Optical drive

Your computer comes with either a Combo drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) or a SuperDrive (DVD-R/ CD-RW). For information about the optical drive, see “Using Your Optical Drive” on page 32.

Battery

Your computer uses a battery that you rarely need to replace. If your computer has trouble starting up, or the system date and time are frequently incorrect, you may need to replace the battery. For more information, see “Replacing the Battery” on page 67.

AirPort Extreme Card connector

Connect an AirPort Extreme Card, which allows your computer to communicate with a network wirelessly. For more information, see “Installing an AirPort Extreme Card” on page 66.

DDR SDRAM slots

Expand your computer’s memory up to 4 or 8 gigabytes (GB), depending upon your computer model. You can add additional memory by inserting DDR SDRAM DIMMs in pairs in the memory slots. For more information, see “Installing Memory” on page 47.

Hard disk drive bays

Your computer comes with a hard disk drive installed in the top hard disk drive bay. You can install an additional hard disk drive in the bottom hard disk drive bay. You can have up to two Serial ATA drives in the computer. For more information, see “Installing Internal Storage Devices” on page 54.

PCI or PCI-X slots

Depending upon the model, your computer has PCI or PCI-X expansion slots, for a total of three slots. You can install PCI cards in slots 2 through 4 to expand your computer’s capabilities. For more information, see “Installing a PCI Expansion Card or Replacing the AGP Card” on page 62.

AGP 8X Pro slot

Connect your display through the card in the advanced graphics port (AGP) 8X Pro slot, which provides accelerated graphics processing power. You can connect a display that has an Apple Display Connector (ADC) or a Digital Visual Interface (DVI) connector.

Chapter 1 Setting Up

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Apple G5 manual Battery

G5 specifications

The Apple G5, introduced in June 2003, marked a significant advancement in personal computing with its innovative architecture and powerful performance. It was the first desktop computer to feature a 64-bit architecture, which allowed it to process larger amounts of data more efficiently than its 32-bit predecessors. The G5 was equipped with the IBM PowerPC 970 processor, which operated at speeds ranging from 1.6 GHz to 2.7 GHz, making it a formidable contender in the market for both personal and professional use.

One of the standout features of the G5 was its aluminum chassis, which not only gave it a sleek and modern look but also aided in heat dissipation. The innovative design allowed the G5 to maintain lower operating temperatures regardless of the loads it handled. The G5 was famous for its quiet operation, thanks to a temperature-controlled, variable-speed fan system that minimized noise during regular use while still providing adequate cooling during intensive tasks.

In terms of memory, the G5 could support up to 8 GB of RAM, utilizing DDR SDRAM technology that provided enhanced performance in multitasking and complex applications. For graphics, the G5 offered powerful options, including dedicated GPU support from NVIDIA and ATI, enabling users to perform demanding tasks such as video editing and 3D graphics rendering with ease.

The connectivity options on the G5 were well thought out, including built-in USB 2.0 and FireWire 800 ports, which supported high-speed data transfer for external devices. In addition, the G5 featured an Ethernet port for networking capabilities, making it suitable for both home and office environments.

The G5 also ran on Mac OS X, which was optimized to take full advantage of its hardware capabilities. With its Unix-based foundation, Mac OS X provided users with a stable and secure operating environment, complete with a plethora of software applications tailored for creative professionals, including those in graphic design, video editing, and audio production.

Overall, the Apple G5 was a groundbreaking machine that successfully combined advanced technology, stylish design, and robust performance, earning a dedicated following among professionals and enthusiasts alike. Its legacy continues to influence Apple's approach to desktop computing, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of personal computers.