical drive)
  • G5/2.5 dual (June 2004), F (26%, logicboard, hard drive)
  • G5/1.8 single (Oct. 2004), D+ (19%, hard drive, logicboard)
  • G5/2.3 dual (April 2005), B- (11%, logicboard, power supply)
  • G5/2.7 dual (April 2005), D (22%, logicboard, power supply)
  • G5/2.0 dual-core (Oct. 2005), C- (18%, power supply, logicboard)
  • G5/2.3 dual-core (Oct. 2005), C- (18%, power supply, logicboard or optical drive)
  • G5/2.5 quad-core (Oct. 2005), C- (17%, logicboard, power supply)

In each generation, except for the final dual-core one, the fastest model is the least reliable, while the second-fastest is the most reliable, with the 2.3 GHz dual G5 from April 2005 being the most reliable of the bunch. Logicboards are the most expensive component to repair, followed by the power supply. Hard drives, optical drives, video cards, and RAM can be replaced inexpensively using third-party components.

The Power Mac line was displaced by the Intel-based Mac Pro, which has two or four dual-core CPUs at 2.0 to 3.0 GHz. Even the "consumer" Core 2 Duo iMacs outperform the Power Mac G5s in terms of overall processing power. You lose expandability and Classic mode (try SheepShaver for Classic on Intel) while gaining an all-in-one solution and Intel power.

Mac OS X 10.5 "Leopard" is supported on all G5 Macs, and it's the first version of OS X with no support for Classic Mode.

Used G5 PowerMacs range from 1.6 GHz single processor to 2.5 GHz quad processor models. Models are used unless otherwise noted.

For our take on the value of recent Power Mac G5 models, see The October 2005 Power Mac G5 Value Equation. Also see What's the Better Value at the Same Price, a 2.7 GHz dual CPU or 2.3 GHz Dual Core?

Used Macs typically include a 90 day warranty. Memory and drive size reported as RAM/hard drive size. All Power Mac G5 models normally ship with a SuperDrive, although 1.6 GHz G5s configured with Combo drives are not uncommon. Note that RAM for the dual-core models is about 40% cheaper than for earlier G5 Power Macs.

Models are sorted by CPU speed, with the exception of the 2.5 GHz Quad. Prices may be limited to quantity on hand. Not responsible for typos. Please email any corrections or additional sources with competitive prices to .

We try to factor in shipping costs and configuration when selecting the best values. Your best value depends on whether you need or want extra RAM, a larger hard drive, a better video card, etc. AGP video cards are listed in our Best Power Mac G4 and AGP Video Card Deals.

Best Used Power Mac G5 Deals

Power Macs include SuperDrive unless otherwise noted.

PCI

PCI-X

PCIe

Recent Memory Prices (per module)

Modules should be installed in matched pairs.

Mac OS X and OS X Server Prices

There should be no surcharge for credit card purchases, and shipping is often (but not always) included. Vendors are listed in alphabetical order. Be sure to visit their sites for full details.

Buying through some of these links benefits Low End Mac. Buying at these prices benefits you.

Profiles

For a quick overview of the 14 different Power Mac G5 models, see our Power Mac G5 Guide.

Advanced Technology Recycling

ATR is located in Pontiac, IL. Go to Products > Computer Systems > Mac's and Stuff. Add $25 for keyboard & mouse.

Apple Palace

Shipping may add $41 or more. 60 day warranty. Prices do not include keyboard & mouse.

Baucom Computers

30 day warranty. Price includes keyboard & mouse.

Beta Macs

Shipping may add $60 or more.

DV Warehouse

Shipping may add $65 or more.

ExperCom

Free ground shipping. ExperCom collects sales tax on orders shipped within Utah.

LA Computer Company

Shipping additional, unknown. LA Computer collects sales tax on orders shipped within California. 30 day warranty.

Mac of All Trades

Shipping may add $50 or more. Mac of All Trades has the highest product turnover of any used Mac dealer we track. Macs do not include keyboard or mouse unless otherwise noted.

Mac-Pro

Shipping may add $50 or more.

MacResource

Shipping may add $45 or more.

Operator Headgap

Shipping included. Operator Headgap thoroughly refurbishes and tests every Mac they sell. When buying, please let them know you heard about them on Low End Mac when entering your shipping information. Thanks!

Power Max

Free ground shipping. Power Max has the broadest selection of used Macs of any dealer we track.

PCI

PCI-X

PCIe

Teksale

Shipping may add $56 or more. Used Power Macs include a new Macally iKey keyboard and optical USB mouse.

PCI Express Video Cards

The last generation of G5 Power Macs, the dual-core ones, were the only PowerPC Macs to use PCI Express (PCI-e). Becahsue of this, compatible video cards are relatively rare.

Applemacanix


Shipping adds $9.50. Applemacanix sells flashed PCI Express video cards.

Mac-Pro

Shipping may add $38 or more.

Don't need G5 power? Check out our Best Power Mac G4 Deals and Best Mac mini Deals. Don't need all the expansion or can't afford a G5 plus a display? Consider the iMac G5. LEM

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