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iMac G3 Model M4984 Optical Drive Replacement

Introduction

The iMac G3 uses a tray-loading optical drive. It uses a PATA optical drive. This guide will show you how to change your computer's optical drive.

What you need

  1. iMac G3 Model M4984 Optical Drive Replacement, iMac G3 Model M4984 Optical Drive Replacement: step 1, image 1 of 1

    • The iMac G3. This was a great computer for the time, and had plenty of features.

  2. iMac G3 Model M4984 Optical Drive Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 1

    • Start by flipping the iMac upside-down. It may help to lay it on a towel, so you don't damage the screen, or scratch the face.

  3. iMac G3 Model M4984 Optical Drive Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 3 iMac G3 Model M4984 Optical Drive Replacement: step 3, image 2 of 3 iMac G3 Model M4984 Optical Drive Replacement: step 3, image 3 of 3

    • Remove this Phillips screw.

    • Using a flathead screwdriver, work your way around the bottom cover, until it comes off.

    • Then, lift the bottom cover up and out, and set it aside.

  4. iMac G3 Model M4984 Optical Drive Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 3 iMac G3 Model M4984 Optical Drive Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 3 iMac G3 Model M4984 Optical Drive Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • Now, remove the DB-15 Video connector from the logic board.

    • It may be helpful to use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the thumbscrews.

  6. iMac G3 Model M4984 Optical Drive Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 3 iMac G3 Model M4984 Optical Drive Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 3 iMac G3 Model M4984 Optical Drive Replacement: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the power cable from the logic board assembly.

  7. iMac G3 Model M4984 Optical Drive Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 2 iMac G3 Model M4984 Optical Drive Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the front panel connector.

  8. iMac G3 Model M4984 Optical Drive Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 3 iMac G3 Model M4984 Optical Drive Replacement: step 7, image 2 of 3 iMac G3 Model M4984 Optical Drive Replacement: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • Now, remove these Phillips screws.

    • Now, grab the logic board assembly by the piece of plastic, and lift it out.

  9. iMac G3 Model M4984 Optical Drive Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 1

    • The logic board assembly. This is the heart of the computer, it contains the motherboard, CPU, RAM, V-RAM, PRAM battery, the hard drive, and the optical drive.

  10. iMac G3 Model M4984 Optical Drive Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 1

    • Now to remove the optical drive!

  11. iMac G3 Model M4984 Optical Drive Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 1

    • The optical drive is located near the front of the assembly.

  12. iMac G3 Model M4984 Optical Drive Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 3 iMac G3 Model M4984 Optical Drive Replacement: step 11, image 2 of 3 iMac G3 Model M4984 Optical Drive Replacement: step 11, image 3 of 3

    • To remove the drive, push it in, lift up, and then pull forward.

    • As you pull the drive forward, disconnect the ribbon cable and set it aside.

  13. iMac G3 Model M4984 Optical Drive Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 3 iMac G3 Model M4984 Optical Drive Replacement: step 12, image 2 of 3 iMac G3 Model M4984 Optical Drive Replacement: step 12, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the two phillips #00 screws.

    • Then remove the board. This will reveal that it is a standard PATA drive.

    • Congrats, the drive is free! You can use any PATA-tray loading drive in the iMac G3 which means you can install a CDRW to burn CDs in OS9 or X(if using OSX,install that DVD writer) but, of course only original drives will match the great look of the iMac).

Conclusion

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

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Member since: 09/24/09

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