Which Power Mac G5 models use liquid cooling? Which Power Mac G5 models have been reported to have problems with the liquid cooling system?: EveryMac.com

Power Macintosh G5 Q&A - Published August 17, 2008

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Which Power Mac G5 models use liquid cooling? Which Power Mac G5 models have been reported to have problems with the liquid cooling system?

The Power Macintosh G5/2.5 DP (PCI-X) (June 2004), Power Macintosh G5/2.7 DP (PCI-X) (Early 2005), and Power Macintosh G5 "Quad Core" (2.5) (Late 2005) all have a liquid cooling system.

Apple explains that the liquid cooling system in these models "provides a continuous flow of thermally conductive fluid that transfers heat from the processors as they work harder. The heated fluid then flows through a radiant grille, where air passing over cooling fins returns the fluid to its original temperature."

Although Apple has not formally acknowledged a problem or issued a recall, and the vast majority of liquid cooled systems do not have reported problems, there is significant evidence from the well-respected MacInTouch [no longer online] and XLR8YourMac as well as Apple's own forums (posts subsequently deleted) and user produced databases that the liquid cooling systems used in the Power Macintosh G5/2.5 DP (PCI-X) (June 2004) and Power Macintosh G5/2.7 DP (PCI-X) (Early 2005) can be prone to leaking. To make matters worse, if the liquid cooling system leaks and it is not detected quickly, it can damage the power supply, processors, and motherboard, leading to complete system failure.

Photo Credit: Left (External) - Not Mike (Now Offline), Right (Internal) - MacBidouille User Lionel)

The Power Macintosh G5 "Quad Core" (2.5) (Late 2005) uses a liquid cooling system that is substantially improved and much better "sealed" to both reduce the likelihood of leaks and prevent leaks from damaging other system components.

Photo Credit: James DuBoise (Left - Original 04/05 Unit, Right - Late 05 Unit, No Longer Online)

Users with any liquid cooled systems -- but particularly users with Power Macintosh G5/2.5 DP (PCI-X) (June 2004) and Power Macintosh G5/2.7 DP (PCI-X) (Early 2005) systems -- in active service would be wise to carefully watch for internal and external leaks and if a leak or temperature anomaly is discovered immediately shut it off and notify Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Center.

As a precaution, those interested in purchasing a Power Macintosh G5 system on the resale market for long-term legacy use would be prudent to avoid the Power Macintosh G5/2.5 DP (PCI-X) (June 2004) and Power Macintosh G5/2.7 DP (PCI-X) (Early 2005) if the original liquid cooling system has not been replaced with the improved one.

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