What are the major differences between the iMac G5 and the Power Macintosh G5?

Please note that all models mentioned in this Q&A have been discontinued.

One difference between the iMac G5 and the Power Macintosh G5 is obvious with even a quick glance at the systems.

Photo Credit: Apple Computer (Power Mac G5 - Left, iMac G5 - Right)

The iMac G5 uses an innovative design with the entire computer placed behind the flat-panel display in an integrated all-in-one enclosure. The Power Macintosh G5, on the other hand, uses a "traditional" tower design with connectors for a separate display.

There are some technical similarities -- particularly between lower-end Power Macintosh G5 models and the iMac G5 line -- including similar processors, RAM, graphics, hard drives, and optical drives. In particular, the iMac G5 models have much in common with the odd ball Power Macintosh G5/1.8 (PCI), which uses a lower cost motherboard based on the iMac G5 series. All iMac G5 and Power Mac G5 models likewise support USB 2.0, AirPort Extreme (802.11g), and Bluetooth.

However, the technical differences are substantial as well, as the Power Macintosh G5 models also support dual-processors or even "dual core" processors, FireWire "800", ADC, DVI, and optical digital audio in/out (SPIDF). The Power Macintosh G5 models also have PCI, PCI-X, or PCI-Express (PCIe) slots and multiple drive bays.

Ultimately, the Power Macintosh G5 is substantially faster and more expandable and the iMac G5 is much more sleek, compact, and elegant. For complete details about the iMac G5 and Power Macintosh G5, please refer to the specs page for the model or models of interest.

Please refer to the Ultimate Mac Comparison feature to dynamically compare any iMac G5 model to any other G3 or later Mac.