Summary of iMac Mods

Black iMac/VESA, 1st Generation iMac G5, and iMac G4/Cinema Display Touchscreen Mods

While reviewing this blog, it occurred to me that for a new person reading this site and interested in an iMac G4 mod, as there have been several different mods, it would be difficult to decide which one is best.  I've decided to summarize the different mods I've done with a brief review of benefits and problems.  All these mods really focus on one thing - being able to use the decade old iMac G4 chassis with modern hardware.  The hardest technical problem to solve is to be able to use the screen at the top of the neck with conventional hardware.  Other additions include touchscreens, bluray players etc.  Over the past few years myself and others have tried many different solutions to this problem.  I'll discuss my various solutions here.  As I feel they've gotten better and more stable, I will try to go chronologically.  The MODS are linked to their original blog posts.  Click for more details.

MOD#1: Replace the entire iMac G4 with a new LCD.  The Black iMac G4/VESA Plate Mod

 Summary: By drilling holes in a VESA 75/100 adapter for the iMac G4 neck, an entire new monitor can be firmly secured to the iMac G4's neck.
 Additional features: I put an internal bluray into the base with an SATA to USB 2.0 converter.  So this mod functions as an ergonomic external monitor and external usb bluray drive.
  Status: Still in use, although I replaced the 17" pictured here with a 20" monitor.

Pros:
1) Easy - no soldering
2) Very stable, no monitor disasembly required
3) Leaves base empty, so can put anything that you want in it
4) As long as you choose lightweight monitors, any size or screen ratio can be used.  With new ultrathin, lightweight LED monitors, potentially >20" size screens can be used.

Cons:
1) Difficult to find white lcd that matches white base - may need to paint base
2) Wires do not go through the neck and come from the lcd itself
3) Weight of LCD can be an issue.  For 20" neck (any size monitor) lcds should be around 10 pounds. But also can not have too much of a shelf in the back or the monitor is displaced to far forward and the monitor will not be able to tilt.

Current Setup with 20" LG Monitor

MOD#2: Build a Shelf on the back
Summary: Place a new 16:10 20" lcd into the native iMac enclosure.  Cut holes to allow the wires for the LCD controller and inverter to go through the back of the monitor, secure the components to the back of the lcd and construct a shelf in the back to protect the components
Additional features: Bluray as above.  A surface acoustic wave touchscreen with controller also attached to the back of the monitor.
Status: Broken - not repaired.  Monitor cable got snagged on something and pulled on and damaged the lcd board

Pros:
1) Looks closer to native iMac
2) As there is no "forward displacement", the heavy SAW touchscreen can be used
3) No soldering required
4) Base is free for any components

Cons:
1) Breakable - The monitor components are very sensitive and are easily damaged.
2) Wires do not go through neck

MOD#3: The TMDS to LVDS conversion. The 17" version and the 20" version
Summary: Replace the native iMac G4s LCD with a 16:10 store bought monitors LCD.  Place the components including LCD controller and inverter in the base.  Replace the iMacs TMDS wiring with more conventional LVDS wiring.  I did both 20" and 17" versions.
Additional features: 4-wire resistive touchscreen on 17" version only - wired through neck
Status: 20" disassembled secondary the safety concerns.  17" disassembled for parts to use on other mods.

20" Version

17" Version

Pros:
1) Identical in appearance to iMac G4
2) Off the shelf 20" and 17" monitors are not very expensive
3) All wires go  through the neck
4) 17" can fit touch screen within its bezel and wires down neck
5) As this replaces the iMac monitor this mod works with iMacs with broken LCDs

Cons:
1)***HIGH VOLTAGE: I CAN NOT RECOMMEND DOING THE 20" VERSION
- Once the current passes through the inverter it becomes very high voltage.  As a result high voltage cables travel through the neck.  The 20" has SIX CCFL lamps so 12 wires (6 high voltage) are carried through the metal neck.  I was not able to fit all extra shielded wires due to the tight fit in the neck.  After using this for a little while - I became too worried that one of the wires could fray and arc to the metal neck.  For the 17" I was able to fit rubberized, shielded wire for its 2 CCFL inverter wires.  I would ultimately like to not run ANY high voltage cable, but at least the 17" can be loaded with extra protection.
2) Some monitors work better than others.  Ex. monitors with ribbon cables vs. wires are more difficult.  Though you may not know what you have til you open it up

3) Components are housed in the base, taking room away from anything else intended to go within the base.
4) Difficult - have to open up the neck, replace multiple cables, and lots of soldering small wires
5) Monitor Drift - although the touch screen fits, it does cause the neck to slide down in certain positions.
6) Apple used a TMDS chip in this computer for a reason.  It is theoretically more stable than LVDS over longer distances.  Although the image seems crisp and clear to me either way.

MOD#4: The TMDS to DVI conversion - 17 inch
(Also available is the 15" pinout)

17" Native LCD to DVI

Summary: Using the native iMac G4 monitor, inverter, and TMDS wiring, but adding a power source and converting the TMDS to a standard DVI connector.  15" version demonstrated by several moders before me.  17" connections and pinout detailed on my blog.
Additional features: theoretically could add touch screen
Status: Used for 17" Guide and disassembled

Pros:
1) Uses Native Monitor and inverter no need for additional components and obviously identical to original iMac G4
2) Full Step by Step guide available for 17"
3) Stable TMDS signaling
4) No need to open neck
5) Except for some form of power source - no monitor components in base taking up room

Cons:
1) There is some color variation - so make sure that you are using the pinout for the right version of the neck.
2) Only 15 and 17" versions.  Update: No longer true, now available in 20" see below for details.
3) Some issues reported with screen corruption and gibberish during computer sleeping

MOD#5: The 20" iMac and Apple Cinema Display Mod

Summary: Use a 20" Apple cinema display and all its components to replace the native iMac G4's monitor housing.  Cut a hole in the back and cover the original "wire out" hole.  Using the native wires in the 20" neck plus the power cable from the Apple Cinema Display - all wires go through the neck into the base (including the rear USB ports) - to a DVI and USB cable which can be hooked up to any computer, in this case a Mac Mini.  The front bezel of the iMac is then added to the cinema display.
Additional Features: A 20" 5-wire resistive touchscreen, wired through the neck and to a USB hub where one USB cable goes to the external computer for both the USB ports on the back of the monitor and the touchscreen.
Status: Still together but moved off desktop in favor of Mod#6A

Pros:
1) Very Stable - using Apple Cinema Display with its normal components and an external mini
2) All cables go through the neck
3) No Monitor Drift even with addition of touchscreen
4) Extra wires in the native neck allow for use of the rear USB ports and touchscreen
5) Looks almost identical to the native iMac G4 and aluminum on the back actually matches most of apple's modern products.
6) Power brick can be hidden in the base.

Cons:
1) Expensive: Mac Mini, Working Cinema Display, and 20" iMac housing in good condition
2) Requires some construction, cutting out hole and the inner housing from the iMac G4's monitor to secure the neck
3) Have to open the neck - while the original cables can be used for touchscreen, USB, and DVI, no native cables can replace the DC power to LCD controller.
4) Requires an external computer.
5) Although similar it is not identical to the native iMac G4.

MOD #6: The iMac G4 20" with Cinema Display Controller All-In-One ECX Mod

Summary: Use a native 20" iMac G4 including native LCD, monitor case, dome, and inverter with the LCD controller from an Apple Cinema Display to power it hidden at the bottom of the base.  Incorporate an ECX form factor Core 2 duo motherboard in the base to make this a true all-in-one computer.
Additional Features: All-In-One computer and Blu-ray drive is able to fit in the base.
Status: Base components removed in favor of Mod #6A.

Pros:
1) A true All-In-One computer with Intel x86 Processor.
2) Small Form Factor PC allows a full size drive, in this case Blu-ray to fit inside.
3) Visually identical to native iMac G4.  Utilizes original power button and with some extenders, new ports can be made in place of the original ones.
4) No monitor drift and all wires go through the neck.
5) Easier than most mods - no "construction" required.

Cons:
1) Expensive - Although you do not need a full Apple Cinema Display finding a working LCD controller board and cables may cost as much as an intact monitor.  Although not as expensive as a mac mini, ECX boards are overpriced based on specs alone, and the RAM and processor are purchased separately.
2) Uses compact flash hard drive.  Although you can use a hard drive like any other mobo, to save space I used the onboard compact flash slot.  This is not nearly as fast as other sold state options and is very expensive per GB.
3) Not a Great Hackintosh - as you can see it currently uses windows.  2 problems with hackintoshing this - for one, snow leopard will not recognize compact flash.  This can be solved by squeezing in a small SSD (such as a 1.8".  However, while the hackintosh community has gotten the onboard Intel 4500HD graphics to display at its native resolution (complicated hacks) there is not yet any QE/CI support.
4) Power bricks are external.  Although small, there are 2 - the apple cinema display's and a 60 watt brick for the mobo.
5) Extensive Neck Modification - this entire mod is about the neck.  Uses some wires from apple cinema display, some from native neck, and I used an additional wire from a different iMac neck.

MOD #6A: Conversion Of iMac 20" G4 with Cinema Display Controller Mod For Use With External Computer / Mac Mini

Summary: Variation of Mod #6.  This uses an unaltered iMac G4 20" enclosure (same exact mod as above).  However, the all-in-one has been removed and replaced by the power brick which has now been internalized.  As above this mod relies on the 20" aluminum Apple Cinema Display's controller board hooked up to the native iMac G4 inverter.  As I have now learned, this TMDS board works perfectly with the native 20" 16:10 LCDs from either the aluminum Apple Cinema Display, the iMac G4, or even the iMac G5! Two ports on the back are a DVI out and a computer power cable.  It is hooked up to a mac mini in my setup.
Additional Features: Can include DVD/Bluray.  Can make use of Cinema Displays powered USB and Firewire 400 ports on  back of base.
Status: In Use as part of dual monitor display with a converted iMac G5.

Pros:
1) Visually and functionally identical to original iMac G4 and ACD's powerbrick hidden in base.
2) External computer allows for easy upgrades and versatility.  Can use as external monitor for laptop.
3) Room in Base - as only the power brick and lcd controller board are in the base, there is room for additional components: DVD/Bluray, wireless docking base station for laptops etc.
4) No monitor drift and all wires go through neck.
5) Can use LCD from either ACD, iMac G4, or iMac G5
6) Despite its authenticity its actually one of the easier of the mods to do if you can get the parts.

Cons:
1) Still Expensive: requires cosmetically good housing from iMac G4, A working ACD controller and cable, a working LCD, and of course - a computer.
2) Not an all-in-one
3) Not a touchscreen
4)  Extensive Neck Modification - as before this entire mod is about the neck.  Uses some wires from apple cinema display, some from native neck, and I used an additional wire from a different iMac neck.

MOD #7: The 20" iMac G5 as an External Monitor Mod.  Original iMac G5 and the iSight iMac G5.

"Original iMac G5 mod"

Summary: I know this site has been primarily dedicated to the iMac G4, however the iMac G5 is actually quite similar.  Also, its a great design in its own right.  Since the LCDs of the cinema display and iMac G5 are (depending on model) either identical or slightly varied.  As a result you can re-purpose a cinema display with a broken LCD or damaged aluminum case.  In the original mod there is plenty of room to work with.  The entire metal chassis which holds the inverter and lcd controller can fit inside the g5's chassis.  The cinema display's cable can then be routed out the back in place of the iMac G5's original power cable.

iMac G5 "iSight" Mod

The iSight variation is similar except the LCD controller and inverter much be placed individually in place of the previous computer components.  In addition the iSight camera can be spliced with USB as well as the microphone.  Connecting these with the cinema displays on board USB ports and this monitor becomes an external webcam with mic as well.
Additional Features: Lots of room in original - can easily fit slim slot load dvd and speakers.  Much tighter in iSight, but can use iSight/mic via USB.
Status: Original iMac G5 is use as a spare monitor.  The iSight variation in daily use as dual monitor with iMac G4 in Mac Mini Setup.

Pros:
1) Visually identical  to original iMac G5
2) Can act as either external DVD, speakers, or webcam/microphone
3) Very easy - no soldering
4) Very stable - Cinema display in an iMac shell
Cons:
1) Expensive - based on a working cinema display
2) Power brick is external (though you could likely fit it inside this would greatly increase the complexity and stability of this mod)
3) Not an iMac G4

MOD#8: The "Genuine" 20" iMac G4 Sandy Bridge 10.7 (Lion) All-In-One Mod (TMDS to DVI)

Nearly Complete Mod

SUMMARY: Although this is a variation of the TMDS to DVI presented in MOD#4, the 20" is more complex.  This took me over a year to figure out and is truly the computer I had hoped to build when I first started.  Although more advanced variations may come including LED backlights, touch screens etc.  I do not believe it is possible to make a much more authentic version than this.  So I want to give it its own space.

20" iMac G4 running Lion via Sandy Bridge ECX Board

This mod uses an unaltered 20" iMac G4 frame, monitor components, and neck.  The entire mod takes pace within the dome.  Using a Pico Power Supply and a 12V to 24V DC Step Up converter, power is provided to the LCD and backlights.  Using the same DVI connector seen in MOD#4 the TMDS signal is properly aligned to be DVI compatible.  A Hackintoshable Sandy Bridge ECX board, the KEEX-6100, serves as the computer.  This fits within the space previously occupied by the 3.5" Hard drive.  A DVD optical drive also fits within the base, allowing this to have all the functionality of the original.

Lion Sees This Board as MacBook Pro

Additional Features: If its in the original iMac G4, its here.  The DVD optical drive.  Even the Power LED and Microphone in the LCD enclosure work.
Status: Updated to MOD #9.

Pros:
1) Very close to the original iMac G4 (I've tried to retain every element)
2) Relatively Easy from a Technical Standpoint - The LCD and Neck do not need to opened or even removed.  Only the dome and the cables that come into the dome are modified.  The DVI Connector makes this much easier, though this is more difficult than the 15" or 17" version.
3) Cost - while the KEEX board, the SSD, the Pico Power Supply, and a cosmetically good 20" iMac G4 with working LCD can be expensive, this is not much more than you would expect to pay if you were putting together any other Sandy Bridge Set up using off the shelf components.  A good case, a SSD, a sandy bridge motherboard and processor, a power supply, and an LCD monitor will run about the same.  No other "large" purchases are required.  The DVI Connector is available for a few dollars and the Step Up Converter is about $20.
4) With only a few Bios Changes the board is Hackintoshable to Lion with tonymac's Unibeast
5) A 20" iMac G4 with a Sandy Bridge Processor that is Running Mac OS X Lion!!!

Cons:
1) There is an external power brick.  Apple had the luxury of being able to design a circular power source. The rectangular commercially available AC to DC converters just don't fit in the dome.  For heat reasons this can actually be a good thing.  As this is a 40 pound desktop that is going to be in a fixed location, this really isn't such a big deal.
2) Onboard Audio causes a Kernal Panic.  The onboard audio is pretty crappy, so I have not looked to see if there is a fix for this and simply disabled it.
3) The original speakers still require an amp such as the PowerWave adapter.    
4) This is a Hackintosh not a true Mac.

Mod#9: The 20" iMac G4 Intel NUC/Ivy Bridge AiO Mountain Lion Hackintosh Mod

20" iMac G4 running Mountain Lion via Intel  NUC (DC3217BY)

SUMMARY: Based on the same TMDS to DVI conversion used in the previous mod.  The smaller Intel NUC form factor allowed for an upgrade to Ivy Bridge and HD4000 graphics.  The small board and my better understanding of the native PSU allows the use of the native PSU which offers more power and eliminates the need for an external powerbrick.  This all results in improved cooling, graphics, and stability.

The mod is based on the consumer targeted Intel NUC which is fully compatible with Mountain Lion 10.8 via tonymac's Unibeast.  With the internalization of the power brick, only close inspection of the ports identifies this as anything other than an original 20" iMac G4.

Even Mountain Lion thinks its an iMac G4

Additional Features: Everything Above:  The DVD optical drive. Even the Power LED (not hooked up, but connector in base - personal preference) and Microphone in the LCD enclosure work.  Thunderbolt is also untapped potential.

Status: In Use.

Pros:
1) Virtually Identical to the original iMac G4.  Even provides a firewire power port for use with the native Apple Pro Speakers.
2) Relatively Easy from a Technical Standpoint - The LCD and Neck do not need to opened or even removed.  Only the dome and the cables that come into the dome are modified.  The DVI Connector makes this much easier, though this is more difficult than the 15" or 17" version.
3) Cost - Much more reasonably priced than the above mod.   Although not cheap, the NUC board includes the processor, needing only RAM, Wifi, and a mSATA to use the NUC.  The use of the native PSU is potentially a huge savings.  No other "large" purchases are required.  The DVI Connector is available for a few dollars and the the converters Converter are usually less than $20.
4) The NUC is Hackintoshable to Lion with tonymac's Unibeast.
5) Stability - this may not be the best system imagineable, but it is quite stable.  Unlike PICO PSUs, the existing PSU, easily powers this board, LCD, and peripherals, with plenty of room to spare.  The 2 fans remain quiet but greatly improve cooling to the point of an afterthought.
6) Goodbye Powerbrick!
5) A 20" iMac G4 with an Ivy Bridge Processor that is Running Mac OS X Mountain Lion!!!

Before Clean up and final assembly

Cons: TO BE CONTINUED

I hope this summary helps anyone attempting this, but not sure which way to go.  Please feel free to ask any questions.