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Power Mac G4 MDD CPU Heatsink Replacement

What you need

  1. Power Mac G4 MDD CPU Heatsink Replacement, Power Mac G4 MDD CPU Heatsink Replacement: step 1, image 1 of 2 Power Mac G4 MDD CPU Heatsink Replacement, Power Mac G4 MDD CPU Heatsink Replacement: step 1, image 2 of 2
    • The Power Mac G4 MDD: the last, and the fastest G4-based Mac. This computer boasted up to a Dual 1.42GHz PowerPC G4 CPU (though I have a single 1.25GHz).

    • Six USB ports.

    • Four FireWire ports.

    • Assorted SCSI (SCSI50/SCSI68)

    • Assorted Audio

    • Video (ADC & DVI)

    • Networking (RJ-45 Ethernet/56k Modem)

    • Some later model MDD's (such as the dual 1.42GHz) Have a FireWire 800 Port Here:

  2. Power Mac G4 MDD CPU Heatsink Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 3 Power Mac G4 MDD CPU Heatsink Replacement: step 2, image 2 of 3 Power Mac G4 MDD CPU Heatsink Replacement: step 2, image 3 of 3
    • Pull on the side lever and lower the side of the case.

  3. Power Mac G4 MDD CPU Heatsink Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 3 Power Mac G4 MDD CPU Heatsink Replacement: step 3, image 2 of 3 Power Mac G4 MDD CPU Heatsink Replacement: step 3, image 3 of 3
    • The ram is between the graphics card, and the CPU, and removal is simple. Push the tabs down on both sides, this will free the ram, then lift it out.

    • The MDD Uses A Maximum of 2GB PC2700 DDR,(512MB X4) and had 4 slots for ram.

  4. Power Mac G4 MDD CPU Heatsink Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 1
    • Now, remove these three Phillips screws:

    • As there are two Phillips screws well, there are two that you can see in the photo, but you want to remove the screws that are behind them.

  5. Power Mac G4 MDD CPU Heatsink Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 2 Power Mac G4 MDD CPU Heatsink Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 2
    • Now, lift the heatsink up off the computer, it is pretty heavy, because it's a giant block of aluminum.

    • Be careful when holding it, the edges can be sharp, making it likely to get cut if you hold it wrong!

    • As you may be able to tell, i have applied a replacement coat of Arctic Silver 5 to keep my MDD cooler than the stock paste, it really does a great job too!

  6. Power Mac G4 MDD CPU Heatsink Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 2 Power Mac G4 MDD CPU Heatsink Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 2
    • The incredibly large heatsink, this thing is 5 Lbs of solid aluminum. Just like every other part in this, and many other Macs, the heatsink is made by: ...you guessed it, Foxconn.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

System

Member since: 09/24/09

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