PowerPC :: Powerbook G4 DC-in Board Needs Replacing?
May 27, 2008
I have a 12" powerbook g4 that has fallen off the couch or ottoman many times, mostly because roommates never seem to realize that if you catch a cord on your foot that you probably shouldn't continue to walk. This is also because of the inferior non-magsafe charger. This ends up with the powerbook to land right onto the charger and bend the **** out of the male end. In fact I just received my 4th charger and now it doesn't work, I have a multi-meter so I know the charger has juice, but the computer isn't charging. Any advice before I bite the dust and totally dismantle this beautiful machine and place a new DC-in board into it?
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Sep 5, 2008
I was given a free G3 Pismo Powerbook. DOA and traced to dead internal battery. Successfully replaced and the unit is now alive except I have determined the video chip is toast. Everything works except display to all output types is shot - bad colour, vertical lines, huge cursor etc.
Lots of logic boards available on ebay for about $30. This would make a decent starter computer for my young boys.
I'm looking for good instructions to replace the board.
SPECS
Pismo Bronze Keyboard
G3, 400 Mhz
512 MB ram
10 GB drive
DVD ROM optical drive
2 USB + 2 firewire 400 + S video + RGB
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May 10, 2009
After spending a lot of time troubleshooting and researching to figure out what's wrong with my ibook I concluded to about 90% certainty that I need to replace the DC-in board. I ordered and received a replacement - and the necessary screwdrivers, etc - from ifixit, only now I find myself just staring at the laptop like I'm about to perform open heart surgery.
My questions are:
Is doing this myself high risk for someone who has never so much as seen the inside of a computer?
Roughly how long should this take me to do? I don't want to start it without some sense of the time commitment involved because I'd rather do it all in one sitting.
And lastly, from what I've seen in guides/tutorials it looks as though there's some prying involved in removing the casing and I'm wondering just how much finesse is required in closing it back up. Does it snap back in easily?
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Feb 11, 2006
My iMac died a few days ago. I shut it down the previous night, and then in the morning when I went to turn it on, nothing happened. The screen display doesn't turn on, nothing. I opened it up and did the LED tests, and found that the first one would turn on, but none of the others would. The apple site says to take it to a store and have it fixed.
Now, I bought my mac on December 19th, 2004 ( what a day that was). At the time, I didn't think I'd need to buy applecare or anything. So about how much do you guys think it would cost to replace the logic board? And also, how long would it take to have it replaced?
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Jan 22, 2010
I've recently been having problems with my iMac G5 iSight after downloading iTunes 9. After a series of freeze-ups, i noticed a visual anomaly appear on my screen. Little hash-marks all over the display were present, and playing DVDs or iTunes visualizer would result in a checkerboard pattern. After doing some research, I found out this was a logic board problem, and it was not uncommon for iMac G5s. However, I kept using my computer for a few more months when it then started freezing two minutes after boot up. I figured it was time to open up the computer and take a look. But after spending the 3.5 hours opening the machine, removing all of the cables and screws, I couldn't find any visible damage on the board. No swollen capacitors like everyone was complaining about. The only strange thing I saw was some discoloration on a few circuits near the USB and Firewire outlets.
I've decided to replace the logic board myself for around $370, and I was wondering about a few things.
1. Would the new logic board come with a processor, or would I need to pry it off of my old one, and re-attach it?
2. Would I need to go through a lot of re-programing and software issues if I replaced my logic board, or would it just start running right off the bat after replacing it?
3. Is this operation worth it? Because I have come to like my iMac after 5 years of use, and I would like to know if fixing it would give me a decent amount of usage before I would simply need to replace it
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Dec 16, 2008
I've been lurking for the last 12 months but haven't posted until now. Does anyone know if it's possible to purchase a new PCB and lead for the power input. My youngest kid pulled my mac off the sofa and it landed right on the input which knackered up the lead forcing me to buy a cheap chinese job. I've taken the cover off and pulled out the small PCB to inspect it and it did have a cracked solder. I fixed that but the connection is still very fussy, I can't move the mac much or it will switch off (dead battery too). While I'd love to go out and buy a brand new macbook I simply can't afford it right now so patching up this one is my only choice. It needs ram, new battery, proper lead and power supply PCB. All easy to find except the PCB.
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Jul 17, 2009
I have an old iBook G4 with a dead logic board, everything works fine for about 10-15 minutes, then the display stops responding. The hard drive continues to spin, processor still chugs, etc. I'm going to leave it running iTunes in a few minutes and when it freezes, hit the space bar to see if the actual machine still responds. (In which case I would be sure that it's the video card, or some cable in that area.)
My question: I'm looking on eBay for replacement logic boards, and I'm wondering how specific/universal they are. Obviously, it needs to come from a 14" iBook, but does it matter what processor speed? Eg. Will a board from a 1.2GHz iBook work? I have the iFixIt guide, and I'm not too worried about wrecking the thing, so it's just a matter of making sure I get the right part. (How about this one: Linkety ?)
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Jun 22, 2008
Could really use some advice on a PowerBook problem! Unfortunately the PowerBook in question (12" G4) belongs to my mum who lives a fair distance away, so I've not been able to do any 'hands on' diagnostics. Basically she was using the machine yesterday when it randomly started emitting a high pitched squeaking/scratching sound (she described it as screaming though, bless). She called me and I asked her to turn it off - gave it a couple of minutes and asked her to try turning it on again. When she did the computer immediately started making the same noises (even before the startup 'bong' sound). Today one of her friends who is a little tech savvy took a look at it, and figured it must be the hard drive. Fortunately he was able to retrieve all of the important data from the computer whilst enduring ear-splitting screeching.
1. Does it sound like the problem really is the hard drive? It does to me, though I'm not an expert - however would hate to waste money on a replacement drive to find out that wasn't the problem in the first place.
2. Is it worth replacing the drive? Any idea how much it would cost to replace the disk? Is it something that could be done by myself, or would we need to find a specialist repair person to do it? Would it likely be more cost effective to get a new laptop?
The money issue is pretty key as she's in something of a tight spot at the moment, so trying to find the cheapest solution that will get her computer working again asap. As she lives in a rural area and is housebound her laptop is very much a lifeline for her, so would be good to get it sorted.
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Mar 6, 2008
I'm still working on this deal to buy a used 12" PB. The seller says that she just replaced the logic board, hard drive, and battery. Now, I see this as a negative. Obviously the computer was having problems, she spent a bunch of money fixing it, and is now selling it anyway. What do you think? Is it a negative that it had problems and needed to be fixed? Or is it a positive that it has a brand new logic board that will theoretically last longer than an original one?
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Jul 6, 2008
I bought my first Mac (iBook) last December. However, it is now dead from logic board failure. I was looking at Macbooks but they are very expensive, which is why I bought the iBook in the first place. So now I'm looking at 15" PowerBook G4. My question is: If having a G4 proves too difficult in the next few years (PowerPC compatibility and speed), could I put a logic board from a 15" MBP in the PB?
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Jul 30, 2008
I am thinking about purchasing this PowerBook and getting it fixed or reselling it. What do you think?
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Dec 24, 2006
I had a fault where my powerbook would not start up. Apple replaced the logic board and now the screen is a very strange colour and flickers.In the video I use the hot corner and the dog changes to the right colour but the windows do not. its very strange.I will have to take it back to apple in the new year but is there anything I can do to improve the image. Its so hard to look at like this.
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Jun 8, 2007
I'm having my pb repaired from my casing warping. I brought it and the and they agreed to fix it. He ordered the parts and said when they arrive they would call me to bring it in. I guess they could do it at the store ( )i'm surprized it wasn't sent out. ne woot on the order sheet it says "Board, Logic, 1.5 GHz 64MB VAM". Now my question is I did a BTO and upgraded the VRAM to 128. Did he order the wrong part? Will it still work?
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Nov 18, 2007
My girlfriend has a 12" G4 Powerbook that she claimed was getting really hot. I noticed it was as well, so I installed iStat Pro and saw that the fan was spinning at 0 RPM. So obviously something is wrong. I read a few posts on people having problems with the logic board, which would also cause the fan not to work. However, the computer runs fine, the fan just doesn't turn on when it gets hot. I haven't (and don't plan to) let it get so hot that it would shut itself off or burst in to flame or whatever happens. I understand it's out of Applecare, but I would prefer to fix it myself on the cheap. I'm perfectly capable and willing to replace the fan, but before I crack it open I would like to know if there is a simple way to see if my problem is simply a dead $30 fan, or a $500 logic board.
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Jan 29, 2008
I recently took my 15in 1.5ghz powerbook to an AASP and was told that my logic board needed to be repleaced. He quoted me $369 and told me the turn around was going to be 4-5 days. I asked him just to be sure: This would include a logic board replacement and would only cost $369? He confirmed that it shouldn't cost more than that. Being the creature of habit I am I decided to take it to a Genius Bar for a 2nd opinion. My appt is tomorrow and I decided to research it further before I went. I have read other reports claiming that Apple charges upward of 500-800 to replace the logic board. Does anyone know if the replacement for the logic board is supposed to cost that much? I don't expect someone to know exactly but I was wondering if anyone has any reports or experience with this.
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Apr 10, 2008
the two logic board (motherboard) of the MackBook Pro and PowerBook G4 looks very similar, but i do not have two side by side in person. this idea was tossing around in my head, so what do you guys think ? has anyone done this swap ?
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May 3, 2008
Hoping that some of you here still own or have owned Powerbooks recently... I have a PB G4 1.67ghz that I bought in July 2005. Since then, it's seen the back of the Apple Store several times to replace three logic boards, a screen, and a SuperDrive, with the most recent instance being the third logic board replacement. This has left the future of my laptop in uncertainty, as the warranty expires this July. In the past, I've owned several Macs for 5 years or more, including my beloved G4 Cube, so I'm no stranger to sticking with my Mac until it's absolutely necessary to upgrade... and financially, I was planning for this computer to last me another 2 years before I had to upgrade.
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May 29, 2008
I have a powerbook g4 15" 1.5Ghz. My VRAM is shot and my computer keeps on going into panic mode or gets hot and just stalls and I have too reboot manually. I just purchased another logic board off of ebay, yes I'm a very brave guy, I installed the new/used logic board and I now see that the ribbon cable recepticles for the keyboard and finger pad are not on the new logic board. Obviously I bought the wrong board. Is it possible to still use it somehow like buy a new top plate or buy an external keybord? The top plate I have now has the fat ribbon cable and also the small one. Can I just get the proper cables? If so which ones are they?
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Aug 11, 2008
I've searched high and low for any and all alternatives to working with my, shall we say, "experienced" Powerbook Titanium, despite it's age(it's not old, it's chronologically advanced!). After looking things up and being able to think of nothing, I figured I'd finally register here and hope for some good advice from people who possibly know more about Mac hardware than I do.I received my laptop in June of 2002(it was likely bought either that month or April) from my father. As far as I was aware, it was a brand new Powerbook bought from Comp USA...with the latest specs and peripherals at the time. After 7 years of using and loving my laptop(despite the fact the battery is completely dead, both hinges are broken and removed to keep the wires from accidentally being cut until I can afford new ones, and the CD drive no longer working), it's come to a point where I'm needing to try to breath even a little new-found life into my true love...or be stuck using "The Rex", my overbearing Desktop PC with its snooty Windows XP and massive noise-creating fans.
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Feb 15, 2009
I came across a powerbook g4 (dvi, 15 inches, 800mhz, 512mbs, airport card, dvd-rom + cd-rw, after market battery never used and after market ac adapter)) sold "as is" on craig's list. I picked it up for $50. It had everything but the hdd. The first time i plugged it (without hdd) I got the flashing ?. I swapped in another hdd and all I would would get the apple chime followed three soft beeps (nothing on the screen). And then eventually, I would power it on and the only sign of life I would get is the caps lock light on, and the num lock light only if I hit F5 (again nothing on the screen). If i let the powerbook sit without the battery for a while, then I would get the apple chime again but then the power cut out right away. This happens with the adaptor or the battery only which leads me to believe it's not the dc-in board. I have tried different ram, disconnected the airport card, disconnected the cd player. I have tried resetting the PMU and every key combination to reset the PRAM (it never seemed to make a difference).
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Sep 21, 2006
will a 12" powerbook logic board work in a 12" ibook? i mean they aer the same size but is there something that wont work?
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May 8, 2008
I'm looking to get this titanium powerbook but it has a broken screen, possibly bad backlight? I can get it for a good price and I would love to have it to replace my ibook. I don't know the specs for sure but I am positive I think it's the DVI version since it has the keyboard that looks like the ibooks(same placement for the keyboard release latches).The guy said it worked fine on an external monitor but just recently he said it won't boot now and it now makes a high-pitched whining sound. Anyone know what that is? I'd like to use it as a headless mac until I locate a new screen for it.
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Oct 5, 2008
Love my 12" PB 1.5ghz. Running Leopard on it. But the memory cap of 1.25gb with 256gb soldered on to the board (and only one memory slot) bugs me. Especially since this is the same logic board that goes into the 12" iBooks last revision that have 512mb soldered on to their boards. (Their memory cap is 1.5gbs and it does make a difference, especially on the 1.42ghz iBooks).I just asked Gary Dailey of Daystar if they could solder a 1 gig chip on the board.. seems like a better "upgrade" than overclocking with Leopard's memory demands Will let MR know if this can be done. If so, i'm in.
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Jan 26, 2008
I have a 17" PB, 1.33 ghz with 1.76gb ram. In September it gave signs of the hard drive failing. It would crash right after booting and then not boot at all.If I booted into target disk mode i could still access the files. I backed everything up and did many versions of trying to reformat / reinstall my OS to no avail. When Leopard came out I went through the process again to see if that might help but it didn't. Today I replaced the HD and now it still won't boot at all. It goes to the grey apple screen with the rotating loading icon and stalls. I've let it sit there for 10 minutes or more.
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Mar 23, 2009
I was using my trusty powerbook 500 mhz and when i closed the screen while the machine was on, after @ 1/2 hour i opened the screen up and NOTHING!. i restarted and nothing again, the caps lock key will light up, so i am assuming the power supply is ok. No chime and black screen, any suggestions on what it might be...im thinking logic board, if so what ones will fit that model
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Aug 25, 2007
I have a PowerBook G4 15" 1.33GHz that up until now ran flawlessly. Today I was watching a movie on it with some friends when it randomly shutdown. Since then, it no longer turns on. The battery is fully charged and there is no problem with my AC adapter. With just the battery, nothing happens when I press the power button. When the AC adapter is plugged in and I press the power button, the optical drive spins at full speed for a few minutes and then the PowerBook shuts itself down again. I have attempted reseting pram and pmu with no success. I think it could be a dead logic board but I'm not sure. Would it be worth the money to buy a new logic board or should I just part it out?
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May 13, 2008
so i've got a system with a fried c2d board. i can pick up a cd board for $150 plus shipping which is good for me. to find a comparable replacement, i'm looking at ~350 and i'm just not feelin that price as im on a budget.
i'm not concerned about the speed decrease as im just trying to get this thing rebuilt.
i understand that there are different heatsink assemblys..vertical vs horizontal. however, i do not know how to tell the difference and i am also unsure whether or not my c2d heatsink will work on this board i receive.
the logicboard possess a t7300 c2d and model # is 820-2279-a, it appears.
i cant find anything on that model, except for on ebay.
and i totally cant find the serial number on this macbook. under the battery on the tray has no serial number listed, and i've read through this documentation [URL]
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Jul 5, 2006
Well, the hdd in my powerbook has finally died. Won't be recognized in disk utility, and when it was, it wouldn't repair or even verify. I kept getting the invalid node structure error. My AppleCare subscription has also expired about 2 months ago.
So, I went online and found the following web site about opening up the Powerbook 15" (Aluminum) and how to go about replacing things in it:[URL]
Then, I went to tiger direct and found this hard drive to put in it:[URL]
What do you guys think? Is it really worth it?
What hard drive do you recommend I use?
Is this better than going and getting it done?
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Oct 12, 2010
Was watching a 720p HD movie on a plane. Movie starts to freeze up. I can move the mouse but the rest of the computer is unresponsive. I force shut down by holding the power button.
Upon restart, all seems well, I login but computer quickly becomes unresponsive again. I force shut down again.
Next restart is over 10 minutes. Gets to login screen but can't login.
I boot from install disk and run HD repair. It finds some problems and repairs them. Reboot. Same symptoms.
I decided it is the HD and archive and install. Install fails. I wipe the HD cleaned and reinstall osx.
All seems fine as I go through set up and login in. A few minutes later same unresponsiveness.
So finally I did what I shouldve done awhile ago which is swap my current hd with my old one. I do and the computer runs fine! I'm at my wits end.
Just so everyone knows, the day before all these symptoms started I swapped my stock 2x1gb ram for 2x4gb ram. I originally thought that was the problem but I've had my original ram in since I've been trying to diagnose and it's made no difference.
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Feb 22, 2010
I bought a Macbook 32 month ago and my sister's Macbook is 8 month old. I do some RAM eating tasks, and all she does is type, iChat, and research.
I do Photoshop CS4, Keynote, multitasking, and some games.
Well, the problem is, I have Intel GMA 950, and my sister has nVidia 9400m. She has 2GB of RAM and I have 1GB. And I know what you are going to ask me, and yes, these two Macbooks are the SAME MODEL, just bumped up specs.
Ok, story over, and here is list of what you can do. Please answer as informative or short such as 'yes' or 'no'.
1. Will I be able to swap Logic Board and RAM from two Macbooks?
2. Will it be possible to just swap the HDD AND RAM and me and my sister will be able to keep all the same data, and I will be able to work on heavy multitasking and some good games?
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