I have a small studio in my small apartment and I want to take apart my G4 Quicksilver into a PC rackmount server case. I own a PC with this case already. The case comes with a 300Watt Power Supply a unique looking one as well. I would like to use the front USB connections that this case comes with already but the wiring is for a PC motherboard. I would also like to purchase if possible a 3 1/2 PCI/USB hub that I have for a PC already but to use it on the MAC since I won't be turning around my rack space each time I want to use a firewire drive.
From all the hacks I've seen it looks possible. I tried searching google and ebay to see if they have custom I/O shields for an ATX case and I didn't find any.
Here's a link of the case I'm going to purchase and you can see the pics of the case and see the specs it comes with and you tell me if it's possible to do.
I already have tools at my dispense so I'm ready to go.
By the way I have a Dual 867Mhz processor Quicksilver with a Pioneer DVR-107 DVD burner and 2 IDE hard drives in this MAC.
Thank you.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16856999301
There was a company that made parts so you can rackmout a normal G4 without taking it apart. You just have to replace the handles. Maybe you could google for it.
Have a search around xlr8yourmac.com for the word "ATX" and see if you can find anyone who's done a Quicksiler before. Will you be using the ATX power supply or the one from the G4? Either way, I think you'll most likely be doing a lot of careful measuring and cutting on your case.
Even the guides for other models to ATX conversions will have some useful tips (like using a cardboard template of the rear port panels before cutting any metal, using PCB standoffs, that kind of thing) as long as you remember that specific things like PS pinouts will not apply.
http://www.marathoncomputer.com/
TOM
Aren't they the company that offers the Rackmount kit for the iMac as well? If so, the kit is kind of cool albeit expensive.
Yep the very same one.
TOM
He's gonna have to use the one that came with the case. The case is only 3U; the Quicksilver's PSU won't fit.
I was looking at marathon, and you might as well just go with the rails to mount the powermac case on. They can't be too expensive.
I was looking at their iMac rackmount kit a little while back, and they wanted $300 for it. Just a tad bit out of my price range for a replacement case for a revision 'a' bondi blue iMac.
I've got a set of Marathon rackmount brackets for B&W formfactor Macs. Beautifully made nice bit o' kit but they are pricey at around $200 for a set. OP already has the rackmount case, so I really can't see 'em spending mo' dough on the brackets. Even if that is the most elegant solution.
dan k