In the annals of personal computing history, few moments stand as pivotal as the unveiling of the Original Power Mac G5 by Apple in 2003. This groundbreaking machine heralded a new era in computing, boasting unprecedented power and capabilities that reshaped the landscape of desktop computing.
In June 2003, Apple sent shockwaves through the tech industry with the launch of the First Generation Power Mac G5. Priced at $1,999, this powerhouse of a computer redefined what was possible in personal computing. At its core was the revolutionary PowerPC G5 processor, a collaboration between Apple and IBM. This cutting-edge processor introduced 64-bit computing to the desktop realm, enabling unrivaled memory expansion and advanced computational capabilities.
The Power Mac G5 Mid 2003 was not merely a leap forward; it was a quantum leap. Armed with the world’s first 64-bit desktop processor and boasting an industry-leading 1 GHz front-side bus, it set a new standard for performance and efficiency. This powerhouse could handle memory expansion up to 8 GB, effortlessly running both 32-bit and 64-bit applications with blazing speed and precision.
Steve Jobs, Apple’s visionary CEO, captured the essence of this milestone, declaring, “The 64-bit revolution has begun, and the personal computer will never be the same again.” Indeed, the Power Mac G5 outpaced its competitors in industry-standard benchmarks, consistently delivering superior performance across a range of professional applications.
In rigorous testing against Pentium 4 and Dual Xeon-based systems, the Power Mac G5 emerged as the undisputed champion. SPEC CPU 2000 benchmark results showcased its supremacy, with the Power Mac G5 outperforming rival systems across key metrics. Whether in single or dual processor configurations, it consistently demonstrated its prowess, excelling in both floating-point and integer performance tests.
Notably, applications like Adobe Photoshop, Logic Audio, and Genentech Blast ran significantly faster on the 1st Gen Power Mac G5, underscoring its unrivaled capabilities in real-world scenarios. Whether tackling complex graphics, audio processing, or scientific simulations, the Power Mac G5 stood tall as the pinnacle of computational excellence.
Beyond its raw computational power, the Power Mac G5 boasted cutting-edge design and engineering. Encased in a sleek anodized aluminum alloy enclosure, it exuded professionalism and sophistication. Innovative thermal management technology ensured whisper-quiet operation, while easy access panels facilitated hassle-free upgrades and maintenance.
Moreover, the Power Mac G5 offered unparalleled connectivity options, including Gigabit Ethernet, FireWire 800, USB 2.0 ports, and support for dual displays. Its robust construction and ergonomic features made it the ideal choice for discerning professionals seeking uncompromising performance and reliability.
Though discontinued in 2004, the Power Mac G5 left an indelible mark on the computing landscape. Its groundbreaking technologies and unmatched performance continue to inspire reverence among Apple aficionados and tech enthusiasts alike. Even after 20 years, its legacy endures, serving as a testament to Apple’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
As we reflect on the Original Power Mac G5’s legacy, we’re reminded of its role in shaping the future of personal computing. It wasn’t merely a computer; it was a symbol of progress, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible and laying the groundwork for generations of innovation to come.
Original Power Mac G5 Details
| Introduced | June 23, 2003 (1.6 GHz / 1.8 GHz / Dual 2 GHz) November 18, 2003 (Dual 1.8 GHz) |
| Discontinued | June 9, 2004 |
| Model Identifier | PowerMac7,2 |
| Model Number | A1047 |
| EMC | 1969 |
| Order Number | M9020LL/A (1.6 GHz) M9031LL/A (1.8 GHz) M9393LL/A (Dual 1.8 GHz) M9032LL/A (Dual 2 GHz) |
| Original Price | $1,999 $2,399 $2,499 $2,999 |
| Colors | Aluminum |
| Weight | 39.2 Ibs. 17.780 KG |
| Dimensions | 20.1” H x 8.1” W x 18.7” D 51.05 cm H x 20.57 cm W x 47.49 cm D |
Power Mac G5 Mid 2003 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 970 G5 |
| Processor Speed | 1.6 GHz 1.8 GHz Dual 1.8 GHz Dual 2 GHz |
| Architecture | 64-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 or 2 |
| System Bus | 800 MHz 900 MHz Dual 900 MHz Dual 1 GHz |
| Cache | 64 KB / 32 KB L1 512 KB L2 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 80 GB 7200 rpm 160 GB 7200 rpm 250 GB 7200 rpm |
| Media | 1 – 4x DVD-R/CD-RW “SuperDrive” |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 256 MB 512 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 4 GB (1.6 GHz) 8 GB (1.8 GHz, dual 1.8 GHz, dual 2 GHz) |
| Memory Slots | 4 – PC-2700 184-pin DDR SDRAM (1.6 GHz) 8 – PC-3200 184-pin DDR SDRAM (1.8 GHz, dual 1.8 GHz, dual 2 GHz) |
| Minimum Speed | 10 ns |
| Interleaving Support | Yes |
Display
| Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForceFX 5200 Ultra NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL ATI Radeon 9600 Pro ATI Radeon 9800 Pro |
| Graphics Memory | 64 MB (GeForceFX 5200 Ultra & Radeon 9600 Pro) 128 MB (Radeon 9800 Pro) 256 MB (GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL) |
| Display Connection | 1 – ADC 1 – DVI (GeForceFX 5200 Ultra / Radeon 9600 Pro / Radeon 9800 Pro) 2- Dual-link DVI (GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL) |
| Display Modes | Dual display extended and video mirroring |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 2 – 33 MHz 64-bit PCI (1.6 GHz) 2 – 100 MHz 64-bit PCI-X (1.8 GHz, dual 1.8 GHz, dual 2 GHz) 1 – 133 MHz 64-bit PCX-X (1.8 GHz, dual 1.8 GHz, dual 2 GHz) 1 – 8x AGP Pro |
| Bays | 2 – Internal 3.5″ ATA drive bays 1 – Optical drive bay |
| Hard Drive Interface | 2 – 1.5 Gbps Serial ATA (SATA) controllers |
| Optical Drive Interface | Ultra ATA/100 |
Connections
| Ethernet | 10/100/1000BASE-T (RJ-45) |
| Modem | 56k |
| Wi-Fi | AirPort Extreme Card 802.11b/g (Optional) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 1.1 (Optional) |
| ADB | None |
| USB | 3 – 480 Mbps (USB 2.0) |
| Serial | None |
| SCSI | None |
| FireWire | 2 – 400 Mbps 1 – 800 Mbps |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack 1 – optical S/PDIF (Toslink) input |
| Audio Out | 2 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 1 – optical S/PDIF (Toslink) output 1 – Built-in speaker |
| Display | 1 – ADC 1 – DVI (GeForceFX 5200 Ultra / Radeon 9600 Pro / Radeon 9800 Pro) 2- Dual-link DVI (GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL) |
Keyboard and Mouse
| Peripherals | Apple Keyboard Apple Mouse |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS X 10.2.7 |
| Later OS | Mac OS X 10.3 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.5.8 |
| Firmware | Mac OS ROM |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS X 10.2 iLife (including iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, and iDVD) QuickBooks for Mac New User Edition FAXstf Art Directors Toolkit Microsoft Office v.X Test Drive FileMaker Pro Trial OmniGraffle OmniOutliner GraphicConverter QuickTime iChat Safari Sherlock Address Book iCal iSync DVD Player EarthLink Acrobat Reader Classic environment Apple Developer Tools |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V 850 mAh Lithium (922-4028) |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 420 W (1.6 GHz) 430 W (1.8 GHz) 604 W (Dual 1.8 GHz & Dual 2 GHz) |
| Line Voltage | 100 – 125 V AC or 200 – 240 V AC |
Original Power Mac G5 Introduction Video
Further Reading and References
- Power Mac G5: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple and IBM Introduce the PowerPC G5 Processor – Apple Newsroom
- Developers Applaud Power Mac G5 Performance – Apple Newsroom
- Apple Unleashes the World’s Fastest Personal Computer—the Power Mac G5 – Apple Newsroom
- Apple Introduces New Dual Processor 1.8 GHz Power Mac G5 – Apple Newsroom
- Power Mac G5 – Wikipedia
- Power Mac G5 (Mid 2003) – Low End Mac
- Power Macintosh G5 – Apple History
- Today in Apple history: Power Mac G5 packs world’s first 64-bit CPU – Cult of Mac
- Apple Power Mac G5 review – CNET
- Apple G5 – Sound on Sound
- 20 Macs for 2020: #20 – Power Mac G5 – Six Colors
- Apple Power Macintosh G5: Flame On – Women and Dreams
Disclaimer: The data presented in this article is under continuous development and has been manually collected from various sources based on their availability. The author of this article may revise this dataset as additional research is conducted and reviewed. Please note that the information is provided “as is” and “as available” without express or implied warranties. The author cannot be held responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies, or errors in the published information. Any warranties relating to this information are hereby disclaimed.
Last updated: February 18, 2024
