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PowerBook G4 diagnosis and fix
#219040 08/26/08 12:58 AM
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axiomite
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Okay, so I've decided to fix my laptop. It died on me a while back and instead of fixing it then, I thought it was a good time to buy a Mac Mini (really, just a flimsy excuse to go to an actual desktop set up).

I'm not entirely sure, but I have a strong feeling that my hard drive went bad. I went to start it up one day and all I heard was a *clunk clunk clunk clunk*. So I'm thinking of putting in a new hard drive myself. I'm not going to worry about data transfer--whatever was on the old hard drive can stay lost forever.

I've never really done anything like this before, but I'm not gonna let that deter me. For some weird reason, I'm looking forward to doing this. Anyway, I'm looking at this and hope I can manage to install it in the laptop and get it up and running again.

Is there anything else I need to know before jumping in and ordering a hard drive? Anyone try anything like this before?

Anyone wanna say, "Sean, don't be a knucklehead and fancy yourself a computer geek because you are not."


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Re: PowerBook G4 diagnosis and fix
St_PatGuy #219052 08/26/08 03:29 AM
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 Originally Posted By: St_PatGuy
*clunk clunk clunk clunk*

Yeah, that's generally a really bad sound to hear from a computer. Your hard drive controller went bad or the heads are just having trouble tracking. There's not much you can do at that point.

This site has great step-by-step instructions. I recommend using an ice cube tray to sort the screws as you take them out. It'll make it much easier when you have to put them back.

Re: PowerBook G4 diagnosis and fix
pmbuko #219057 08/26/08 03:51 AM
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axiomite
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Thanks for the link, Peter.

Soon, I'll place an order for a new hard drive and let you guys know how the install goes.


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"Nothin' up my sleeve. . ." --Bullwinkle J. Moose
Re: PowerBook G4 diagnosis and fix
St_PatGuy #219059 08/26/08 03:53 AM
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newegg for the hd, right?

Re: PowerBook G4 diagnosis and fix
pmbuko #219061 08/26/08 03:57 AM
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axiomite
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 Originally Posted By: pmbuko
newegg for the hd, right?


I'm trying to find it. . .the correct hd, that is.


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"Nothin' up my sleeve. . ." --Bullwinkle J. Moose
Re: PowerBook G4 diagnosis and fix
St_PatGuy #219062 08/26/08 03:59 AM
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i had to replace the HDD in my G4 titanium about a year ago. Its a really simple procedure. Although my buddy who gave me the laptop and used to work on them alot did the software stuff as I do not have any software for it so I cant vouch for how easy that is.

Re: PowerBook G4 diagnosis and fix
Haoleb #219063 08/26/08 04:01 AM
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axiomite
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I've still got the software for it, so that shouldn't be a problem.

From a previous effort, I think the toughest part will be getting the casing apart.


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"Nothin' up my sleeve. . ." --Bullwinkle J. Moose
Re: PowerBook G4 diagnosis and fix
St_PatGuy #219073 08/26/08 02:00 PM
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Just about any PATA hard drive will work, but I'd suggest a 7200 RPM one. Like Peter said, go for newegg.com.

Do you have a titanium or an aluminum? The titanium is way, way easier to take apart (9 screws, all on the bottom). The aluminum is more of a challenge, but still do-able.


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Re: PowerBook G4 diagnosis and fix
Ken.C #219080 08/26/08 03:40 PM
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axiomite
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What does PATA stand for?

It's an aluminum one, and I think it has 2,365 screws. Roughly.

What is the difference in RPMs do? It spins faster, but what does that mean performance-wise?


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"Nothin' up my sleeve. . ." --Bullwinkle J. Moose
Re: PowerBook G4 diagnosis and fix
St_PatGuy #219081 08/26/08 03:48 PM
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PATA: parallel ATA, as opposed to SATA: serial ATA. Different drive spec.

Aluminum, you're going to have fun. Definitely use the ice cube tray.

The faster spinning drives can get the data in position for reading faster, basically. 5400 RPM would be laughable on a desktop. Servers generally use 10000 or 15000 RPM drives. Desktops generally use 7200 RPM, laptops generally use 5400 RPM, but the 7200s are available and provide a definite speed advantage.


I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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