Reimagining the iMac G3: Merging Classic Design with Modern Components

Apple iMac G3 Memories: A 90s Design Icon

Do you remember the Apple iMac G3? Those colorful, candy-like translucent machines that were all the rage in the late ’90s and early 2000s? Steve Jobs and Jony Ive managed to transform the computer from a mere functional device into an object you’d want to display on your desk. These machines were no longer just tools for work, they became symbols of tech fashion, filling schools, offices, and homes, and for many, providing their first real experience with a computer.

The Modern User Experience: Between Nostalgia and Reality

However, using the iMac G3 today is a completely different experience from the memories. Its CRT screen can be straining on the eyes, the slow processor makes modern tasks challenging, and the built-in speakers feel weak by today’s standards. This contrast between iconic design and outdated performance highlights just how much computers have evolved over the past decades.

Inside the Case: Artistic Design and Engineering Challenges

Disassembling the iMac G3 reveals astonishing projects and design details. Apple used a compact RF shield that blends aesthetics with practicality, designed to look impressive even though most users would never see it. The CRT screen, however, presents an engineering challenge; it can store significant amounts of energy even months after being unplugged, requiring extreme caution when handling. Once the original components are removed, the iconic translucent case becomes a perfect canvas for reimagining its use with modern components.

Structural Challenges After Component Removal

Removing all the original components from the iMac G3 created a significant structural challenge. The case relied primarily on clips for assembly, which were no longer functional after disassembly. To overcome this issue, Zac used 3D scanning to create precise digital models of each remaining part, referencing building materials data for accuracy.

Engineering Solutions: Custom Columns and Clips

Using the digital models, he designed custom columns to properly connect the top half of the case to the bottom, along with replacement clips to compensate for the weakened original plastic. He also determined the appropriate filament type for 3D printing to match Apple’s original transparent plastic and tested different color samples until settling on clear PETG, which provides a look remarkably close to the original version. This process drew inspiration from buildings and structural integrity principles.

The Heart of the New Machine: Mac Mini with M4 Processor

Once the structural problems were resolved, the focus shifted to the internal core of the machine. The project now relies on a Mac Mini with an M4 processor, offering a powerful and efficient solution capable of handling complex tasks without overheating, while maintaining the small size and high efficiency that Apple’s modern chips are known for.

Multiple Storage Solutions

Storage posed another challenge. Zac addressed this issue with three integrated solutions:

1. Internal NVMe Upgrade: He installed a faster NVMe drive for the upgrade, considering Apple’s specific format, which requires another Mac to restore the system via DFU mode. Even Apple’s own documentation contains conflicting information regarding the use of a Thunderbolt cable, though it was necessary to complete the process. Material datasheets were referenced for storage compatibility.
2. UGREEN Hub with NVMe Slot: An external device was added, capable of handling up to 2TB of data at high speed, with seamless connectivity to the Mac Mini.
3. Network-Attached Storage (NAS): A UGREEN NAS was connected to support massive storage of up to 60TB, providing a long-term data solution without subscription limitations. The setup follows best practices in construction and integration of modern technology.

Screen Replacement: Challenges and Innovative Solutions

Replacing the old iMac G3 screen required creative solutions due to the device’s unique curved shape. Finding a modern display that fit the curved opening while maintaining the classic 4:3 aspect ratio was nearly impossible. Therefore, Zac chose a 14-inch 4K OLED screen with a 16:10 ratio and designed a custom intermediary frame to bridge the gap between the flat screen and the curved case, inspired by principles from interior design and precision fitting techniques.

To ensure a perfectly transparent appearance for the frame, he used CA glue without accelerator spray, which requires more than 8 hours to cure but prevents the foaming expansion that typically appears through transparent plastic.

Audio System Upgrade: From Integration to Performance

The audio system also received major enhancements. Zac installed 1.5-inch full-range Dayton Audio speakers inside 3D-printed enclosures designed to achieve optimal acoustic volume.

Additionally, a 200-watt digital amplifier boosts the signal coming from the Mac Mini’s headphone output. After several fine adjustments, the system functions as if it were factory-integrated, supporting full system audio control, demonstrating attention to projects that merge design with functionality.

Power System: Smart and Safe Design

The internal power system is a prime example of engineering intelligence. Zac rerouted the original power cable to feed automotive-standard terminals, which distribute 120V AC to all components: the Mac Mini, the screen’s power supply, the amplifier converter, and any other internal devices.

Although the electricity used is real and poses risks if not handled carefully, the modular approach allows a single cable to power everything, simplifying the design while maintaining efficient internal power distribution, reflecting best practices in construction and system integration.

I/O Panel: Blending Originality with Modernity

The input/output panel retained its original position within the case, while modern ports such as Thunderbolt, USB-C, dual USB-A, and Ethernet were added, all connected to the Mac Mini via short cable extensions. Even the original power button remained functional, thanks to meticulous microscope-assisted soldering that extended the Mac Mini’s switch contacts to the front of the case, reflecting the attention to detail in merging classic design with modern technology.

Device Performance: Power at the Heart of Classic Design

The rebuilt machine is capable of running modern games like Cyberpunk 2077 and smoothly handling 6K video editing. The upgraded internal drive delivers a 50% speed improvement, while the external NVMe provides transfer speeds approaching 1GB/s, all at a fraction of the cost compared to traditional Apple storage solutions. This demonstrates the potential of integrating classic aesthetics with modern building materials and tech components.

Project Philosophy: Between Functionality and Nostalgia

Some may ask: wouldn’t it be easier to buy a modern MacBook? The answer is yes in terms of portability, but that would mean paying nearly three times the cost for equivalent storage and missing the core purpose of the project. Here, the idea isn’t just to build a functional device—it’s about bringing a design icon back to life in a usable form.

Much like restoring a classic car, one sacrifices maximum practicality for the joy of reviving something historically and aesthetically meaningful. In the redesigned iMac G3, users experience the nostalgia of the early 2000s without suffering from slow performance, straining CRT screens, or weak speakers—proving that sometimes the best way forward is to carry the past with you. This approach aligns with lessons from research on reinterpreting legacy designs.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

The iMac G3 reconstruction project can be seen as an example of attempting to merge historical and aesthetic value with modern-day requirements. On the positive side, the project provides insight into how a classic architecture of a design can be transformed into a contemporary working environment while preserving its original appearance and integrating advanced technological components. It also offers an opportunity to understand the engineering challenges associated with the old case and structure, which can be valuable for those interested in reuse technologies and creative solutions within pre-existing constraints.

However, certain limitations make the project more suitable for display or study rather than full practical application. The original case was not designed for upgrades, necessitating complex procedures such as 3D printing and the design of custom columns and clips, which can be costly and impractical on a larger scale. Additionally, the upgrades do not provide complete solutions for users seeking perfect performance and high portability, as some constraints remain due to the form factor and compatibility with modern components.

From an architectural or industrial design perspective, this project serves as an example of how to handle an existing design legacy and reinterpret it in a new context, especially for projects that require balancing historical aesthetics with functional efficiency. It also highlights the importance of structural and technical planning before undertaking any modifications or restorations, a lesson applicable to interior design or building reuse projects that preserve spatial identity while updating functionality.