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Apple Power Mac G5
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Last update: 11-29-2003 |
Submitted by
Kenny Ngo |
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Although Mac and PC camps will probably never resolve their claims of having the "fastest personal computer," the Power Mac G5 is nonetheless an epochal leap for Apple, as it addresses G4 shortcomings such as lack of CPU speed, choked bus architecture, and tired case design. The 1.6GHz, single-processor base model starts at $1,999 and ramps up to $2,999 for a 2GHz dual-processor model with plenty of extras. We tested the dual-processor G5 with added memory totaling 2GB, upgraded graphics in the form of ATI’s Radeon 9800 Pro card, and Apple’s stunning 20-inch Cinema Display, which, among other extras, brings the total system price to a whopping $5,926. For the quality, the included software, and the flexibility of a Unix-based desktop that can do much of what a $20,000 Sun workstation can do, however, the Power Mac G5 is worth every penny for power users and creative professionals.
As car design has moved from the jelly-bean Taurus to the sharp creases of the new Cadillacs, the Power Mac G5 changes from the molded plastic of the Power Mac G3 and G4 to the industrial and machined idioms of recent PowerBooks, with a squared-off, brushed-aluminum case. Some may not like its cold, serverlike appearance, but we appreciate its clean lines and functional design. The face of the G5 looks relatively nondescript, with only an optical-drive door, a power switch, and (finally) headphone, USB 2.0, and FireWire 400 jacks interrupting an expanse of perforated metal. Holes on the front and back maximize the cooling airflow, as the G5 processor (IBM's PowerPC 970) runs hotter than Motorola's G4. Inside, the OS monitors nine fans according to temperatures in four thermal zones, minimizing fan activity to keep the G5 one of the quietest Macs in recent memory. 
Above the G5's graphics card are PCI-X expansion slots, which offer faster speeds and better throughput than regular PCI slots. | 
One drive does it all. Though the G5 can accommodate only one optical drive, Apple's SuperDrive offers fast 4X DVD-R and 32X CD-R write speeds. |
A side panel pops off at the flip of a latch on the G5's back. Under a clear plastic panel, most of the G5's internals are easily accessible, making swapping RAM and the video card a snap. There's no place for a second optical drive, however, and there are limited options for a second hard drive, with only one open internal drive bay. The rear hosts the output for the AGP slot and three PCI-X slots, which offer faster speeds of 133MHz (one slot) and 100MHz (two slots) when compared with PCI's top speed of 66MHz. In addition, you'll find ports for FireWire 800, FireWire 400, USB 2.0 (two), Ethernet, RJ-11, analog audio in and out, optical digital audio in and out, as well as jacks for external Bluetooth and AirPort antennae.
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