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FrankenMac
Intro
Mobo
Case
Wiring
Accesories
Software
Gallery
Links
OutOfSpec
OutOfSpec.com
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For those looking to dabble in OS X, but unable to afford the high entry price that is a G4 desktop, even looking used, there is another way. Build it yourself. The idea has been covered on the net before. For a short period of time there was a glut of Apple G4 'gigabit' motherboards available on the used parts market. People quickly realized how close they were to ATX and began stuffing them into PC cases. A couple groups even began selling prebuilt complete boxes, undercutting Apple's new prices by a hefty margin. There were even plans underway to market a custom slimline case designed specifically for iMac innards as an even lower cost unit.
Apple wasn't about to let that continue. They conveniently built a couple safeguards into their contracts and EULAs to combat just such a clone threat. The first is an agreement all hardware vendors must sign before being able to purchase parts from Apple for in and out of warranty repair work on Macs. The retailer agrees that parts will not be resold for profit. In other words, you buy it, it had better damn well be going into an Apple branded product replacing a bad part, or don't order. This is what was used to shut down CoreComputers for all intents and purposes. Apple essentially closed off their supply of motherboards and power supplies.
Apple's other ace in the hole is hidden in the EULAs of its products. It explicitly states that by using the product, you agree to ONLY use it on Apple labeled/sanctioned SYSTEMs. So, Apple parts in a cardboard box with a Golden Delicious on top don't count.
Funny thing is, the net has a way of working around details it considers inconvenient. First, while Apple can strong-arm retailers with contracts, they can do no such thing to individual users. People upgrade their machines by buying parts claiming they're for a repair, or part out old boxen trying to earn more selling it as parts instead of a whole system. While the parts stream isn't as wide as it used to be, it is still flowing, as a trip to Ebay will prove out. And that EULA, well, while one has yet to be tested in a court of law, common opinion is they wouldn't hold up, so don't let Apple's draconian restrictions keep you from stuffing OS X on your hand built beauty.
The door has been opened, it's now time to step through and build a box. Don't consider yourself limited to an older 'Gigabit' class machine though; there are many other, newer mobos available, though you may have to dig a bit more for documentation.
N O T E
All information sources used to build both my FrankenMac and this site are listed in the links section. I make no claims that my writeup is either 100% accurate or EVERYTHING there is to know on the subject. Infact, I will go sofar as to say there are mistakes, and there is much more that could be documented. If you see a mistake, or gaping hole in my documentation, please correct me and help make this a better site.
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