How can I speed up my iMac G5?

take it to an apple store, they can do anything there

Have you upgraded to Leopard yet (10.5)?

It’s faster than Tiger (10.4). Even my iMac G4 800 Mhz (less than minimum req’d specs) got a noticeable speed bump by upgrading.

Because Mac OS X uses UNIX at its core, the system resources that relate to performance are the CPU, hard drive, and system memory (RAM). All three are used together in processes related to applications, operating system, and graphics.

A suggestion to increase memory (RAM), hard drive space for the system drive (increase the size via upgrade and/or get a second external drive to store your media files), along with the above recommendation of upgrading to Leopard, will get the job done right.

On the hardware upgrades, you don’t need to buy Apple’s retail RAM or HDDs, as they charge a significant markup above 3rd party competitors; if your computer is out of warranty, any authorized service center will complete the upgrade installations for you for a nominal fee; otherwise, if you are still under Apple’s warranty plan, you may need to install hardware that has been ‘pre-certified’ by Apple and installed by a certified Apple Technician.

I will second what sndfreQ said.. With emphasis on getting more RAM.

I agree with sndfreQ and johnpowell.

the answer given by “robmandu” is NOT something you want to do. Leopard is intended for use with Apple intel systems. Since you are using a G5 stck with the 10.4 or lower. And then follow what “sndfreq” wrote. Upgrading your RAM will give you a significant boost in speed at a reasonable price.

I wouldn’t take your iMac G5 to the apple store, because they will most likely tell you to go to an Apple Specialist(depends on if it is under AppleCare or not)

What you can do is upgrade your RAM, when upgrading it, do it to the MAX! It will be a little more expensive now, but will last you a lot longer.

You can also upgrade the hard drive to a 7200 RPM drive, which will allow you to read and write faster.

Depending on your Processor, and RAM, you Can upgrade to leopard. But if you’re not more than 1ghz I don’t recommend it at all!

Like sndFreq said: If you’re under warranty, you HAVE to have the upgrades installed by an Apple Certified Technician. Or else you void your warranty and Apple will tell you to go away(Trust me I’ve seen it way to many times).

You can take it to a Apple Certified Repair Shop. You can use this website to find one near you:
http://www.applespecialist.com/

Good Luck!

Alrighty @pegleg… cite your source. Because what you wrote is totally, completely, utterly and otherwise false.

I already explained that my 800MHz iMac was below the range of minimum system requirements. Turns out the minimum is 867Mhz G4 or better. Any G5 (including Ibus’s) therefore is supported, and indeed, intended for Leopard.

Apple’s technical specifications page for Leopard lists the following supported CPUs:

—867+ MHz G4 PowerPC
—G5 PowerPC
—Intel

My point was that if Leopard speeds up my lowly iMac… imagine what’ll it’ll do for systems that actually do meet the min requirements. Speed ‘em up noticeably, for one.

@robmandu It’s not always the same for each computer. I work for an Apple Specialist on San Diego, and I’ve seen far too many computers slow down when they installed leopard, even though they meet the requirements.

When apple made leopard, they made it with the future in mind. It runs 50% better on an Intel Based mac than a PowerPC(Not a real number, but it’s based off personal experiences)

@Frankie, at least your recommendation is qualified as personal observation. The informed querent then can elect to follow your recommendation, or trust in Apple’s stated specifications of supported systems… and understand that distinction when making the choice.

@pegleg’s quip, on the other hand, is completely without reference and yet is voiced as one who considers him/herself as an expert, possibly with inside information. That’s not an Answer… it’s just FUD.

@robmandu Thanks, :)!

I’m not going to fight you about this robmandu. I didnt think I had to list my expertise on the subject in my answer, I dont answer questions that I am not qualified to answer. Rather I work for apple here in Florida. I am also very tech savy not just with Apple computers. I have worked in many sales and tech positions. I also personally own 4 Apple computers. 2
of which are G4/G5. Frankie said it well “when apple made leopard they made it with future in mind” something Apple likes to do with most of its offerings. Smart of them to get you back in the store to buy the latest equipment, bad for the consumer who wants his/her G4/G5 they bought a year ago to work with the latest OSX. I’m glad that you had a good experience with 10.5 on your G4. But in most cases this is not the case.
Now you have my full explanation. Hope that helps.

of witch are G5/G4.

Sorry I wrote me second post on my iPhone. I just wanted to say though I may have been hard on you robmandu, you shouldn’t get so upset that someone disagree’s with your opinionative answer. I would not want this novice user to take your advice and regret it. One last thing, for ibus, as mentioned about not upgrading to leopard when owning G5 or less, also do not upgrade to the new iLife same thing applies to that set of programs. I have seen many a G5 users unhappy with the speed of the new iPhoto.app.

@pegleg, a more complete answer definitely helps the collaborative process. When you post an answer that is contrary to the authority on the matter (in this case, Apple Inc.), then you have a burden to explain why.

You’ve now done so, and while I’m curious as to how your employer might feel regarding your answer, you have provided the requested context. So, thanks!

http://www.macsales.com – good place to buy ram..depends on how much you want to put into the machine. I’d consider purchasing a new iMac..if you can swing it.