iMac G4 (Flat Panel)
Model Identifier: PowerMac4,2 Model Number: M6498 Order Number: - Built Date: -
Processor: - Speed: 700 MHz CPUs: 1 Cores: 1
Memory: - Graphics Card: - Harddisk: - CD/DVD: - Floppy: -
Ethernet: - WiFi: - Bluetooth: - USB: - Firewire: - Thunderbolt: -
Serial Number: - Installed OS: -
The computer is in perfect working condition. Although, the hard disk was pretty loud. So, I decided to replace it with something more quiet. Searching for a new hard drive is a challenge on its own, since this computer has an Ultra ATA/66 (IDE) interface. So I decided to look into installing a SSD. There are a few SSDs which you can connect to an IDE interface, but they are not cheap. That's why I decided to buy a SATA SSD and an IDE to SATA adapter.
Kingston SV300S3B7A/120G SSDNow V300
STARTECH.COM 40 Pin IDE PATA to SATA Adapter
This guide from iFixit shows every step necessary to remove the old hard drive. Installing the SSD with the adapter was not a problem at all. After reassembling the computer I booted from a Mac OS X installation disc, partitioned the SSD in two 60 GB partitions and installed Mac OS X 10.4.11 on one and Mac OS 9.2.2 on the other.
I also replaced the backup battery (as seen in step 8 of the iFixit guide, purple thing on the left side). Since my school knowledge about electronics is a bit rusty, I was not sure how close I had to get to the necessary values (V and mAh). A little research broadened my mind. It is vital to get the voltage right. Differing mAh only results in varying life expectancy and therefore is usually no problem.
Last step so far was using some 'car polish' (especially for plastic parts) to remove some stains.
