Member Avatar for dangerousplaces

After working with my new g5 it suddenly has started to shut down by itself .. with no warning. I went to power it up today, and it didn't respond and then it worked for 10 hours then it's starting to power off by itself. Ideas anyone? I'm trying to edit and I can't have it shutting down in the middle of the job. Thanks in advance.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by doog

Dani AI

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Following the reports from , and , here are focused, practical diagnostics and next steps for a Power Mac G5 that suddenly powers off. The goal is to isolate software from hardware causes, capture useful logs, and preserve data so the machine can be escalated efficiently if it turns out to be a warranty repair.

  • Back up immediately (clone or Time Machine) before further testing.
  • Capture evidence: open Console (/Applications/Utilities/Console.app) and save system.log and any files in /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports with timestamps around the shutdowns. Note exact times the machine goes off.
  • Reproduce systematically: try the same iMovie project or action that triggers the failure and record whether the event correlates with export/encode, heavy CPU/GPU load, or specific media files.
  • Isolate software: boot Safe Mode (hold Shift), test from a new user account, and try booting from an external drive with a clean OS to rule out third-party plugins, codecs, or damaged preferences. If the problem disappears, focus on iMovie/QuickTime components and preference files.
  • Verify firmware/updates: install all available OS X, iMovie and firmware updates before deeper hardware work.
  • Hardware checks: run Apple Hardware Test/diagnostics (use the discs provided or Apple diagnostics for the model), reseat RAM and PCI cards, disconnect nonessential peripherals, and test with a minimal configuration. Stress the system (video export or long render) while monitoring sensors to see if the failure correlates with load.
  • If abrupt power-off leaves no panic report in DiagnosticReports, lean toward hardware (power supply, motherboard, or sensor/power-management fault). Do not open or attempt repairs if still under warranty.

If logs and reproducible steps are in hand, provide them to AppleCare or the reseller and request escalation or replacement. Avoid using the machine for important editing until the cause is found and data is secured.

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Member Avatar for doog

I am working with a client having the exact same issue. Apple Tech Support is scratching their head - and completely out of stock answers since it's a brand-new machine with factory-delivered OS.

Member Avatar for gortonsfi

Have either of you checked the temperatures of the machines? Maybe a batch had the heatsink poorly attached or something.

Member Avatar for doog

Have either of you checked the temperatures of the machines? Maybe a batch had the heatsink poorly attached or something.

First thing I thought of. Used the shareware app Temperature Monitor - values were quite reasonable compared to my G4. Issue ONLY occurs in iMovie - nothing else. I'm of the opinion that's it's iMovie mucking with the power-control circuitry. Apple phone support has run through every single test possible. Client is furious since numerous errors also occurred on the order and erroneous info was given about compatibility of early-model 23" studio display, neccessitating adapter (at further cost). Suffice to say, the 'glow' is long gone.

Marketing really must stop forcing ship dates that don't allow for proper testing of the products.

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