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Installing a PCI Expansion Card or Replacing the AGP Card

You can expand the capabilities of your Power Mac G5 by installing cards in its expansion slots. Your Power Mac G5 has four expansion card slots, three of which accommodate Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) cards and one that accepts an advanced graphics port (AGP) card.

AGP cards and PCI cards have different connectors, so you cannot insert a PCI card into the AGP slot.

About AGP Cards

Your AGP card, installed in slot 1, contains the graphics processor unit (GPU) and provides the computer’s display ports. Slot 1 is designed specifically to accept AGP cards. This 533-megahertz (MHz) slot accommodates 1.5-volt (V) AGP cards (see the illustration on page 67).

You can replace the card that came with the computer with an AGP 8X or AGP 8X Pro card. A replacement AGP card must have driver software compatible with Mac OS X.

About PCI Expansion Cards

Your Macintosh has three expansion slots, labeled 2, 3, and 4, which can accommodate expansion cards up to 12 inches long. Depending upon the model of your Power Mac G5, you can install either PCI or PCI-X cards.

Card type supported

Slot

Card speed

PCI1

slots 2, 3, and 4

64-bit, 33 MHz

PCI-X

slots 2 and 3

64-bit, 100 MHz

 

 

 

PCI-X

slot 4

64-bit, 133 MHz

 

 

 

1The PCI slots can accommodate mixed-voltage (5.0 V, 12 V, or 3.3 V) cards, but only at 3.3 V signaling, with 32-bit or 64-bit data widths and a 33 MHz frequency. You can add a 66 MHz card to a 33 MHz PCI slot if the card can operate at the lower 33 MHz rate.

Warning: Do not use PCI cards that function only at 66 MHz in the 33 MHz PCI slots. Damage to your equipment could result. If you have a 66 MHz PCI card, check with the card’s manufacturer to see if it also works at 33 MHz.

Maximum power consumption for all four expansion slots (the three PCI expansion cards and the AGP card) should not exceed 90 watts (W).

Chapter 3 Working Inside Your Computer

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Apple G5 manual Installing a PCI Expansion Card or Replacing the AGP Card, About AGP Cards, About PCI Expansion Cards

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.