Upgrading the iMac G4 With a NUC -- Episode 589

The iconic design of the iMac G4 is a classic, and my favourite, that still holds up today. Since the one we tore down in the electronics inside didn't work, let's get it going with some more relevant and useable specs!

Watch the Video:

Bonus Content:

The EIectronics Inside 14: Apple iMac G4 Teardown
Download Schematics, 3D Print Files and More: Episode 598 Resources

Bill of Material:

Product Name	Manufacturer	Quantity	Buy Kit
USB Connector, USB Type A, USB 3.0, Receptacle, 9 Ways, Through Hole Mount, Right Angle	MOLEX	1	Buy Now
USB Connector, USB Type A, USB 3.0, Receptacle, 9 Ways, Through Hole Mount, Right Angle	MOLEX	1	Buy Now
Modular Connector, RJ45 Jack, 1 x 1 (Port), 8P6C, Cat5e, Through Hole Mount	AMP - TE CONNECTIVITY	1	Buy Now
Computer Cable, Mini DisplayPort Plug, DisplayPort Plug, 3.281ft, 1m, Black	MULTICOMP	1	Buy Now
USB Cable, Type A Plug to Type A Plug, 0.5 m, 19.7 ", USB 3.0, Blue	MULTICOMP	1	Buy Now
DisplayPort Connector, Mini, 20 Contacts, Receptacle, PCB Mount, Through Hole Right Angle	TE CONNECTIVITY	1	Buy Now
3D Printer Filament, 1.75mm Dia, White, PLA, 1 kg	MULTICOMP	1	Buy Now

element14 presents | About David | Project Videos

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reipet over 2 years ago in reply to beacon_dave

Great! Thanks alot!
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beacon_dave over 2 years ago in reply to beacon_dave

tariq.ahmad FYI as well as the link above needing fixing, the download page title has the wrong episode number.
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beacon_dave over 2 years ago in reply to reipet

Schematics, 3D Print Files and more for Episode 589: Upgrading the iMac G4 With a NUC!

/challenges-projects/element14-presents/m/files/147210/download
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reipet over 2 years ago

Hi, can you please share the 3D Print files again? The Link on top is down. THX
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phoenixcomm over 2 years ago in reply to baldengineer

why so many attempts... hmmm!!
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shabaz over 2 years ago

Nice project!

I too really like the NUC form-factor for home use. It's a pity they are not available with a G4 enclosure and monitor ready-made!

I'm currently reusing an old laptop as a desktop machine (i.e. connected to a monitor and keyboard) and fully intend to replace with another NUC eventually (I have a couple of NUCs that are used as servers without keyboard/monitor). They are surprisingly low-cost second-hand (obviously quite expensive new), and spare parts are available for them, e.g. replacement fans, so they are almost as serviceable as large desktop PCs, which can be overkill for general work.
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a531016 over 2 years ago in reply to DAB

Thanks DAB!
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a531016 over 2 years ago in reply to colporteur

For this revision board, yes. And not for any more technical reason than by the time I'd worked through the important displayPort and USB 3.0 connectors, I had forgotten!
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DAB over 2 years ago

Nice build.
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colporteur over 2 years ago

ANd here I thought the shakes while soldering was an old guy thing. Rather enjoyed watching the build. The PCB was ambitious. I assume ethernet connection was direct into the NUC?
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