7

I have a PowerMac G5 which I have recently succeeded in getting running with a Mac OS X 10.4. I was in for two big surprises: Firstly, the computer runs very fast, even with heavier software like an older version of Photoshop. The second surprise was when I opened the Activity Monitor. It would appear that this computer is either dual-cored or dual-threaded.

Did Apple indeed make dual-core (or dual-thread) PowerMacs?

|improve this question
10

You should open the case, or check the "About this Mac" dialog in the Apple menu: there's a fair chance your G5 has two processors, as in two complete packages. All series of G5s were available in dual-socket variants; the very last series of G5s was available with a dual-core processor, resulting in up to four cores in total.

Wikipedia has the details:

  • June 2003 series: single 1.6GHz or 1.8GHz single-core processor, or dual 1.8GHz or 2.0GHz single-core processors;
  • June 2004 series: dual 1.8GHz, 2.0GHz or 2.5GHz single-core processors only;
  • Late 2004 series: single 1.8GHz single-core processor;
  • Early 2005 series: dual 2.0GHz, 2.3GHz or 2.7GHz single-core processors;
  • Late 2005 series: single 2.0GHz or 2.3GHz dual-core processor, or dual 2.5GHz dual-core processors.
|improve this answer
  • Thanks for the quick answer! Looks like you probably have it nailed. I'll look inside it to see if it's got two CPU's. – anonymous2 Nov 23 '16 at 21:31
  • 3
    There were also aftermarket kits to replace single socket main boards with dual CPU packages. – user12 Nov 23 '16 at 22:11
  • Okay, looks like it is truly a dual-core: only one CPU inside. Thanks again! – anonymous2 Nov 25 '16 at 19:03

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.