How to Upgrade the Hard Drive in a G4

After you've had your Power Mac G4 computer for some time, you may notice that the hard drive is beginning to reach its capacity. In order to continue installing new programs and download new files, you will need more room. You can upgrade the hard drive in your G4 manually to give yourself more space for additional data. The G4 computer has is surprisingly easy to open and access, so you should be able to replace the hard drive on your own at home without much trouble.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Turn off your Power Mac G4 computer and wait for the operating system to finish shutting down. Unplug all the cables from the back of the G4.

2. Set the Power Mac on a sturdy work surface such as a table. Touch your hand to the metal ports on the back side of the computer to release any static electricity in your body.

3. Grab the pull handle located at the top of the left side panel. Pull the handle downward to unlock the side panel and reveal the Power Mac's internal hardware components.

4. Locate the hard drive at the upper-left corner of the computer. Disconnect the power cord and ribbon cable that run from the hard drive to the logic board.

5. Remove the screws that hold the metal hard drive carriage to the computer. Tilt the hard drive carriage slightly upward and then pull it out of the Power Mac. Remove each of the screws holding the hard drive to the carriage.

6. Slide the existing hard drive out of the carriage. Check the jumper pin on the back end of the new hard drive and make sure it is set into the position marked as "Master" or "0."

7. Put the new hard drive into the drive carriage and re-attach the screws. Slide the entire carriage and hard drive assembly into the open slot on the computer. Reconnect the screws that hold the carriage to the Power Mac.

8. Connect the power cord and ribbon cable into the new hard drive. Push the left side panel back up into its upright position until the pull handle clicks into place. Reconnect all of the cables on the back side of the Power Mac and then turn it on to ensure the hard drive is working.

Tips & Warnings

• You will want to transfer any important files from the old hard drive to an external source prior to the replacement process. Once the new hard drive is in place you can then transfer the files back so that you can still use them.

• The hard drive won't have the Mac operating system installed on it. You must use the install discs that came with your Power Mac to re-install the operating system.

References

• Replacing a G4 Hard Drive