Apple G5 case mod

This is my interpratation of a Apple G5 case mod, turning the Apple G5 case to accept a ATX format motherboard. In this case a mATX motherboard will be installed in the case.  The process of making this is not so complex, just some precise measuring is needed for the back cover and getting that part laser cut or CNC milled to have a nice clean look. I used 3mm thick Aluminum and gave it to a local company to have it laser cut

The G5 case to be converted and the first test fitting of the new back cover to see if my measurements are correct, also took out a motherboard try and the PCI slot rack from a old PC and riveted them tougher to keep them in the correct spacing

got the cut out back plate and first test fitting was a total success all fits like a glove. Took out my trusty Dremel and there was some fun had with that.

The next issue was how to mount the motherboard try to the case. Saw some ideas online but all involved cutting the original mounts and then gluing custom ones and don’t know what else. As i measured the back plate 2.5cm of the bottom i had to align the motherboard try accordingly. But was worried how ill drill the holes exactly to match the mounts. So i 3D printed some stand offs and put them over the original mounts, put super glue on top of them and placed the mother board tray on top, left for 30 minutes. after removing it out of the case i had exact guides on where to make the hols for the screws. After fitting that marked of where i need to cut the motherboard try so i then instal the optical drive on top

mounting in a mock up mATX motherboard, to see how all will fit

made a power cable extender for the PSU for easier power connectivity. Also 3D printed a mount for the power plug on the back of the case. If you need it you can find it on Thingivers https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1112606

It fits perfectly over the original power hole and it lines up with the holes on the case to allow easy mounting with no extra drilling

3D printing some 8cm fan grills for the fans at the back

Made a bracket that bolts onto the PSU and has mounts for the fan assembly. The fan’s will draw in air in into the case. I like to call this the S7 AIO  :) I got comments that this design will draw in only hot air from the PSU and heat up the system, but it dose no, as this is already done and PC in daily use there are no higher temps at all in the case. Also the wiring of the fans was a journey in it self as why oh why do these fans need 2 power inputs…

This is the final layout for the inside. 2 SSD mounts that will hang on the mobo tray, the disk cage up top. The system used a mATX and allows for such a layout, a ATX format would need some changes to be made to the design. Everything is sorted now and ready for the paint job.

The case was not in the best shape and state when i got it and in keeping with the original theme, have just painted the case in the colour closes to the original. But first things first :) getting the logo of the sides, one of the more satisfying things that i have ever done ( sorry apple fans)

first the lighter colour went on the case and all the components inside to give a nice even finish on all the parts

The next step was to mark of the center of the case and the side panel, to place the cut out of the apple logo and to spray it back on before applying the clear matt lacquer top coat

the apple came out looking good, almost original :)

A wicked optical illusion when both fan grills are put one on top of each other

The case is now ready to receive its internals

after 3 weeks of wait finally the original apple front panel to ATX plugs cable arrived and testing it to see if all of those ports work.

and the final result with all the hardware installed