Adding a system/cooling fan to iMac G3 DV

[haydonbeagley]

Hi all,

I've got an iMac G3 in Grape (DV edition) which I do rather like but I'm always worried about running it for a long time due to it's age and lack of active cooling.
The machine has had new thermal paste applied to the CPU and been dusted out but I would like to keep it cool and running for a long time to come.

Has anyone ever added/developed a solution to add a fan to the case - happy to DIY/prototype test using my machine if anyone has any ideas.

Cheers in advance!

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

I was just in a few of these and I think there is enough room to zip tie a small 30-40mm fan to the top of the CPU cage - daisy chain power off the hdd molex. Something like this maybe.

Being that the imacg3s are translucent, a cool colored LED cpu fan could look really neat. Youd see it through the translucent housing which would definitely be Action Retro approved.

Like a pink, red or light bue LED in a grape imac could look really cool I think. Anyhow, I've found that the small, thin zip ties work really well for securing small fans to various components in computers.

 

[haydonbeagley]

I was just in a few of these and I think there is enough room to zip tie a small 30-40mm fan to the top of the CPU cage - daisy chain power off the hdd molex. Something like this maybe.

Being that the imacg3s are translucent, a cool colored LED cpu fan could look really neat. Youd see it through the translucent housing which would definitely be Action Retro approved.

Like a pink, red or light bue LED in a grape imac could look really cool I think. Anyhow, I've found that the small, thin zip ties work really well for securing small fans to various components in computers.

Now that sounds like a good plan!

Would love to add a little bit of LED action to the iMac G3 to really let it shine (literally) - may have to do some shopping round and see what fans work best!

If I'm feeling really brave I may even splash out for some LED strips to go inside the iMac to give it the full Action Retro experience!

 

[haydonbeagley]

Just a quick update! Moment of madness or ADHD bliss but I’ve managed to get hold of a fan that fits well inside the iMac G3 (for free too). Yes, your eyes don’t fool you the whole lot is held in by clear cable ties, electrical tape and a prayer!

Let’s say Steve Jobs wouldn’t approve of me making an iMac louder but it makes me feel better knowing the damn thing has some airflow!

When time and tools permit I’d like to make the connections properly (soldered) and do some cable (Mis)management!

But for now I’ll enjoy the cooler running goodness!

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

I added a fan to the 9000 heat sink in my quick silver g4 and that fan is held in by zip ties. No shame in your game. They work scarily well if that's what ya got.

 

[VicNor]

Just a quick update! Moment of madness or ADHD bliss but I’ve managed to get hold of a fan that fits well inside the iMac G3 (for free too). Yes, your eyes don’t fool you the whole lot is held in by clear cable ties, electrical tape and a prayer!

Let’s say Steve Jobs wouldn’t approve of me making an iMac louder but it makes me feel better knowing the damn thing has some airflow!

When time and tools permit I’d like to make the connections properly (soldered) and do some cable (Mis)management!

But for now I’ll enjoy the cooler running goodness!

Looks sweet! I got an Indigo myself and am somewhat worried about this. But I also like that it's as quiet as my Mac Plus (especially with the hard drive changed to a CF card). However, I'm curious how do you cool the logic board? There's no vent holes there (or I might have missed them!).

 

[Patrick]

i would assume the heat would be less if you don't have spinning rust anymore.

Thats at least one less thing producing heat.

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

Looks sweet! I got an Indigo myself and am somewhat worried about this. But I also like that it's as quiet as my Mac Plus (especially with the hard drive changed to a CF card). However, I'm curious how do you cool the logic board? There's no vent holes there (or I might have missed them!).

My imacg3 lobos have never gotten that hot on their own. The CRTs produce the majority of the heat IME. SSDs get plenty hot on their own as well. Truthfully, when I replaced the old spinner in my PowerBook g4 12” with a SSD it seems easily as hot if not hotter at times.

 

[VicNor]

My imacg3 lobos have never gotten that hot on their own. The CRTs produce the majority of the heat IME. SSDs get plenty hot on their own as well. Truthfully, when I replaced the old spinner in my PowerBook g4 12” with a SSD it seems easily as hot if not hotter at times.

I'll keep that in mind! I've been considering to get a SSD solution instead of the CF card, so I may comfortably install Mac OS X without wearing out the CF quickly.