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updated2026-10-04 23:30

 
Power Mac G4 Quicksilver Central Processing Unit Replacement
DevicePower Mac G4 Quicksilver
DifficultyDifficult
Time45 minutes - 1 hour
Steps14
This guide is by Ryan Bylard on iFixit and is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0. ByteRot mirrors it for non-commercial preservation: formatting changed and photos resized for old browsers; full-size photos and the text are on the FTP in /DOCS/REPAIR. Original guide >>

Removing the CPU of the Power Mac G4 Quicksilver for replacement.

Tools: Phillips #0 Screwdriver


Step 1
[step 1 photo]
• The handle to open your computer is located on top of the right side panel.

Step 2
[step 2 photo] [step 2 photo]
• Grab the circular handle and pull outward.

Step 3
[step 3 photo]
• Your computer is now open and ready for repair.

Step 4
[step 4 photo]
• This is your Power Mac G4's video adapter.

Step 5
[step 5 photo]
• Start by removing the screw holding the card to the chassis as shown.

Step 6
[step 6 photo]
• Before lifting the card out, this small plastic tab needs to be pulled back there by releasing it entirely.

Step 7
[step 7 photo] [step 7 photo]
• With the tab and screw removed, lift the card straight out.
• NOTE: When putting the card back in, take care to apply even pressure across the top with your thumbs. This will avoid damaging the card.

Step 8
[step 8 photo]
• First you want to remove the fan. Remove the two screws on the back of the computer in the upper left hand corner.

Step 9
[step 9 photo] [step 9 photo]
• Remove the fan unit by pulling straight up and out.
• NOTE: Be carful not to rip out the cord still attached to the motherboard. Remove it gently.

Step 10
[step 10 photo] [step 10 photo]
• You need detach the heat sink from the CPU. Locate the four clamps holding it down, two on each side.
• NOTE: Taking off the clamps can be difficult. Use a screwdriver to push down on the top of the clip. Then insert a spudger below the heat sink to pull it away from the board, releasing the heat sink.

Step 11
[step 11 photo] [step 11 photo]
• Pull the heat sink up and off of the CPU.

Step 12
[step 12 photo]
• Remove the four screws holding the CPU to the motherboard.

Step 13
[step 13 photo] [step 13 photo]
• Now you can remove the CPU by pulling it straight up from the motherboard.
• CAUTION: Be very careful when you detach the CPU. There is a connector that has hundreds of little prongs. You must not bend or break any of them! Be extremely careful.

Step 14
[step 14 photo]
• You can now replace the CPU.

Conclusion
To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Credit
This guide is by Ryan Bylard on iFixit and is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0. ByteRot mirrors it for non-commercial preservation: formatting changed and photos resized for old browsers; full-size photos and the text are on the FTP in /DOCS/REPAIR. Original guide >>
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