Can't work monitor and don't know which model G4 I just bought

Question

Hi,
I guess the subject's kinda self descriptive. I just bought a G4 tower. It's graphite colored, was built in 2000, and has a DVD-ROM and Zip Drive. It says it has a 400 MHz processor, but I'm hoping it's more.
When I tried the monitor, a red alert came up about the resolution or something (sorry, I forget exactly). It then said to readjust the monitor, which didn't help.
Do I need an adapter or something? I DO know one more thing. It uses a VGA plug, or whatever.
Oh, also there was something on the tag about PCI (is that a video card? I'm not a techie).
I really want to get this up and running. Any help would be very much appreciated. I told you all I know.
Thanks,
Allan

Answer 1

Hi, allano -
A 400MHz G4 can be one of three models - a G4 (PCI) model, a G4 (AGP) model, or a G4 (Gigabit Ethernet) model.
...there was something on the tag about PCI (is that a video card? I'm not a techie).
If by 'tag' you mean the serial number lable on the back of the machine, then that would indicate it is a G4 (PCI) model.
Yes, in that context "PCI" refers to the original graphics (video) card that came with the machine.
The G4 (PCI) model (whose full designation is "G4 (PCI Graphics)") can use only a PCI type graphics card.
All other G4 models have an AGP slot for the grapjics card - an AGP slot is a modified PCI slot, one which is shorter than a regular PCI slot.
All G4s also have additional PCI slots which can be used for the addition of cards in order to enhance or supplement the capabilities of the machine in specific ways - sound cards, additional graphics cards, USB cards, firewire cards, ATA or SATA drive cards, etc.
Do I need an adapter or something? I DO know one more thing. It uses a VGA plug, or whatever.
Provided the graphics card is the original, it has a VGA connector. If the monitor also has a VGA connector, then no adapter should be necessary.
When I tried the monitor, a red alert came up about the resolution or something (sorry, I forget exactly). It then said to readjust the monitor, which didn't help.
It would help to have the exact wording of the message.
Did you get an original Software Install CD with the machine? Or, do you have a retail OS 9.1 or 9.2.1 Install CD (white label, gold 9)? If so, try booting the machine to that. Does the monitor work okay then.
If not, try resetting the PRAM in the Mac -
Article #2238 - How to Reset PRAM and NVRAM
If the monitor is a CRT type (not an LCD) with separate power and video cables, you can also try resetting the PRAM in the monitor itself. To do this, power everything down, disconnect the video cable from the Mac. Then turn the monitor on, wait 15 to 20 seconds, then turn it off; wait about 10 seconds, then repeat the cycle, 3 or 4 times. Then reconnect the video cable and boot back up.
What OS version is installed on the hard drive, if any?