YouTube tech creator Zac Builds has delivered a stunning fusion of nostalgia and cutting-edge performance. In his latest modding project, he successfully transplanted Apple’s newest M4 Mac mini into the iconic shell of a 1998 iMac G3, transforming the retro classic into a sleek, fully functional 4K all-in-one powerhouse.
To begin the transformation, Zac stripped the non–Bondi Blue iMac G3 of all its aging components, keeping only the unmistakable translucent exterior and structural frame. His goal was clear: preserve the machine’s beloved vintage charm while giving it the heart of a modern performance beast.
The process, however, was far from simple. After more than two decades, the G3’s internal plastics had become extremely brittle, the original speakers were beyond repair, and even the CRT display frame shattered at the slightest touch. To restore strength and stability, Zac relied heavily on 3D-printing, designing a full suite of reinforcement brackets to shore up the fragile chassis.
Rather than disassembling the M4 Mac mini, Zac mounted it whole inside the case and ingeniously modified the original power setup. He repurposed the G3’s classic power inlet as an internal junction point to safely deliver power to the new hardware. To bypass Apple’s expensive storage upgrade pricing, he also added a dock with an integrated SSD slot inside the enclosure for additional expandable storage.
Audio required its own inventive solution. Because the Mac mini’s native 3.5mm output lacked the power he needed, Zac integrated a 200W digital amplifier paired with brand-new speakers housed in custom 3D-printed chambers. In a clever design touch, he tucked the volume knob behind the iMac G3’s original memory access door—maintaining a clean exterior while keeping controls within easy reach.
Modern connectivity was also a priority. With a custom 3D-printed rear panel, Zac routed Thunderbolt, USB-C, USB-A, and Ethernet ports to the outside of the machine, ensuring this retro beauty functions seamlessly in today’s workflow.
The visual upgrade became the star of the project. Zac replaced the heavy CRT display with a 14-inch 4K OLED portable monitor, dramatically elevating image quality while preserving the G3’s iconic silhouette. To bridge the gap between the flat OLED and the G3’s curved front panel, he designed a 3D-printed interposer frame that allowed the new screen to sit perfectly flush within the vintage enclosure.
The result is a remarkable blend of past and present—a translucent ’90s icon reborn with the power of Apple’s latest silicon, proving once again that great design never goes out of style.
