Can the PCU from a Power Mac G4 w/400 mhz be upgraded to something higher?

Question

Hi Everyone,
I got a few questions that I've been trying to answer since I discovered that the CPU's in the power macs can be upgraded. I got a power mac g4 that I picked up at my local dump for $20. I use to be a standard dell man but once I got my hands on the power mac, I've been hooked. From what I've been reading in the forums, it may be possible to upgrade the cpu on my power mac. I have one slight problem though, I can't tell what model I have. From what I can gather, I may have a sawtooth model (AGP?) but, I'm not too sure. So my questions are as followIs:
1. Is their some type of marker on the Mac that can tell what model it is?
2. Once the model has been confirmed, can it's particular cpu be upgraded and if so, how high?
3. Besides adding more memory (she has 1.5 GB) is their anything else I can do to make her faster?
Well, any help that can be provided would be great!
-Rick
Bronx, NY
P.S. here's the hardware overview:
Machine Model: Power Mac G4
CPU Type: PowerPC G4 (2.9)
Number Of CPUs: 1
CPU Speed: 400 MHz
L2 Cache (per CPU): 1 MB
Memory: 1.5 GB
Bus Speed: 100 MHz
Boot ROM Version: 4.2.8f1
Serial Number: XB0470QQJ3B
Sales Order Number: M7891LL/A

Answer 1

Hi-
1. Is their some type of marker on the Mac that can tell what model it is?
Based on the model number, here's your Mac:
http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/powermacg4/stats/powermac_g4_4002.html
It is a Gigabit Ethernet model.
The linked page lists many of the options that you have.
Further info is here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3082?viewlocale=en_US
2. Once the model has been confirmed, can it's particular cpu be upgraded and if so, how high?
Processor wise, the GE also had a dual 450MHz and a dual 500MHz processor. These would be a plug and play upgrade.
You could also use a processor from a Quicksilver, by adding power to the 4th mount lug of the processor daughtercard.
These processors range from 733MHz to dual 1.0GHz.
More regarding that topic here:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=9354289
Most any aftermarket processor from old makers like Gigadesigns, FastMac, OWC and Powerlogix will work. Current makers of CPU upgrades from Newertech and Sonnet are also available.
Single processors are available up to 2.0GHz and duals up to 1.8GHz.
3. Besides adding more memory (she has 1.5 GB) is their anything else I can do to make her faster?
In OS 9, 1.5GB is the max RAM supported.
In OS X, 2GB is fully supported. 4x 512MB DIMMs are the max RAM supported.
A new hard drive (current ATA/IDE model) is always a great way to boost performance. Old drives are just that, and don't have the cache and other technological benefits that current drives do.
Graphics can also be boosted.
Find a PC version of a Radeon 9800 Pro and flash it to Mac ROM, or, buy a pre-flashed card on eBay in Apple Components.
The 9800 Pro is the top upgrade for 2x AGP graphics machines.
You can also add USB 2.0 support with a PCI card. Get any card that has the NEC chipset, and you are good to go.
Don't forget to get a later model optical drive.
Any Pioneer model will have the best native support in OS X.
In OS X versions lower than 10.4.9, use the appropriate Patchburn utility to get full burn support.
There are other possibilities, but this should get you started.