I have a PPC G5 Mac

Hello,


I have a PPC G5 Mac where the hard drive is SATA and the optical drive is IDE. The internal IDE is dead, and I want to replace it with my Sony IDE drive. the one with the Apple G5 DVD drive has 10 pins, mine only has six. One of the ten pins is located at the center, where it is covered, but with me, I tried master/slave and cable select, and it is not detected. Any advice on how to fix this issue?

Earlier Mac models

Posted on Oct 28, 2025 11:40 AM

Reply
5 replies

Oct 28, 2025 2:34 PM in response to xbowown

By 10 pins vs 6 pins, I assume that you're referring to the drive configuration block of pins on each drive. Sony's label identifies the drive's configuration pins and where you should vertically place the jumper. Those designations are often etched in the steel housing above the pins as well. When you place the jumper across the pins designated "CS" for Cable Select, the drive isn't detected? Are both the power and data cables plugged in tightly?

Oct 28, 2025 8:40 PM in response to xbowown

I'm curious if you tried cleaning the original internal drive? I have resurrected old optical drives that even Apple techs had pronounce dead by either using a drive cleaning disc or, on one case, removing a tray-loading drive and finding the read head shuttle was simply stuck due to lack of use. A gentle nudge freed it and a light cleaning of its rails with a dry cotton swab has it still working.

Oct 28, 2025 7:23 PM in response to Jeff

Yes! What I’m love so much about ppc g5 Mac is that it is sooo like console or Xbox 360!! The hardware are married to each other so much that you need specific hardware to use ! Heneheheh I think the firmware cannot see it ! It sees only that type of apple device. I found it in eBay, I will buy a replacement in eBay !

I have a PPC G5 Mac

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.