M1 Chip in a 20 year old G4 Cube

Hope you enjoyed this little project, stay tuned for more! :)
Complete M1 Mac mini teardown guide: • M1 Mac Mini Teardown
Complete G4 Cube teardown guide: • G4 Cube Teardown Guide
Complete M1 Cube build instructions: In progress, stay tuned!
Nic:
/ nicansuini
Published: 04-17-2021, Recorded: 04-16-2021
© Nic Ansuini 2021 | All Rights Reserved

[@arctic0]

"The G4 Cube came before its time, Its time is today" sounded like it was straight out of a Apple Event great video!

[@imgranth]

Don’t be shy…. Make this your daily driver…

[@PoorQualityEdits]

yoooo

[@0ni_x4]

Perhaps after upgrading the display

[@GTO20122012]

Where can I find the instructions on how you were able to replace components with the M1 ? Awesome video BTW !

[@commentarysheep]

@@0ni_x4 The old Studio Display is part of the “Aesthetic™”. Replacing it with the new one makes the whole design incoherent.

[@0ni_x4]

@@commentarysheep i dont think we should put design over functionality

[@mattpipes5106]

I’ve seen a couple of M1 mini re casings but this by far the coolest and most desirable I’ve seen yet!

[@mm_99321]

This is the the type of content YT needs more often to recommends

[@Anonymous-lc9vy]

So your channel is about to blow up.

[@setLillie]

Kaboom

[@KevinEscobarCo]

I can see the timer now!

[@sialcore]

Tty

[@-Retired-]

And then act like it don't know nobody HÈ HÈ HÈ

[@deedouglas6615]

put another m1 in it

[@Stop4MotionMakr]

somehow youtube elected to play this at 360p on my gigabit internet connection and I genuinely mistook that as the intended effect and thought you wanted to do it to give it that early 2000s vibe LOL.

[@mochixplants]

i think his shirt really would have helped you believe that 😂

[@kyda__]

@@mochixplants not nice 🤣

[@Sapleee]

@@mochixplants OOF

[@itsprodigit]

Literally thought this channel had around 500k subs. He only has 3k! Criminally underrated channel, keep up the good work.

[@MacSoundSolutions]

Nice job, I want one, always loved the cube design. I think a Blu-ray should be in their in place of the old drive as others have said, dropping in a disk is one of the cool things about the cube.

[@isolationgeneration3962]

So it’s basically a Mac mini but implemented in a g4 cube. Steve Jobs speech about it was improved

[@lucasfernandes2808]

That's an amazing project! The empty space should definitely be populated by an optical drive! If possible to retrofit the original drive, that'd look great to keep the toaster aesthetics :D

[@gavinives8760]

I absolutely loved by Cube, which is why I still have it in the loft waiting for the time that it can be upgraded. My bugs with the original design were always the sheer amount of cables it necessitated, for the powerbrick, the external speakers, and a dongle so you could access the paltry two USB ports. This M1 upgrade is an awesome solution.

[@GaIvatr0n]

What a sick random video to stumble on. The Cube design is timeless

[@EposVox]

Really sick! I'd happily use this for my Mac Mini... hmmm, ideas ideas. Good video. I am disappointed you didn't cover how you got the display connected, that was the only obvious hangup.

[@ElijahCiali]

I’d have to assume that he uses it for a lot of systems, so it must’ve been trivial for him, explaining why he didn’t mention it.

[@elektrokinesis4150]

adc is dvi with a 25v power rail in it, apple made an adapter to power it and give you a dvi connection, he probably has one of those, one other hangup though would be the lack of ability to change display settings because it also has usb going to it through the adc connector, so no brightness or contrast adjustments

[@larsvonlennep6405]

yes I think the same...I do have two of this beautiful acryl apple displays in my basement incl. cube power supply and ADC/DVI adapters...but I never managed it getting them running with modern MacOS. Same so many people I have asked about it in user groups.

[@AlexCannot]

This takes the meaning of, "I am inevitable" to a whole new level.

[@saharalilith]

This made me happy 😄 the cube has allways been a nostalgic fav come on that design!!!! Killer 😍🔥

[@CameronGrumet]

This is awesome! Amazing project.

[@PolluxChung]

Would LOVE to see the step-by-step conversion video. I only have the cube's outer shell. I am too lazy to do anything substantial I just place the M1 Mini directly on top of that and call it done. LOL.

[@brandondupy3973]

Looking to sell the case? Ill buy

[@nniklask]

Well I got this recommended and I dont regret watching it. Epic

[@alanjohnson8928]

I needed to see something like this happen! its nice to see that amazing cube get a new life with an M1 inside!

[@Win7Fan]

Loved the concept behind the video and the story telling format! Keep it up! Subscribed. ❤️

[@ghassab8026]

What an amazing project, keep it nic 😍

[@KalilOlsen]

Hmm yes, keep it nic

[@Fives501]

This is by far the best and coolest M1 Mac mini. I just love it. The Video was awesome, I love that you have separat videos for more details

[@InfectedSquid]

Looking at the quality of your content, I thought you are a way bigger channel. You’ve really impressed me. Keep up the great work.

[@MrBerryBrandon]

Miss Nic is coming through with the quality content. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@madscientrix]

This is the cutest thing I’ve seen all day. Cheers to you, buddy :-)

[@creekfreak1997]

This was awesome!! Great work, wish I had that cube sitting on my desk!

[@imagemechanics]

Wonderful project Nic! I have a Cube in storage, it’s still one of the most beautiful computers I’ve used. It was silent and has an incredible beauty. Apples current designs while minimal, seem to lack a touch of fun and soul. Whether it’s the monitor light that syncs to the computer or other humanist details. Congratulations on the project!

[@boldi365]

that was the video if seached the whole day!! thx dude!! i love it

[@WillOnSomething]

Apple should seriously make it's M1 Mac Pro a revival of the G4 Cube's design.

[@GreenDistantStar]

Subscribed on the basis of this clip alone, wonderful stuff, great job.

[@TugAndThugComputing]

This is amazing! You are gonna grow BIG!

[@osar384]

This channel is so underrated! Instantly subscribed

[@grantmataicross8825]

Fun video nic! Keep the videos coming! I am now subscribed

[@NicAnsuini]

Thanks for the sub!

[@laughstudiopp]

Nice Job! You do a great video and amazing history lesson too!

[@timfederwitz]

I just bought a G4 Cube off eBay so I can do this! This is something that I have dreamed about for a very long time! I always loved the Cube, but couldn't justify the cost when it was new, and then the tech changed so much that it was no longer capable. NOW I will have the Cube I have always wanted! I can't wait for the full build instructions on how to put the M1 components into the Cube properly. I am subscribed and waiting with bated breath. And, once completed, this *will* become my daily driver!

[@starletscarlet]

please don't do this

[@timfederwitz]

@@starletscarlet Why?

[@lepidotos]

@@timfederwitz because less than 150,000 were ever sold and generally they are still functional computers that someone who wishes to use them in their original form (i.e. for music production) could make use of.

[@lucasc9688]

This channel is criminally underrated

[@RWL2012]

I've just subscribed :)

[@randomdude1053]

IKR!

[@rickkode]

Just subbed

[@fortdriver]

@@RWL2012 agree

[@MakeLoveWithMusic]

Awesome video dude! You're gonna go far on KZbin!

[@AtomicPixel]

So coooooool! Well done 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@daydaykeyis]

You, the man, looks timeless too!

[@johnathonvanduinen6847]

This is so sick!

[@DangerDook]

I just want to know what changes that LCD got, is it a new panel? I've converted a iMac g3 and that is the weakest part of the new build but it's not easy finding a good replacement.

[@alexhong8204]

Thanks Nic ... you just made my day! ... I bought a G4 Cube many years ago and it has been in storage ... it is just great to make this work of art usable again! ... many thanks for this tip! ... Stay Safe, Happy and Healthy! ... Greetings from Singapore/Malaysia.

[@kit7une_]

If yours works don’t mod it they’re worth a lot of money

[@alexhong8204]

Thanks for the heads up ... maybe I would look for a dead cube to work on :)

[@Aaronage1]

Great video and mod, nice work! 👏👏

[@rjhornsby]

My apologies in advance if this is an interweb rando being harsh - your lighting and set dressing are beautiful. If you’re able to slow down and stabilize the camera movement in your b-roll, it would significantly enhance the use of those clips. Ken Burns effect, motion tracking, camera tripods/sliders, etc. What you’re doing in the video is a cool idea. The aesthetics of the G4 were as ahead of their time as they are more pleasing to today’s MacMini.

[@NicAnsuini]

I appreciate the kindly worded feedback! Which shots looked bad to you? I was using sliders/tripods/OIS and stabilization in post. If you could provide timestamps I'd love to take a look. Have a great day! :)

[@marcelobazalduamorales1079]

Man I just discovered you channel, very good video Still relevant all the way up and giving so much usefull information and knowledge Keep it going sir

[@sulliops]

This is sick! I've been really tempted to pick up an M1 Mini and gut my 2012 iMac for a conversion, to compliment my M1 MacBook Air, so seeing other people do even cooler conversions is really cool.

[@harrytsang1501]

You don't have to, just use your iMac in target display mode and connect to thunderbolt of your Macbook Air. You'll need the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to thunderbolt 2 (mini-DP) adapter as well as a thunderbolt 2 cable. You need to have High Sierra or earlier on the iMac.

[@sulliops]

@@harrytsang1501 Yep, already do that. The main appeal of an M1 iMac to me is the power plus lots of storage space (I’d be going for 2TB). The iMac announced today would do the trick if I could afford it.

[@stephensmith9951]

@@sulliops bro you can just use an external ssd thats like 2tb

[@zaneparkinson]

I have a G4 Cube and it’s so nice to look at. Always wished I could make it usable like this but I don’t really have the use case or money to try it yet.

[@RuslanKD]

Wow this is really cool! Gotta new sub! Would it be possible to adjust the hard wear through a mod like to handle more displays without the display link software?

[@SimonFlames]

Fantastic 👏🏻👏🏻🔥

[@mahektailor4542]

How mac mini does in 1080p video files I use sony camera a7riii I have to diliver video in MP4 format ...

[@Skibidi_Male_X]

This content makes me smile. Love this

[@13Cubed]

Super cool - great job!

[@protonprotonfix5749]

I love this! Really. A cube owner since his release!

[@brunomantovanileandro]

1.79k subscribers. OMG! What incredible content. I see you with at least 100k subscribers by December this year.

[@willm5032]

I've seen some people do this with iMacs but this is amazing. Love the c u b e.

[@MacintoshMen]

That's an amazing mod! Great job!

[@getbest50]

Great job dude!!!

[@totesmygoats-bq8mk]

Wow! Amazing! 🤩 Loved it! Subscribed!

[@ShadrachsGuitar]

The battle between you and Luke Miani for Apple enthusiast supremancy will be legendary

[@darwinmcquerter7463]

Great job!

[@leonardobasso3622]

super quality video and fantastic ideas. My compliments

[@ssplintergirl]

How did you get the ADC cable on that display to work with the output of the computer?

[@checkeledezma6221]

great video, great idea... I love it!!!

[@yagopone7404]

I’d like to know how you got the display connected and if you were able to keep the IO functioning on it?

[@clarenceloie8995]

I knew I recognized you from Drew’s channels. Great video! I have a feeling your channel is about to blowup.

[@adamburston719]

Awesome video!

[@revanvonheaven8270]

Is there a way of buying apple CPU and Gpus for custom builds that are for personal use only and not redistribution

[@WinterSkiis]

Nic being a madman for 8 minutes and 27 seconds

[@sammycoppens5470]

How did you connect to the ADC? (apple display connector). I have an older cinema display which I'd like to reuse someday...

[@andresbravo2003]

Bro this is so cool!

[@tassykonto]

Amazing work, bravo 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻

[@TheGodfather2504]

how you connect the monitor since it is a display port?

[@ichenyeh]

How to plug original 15” LCD onto m1 Mac mini motherboard? (Convert to type-c?

[@greebo5294]

I bought a Cube new. I still have it and it's packaging. Not going to tear it apart, but what a cool idea. Going to have to get a SH one and try this.

[@nestorjavierduarteperalta1141]

great video!, congrats man!

[@arcangeld]

Awesome work! Doing something similar but with a imac g4. Just wanted to see how you did the power button wiring. Did you get a 2 pin cable and soldered it to the cube? Grey is +ve and black is ground & -ve right?

[@astro166]

Nice video man!

[@PaulArmstrong1964]

Well executed video! Why don't you have more subscribers? Nice job.

[@alex8426]

That is an awesome project. Thanks for sharing. 2 thumbs up to you

[@erochas]

This is so awesome!

[@samdmc04]

I’d never seen your channel before this video but I had to subscribe because you have way too few subs for this quality of videos. What a great idea too to put the M1 in a G4 cube- I’m looking forward to what you do in the future

[@antonedries3555]

Great video - really tempted to do this myself!

[@TheHelloNeighborShow]

Can you put one in a G4 iMac? Or is the base to small?

[@derienkun]

Super cool man. Well done

[@velezcarld.6658]

This channel will have 100k subs before 2022

[@eurihub]

great video!

[@Whobilly]

Subbed pre 1k- This is great

[@ellisz5972]

How did you get the ACD monitor to work from the mini guts?

[@brettpearce2340]

What happened to the guide for installing M1 many parts into cube?

[@elarsia]

this is really high quality content you need more subscribers

[@calorion]

Okay, but how did you get it to connect to the monitor?

[@pearlkit]

Can the board of an M1 Mac mini fit in a late-2012 iMac?

[@Halarue]

Can’t wait to see how you did it - especially interested in how you reused the speakers

[@brutzkibrutstatte4379]

Great stuff. Keep it up👍🏼

[@TeCuatro]

love that. great idea. i love when old tech is combined with new ... thanks for sharing. greetings from Argentina. 💪👍🚐😀

[@jmcwheeler]

How's that full guide coming along? I really want to replicate this with my old G4 cube!

[@josemadrid5804]

Wow this looks sooooolo amazing and perfect the perfect mix between new and old, that cube does great with the new iMacs in different colors gives me hope that in the future Apple would try again something like this, just subscribed ;)

[@jonatansecka]

good job, i really like that device. the design is incredible and also the power of the m1 is incredible. i'm using mb air with m1 too. it is really big fun. I'm laughing to my friends, that they have to listen those fans xd

[@jamesgannon4174]

How did you connect the ADC screen? Is there an adaptor?

[@Garrettdx1988]

That's so dope dude. Really is the dream Apple setup