Introduction: How to Upgrade the Optical Drive From Your Powermac G4 Quicksilver 2001/2002

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In this intructable i will show you how to upgrade the ODD and other things from your Powermac G4 Quicksilver 2001/2002.

That will only take you a few minutes and it is also recommended for users who aren't so good in upgrading computers.

These steps are nearly the same when you wanna upgrade your older Powermac G4 like the Graphite models. In this case you don't take the drive out like in this instructable you slide it out of the front.

Step 1: Open It Up

First you have to open your Quicksilver. Simply grab the round latch, pull and open the door.

Step 2: Change the ODD

Now disconnect all the cables that are leading to the Zip Drive or to the ODD
Now take the four screws out that are marked on the picture.
Then take it carefully out and turn it over so that the 3.5" is on top.

Then turn the four screws out and slide the ODD out of its cage and put the new in and screw it back in place.

To reassemble the Computer follow the steps in reverse order.

Have fun with your new optical disk drive!

Step 3: Extra Upgrades

You can also upgrade other hardware from your Powermac.

HDD: You can plug every hard disk into the computer that is fully compatible to the ATA-standard

RAM: You can plug every RAM stick into the computer that is a "SDRAM PC133" RAM. Note that that Quicksilver can hold up to 1,5GB of RAM. So you can plug in three 512MB modules.

Videocard: Hmmmm, this is a bit difficult. The Videocard is a special Mac-version that is a bit expensive.

PCI Cards: These must be also signed for Mac. You will notice these "special versions" at a little Finder-Logo on the boxing.

PRAM Battery: That is a very special battery. This battery is in the diameter exactly the same size like AA batterys but half the length of them!

Motherboard: No way to change it with another model. You need exacty the same mainboard from a Quicksilver 2001 or 2002 depending on the model that you have.

CPU and Cooler: There are some pretty nice CPUs from Sonnet you can buy. These CPUs aren't cheap but you can built in any model with any coreclock that are signed for the Quicksilver 2002/2001.

Airport Card: This is a standard PCMCIA Cardslot where every WLAN Card will fit that you use in you laptop. But usually they're too long and won't be recognized as an Airport Card from the OS. But Sonnet and other manufactures build cards that will fit and work.

PSU cables from the PSU: The PSU is a standard ATX PSU. You can buit in almost every PSU you want. But refer to the length and kind of the cables from the original PSU and to the plastic bezel at the backside so that the new one will fit!

So thats it!