Installing Serial ATA Drives

Your Macintosh can accommodate one additional internal 1-inch-high Serial ATA drive in the hard drive bay, for a total of two drives. Your computer comes with one Serial ATA drive installed, and it usually sits in the top hard drive bay. You can install a second Serial ATA drive in the lower hard drive bay.

1Open your computer and remove the side panel following the directions that begin on page 42.

Install the four drive guides into four of the threaded holes on the side of the drive. If you have a choice, use holes that are closest to the corners of the drive.

The four drive guides are stored in the plastic divider next to the hard drive bays.

Your drive will need to have these blade-type connectors to attach the power and data cables.

Some drives may have these pin-type connectors, too, but you won’t be connecting any cables to them.

2Unscrew the four drive guides from the left side of the hard drive bay and screw them to the threads at the sides of the hard drive as illustrated above.

Important: If the printed circuit board (PCB) is exposed on the bottom of the hard disk drive, hold the drive by its sides. To avoid damaging the drive, take care not to touch the PCB during installation.

Chapter 3 Working Inside Your Computer

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Apple G5 manual Installing Serial ATA Drives

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.