How to Replace the Hard Drive on Mac G4

A new hard drive gives you more storage space

Whether your existing hard drive has decided to fail outright or you just need more room to store data, there may come a time when you want to replace the factory hard drive. A Power Mac G4 hard drive replacement job doesn't require a certified technician or computer expert. As long as you know your way around a standard screwdriver you can open up your Power Mac G4's case to remove the old hard drive and install a new one.

Things You'll Need

• Storage device
• Phillips screwdriver
• Hard drive
• Mac OS installation disc

Instructions

1. Back up the data you want to keep from the Power Mac G4 to an external storage device. Shut down the Mac computer and unplug all of its attached cables.

2. Place the Power Mac G4 on a flat work surface and then touch the metal ports on the back end of the case to release the static electricity in your hands. Lift up the plastic release latch on the side of the computer's case and then pull the access panel down until it lies out flat.

3. Locate the Power Mac's existing hard drive at the left side of the open case. Unplug the power cable and ribbon cable from the back end of the hard drive.

4. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the attachment screw that holds the metal hard drive carrier to the G4's case. Tilt the drive carrier upwards and then slide it out of the Power Mac.

5. Remove the four screws on the sides of the metal carrier that holds the hard drive in place. Pull the hard drive out of the carrier.

6. Insert the new hard drive into the carrier and replace the four screws. Push the carrier back into the Power Mac's case and replace the attachment screw.

7. Connect the power cable and ribbon cable to ports on the back end of the new hard drive. Lift up the side access panel and push it back into place. Reconnect the Power Mac's cables.

8. Turn on the Power Mac G4. Insert the operating system installation disc and follow the on-screen installation instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• The back end of the hard drive has a jumper pin that needs to be set to the "master" setting. Check the manual that comes with the hard drive to see which position is the master setting and which is the slave setting.

• New hard drives compatible with a Power Mac G4 can be bought from several different locations, such as electronics stores or online computer parts retailers.

References

• Apple: Power Mac G4 (Digital Audio/Gigabit Ethernet): Replacing ATA Hard Drive
• Apple: Powermac G4 Manual

Resources

• Apple: Powermac G4 Support