This article provides instructions for replacing the front panel board in a Power Mac G4 (Digital Audio/Gigabit Ethernet).

Be sure to follow the instructions in this article carefully. Failure to follow these instructions could result in damage to your equipment and may void your warranty.

Replacing the front panel board requires five basic steps:

1. Turn off the computer.

2. Open the computer.

3. Remove the installed front panel board.

4. Install the replacement front panel board.

5. Close the computer.

Tools Required

The only tool required for this procedure is a flat-blade screwdriver.

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

Static electricity, a normal and natural phenomenon, builds up on your body as you walk around. You experience an electrostatic discharge (ESD) when you touch an object and feel a spark. ESD can cause damage to the internal components of your computer. Avoid walking around while performing this procedure, and follow the instructions carefully when you are asked to discharge static electricity.

Opening the Computer

Warning: Always turn off your computer before opening it to avoid damaging its internal components.

1. Place your computer on a clean, flat surface.

2. If you think your computer is in sleep, press the power button on the front of the computer to wake it.

3. Shut down your computer by opening the Special menu and choosing Shut Down. Then wait five minutes for the computer's internal components to cool down.

4. If you attached a security cable through the computer's lockable cover latch, remove the cable.

5. Unplug all other cables from the computer except the power cord.

6. Touch the metal PCI access covers on the back of the computer.

Important: To avoid electrostatic discharge, always ground yourself by touching the port access covers before you touch any parts or install any components inside the computer. To avoid static electricity building back up in your body, do not walk around the room until you have completed your installation and closed the computer.

7. Unplug the power cord.

8. Lift the latch on the right side access panel.

9. Gently lower the access panel until it lies flat. To avoid scratching the case, lower the panel onto a soft, clean cloth.

Warning: If you see any lights glowing on the main logic board, the computer has not been shut down. Close the side access panel and shut down the computer before proceeding.

Removing the Installed Board

1. Using your thumbs, release the two tabs on the front panel shield.

2. Rotate the shield and gently pull it a short distance from the chassis.

3. Disconnect the front panel cable from the front panel board and remove the board and shield from the computer.

4. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, pry up the front panel board from the three holding tabs and remove it from the shield.

Installing the Replacement Board

1. Position the new front panel board in the front panel shield, aligning the connector with the opening in the shield, and snap the board into place.

2. Connect the front panel cable to the new board.

3. Insert the two straight tabs on the shield into the slots in the front chassis and press the other two hooked tabs into the chassis latches.

Closing the Computer

1. Raise the side access panel, lift the latch, and press the panel against the case until it snaps securely into place.

2. Reconnect all cables and restart your computer.

Warning: Never turn on your computer unless all of its internal and external parts are in place and it is closed. Operating the computer when it is open or missing parts can damage your computer or cause injury.