A few months ago, I scored a fully working Apple PowerMac G4 Cube on eBay. My original plan was to convert it into a working computer by swapping the guts for a Raspberry Pi 4. After getting the initial build working, I wasn't particularly happy with the performance for a desktop, so I decided to look elsewhere.
Last week, thanks to a friend, I was able to purchase a Dell Wyse thin client labeled as a refurbished computer for around $100. It has a Pentium Silver J5005 inside, 8 GB of RAM, and a tiny built in flash storage.
I cracked it open, stripped it down, and sure enough the motherboard is the perfect size to pressure fit carefully inside the G4 Cube chassis. Result!
Next, I added a 250 GB Samsung EVO SSD, and installed Ubuntu Linux on it. I am using a little USB switcher so I can share keyboard and mouse with my M1 MacBook Pro, and it works wonderfully hooked up to a 4K monitor.
Next up, I need to clean the interior a bit, so some cable management, and find a way to integrate the power button.
What a fun project this has been so far!
Comments (4)
It's alive!
Thanks for the hot tip on the Dell.
@cleverdevil wow, what a neat, fun-looking project! I still remember the first time I laid eyes a Cube, in one of the local department stores. I absolutely adored the design and idea of it. Compared to the ugly beige box of a PC we had at home, it was a revelation. The Cube is probably why I have a fascination with Mini-ITX and other small form factory computers. To say Iām a little jealous is a bit of an understatement!
@saorsa it has absolutely been a fun project! Still lots left to do as well :)