Need Advice: Update Old PC to Run Adobe CC. Mac Died

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  altomic on 17/10/2017 - 18:57

  option 3 - build a hackintosh.

  then attach the old Imac HDD as a secondary to remove your stuff.

  Otherwise try trouble shooting the mac-

  Reset PRAM and NVRAM (Solution 1)
  Shut down your Mac
  Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command, Option, P, and R.
  Turn on the computer.
  Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys. You must press this key combination before the gray screen appears and before the chime sound.
  Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for three times.
  Release the keys.

  Restart in Safe mode (Solution 2)
  Make sure that the computer is shut down. Press the power button. Immediately after you hear the startup tone, press and hold the Shift key. Release the Shift key when you see the gray Apple and progress indicator. Let the Mac boot up…

  Run Disk Utility in Single User Mode(Solution 3)
  Turn your Mac off. Turn it back on and this time hold down the Command (Apple) key and the S keys at the same time. Then type the following command…

  /sbin/fsck -fy (note the space between fsck and -fy)

  If you can't run /sbin/fsck - fy then type only fsk - fy

  Hit return and the disk utility should run and let it finish. When it finishes and there is no error, then type reboot and hit return. Let the Mac boot up. (Disk Utility will fix all system errors, bad preferences files etc)

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    funkybamboo on 17/10/2017 - 19:20

    Hi altomic,
    Thanks for your response! I'm pretty sure I have ran your suggestions already. Definitely the pram and nvram and restarting in safe mode….need to look back through my notes. The general idea I got from reading online was that the HD was shot and that I would somehow have to backup the data by networking it to another Mac? Not sure how to do this, as it's an early 2009 mac where you can't share screens. Have been battling with this for awhile, that's why I thought I'd reach out for help. I was trying to focus on getting the PC up and running as an interim but now I am having problems with that :/

    How would I build a hackintosh and attach the old Imac HDD as a secondary to remove my stuff? Complete novice here -sorry!

    • 

      altomic on 17/10/2017 - 19:47

      networking it to another Mac

      you use target mode.
      connect the 2 together via a Firewire or Thunderbolt cable
      start (if you can) your mac whilst holding the T key as it boots. this will boot it in to target mode. the other mac will see this and the Imac will appear on the desktop as an icon.

      booting a mac into target mode basically turns it into an external drive for the other mac.

      if it just the HDD then possibly buy another HDD and whack that in the iMac and start a new.

      How would I build a hackintosh and attach the old Imac HDD as a secondary to remove my stuff?

      that's pretty much it.

      Very basically - first- you need the intel pc. second- download the OSX and bootloader and create a bootable usb stick. third - install OSX on PC making it a "Hackintosh". fourth - install iMac HDD as secondary and transfer what you need.

      Ive always used tonymac as my go to site for hackintoshing https://www.tonymacx86.com/
      here is another decent site for guidance https://hackintosh.com/

      • 

        Kangal on 17/10/2017 - 21:29

        ^ As altomic said, just dualboot it with Hackintosh. It's likely you'll still need Windows 7 for here and there situations or daily driver. If you Google it (Hackintosh Core i3 4160), you'll likely find detailed step by step instructions… maybe even a YouTube video or two.

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        funkybamboo on 18/10/2017 - 12:23

        Thanks for this. Unfortunately as it's an early 2009 mac it doesn't have target mode, that's what I meant by not sharing screens. Sorry if that wasn't clear I couldn't recall the exact term.

        I would also need to get the PC up and running before I could even attempt this, if it were an option.

        Really appreciate the help though…if you know of a way around without target mode, that would be great! :)

      • 

        altomic on 18/10/2017 - 12:53

        @funkybamboo: it definitely should have target mode. I've done target mode on a g4 (2002)

        if it is a failed HDD then the other work around is to install a hdd/sdd in place of the optical drive using a caddy like this one. disconnect the original HDD. install OSX on new drive and have it as the primary. reconnect the original HDD and hope it appears.

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        funkybamboo on 18/10/2017 - 14:11

        @altomic: Thanks for all this info. I'm surprised to hear that. From what I have read it say it was post 10.6 late 2009 models only, mine launched running 10.5.8 in early 09

        https://www.tekrevue.com/tip/ins-outs-imacs-target-display-m…
        http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/use-your-imac-as-a-monitor-with…

        Sounds like I'll have to do more reading!

        I still need to see if it's worth my while getting a new Corsair power box for the PC. Any thoughts there?

      • 

        altomic on 18/10/2017 - 15:09

        @funkybamboo: i see what you mean.

        target display mode and target mode are actually slightly different things.

        target display mode - allows you to use your iMac as a monitor for another device.

        target mode - allows you to use your iMac as a "USB memory stick" for another device.

        wow, I didn't know about target display mode. I picked up a 2011 27" iMac a month ago. unfortunately the GPU is shot (simple re-ball to fix) but I will try target display mode with it using my PC as the source. with a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cable. (not sure if this idea will work on my iMac as I'm not completely 100% sure of the source of the display/hardware issue - but worth a shot.)

        Corsair PSU- I'd look for an inexpensive PSU on ebay. something used. possibly an empty PC case with just PSU, etc. as in -what if it is not the PSU in your PC that is not working - e.g. power button is broken. or MB is dead.

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        funkybamboo on 18/10/2017 - 15:35

        @altomic: Thanks for this info, invaluable! I have spent hours online reading over articles and never came across that definition …so much to learn.

        Target Display Mode: Yes, I'm gutted I don't have a slightly later version imac. Not sure if it would work with a pc, that would be amazing! Let me know how it goes?

        Target Mode: Could I do it from a pc, or does it have to be a mac? Could I pick up an old say 2010 mac on the cheap to do this? Re the networking, will this work even if they haven't been connected before. I tried to do this once from my current mac to an old G3 (Held onto that forever… because they are epic machines) but it didn't work because I had lost the login details.

        Re failed HD - that's my main concern if I've lost all my personal data on the mac. I didn't know new HD's could be installed on imacs. Not sure how confident I am opening the back…will check the hackintosh threads. PC is easy. Also no IT, soldering skills etc. So I have no idea what re-balling means!

        Corsair PSU: Good point. I was going to buy new but if I can find one within a case w/motherboard then I guess I could just swap out the motherboard? Excuse the stupid question, not much of an idea on pc builds….but do you need specific motherboards to match the internal components and cards? Or is it a simple case of plug and play?

      • 

        altomic on 18/10/2017 - 16:34

        @funkybamboo:
        Target Mode - has to be mac-2-mac. an old 2010 would work.

        replace HDD in an iMac- yes, it is pretty straight forward here is a guide from ifixit

        reballing is a repair process used when certain chips fail. the failure occurs between the chip and the board it is attached to e.g. GPU and motherboard - i.e. the GPU connects to the motherboard with 100 or so small lead solder balls as contacts rather than pins. the nature of solder is that it is not very durable so over time with usage and non-usage (chip heating and cooling) then there is a chance that the solder balls (or just one) fails. this failure is relatively common in macs (I've fixed macbooks, ibooks, and iMacs with this problem). reballing (what I do isn't technically reballing) is removing the chip, adding new solder balls using a special template and liquid solder and then reattaching&heating the chip on the motherboard. the reballing process I use just involves heating up the chip whilst still on the motherboard with hot air gun (like used for stripping paint). the chip is made of silicon so there is no chance of damaging it. multiple layers of aluminium foil are placed over the motherboard and with a hole cut through to only expose the chip being "reballed". a hot air gun is placed over the chip and slowly moved towards the chip. the chip is heated for several minutes and then slowly the air gun in removed. you don't want to too quickly apply or remove the heat. the chip is then allowed to cool. hopefully the application the of the heat from the hot air gun has melted (or re-flowed) the solder balls and reestablished contact -i.e. a circuit. I've repaired 6 ibooks + macbooks this way and kept my old iMac going for 2 years by doing this.

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        funkybamboo on 19/10/2017 - 13:14

        @altomic:

        Target Display Mode: If you test your 2011 Mac on TDM with a PC, can you let me know how it goes?

        I'm thinking if it works with a PC I would spend a little extra on a 2011 with thunderbolt (rather than older mac). Then I could also daisy chain it or use as a screen for the PC afterward, saving on desktop space. Rather than just the purpose of networking to remove data from the broken mac.

        Target Disk Mode: How old could I go with the mac for this? If it's just for recovery process I don't want to spend as little as possible, unless like above, I can utilise it afterward.

        Re replace HDD: Straight forward? Haha..assuming that's irony?! :/ I think I would do this as a challenge if all else fails. You sound pretty experienced at this so it's probably second nature to you by now. The re-balling technique is pretty clever. I'm assuming you work in IT and you haven't just taught yourself this over the years? If not, you should be!

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        funkybamboo on 19/10/2017 - 13:15

        @funkybamboo: PS, thanks for the free pizza! ;)

      • 

        altomic on 19/10/2017 - 13:53

        @funkybamboo:

        Target Display Mode: If you test your 2011 Mac on TDM with a PC, can you let me know how it goes?

        I just realised I need to have the 2011 up and running properly to use TGM. so, this is a project for another day.

        Target Disk Mode: How old could I go with the mac for this?

        I don't think there is an age. a vague memory stirs that even a G3 (2002-ish) will go into Target Disk Mode (just hold "T" down upon booting).

        You should try testing your iMac to see if it does boot in to Target Disk Mode. You'll know if it works as a Y shaped image appears on the screen.

        replace HDD: Straight forward. Haha..assuming that's irony?! :/

        In all honesty it is quite easy. remove glass front (held on by magnets), undo 8(?) screws. lift up the top side of the screen and you'll see the HDD. disconnect the lcd connection cables. lift off the LCD screen. disconnect cables attached to HDD, remove HDD mounting screws. remove HDD. place in new HDD and reverse the dismantling instructions.

        I don't work in IT. I am purely self taught.

      • 

        funkybamboo on 19/10/2017 - 14:01

        @altomic: Nothing is appearing on screen unfortunately due to the blue screen so I don't think I can test it before I shell out for another machine sadly.

        OK, I am loaded up with info now. I will go back to retest and then try out track down an old mac. I've been reading up on thunderbolt and the TDM for 2011 macs - Apparently Apple discontinued it further down the line - so you might be on in luck if you can get it up an running!

        I think you've missed your calling! Thanks so much for all your help. It's been awesome, will let you know how things turn out. :)

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  funkybamboo on 19/10/2017 - 13:16

  @scrimshaw, wondering if you have any input on the PC specs/issue?

  • 

    scrimshaw on 19/10/2017 - 13:37

    You can buy a fully working Quad core desktop computer on eBay for around 190. The Dell Optiplex for example was fairly popular as a refurb desktop and you can still grab a one here for $190 with P5OZZIE coupon

    It will be faster and better than your current Core i3-4160 (that's actually a dual core with 4 threads).

    There are also Core i7 units for sale around $303.05

    You can add in your own RAM (you have 8GB so in total maybe 16GB after upgrades) and also your SSD and it will be a reasonably fast computer. The only problem is the graphics, or lack there of. You can add in a GTX 1030 (Low Profile card) a low end GPU that should be a big improvement over HD2500 Intel GPU's.

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      funkybamboo on 19/10/2017 - 13:56

      Thanks for the info! That's a really good price for that machine. Unfortunately the marginal cost between a new machine and a power power box is a factor. Once I start adding in graphics cards, peripherals etc. I also have to buy an 2nd hand mac to network to my old mac…so things are starting to add up.

      One thing that has always confused me: How much faster does an i3-3.6ghz 8GB compare to an i5-3.4GHZ 4GB?

      Would the i3 be too slow to run Adobe CC?

      • 

        scrimshaw on 19/10/2017 - 14:04

        I assume you want quad cores to handle multi thread tasks. I think the performance depends on the type of workload you do.

        From past testing Photoshop is pretty bad at using multiple cores, and in some workloads like image resizing, 2 cores is sufficient and in other workloads like applying a smart blur effect, quad cores come into play

        Overall I believe a 3.6ghz Core i3, even though it has 200mhz advantage to a i5 at 3.4ghz, the Core i5 may still win (emphasis on may)

        Not sure about RAM, I don't Photoshop but I think 4GB of RAM is insufficient for PS work, but RAM is very cheap anyhow and you can get second hand DDR3 stuff on eBay for pretty cheap.

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        funkybamboo on 19/10/2017 - 14:13

        @scrimshaw: Seeing as it's a short term measure my thinking was that if there is only possible marginal difference in performance, would I not be better off adding a new Corsair 450W and graphics card into the current i3 system if it can take it? Then I can upgrade to the i7 at a later date? Or do you think it's too risky and money is better spend upgrading?

      • 

        scrimshaw on 19/10/2017 - 15:09

        That would fix the issue very cheaply if it's the power supply.

        However, what if it isn't and it's the motherboard that is dead — is another question. Motherboard replacements are hard to find and sometimes expensive to obtain.

        The cheapest way to tell is to borrow a power supply from somebody to test.
        ,or use the old power supply in a different system to see if it actually switches on in a different rig

        Once you have determined it's the PSU that's dead, then it's a cheap fix. But if the motherboard is dead, you can look up LGA1150 motherboards on eBay to find a decent used (or new) unit.

      • 

        funkybamboo on 19/10/2017 - 18:35

        @scrimshaw: Thanks for the info, I will have a look there if I have no luck with the PSU.

        I think what I'm trying to figure out is it worth my while. Do you think it's worthwhile loading a graphics card onto the i3 for Adobe or would it be a pointless? …as in the equivalent of a souped up car with a crappy engine?

        Also do I need specific cards for different motherboards or is it a one size fits all setup?

      • 

        scrimshaw on 19/10/2017 - 20:54

        @funkybamboo:

        Core i3 is main bottleneck. GPU upgrade is not worth it
        Save your money for a new system when you can afford it.

        Dual core processors all going out of fashion anyway and even low end CPU like Ryzen 3 and 8th gen Core i3 has quad cores.

        GPU is all using the same standards, all pci express 16x slot on the motherboard. But you will not gain much performance adding a graphics card when your CPU is doing 90 percent of the work.