PowerBook G3 Pismo 400 Mhz Mega Max Upgrade Ideas?

Hi guys,
I have a PowerBook G3 Pismo (400 Mhz) and I would like to know what the best possible upgrade would be for a machine of this age? HD, RAM, Batt. Thanks!

needsomeihelp:
You will find popular brands of RAM with comparative prices at ramseeker. I have also purchased RAM, with good results from Kahlon. Note that some of these vendors offer free shipping. In addition, their RAM is guaranteed for life. If you buy at eBay you buy at your own risk, so be sure to ask questions.
To access the RAM slots:
• Disconnect Power adapter and remove main battery from bay.
• Lift off the keyboard by pulling back on the tabs next to the esc key and between F8 and F9, and lay keyboard face down on palm rest;
• Remove Microprocessor EMI shield by removing the two screws and lifting off shield.
• Remove the long Phillips screw from the bottom left side of the heat exchanger.
Important: Do not remove the two screws holding the heat exchanger to the microprocessor board as this will break the seal of the thermal paste to the processor, and you will need to remove the old thermal paste and put new stuff.
• Pull up on the tab on the right side of the board to release it from its connector. The connector is along the bottom, right side of the board. If the tab is missing bend a paper clip and hook it in the hole from the underside and lift.
Note: When replacing the board leave the top RAM module off, press down hard on the front right of the board until you feel the connector snap into place. It is very important that the card is properly seated or you may not be able to start the computer.
• Insert RAM module in bottom slot, replace processor board, the insert RAM module in top slot.
Good luck.
cornelius
PS: Thank you for leaving feedback in Apple Discussions by marking "helpful" and "solved" posts.
Cheers
cornelius

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IMac DV 400 mhz G3 CPU upgrade

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fastmac.com offers a G4 processor upgrade, and there have been a few other processor upgrades available from various companies. The problem with slot loaders is that the CPU is soldered to the board, and thus requires you to send your entire logic board to them.
Its not particularly cheap either, and when you are done, you still have the same outdated graphics card, small screen, slow system bus, less capable optical drive, etc. YOu may find your money better spent on something like a used eMac or G4 iMac, which can probably be had pretty cheap nowadays and offer a lot more advantages. If you have a screen around, a mac mini would be a much better deal.

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Hi, Steven. Your Pismo doesn't meet the minimum requirements for Office 2008, which requires at least a G4 processor.
System Requirements
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Message was edited by: Ryan Vetter1

Hello Ryan,
After reading your post, I posted a question on the Pismo G3 forum about whether anyone had tried to install Leopard on a Pismo with a G4 upgraded processor.
The Pismo has the same video card as the 400 Titanium.
I received a response form JPL that might interest you:
I looked at the version number of the ATIRage128.kext from 10.2.8 and it is version 1.2.26; the same kext is version 1.4.4 (created 3/26/05) in my 10.4.11. I don't know if a newer version may be compatible but it might be worth a try.
jpl
Posts: 3,302
Registered: Jul 27, 2000
I hope this might help you! PB

400 Mhz Pismo + 2x512MB PC133 modules = yes?

Hello,
Can I install two 512MB PC133 modules into my PowerBook G3 400 Mhz Pismo? Will it work and run with the upgrade or can it only handle 512MB in one slot? Thanks!

needsomeihelp:
I can't remove the whole thing and replace both slots and snap it back into place?
Yes, you can. Sorry if my post seemed to indicate otherwise. My suggestion was that you first remove the processor card, then install the RAM in the lower slot. Snap the processor card back in place then install the top RAM module. The reason for this route is that it enables you the freedom to put more pressure in reseating the processor card. You can try reseating it with both modules in place, and if you don't get a proper seating, remove the top module, reseat and then replace the top module before closing up.
cornelius
Message was edited by: cornelius

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

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

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.

How Do I Upgrade My PowerBook G3 Pismo?

(First off, let me just say that this forum has been extremely helpful throughout the years. Thanks to everyone! And, I hope this post (and responses) continues to help those like me in the future!)
I want to upgrade my PowerBook G3 Pismo.
I already have a G4 PowerBook, yet can't tear myself away from my G3 just yet. However, my Pismo needs a huge overhaul. Right now it's running on 192MB of memory, a 6G hard drive, and a 400MHz processor. (I'm running OS 10.3.9, since I don't have enough hard drive space to install 10.4.) (Even most websites have gotten too advanced for my little G3 to view at a reasonable speed.)
Let me also say, I am not a do-it-yourself kinda guy really, so I'm hoping the answers I receive here are easy to follow for the average Joe.
From reading the other posts, I understand the three biggest upgrades to a G3, in order of impact and ease, are:
1) Memory
2) Hard Drive
3) Processor
I would also like to include another relevant element:
4) Battery Replacement (my battery is completely dead, as you can imagine)
(Another aim for this post is to have one place where people can easily see how to upgrade these things, rather than dig around for each topic.)
Rather than deal with the multitudes of justifications (whether or not I should, etc.), my questions for each of the four items above are simple:
A) How can I maximize each option? (i.e. - What is the maximum amount of memory I can buy for it? How big of a hard drive can my G3 accommodate and utilize? What is the fastest processor I can use?)
B) Where is the easiest/best place to purchase each item? (I know that's a bit subjective, but I'm sure there's a general consensus as to where the best, tried-and-true replacement batteries are sold, etc. (At least, I hope so.))
C) How do I do-it-myself? (i.e. - Is there a specific URL or post that tells me how to physically replace the memory and hard drive, etc.?)
Again, thanks very much to all of you who help out in the posting of answers to all of us who are less technically advanced!

Hollywood Guy:
You have hit upon a favorite topic around here, as you have already noticed.
The place to begin your upgrade is with RAM. The Pismo will support a total of 1 GB of RAM. 2 - PC 100 3.3v 144-pin SO-DIMM. You will find comparative prices of popular brands at ramseeker. You will also get good prices at Kahlon. The Pismo is not very picky about RAM and most manufacturers warranty their RAM for life.
The next upgrade that will give the biggest bang for the buck is the Hard Disk Drive. As noted previously, your computer will support up to a 120 GB HDD natively. (The BootROM will actually see 128 GB, but most manufactuers standardize the size to 120 GB). It is possible to install a larger HDD with the help of SpeedTools. However, I have not used the product, so I cannot vouch for it. Here is a list of available HDDs available for your Pismo at OWC
In terms of a processor upgrade, this is the most expensive upgrade and unless one really loves the Pismo, it may not be cost effective in the long run. I have done it myself, but then Pismo is my primary computer and I use it constantly and extensively for all my computing needs. Although we Pismo aficionados love our machines, we are also aware of it's limitations. If one would like to run any OS beyond Tiger, for example, you will need a minimum of a G with 867 MB processor, and even with a processor upgrade the Pismo will not make the cut.
So while I recommend the first two upgrades without qualification or reservation, the processor upgrade is different. If you decide that you really want to do it after careful consideration, I suggest that you peruse this thread for a full exploration of the subject. Several vendors are mentioned in the thread. My G4/550 processor upgrade is a Wegenermedia, but I hesistate to recommend them, as, since my installation I have learned of several users who have had difficulty with their service and products.
Please do post back with specific questions on any of the topics mentioned.
Cheers
cornelius

What OS can I upgrade my 400 MHz DVD G3 iMac to?

I have a 400 MHz DVD G3 iMac currently running OS 10.2.8. I have 640 MBs of RAM. What is the most current OS I can upgrade to? Thanks for the help!

The posting proceedure can be a little confusing if you are not used to the forum.
In the future if you go to the top of the page and click on > Using your iMac (CRT), for example and post there, more folks will see your question. (Some responders here could move posts in the past - 'not sure if that still applies).
To install Tiger on your machine you will need 256MB RAM minimum (I'd double that). Be sure you use a "Universal" install disk. Don't try to use a "Machine-Specific grey disk. It won't work.
Although external drives are useful, you don't need one to install Tiger.
David

Any hope for Powermac G4 400 mhz?

I have GB running on a Powermac G4 400 mhz and, not surprisingly, it gives me the "disk too slow" message after more than 3 or 4 tracks. Without investing too much $, is there any hope for upgrading this to a more workable solution for GB, or would I be better off going to a mini w/1.42 Ghz? I'm concerned that the mini might not work that much better.

I'll offer an opinion...
If you can slip a Mini and an external FireWire drive into your budget, that's the way I would go (If you're willing to turn a screwdriver and shop around online for a few weeks, a nice sized FW drive and enclosure can be purchased separately for a total under $100. For some more money a very nice sized drive can be had)
The weakest link in the Mini is the very slow HD it has. Add the FW drive and you'll have a lot more machine than I use as my recording machine in the studio (800Mc iBook)
Naturally it depends how far/hard you plan to go/push.
Effects and software instruments are very processor intensive. Audio is mostly HD intensive.

Can I install Tiger on 400 MHz G3?

My daughter has a 400 MHz G3 (10 GB drive, 1 GB RAM, Firewire, slot-loading DVD) currently running OS X 10.3. We are finding that she does not have access to all web content, because of outdated Flash player. In order to upgrade Flash player, she needs OS X 10.4.
Checking Apple's specs, it seems like 10.4 should be okay on her machine, but I've seen some comments implying that it may not be. Does anyone have a certain answer on this?
I have a Mac mini, which came with 10.4.7. Can I use my system disks to install on her computer?
I know this is not the G4 forum, but just as long as I'm typing, I have the same questions about my other daughter's G4 (466 MHz, 1 GB RAM, running 10.3.9 now)

Michele Braun wrote:
My daughter has a 400 MHz G3 (10 GB drive, 1 GB RAM, Firewire, slot-loading DVD) currently running OS X 10.3. We are finding that she does not have access to all web content, because of outdated Flash player. In order to upgrade Flash player, she needs OS X 10.4.
Checking Apple's specs, it seems like 10.4 should be okay on her machine, but I've seen some comments implying that it may not be.
Does anyone have a certain answer on this?
I would rely on Apple.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1514
It will run. Some people may feel it will be too slow.
I have a Mac mini, which came with 10.4.7. Can I use my system disks to install on her computer?
doubtful.
I know this is not the G4 forum, but just as long as I'm typing, I have the same questions about my other daughter's G4 (466 MHz, 1 GB RAM, running 10.3.9 now)
For tiger, you need 256meg of memory.
There is no need to partition. You can save hard drive space by doing a custom install. Leave out the print drivers you do not need and the languages you do not need. Doing so you will need about three gigabytes of space.
outoforderorder explains how...
By the way, here it is how you find the terminal application.
Macintosh-HD -> Applications -> Utilities -> Terminal
From: san francisco,ca
Registered: Apr 27, 2007
Re: Do the widgets drain system resources and power?
Posted: Apr 28, 2007 2:51 PM
I tend to think dashboard is neat, but not neccesary for my everyday workflow.
it is possible to enable and disable it as needed,
by entering the following commands into the terminal:
#To turn Dashboard off:
defaults write com.apple.dashboard mcx-disabled -boolean YES
#To turn Dashboard on:
defaults write com.apple.dashboard mcx-disabled -boolean NO
#*You have to restart the Dock after making either change for it to take effect:
killall Dock
Bye Bye Dashbaord
http://www.kainjow.com/kermitsoft/downloads.html
Disable Spotlight, Bonjour and Dashboard:
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=8749558#8749558
If you have a second Mac computer, you may be able to use target disk mode.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1661
http://lowendmac.com/misc/06/0710.html

Can't get PowerBook G4 Titanium 800 MHz to run Leopard 10.5?

I recently bought a PowerBook G4 Titanium 800 MHz A1001 model and I want to install Leopard (10.5) on it.
I have tried both of the "faking out the leopard installation" http://lowendmac.com/osx/leopard/openfirmware.html but it doesn't want to work for me.
What else can I try?
Thank you in advance!

Hello,
To help the op with this.. I tried to install Leopard on my G4 Pismo(Was G3 500) just for giggles.. and by using firewire target disk mode or FTDM.. it did install and boot up.. so yes, I can confirm that this does work.

Powerbook G3 (Pismo) & OSX Tiger

Hi
I have a 500mhz G3 Pismo. I've upgraded the HardDrive to 60Gig 7200rpm and the RAM is 640mb. I'm running OSX 3.9 but I stopped updating there because I was worried that Tiger might be a paw (sorry-step) too far for this computer?
Can anyone inform me as to whether installing the latest version of Tiger might cause problems or slow my powerbook down as compared to OSX 3.9 ?
Many thanks
Barry
PowerBook G3500mhz Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Yah, love my Pismo too~ Just sharing the Dashboard issue I see on the iMac G5 at work. When I go to Dashboard, it always goes like this: screen dims and widgets move in from the edge of the screen but freeze halfway for 2 seconds or so. Don't know how it's like on a Pismo G4. I'm not upgrading to Tiger because a certain language input method is missing in it. So I don't have first-hand experience on the speed of Dashboard on Pismo. Maybe it's just that the iMac I use at work is slow with Dashboard. I've heard that Pismo's start-up speed is the fastest of all Apple laptops, even compared with MacBook Pro Core Duo 2.16 GHz (first-hand experience by 2 guys at the other forum). I guess different configuration causes this. Hope Barry is getting along with his new Tiger~
powerbook g3 firewire Mac OS X (10.3.9) XLR8 G4 upgraded

Restore discs for powerbook G3 Pismo 500 series please?

Hi all,
I hope I can solve this little problem. I'm about to acquire a powerbook G3 pismo 500 in good condition that will undergo significant upgrading. The plan is dual booting OS X 10.4 and OS 9.2, however, what I'd like to do is flash the mac back to factory configurations or as near to it. I'm looking for restore disks, etc for the G3 Pismo, can anyone help me?
am hard at it rebuilding a stock of G4 powerbooks for a contact of mine, so working through christmas to get them alive and well. If anyone can help, would much appreciate it.
cheers and merry christmas to all.
ed
<E-mail Edited by Host>

Here are a few more potential sources for OS and OS X
http://lowendmac.com/2013/classic-mac-os-downloads-and-updates/
http://www.pure-mac.com/appud.html
http://rescuemyclassicmac.com/index.html
http://store.fastmac.com/index.php?cPath=10_5_6
http://www.welovemacs.com/apsyso.html
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IMac 400 MHz G3 DV - DVD Firmware

Hi,
I got hands on a :
iMac 400 MHz DV (G3 - M5521)
PowerMac2,1 (PowerPC 750)
Order No. M7493LL/A*
EMC: 1821
DHHS: LA
ATI Rage 128VR (2D/3D) AGP 2x (8MB VRAM)
Date Oct. 5, 1999
Disc Date July 19, 2000
I already updated the firmware to 4.1.9 and installed Mac OS X Tiger (10.4.11) and OS 9.2.2.
I currently have the Matshita 8184 (Panasonic) DVD ROM (SlotIn) with Firmware AA31.
I read there was a AA27 before and I also read that there is an update 1.0
When I tried to install Firmware Update 1.0, it said, it already got updated.
I even found Firmware Update 1.1 for the DVD ROM (fixes audio cd readability)
http://www.macworld.com/article/1021740/dvdrom.html
(but it clearly sayys only for 400MHz DV Special Edition. More about that in the next chapter)
I wanted to test the machine using your Apple Hardware Test, but I was told, that there never was a AHT for my 1999 machine.
I was also told that there was a "iMac 400 MHz DV Special Edition" in mid 2000, which supported the AHT (1.0.1 (?)) and its only difference to my iMac 400 MHz DV would be the ATI 128 Pro instead of a 128vr. (?)
Are there any other differences ? Would that AHT run on my machine then ? I ask because :
I read that AHT 1.1 might work on my machine as well :
Apple Hardware Test 1.1 for IMac G3,....?
So, questions would be :
1.) What other differences, except for the Graphics Adapter are between my iMac 400MHz DV and the iMac 400 MHz DV SE ?
2.) Is there a Hardware Test for my iMac ?
3.) Will the DVD Firmware Update 1.1 install on my Matshita 8184 (Panasonic) DVD ROM and which version would it be ?
Or does the iMac 400MHt DV SE has a differentr DVD ROM model and if so, which one ?
4.) Is there a way to choose between OS 9 and OS X on booting up ? Pressing "C" will only show the OS that I selected via StartVolume before.
Thanks for your time.
Regards,
iMac1999

I have a lime-colored G3 iMac DV (400 MHz) from 1999. The iMac DV SE that shipped in 2000 had a 500 MHz processor, a 30 GB hard drive, a 4x DVD-ROM drive, the marginally better ATI Rage128 Pro GPU, and 128 GBs of SDRAM. It was available in Graphite or Snow. The internal DVD-ROM drive may have had a sequentially newer model number, than that used in the 1999 models. I wouldn't be concerned about updating the firmware in your DVD-ROM drive - it is what it is - a 15 year-old computer with similarly dated hardware. I didn't receive an AHT disk with mine, and have had no reason to run it anyway. If you would like a much more modern internal DVD±RW drive, you can buy one here for $149. Obviously, that exceeds the value of your iMac. With onboard FireWire ports, I have used external CD-RW and DVD±RW drives, rather than replace the internal drive. A common problem with those slot-loading optical drives occurs when the neoprene sleeved rollers (that pull in and roll out the disk) get dry/slick with age. This will cause slipping and is usually indicated when the disk repeatedly gets stuck, as the motor keeps churning to eject it. I maxed out the memory at 1 GB and installed an 80 GB hard drive, but that's all. As for the resolution setting, I wouldn't be concerned about using a 60 Hz refresh rate (and dealing with the annoying flicker). Just select the optimal resolution & refresh setting. The greater concern for component failure in those iMacs is its Power-Analog-Video (P-A-V) board, which is the heart of the system's power. Replacement requires previous experience with CRT repair, because of the potentially dangerous stored electrical charge that must be properly discharged in order to swap P-A-V boards. Finding a new "old-stock" P-A-V board would be difficult, if not impossible today. Installing a used part with unknown remaining service life could be a waste of money. If you wish to boot from your Tiger installation, you can press/hold down the "X" key when you power ON the computer. That model also supports using the Startup Manager, which you can read about here.

What happens with 400 Mhz G4 Processor?

I have a few 400 MHz G4's. I know Lepard specs say 867 MHz as minimum, but what will happen if I upgrade on the slower processor?
Also, how can I upgrade the slower processors?
Thanks,
Marcantonio

Also, how can I upgrade the slower processors?
I have a G4 that had an original 400 MHz processor that was upgraded with a Sonnet Encore GT. The machine runs Leopard just fine. However, the video card, optical drive, hard drive, controller card, were also upgraded and the ram is maxxed out at 2 BG. The problem with some upgrades brands is that they are not recognized by the System Profiler and therefore can not be installed directly from the DVD.
Now, I would not recommend investing this in a G4 today, but at one time it was the work horse of my home studio and I have gotten years of production from it. And although it is no match for my new Mac Pro, it is a very reliable backup that is compatible with my present system.
One thing to keep in mind if you have an older G4 is that the bottleneck will always be the logic board (100/133 MHz).
Joe

PowerBook G3 Pismo 400 Mhz Mega Max Upgrade Ideas?

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