iMac G3 Model M4984 Optical Drive Replacement

The iMac G3. This was a great computer for the time, and had plenty of features.

Start by flipping the iMac upside-down. It may help to lay it on a towel, so you don't damage the screen, or scratch the face.

Remove this Phillips screw.

Using a flathead screwdriver, work your way around the bottom cover, until it comes off.

Then, lift the bottom cover up and out, and set it aside.

Now, remove the DB-15 Video connector from the logic board.

It may be helpful to use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the thumbscrews.

Remove the power cable from the logic board assembly.

Remove the front panel connector. (You may also need to remove an additional screw that connects the front panel connector to the logic board assembly).

Now, remove these Phillips screws.

Now, grab the logic board assembly by the piece of plastic, and lift it out.

The logic board assembly. This is the heart of the computer, it contains the motherboard, CPU, RAM, V-RAM, PRAM battery, the hard drive, and the optical drive.

Now to remove the optical drive!

The optical drive is located near the front of the assembly.

To remove the drive, push it in, lift up, and then pull forward.

As you pull the drive forward, disconnect the ribbon cable and set it aside.

Remove the two phillips #00 screws.

Then remove the board. This will reveal that it is a standard PATA drive.

Congrats, the drive is free! You can use any PATA-tray loading drive in the iMac G3 which means you can install a CDRW to burn CDs in OS9 or X(if using OSX,install that DVD writer) but, of course only original drives will match the great look of the iMac).