Old Power Mac G5- deceased?

2 Jul 2016 12:22:26

Ann Simon

My old G5 which I use occasionally for CAD work has suddenly become unable to communicate with the display (Hewlett Packard, the display works fine with my Mac Mini).
I have tried replacing the battery, but it does not help. I notice the status light flashing 3 times repeatedly, which my user manual suggests means "incompatible RAM installed", but I have not touched the RAM since I bought the G5 in 2005. Can any one suggest anything I could try to save its life?

Re: Old Power Mac G5- deceased?

2 Jul 2016 22:08:32

Trevor Hewson

Just in case the error message is vaguely appropriate, you could try re-seating the RAM cards. No need to take them right out, just release any retaining clips, ease the cards partly out of their sockets, push them firmly back in place and clip them back in. Then restart, whilst crossing your fingers!

Re: Old Power Mac G5- deceased?

3 Jul 2016 08:00:08

Ann Simon

Thanks, I'll try that

Re: Old Power Mac G5- deceased?

3 Jul 2016 11:19:57

Mick Burrell

RAM can fail. If you don't have any success with Trevor's suggestion, you could look on Crucial - Apple Memory to see if they still sell memory for that model.

Re: Old Power Mac G5- deceased?

3 Jul 2016 11:44:02

Ann Simon

Tried re-seating the RAM cards, still no joy I am afraid, and status light still flashing 3 times, I will look on Crucial thanks Mick.

Re: Old Power Mac G5- deceased?

5 Jul 2016 15:13:15

Ann Simon

Tried inserting new RAM, no joy but Hooray!! tried zapping the PRAM and it worked! I had forgotten that old trick, thought it went out in the old Power Mac era. Thanks all for taking an interest and for helpful suggestions.