" Here's a site I made to show (single) G5 users how to change their noisy power supply fans http://club.telepolis.com/soci22/g5_fan/
By now, there's a 150 post long thread in Apple support forums talking about this problem
Soci "

The page used a single G5 Mac; with a dual G5 model it looks like you will have to remove the lower CPU module/heatsink also to get the P.S. out of the case. While on the subject, the reader that first wrote about the "Oscillating Buzzing Noise" sent word tonight that he's isolated it to one of the two Power Supply fans. He said stopping one of the fans (temporarily) stopped the noise. I'll post his latest mail with details tomorrow.
BTW - After further digging into the source of my Dual G5's noise I think it is coming from the P.S. area (also a noisy fan I suspect). The noise is definitely louder than it was originally. I didn't think the hour+ of full bore fan speed during an 'extended test' from the hardware test CD was a factor, (no thermal control software is running during that test) but it has been louder since then. Maybe just coincidence, but I wonder it may have made one of the PS fans noisier (bad bearing/sleeve perhaps). There's no other Dual G5s around here to compare to see if they are quieter than this one (after a week or two of use). I'm too busy with other things to bother with it for now. And at least the G5 P.S. fans here aren't as bad as the rev A MDD P.S. fans were.

"Diskology Releases Disk Jockey, Inexpensive Hard Disk Copy and Diagnostic Tool is 7 Products Rolled Into One. High speed bit-level copies are only one of the functions of this unique hard disk diagnostic tool, product also tests, mirrors, spans, mounts and erases hard disk drives.

The Disk Jockey works either as a stand alone duplicator and diagnostic product or attached to a Windows or Macintosh computer connected via either firewire (IEEE 1394) or USB 2. The product is also backward compatible with USB 1.1. The Disk Jockey works with any size drive that supports Ultra DMA and requires no additional hardware drivers when used with Windows or Macintosh operating systems that include native USB or firewire support.
The Disk Jockey carries a suggested retail price of $299, a fraction of the cost of similar hardware-based disk copy and diagnostic tools and is available online via the Diskology web site."

"iTunes 4.1 lets you share music between Mac and Windows computers, buy Audible spoken word content from the iTunes Music Store using your Apple Account, synchronize On-The-Go playlists and voice notes created on your iPod, burn large playlists on multiple discs without interruption, and drag URLs from the Music Store to an email or other program.
Music sharing requires Mac OS X version 10.2.4 or later, and AAC encoding requires QuickTime 6.2 or later."

QuickTime 6.4 "includes a number of audio and performance enhancements."

iPod 2.1 Update Changes to iPod since 2.0.2

• Better default contrast setting
• Added Voice Memos application (requires optional iPod-compatible microphone, available at www.apple.com/store)
• Added digital photo storage functionality (requires optional iPod-compatible photo card reader, available at www.apple.com/store)
• Enhanced On-The-Go playlist functionality
• Improved playback performance
• Added Music Quiz game
• Improved backlight functionality
• Improved battery meter

If your iPod requires updating, the iPod Software Updater opens and allows you to install iPod Software 2.1 the next time you plug in your iPod and open iTunes.
iPod Software 2.1 supports only iPods with a dock connector.
For more information about iPod go to http://www.apple.com/support/ipod."

FYI: I ran Repair Permissions (from Disk Utility's first aid tab) after the updates (as usual) and saw corrections on the iTunes app, iTunes helper and the QT internet plugin. This was common on both machines updated.

" Hi Mike, ... my G5's internal HD went bad, and I lost everything. In the days since, I've had some interesting experiences. To make a long story short, Apple agreed to send me a replacement HD AND a replacement 600W power supply for my Dual G5 (apparently there are two separate power supplies - a 450W for the singles, and a 600W for the duals). The AppleCare rep on the phone confirmed that the power supplies were the culprit (on the Duals) for the 'chirping/beeping' noises, and that they were quietly replacing them to people who complained.
The rep also noted that internal AppleCare docs mandated that the reps tell people NOT to use CHUD tools/Nap fix to solve the problem -- apparently it is NOT good for the system. I asked if she could/would send me that doc in an email, but she wasn't able to. (again I really don't see how that can damage a system - but if Apple can explain why/how it can I'm all ears.)

In any event, the replacement power supply arrived today via express mail. What baffles me is that it clearly says "for sale to apple authorized service providers only" on the shipping label -- I'm rather surprised that they sent it directly to me. I spent some time prying open my G5 to see how difficult it would be to get the old power supply out -- it is VERY VERY tricky. I suppose I'll have to take it to an authorized provider, but I'm afraid to be the first dual G5 somebody sees/works on. If you know of any documentation on getting that sucker out, it would be appreciated. If I get brave and decide to remove it, I'll document it so you can put it on the site. I've attached some pics of the Power Supply. Let me know what you think.
I asked for info on the P.S. (marking/part no. revision, etc.) and what S/N is G5 was and he replied)

The new PS has the following:

Brand: AcBel
API2FS34
ID: 291
DATE: B0339
REV: C
APPLE P/N: 614-0271\
Made in China
serial#: FZ339DRPQ9ZA

My G5 is in the "XB338..." range. "

Note: He later said his original P.S. was a "rev A", but that the rev C Power Supply didn't change the "chirping" noises. (I wonder what the rev B and C changes were - and if they have higher quality fans.) I don't know of any Apple (public) docs that cover the P.S. removal. Power Mac G5 CIP (Customer Installable Parts) InstructionsApple's G5 CIP page covers only components they consider end-user installable. If anyone knows if a web page or doc that shows this let me know. (Update - A single G5 owner wrote with a link to his page on replacing a noisy fan in the (single CPU) G5 P.S. - the Dual G5 model would require removing a CPU module/heatsink.)
Like the new Powerbook latch/display problems, buying the 'first revision' of any new model is more risky but I don't follow my own advice. I can't say as I hear the beeping/chirping noises on this Dual G5 but the humming noise from the upper area (HD/HD fan area) on my machine is loud enough to mask it I suspect. (It turns out my loud humming/aquarium pump-like noise is coming from the PS area. I suspect a noisy P.S. Fan is the culprit. )

" Mike, I am now using the Pioneer 106D with Toast 6.0.1
Due to some old blank DVDs I only tried burning in double speed, Buffer Underrun Protection is choseable and worked well as I burned 2 gigabyte just for testing.
I haven't tested the sleep issue so far. (disc in drive for long periods of idle time - not related to Toast- Mike )... If you want me to test something, just ask for it and I'll do.
Greetings, Dominik "

I don't see any updates yet posted at Roxio's website as of 11AM Eastern Time today but hope it will appear soon. I wonder if an update to Toast 5.2.1 will be released to fix this issue also.
Update: See this reader report in Friday's news that the web download (purchased) version of Toast6 is now v6.0.1. She also noted buying in late August but was able to download it again to get the 6.0.1 version.

" Use D-Link USB Bluetooth Adapter part number DBT-120, revision B2 or later for best iSync compatibility. If you have an earlier version of the D-Link adapter, or a different brand, you may not be able to synchronize with some phones such as the Sony Ericsson P800.
Older versions of the adapter, such as revision A, work with compatible, older phones. "

The Apple Bluetooth 1.0.2 Firmware update doc also says "Using this firmware update will make your Bluetooth module incompatible with Windows based systems." Matthew commented on his older model:

" It is clear to me this morning, especially after this KB article (above), that I'm glad I still have the older D-Link DWB-120M and even after the firmware updater, which the new DBT-120 needs to be inserted to be effective and stops Windows compatibility with that module; does not effect the older BT module and (the older module) still works fine with Windows XP. (older modules are not flashed so it's operation should not be affected)
Matthew C. "

See above news item for reader reports on the Bluetooth firmware update

" Featuring a high performance Philips tuner and full QuickTime support, AlchemyTV lets you watch TV in full screen mode and listen to FM radio on your PowerMac. Your favourite TV program can even be recorded to your hard drive in the format of your choice.
Features:
Captures to Motion-JPEG and MPEG-4
Full screen viewing and capture mode - Watch TV in window mode or full screen on your PowerMac. You can even preview several channels simultaneously

Compatibility:
PowerMac with free PCI slot
PowerPC G4/400 processor and higher
256 MB of RAM
Mac OS X 10.2.4 and higher
PowerMac G5 Compatibility to be announced

Pricing and availability
The Alchemy TV card is available now, from Miglia's distribution partners, refurb or online store, for a street retail price of EUR 99, USD 109, f69.99 ex VAT. All units carry a full 2 year RTB warranty. A list of distributors and resellers is available on Miglia's website. "

• Giga Designs G4/1.25GHz (at 1.467GHz) in (digital audio) G4/AGP (rated 10)
  (full review of this upgrade is /g4reviews.html">here)
• Powerlogix G4/1.2GHz in G4 Cube (rated 1)
• Powerlogix G3/800 in B&W G3 (rated 10)
  (My reviews of G4 and G3 upgrades w/apps/game tests, install info, etc. are linked here.)
• Apple G4 single CPU DDR (MDD) 1.25GHz OC report (at 1.5GHz)

(Warning - Overclocking may not be reliable and could lead to hardware failure or corrupted data.) You can find the full reports by searching the database selecting the indicated Mac model and upgrade card brand/type. If you've upgraded the CPU on your Mac, please post an entry in the database. Search the database for entries from most every upgradable Mac model *before* you buy. (Searchable by mac model/upgrade brand). For detailed reviews with performance tests and install tips, see the CPU Upgrades page.)

CD-ROM Drives:
• IDE Mitsumi SR243T (Slim Line 24X) in iMac (OS 9.1)
  (noted not bootable from CD)
  
  CDRW Drives:
• IDE Benq CD-RW 52x24x52 in Beige G3 (OS 8.6)
  (listed under "other" brands)
  
  Combo CDR+DVD-ROM Drives:
• IDE LG GCC-4480B (48x24x48x +16x DVD-ROM) in G4 no AGP (OS X)
  (native burn support in 10.2.8. Noted firmware update helped with 4x burns)
  
  DVD+R/RW + DVD-R/RW Drives:
• Firewire (IDE drive in FW case) LG GSA-4040B used w/Powerbook G4 (OS X) (using modified burn support file in FAQ with 10.2.8)
• Firewire (IDE drive in FW case) NEC ND-1300A used w/Powerbook G4 (OS X 10.3) (noted no iApps burn support in 10.3, noted firmware update needed for 4x burns to some media)
• IDE Pioneeer DVR-106 in Dual G4 DDR (OS X)
  (intermittent problems noted - may be OS issue or suspect drive)
• IDE Pioneeer DVR-106 in B&W G3 (OS X)
  (note that iDVD requires a G4 CPU to run)
  (Illustrated CD drive install guide here covers G4 towers up to the Digital Audio Model, Beige G3 MT, B&W G3 and 8600/9600 Macs)
  
  DVD-R Drives:
• IDE Pioneer DVR-105 in G4/AGP (OS X)
  (noted drive spindown/sleep issue with disc in the drive idle for periods of time)
  
  Hard Drives:
• IDE (serialATA onboard) Hitachi Deskstar 7K250 in Apple G5 Tower (OS X)
  (includes notes/warning on installing apple supplied mtg screws)
• IDE Seagate ST3120026A 120GB in G4/AGP (OS X)
  (Illustrated guide to adding a 2nd HD here in B&W G3 rev2 and G4 towers up to the QuickSilver models.
  IDE articles page RAID section has an illustrated guide for adding 2 more drives in the side bays.)

You can find full owner reports (latest shown first) by searching the database by drive/brand/interface/mac models (the latest reports are shown first in searches). For guides to installing CD/CDRW/DVD drives or Hard drives in many mac models, see the IDE Articles page. The Firewire articles page also has guides on case kits, installing drives, etc.
If you've added a IDE, SCSI, Firewire or USB hard drive, CDRW, tape drive, etc. make sure you add a report to the database. (If you post an updated entry - make sure you use the same name, etc. as you did before so I can find your past entry. Thanks.)
(Incomplete entries are deleted. Do not post questions in the database, it's for drive reports not questions on what drive to buy - for that try searching the database for reports from owners of your mac model on the drive type/brand/interface, etc. you're interested in.)

• 1 year ago today
• 2 years ago today
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