Fix Your Stuff Community Store

The PowerMac G5 is a desktop computer first produced in 2003 by the Apple Corporation. This guide will review the repair process of an Apple PowerMac G5 model number A1047 EMC 2061 from 2004. It was discontinued in 2006 as part of the Intel switch first to developers then consumers.

197 Questions View all

Options

Power Mac G5 Dual 1.8GHz Deep CPU Hex screw removal

Hi all!

My power supply has just died, and I need to replace it myself. In doing so, I need to be able to remove the CPU & heatsink. I have removed all 6 2.5 mm Hex screws holding the Heatsink, but cannot remove the two middle, deep Hex screws. Hard to reach. I did recently purchase ifixit's 54 Piece Bit Driver Kit. It does reach the screws, though unfortunately, they won't budge at all. Should I try something like a Bondhus 13254 T-shape 2.5mm Hex wench instead? How can I remove these stubborn & hard-to-reach screws? How do the "PROS" do it? Frustrated that I'm stuck at a point not even reaching the power supply...

Any helpful suggestions are welcome. ("Get a new Mac" is not helpful...)

Thanks in advance!

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Yes No
Score -1
Add a comment

3 Answers

Filter by:
Most Helpful Newest Oldest
Chosen Solution

Options

I understand the frustration. So close yet still not there. I use a tool kit by Platinum Tools part number 19101. It has a neck that extends around 5 inches and has a thin neck like the one you use. You can get a little bit of help getting to it if your have the twin G5 Logos on the to of the heatsinks instead of the large single cover. You can unclip the G5 logo caps by just unclipping the two plastic clips at each end of each one. Just a small screw driver will do it and they will both just lift off. That will open the area up for you to get at it easier. That will give you a whole lot more room and you can most likely use the Extension that comes with your iFix it tool kit.

Good luck

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 6

2 Comments:

+ the voice of experience

by

Hi mactech plus! Thanks for your input.

Well, ifixit's driver kit does have the extension, and I can reach the Hex screw-head easily. Problem is, the screws just won't budge at all. ifixit's extension is a flexible one which is useful at time, but seems to not take torque that much. Also, ifixit's driver handle is sort of polished round metal, and has no place the firmly grip & turn it. Your Platinum Tools 19101 look more promising as it has a solid extension AND lot's of place to grip & add some torque unscrewing.

I'll just look for a long T-handle 2.5 mm Hex driver.

Thanks again!

by

Add a comment

Options

Hi

Anyone in the uk will struggle to find a suitable 2.5 hex wrench (I know i did)

I eventually found one at :

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?V...

they are about 9" long ;)

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 0
Add a comment

Options

Hi all again!

Well, G5 CPU/heat-sink removal SUCCESS!!!

And power supply removal SUCCESS!!!

I searched the web, and found Wiha Tools' 33437 T-Handle Hex 2.5mm x 200mm on Amazon, via Fargo Micro-Tools, for $3.90 + $2.80 S/H ($6.70 total). Nice & sturdy Red plastic T handle, AND nice long shaft. The deep hex screws were quite tight, though this tool did the job nicely. I was able to loosen the Hex screws enough (no need to totally remove any of the CPU Hex screws!), and my CPUs came out of the sockets, heat-sink all together, fairly easily.

Afterwards, I was also able to remove my dead power supply and as check the model & parts numbers, now ready to order a replacement. The power supply was indeed dead, as there was no click nor +5 volt trickle coming from it when plugged in. Dead...

Hope this helps others in a similar situation like me.

And also deeply hope I can fix my Mac myself, and use it again!

Wish me luck!

PS: Of course, I'd like to get a new Mac... ;)

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 0
Add a comment

Add your answer

BostonUriKai will be eternally grateful.
View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 0

Past 7 Days: 1

Past 30 Days: 2

All Time: 4,386