Power Mac G4
‘Quicksilver’
History
Introduced: July 18, 2001
Discontinued: January 28, 2002
Original Retail Price: $2,499
Model #: M8493
Tech Specs
Processor: 867 MHz PowerPC G4
RAM: 1.5 GB (upgraded)
Hard Drive: 80 GB
Optical Drive: Combo (DVD-R / CD-RW)
OS: 10.4.6
Condition & Notes
This unit is in excellent condition. It’s complete with the original packaging, foam bag, power cable, keyboard, mouse, USB extender cable, FireWire 400 cable, software CDs, and documentation.
This particular machine is the midrange 867 MHz model introduced in January 2001 in the revised ‘Quicksilver’ case for the Power Mac G4 line, which is similar to the ‘Graphite’ case that preceded it but is cosmetically refined and updated with new light grey and silver colors (thus the name).
Apart from the stock GeForce 2 MX graphics card, it also has an aftermarket nMax 802.11n (draft 2.0) 32-bit PCI card installed, hence the large antennas sticking out of the back.
The machine had a dead PSU when I acquired it, so it was replaced and the machine now works great. It is in fully working order and is currently running Mac OS X 10.4.6.
Packaging
There isn’t one of the typical labels with the specs of the machine on top - not sure if it was removed by a previous owner, or if it just never came with one to begin with.
The CD packet resides in a recessed slot under where the documentation sits.
Unlike my Sawtooth G4, which has an accessories box, the Quicksilver’s accessories just slot into the styrofoam under this cover, similar to my G4 Cube and iMac G3.
The original Apple foam bag.
Main Tower
Accessories
Apple Pro Keyboard and Pro Mouse, power cable, USB extender cable, FireWire 400 cable, software CDs, and documentation.
Setup guide, warranty info, Mac OS X documentation, and software CDs: Software Install (OS 9 and OS X), Software Restore (4), Apple Hardware Test, and the AppleCare disc for the plan that was originally purchased for this machine.
With 17” Studio Display + Pro Speakers
System Specs
Teardown & Cleaning Photos
I suspect the sides of the G4’s enclosure weren’t translucent like the prior G3’s because Apple wanted to hide the additional cooling vents and AirPort antennas, neither of which were present in the Blue & White G3.
The bare Quicksilver chassis.
This rear plastic piece is riveted in place, so it can’t be easily removed.
Keyboard disassembly and cleaning.