PowerPC Mac G4 (2.9) Expand Options

Question

Hi everyone,
Just got a donation of PowerMac G4, so I get to work on it.
Hopefully, there is no any firmware update needed on OS 9.1 before upgrading to OSX. I already did the upgrade. (I know this because I did an upgrade for PowerBook a while back that require firmware update on OS 9 before upgrading to OSX)
Here is the spec for the machine.
Machine Model: Power Mac G4
CPU Type: PowerPC Mac (2.9)
Number of CPUs: 1
CPU Speed: 467MHz
L2 Caches (per CPU): 1MB
Memory: 384MB
Bus Speed: 133MHz
Boot ROM Version: 4.18f5
Sales Order Number: M7627LL/A
Hard Drive: 30GB
I just upgrade it to OS 10.3.2 (Panther). RAM 1-256MB, 1-128MB.
It's only going to be used for casual use, word processing, surfing the net, etc.
I'd like to see if I can upgrade this G4 to Leopard (it's just much smoother in Leopard)
I tried to use my Linksys USB wireless adapter for wireless internet, but later found out that Linksys doesn' have any adapter products that support Mac. What are my options for wireless adapter? Is AirPort Extreme is my only options? Source, price?
Thank you for any advice and support!
ungnga

Answer 1

Hello dfarndale,
Thanx for the kind words, but you know an expert is just a guy further than ten miles from home.
Sort of disjointedly:
The 667MHz is eminently upgradeable; because of the 133MHz bus it shares with the Quicksilver QS processors plug right in and upgrades that fit the QS also fit the DA.
Having said that, it's not quite a case of 'plug 'n' play.
A lot of upgrade territory has been covered in this forum; it never hurts to see what's been said already. It also helps to start a new thread; there's less chance that your question will get buried in someone else's question.
XLR8yourmac.com is an excellent source of information on upgrades.
OtherWorldComputing has a selection (sometimes more than others) of new aftermarket processors, and it's always nice to buy new from a merchant who will stand behind his product.
Used processors are readily found on eBay, where their price recently has been dropping rapidly. However, remember it's a flea market and you take your chances; I've had far more unpleasant experiences with used processors than with any other item, by far.
The Quicksilver 933MHz CPU is a cheap, easy, and highly satisfactory upgrade; the DA will recognise it immediately, including its L3 cache, it is noticeably faster, and it runs cool and trouble free. Get it on eBay for less than $50 including its fan and shroud. Avoid the $9.99 'Hong Kong' version which is an overclocked 733MHz CPU without the L3 cache. You will have to run a 12v. jumper to the 'fourth post'. See: http://homepage.mac.com/josephk/G4pics/12V_connector.jpg for the picture of a Sawtooth so modified. You need a short piece of wire to get from the Molex connector to the 'fourth post', and also a ring terminal (squeeze type) and small nut & bolt from the hardware store to make the connexion. It's easy, and you need a spare Molex connector for the QS fan and also a jury-rigged adapter to get from four wires to two. See: http://www.pctoys.com/ for a selection.
It's all a good deal easier than it sounds; if you stare at it for an hour or so it will all appear quite obvious. I've done this upgrade a dozen times, and highly recommend it.
The DA fails to see the L3 cache of the QS dual processors; for this reason the swap doesn't seem so attractive.
I've used 1.47MHz 7455 CPUs from FastMac(OWC) and GigaDesigns in DAs; they installed easily and have given excellent result. I currently run a dual 1.2MHz 7447 on my QS main Mac. It dropped right in, but I've had more than my share of troubles with the 7447s; dip switches and general recalcitrance.
Good luck... Jon