Power Mac G4 (Digital Audio/Gigabit Ethernet): Replacing ATA Drive Cable
Be sure to follow the instructions in this sheet carefully. Failure to follow these instructions could result in damage to your equipment and may void your warranty.
Replacing the ATA cable requires five basic steps:
- Turn off the computer.
- Open the computer.
- Remove the installed ATA cable.
- Install the replacement ATA cable.
- Close the computer.
Note: HTML/QuickTime video versions of the instructions are available at http://www.info.apple.com/installparts.
Tools Required
No tools are required for this procedure.
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
Static electricity, a normal and natural phenomenon, builds up on your body as you walk around. You experience an electrostatic discharge (ESD) when you touch an object and feel a spark. ESD can cause damage to the internal components of your computer. Avoid walking around while performing this procedure, and follow the instructions carefully when you are asked to discharge static electricity.
Opening the Computer
Warning: Always turn off your computer before opening it to avoid damaging its internal components.
1. Place your computer on a clean, flat surface.
2. If you think your computer is in sleep, press the power button on the front of the computer to wake it.
3. Shut down your computer by opening the Special menu and choosing Shut Down. Then wait five minutes for the computer's internal components to cool down.
4. If you attached a security cable through the computer's lockable cover latch, remove the cable.
5. Unplug all other cables from the computer except the power cord.
6. Touch the metal PCI access covers on the back of the computer. Important: To avoid electrostatic discharge, always ground yourself by touching the port access covers before you touch any parts or install any components inside the computer. To avoid static electricity building back up in your body, do not walk around the room until you have completed your installation and closed the computer.
7. Unplug the power cord.
8. Lift the latch on the right side access panel
9. Gently lower the access panel until it lies flat. To avoid scratching the case, lower the panel onto a soft, clean cloth.
Warning: If you see any lights glowing on the main logic board, the computer has not been shut down. Close the side access panel and shut down the computer before proceeding.
Removing the Installed Cable
1. Disconnect the ATA cable from the logic board.
2. Disconnect the ATA cable from the hard drive, and remove the cable from the computer.
Note: Dispose of this cable; do not return it to Apple.
Installing the Replacement Cable
1. Connect the replacement ATA cable to the drive.
Note: If you are connecting the cable to two drives installed in the drive carrier, attach the connector at the end of the cable to the bottom drive.
2. Connect the other end of the ATA cable to the logic board.