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Best Power Mac G5 Prices

2011.11.03

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The Power Mac G5 line included the most powerful PowerPC-based computer Apple ever sold, also making it a powerful line for Classic Mode - especially the dual- and quad-core models, as Classic then has unfettered access to one of the Power Mac's cores.

There were the first Power Macs with built-in USB 2.0 as well as SATA. Prior to the last generation, Apple used the same PCI slots found in previous Power Macs in the entry-level model and the newer PCI-X in the two faster versions of each generation; both PCI and PCI-X lines used 8x AGP for video cards.

With the final generation, Apple moved to dual-core CPUs and PCIe, the same expansion bus found in today's Mac Pros. Although all G5 Power Macs use 150 Mbps SATA for their hard drives, the continue to use the older Ultra ATA/100 for their optical drives.

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 = 0-7%, B = 8-14%, C = 15-22%, D = 23-29%, and F = 30% or higher. We also note the components that failed most often.

  • G5/1.6 single (June 2003), D+ (24%, logicboard, hard drive)
  • G5/1.8 single (June 2003), C (19%, logicboard, video card)
  • G5/2.0 dual (June 2003), F (32%, video card, logicboard)
  • G5/1.8 dual (Nov. 2003), D (27%, logicboard, optical drive)
  • G5/1.8 dual (June 2004), C (19%, logicboard, optical drive)
  • G5/2.0 dual (June 2004), C+ (17%, logicboard, hard or optical drive)
  • G5/2.5 dual (June 2004), D (26%, logicboard, hard drive)
  • G5/1.8 single (Oct. 2004), C (19%, hard drive, logicboard)
  • G5/2.3 dual (April 2005), B (11%, logicboard, power supply)
  • G5/2.7 dual (April 2005), C- (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 (the Late 2005 models were also just 8 months old when MacInTouch did its survey). 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 evolved from using two or four dual-core CPUs in 2006 to using one or two 4-core or 6-core CPUs today. Even the "consumer" Core 2 Duo iMacs from 2006 outperform G5 Power Macs in terms of overall processing power, and today's dual- and quad-core iMacs are far more powerful. You lose expandability and Classic mode when you go Intel (try SheepShaver to replace Classic Mode) while gaining an all-in-one solution and Intel power.

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

Used G5 Power Macs range from 1.6 GHz single processor to 2.5 GHz quad processor models. For our take on the value of last generation G5 Power Macs, 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 (listed models have SuperDrive unless otherwise noted). 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.

Baucom Computers

30 day warranty. Price includes keyboard & mouse.

DV Warehouse

Shipping may add $65 or more.

GainSaver

GainSaver appears to have an ongoing daily 10% off sale on Apple products, but we list the undiscounted price just in case. Prices include a 30 day warranty; 90 day warranty is $40 additional. Diagnostic testing costs $25, and shipping insurance costs $25.32. Price includes regular desktop version of Mac OS X; server version costs more. Most of these shipped with Combo drives - you can upgrade to a SuperDrive for $39 or a double-layer SuperDrive for $79. You can custom configure your Power Mac with multiple hard drives, various memory configurations, a choice of optical drives, and more. We strongly recommend that you verify the equipment you want is in stock before placing an order.

Mac in the Box

No additional details such as slot type (PCI vs. PCI-X). Shipping may add $35 or more. Mac in the Box uses PayPal exclusively for payments.

Mac of All Trades

Ground shipping averages $50. 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.

MacResource

Shipping may add $45 or more. Add $150 for a one-year warranty.

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!

PowerMax

Free ground shipping. Mac OS X 10.4.11 and Classic installed. PowerMax has the broadest selection of used Macs of any dealer we track.

PCI models

PCI-X models

PCIe dual-core models

Teksale

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

UsedMacs.US

Local pickup available in West Hollywood, CA. Ground shipping may cost $50 or more. 30 day warranty. AirPort Extreme available at extra cost.

Wegener Media

Shipping may add $39.50 or more. Keyboard and mouse extra.

PCI Express (PCIe) Video Cards

The last generation of G5 Power Macs, the dual-core ones, were the only PowerPC Macs to use PCI Express (PCIe). Because 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.

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!

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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