G4 meets M4 as this iconic iMac joins forces with a Mac mini
The iMac G4 is instantly recognizable, but it’s even better when you swap out its aged internals for a full-on Mac mini powered by Apple’s M4 chip to create the perfect mix of iconic design and top-tier performance.
The iMac G4 has been around since 2002, and it’s just as stunning today as it was almost a quarter of a century ago. But its IBM PowerPC chip leaves a lot to be desired at a time when Apple Silicon has changed the game for Macs and computers everywhere.
Thankfully, you don’t have to ditch your iMac G4 for something less exciting just to be able to actually use your computer. You can buy a kit that puts an M4 Mac mini right inside that thing and, best of all, it’s entirely reversible.
Not that you’d want to reverse the process, of course. Because it’s absolutely amazing and every home should have one of these things.
Beauty and the (performance) Beast
The idea of putting a Mac mini inside an iMac isn’t something that I’d come across. Not until we spotted a Reddit post that showed the finished product, at least.
That post doesn’t get into too many details, but it does the only thing that matters. It shows us some photos of the installation process as well as the finished product.
It also includes a link to where you can buy everything needed to complete your own M4-powered iMac G4 conversion, too.
That kit will set you back $369, when it’s available again. It’s only compatible with the 17-inch iMac G4 with a 1GHz/1.25GHz chip right now.
The particular iMac G4 model you need are selling for around $300 on eBay. Don’t forget you’ll need a $699 Mac mini, too.
The Mac mini sits right inside the iMac’s base. Image: u/JohannesKHage
Amazingly, the installation process doesn’t require breaking anything or even taking your donor Mac mini apart. It’ll be placed inside the iMac’s bulbous base in its entirety.
Surprisingly, you’ll even retain access to modern ports, like USB-C. The 3.5mm audio out and microphone ports continue to work, as do the iMac’s Apple Pro speakers. Even the built-in display works.
The $369 conversion kit includes a PCB to handle USB, audio, and video routing to the existing LCD, as well as all the cables that you need. It also includes a solenoid that will mechanically press the Mac mini’s power button when the iMac’s button is pressed.
Honestly, we’re impressed. Mike Wuerthele has a compatible G4 iMac on his retro-shelf, and he told me he’s considering adding this project to his list of stuff to do.
Ports are accessible from the rear. Image: moddingdome.com
Beyond Mike’s thoughts, If someone asked me to come up with a best-of-both-worlds approach to putting an M4 Mac mini into an iMac G4, I’m not sure I could have come up with such an impressive list of features.
The back panel is clean, everything is secure, there are ports on the back of the machine that work, case penetrations don’t look like they were cut by a dremel-equipped seven year old hopped up on caffeine, and so forth.
And the good news keeps coming. The whole process is reversible should you need that Mac mini back for something more boring.
If Mike decides to do it, we’ll post again.
