Something wrong with my 1.8 G5?

[The Memory Hole]

Hello.
I am not sure if this is a software or hardware problem.
I purchased a G5 (single 1.8 Ghz) about a month ago, but the OS (10.3.6) that was installed on it seemed kind of buggy (for instance, it would freezed when waking up from sleep, it would not log out every time, it would not shut down, it would sometimes not eject cds, not remeber finder window positions, etc). So, after repairing the permissions (which did not work), I figured I'd just add some more RAM since all that was installed was 256MB. I put another 512MB in the G5 (the sales rep told me there were some RAM incompatibilities, so they would give me RAM recommended by Apple). However, while this did speed up the computer considerably, it did not solve the problems I was experiencing. I then decided to install a fresh copy of Panther (bought fromt the store, not the included disks with the computer). However, when I tried to boot from the Panther cd, the computer froze on the screen where it shows the big grey apple. The Apple logo was also slilghtly messed up looking (see attatchment, notice the multicolor line just above the left side of the apple, and that the apple logo appears "cut"). I called Apple's support line, and they told me most likely the cd was screwed up, and that I should just use the default disks that came with the computer. I tried that, and the computer did boot from the disks, but the computer is still acting buggy. Even worse actually. I havn't had any kernal panics or anything though, every thing just starts to slow down, "beach ball", or not work (like logging out or force quitting applications, which I've been having to do more and more). I've tried multiple things, such as:

-Repairing permissions
-Running cron scripts
-Fresh installs
-Ran Hardware tests

Nothing has worked.

Also, I tested the Panther cd (the one the Apple support said was probably messed up) on the Mac at my dad's house, and it loaded just fine. So... do any of you people know what could be wrong with my computer (If it is my computer). Did I just get a "bad" one or something? Or is there something I could do?

Power Mac G5 Specs:
Single 1.8 Ghz
768 RAM
OS X ver. 10.3.6

 

[chevy]

Back to your provider.

 

[The Memory Hole]

I apologize if this should be obvious...
You mean back to CompUSA (where I bought it), or back to Apple Computer?

 

[DeltaMac]

The OS 10.3 install CD that you have, must be at least 10.3.4 to boot the new G5, and probably must be 10.3.5 or later. Check the label on the Disk 1, or the bar code sticker on the bottom of the OS X box, if you still have it. An older version, such as 10.3, will NOT boot your new G5.

Since you have tried numerous times to help your problems with software (assuming a clean install means: erase the hard drive first and install completely from scratch) then you should suspect hardware problems. BTW, all the software that you have tried 'works', but in your case, none has helped. The troubles you are experiencing sounds typical of a failing hard drive, or faulty memory. As memory tests will often pass bad memory, the easiest way to eliminate the memory as a problem, is to replace with known good memory (the memory Apple supplies can fail, too!) Just don't ignore the hard drive.
Take this G5 somewhere that can give you some help with the hardware, it's in warranty, use it! I guess CompUSA can replace parts, the G5 is not too complicated Good Luck~!

 

[diablojota]

Isn't there a firmware update for the G5 that addressed issues like this?