Processor upgrades for PowerMacG4

I have recently get a PowerMac G4 dual processor tower because it was the only way to operate my adc apple cinema HD display correctly. The machine is about 6 years old now and works perfectly. In order to achieve good performance in the future (i'm thinkin to switch to Leopard) I'm considering upgrading my processors, video card and slave disk space.
Does someone can tell me truth about does dual processors upgrades offered by Newertech (2x7448 PPc particulary), Gigadesgin and Sonnet? Does it worth the price (up to 700$ in some case if you want top clocked models) configuring that I want enough power to expect to: -record multitrack audio with Logic or Pro TOOL; - to use efficiently guitar rig 3 - play some new games and finally keep in my studio this quite cool looking silver tower in the standards some years more. Does it exists any risk to install those upgrades?

Hi!
This article might be of interest:
http://www.barefeats.com/g4up2.html
and this thread:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=6916180
I have upgraded my g4 Gigabit ethernet to sonnet's dual 1.8 processor. I have been impressed with it. It was simple enough to install. I did not lose any information or anything. Hope that article helps!
Billy
Message was edited by: Billydelp4

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Processor Upgrade for iMac G3

Hello, I didn't see any particular posts specifically pertaining to the slot loading iMac (Graphite)..I hope someone can help me out.
I have a G3 Graphite iMac, upgraded RAM currently running Tiger. I used to use it but wiped it clean, re-installied the OS and created a separate account for my 8y/o son, so essentially there aren't many apps on there. For some reason it's running slower than it should, even with just Safari open. Is there a fix or possibly a processor upgrade for this model (I keep seeing that there isn't, but I want to be sure).
It's either that or constantly hearing my son complain of the lagtime and ask for our laptops instead...

According to Mactracker at one point there was a 700 MHz model available in Graphite & Snow. If you could find a 700 MHz G3 CRT iMac logic board on eBay it might be possible to upgrade the processor speed. You could also install a Matshita SR-8184 or SR-8186 DVD-ROM drive.
There's firmware available for both drives that allow them to be flashed to RPC1 or region free meaning they can play DVDs from any region in the world. Normally the drive is restricted to being able to only play Region 3 DVDs from the US. If you order a Matshita SR-8184CD optical drive from www.welovemacs.com call their 800 number listed on their website & be sure to ask for Jessica or Faith since some of the optical drives they sell don't have RPC1 firmware available for them.

SCSI card for a G5 or processor upgrade for a G4?

Hi all
Actually, this is a question that concerns the G5 and the G4 forum, but I decided to post it here first.
So, I have this old G4/400 PCI with an Adaptec 2930 SCSI card that I use for scanning slides with an Artix 4000t sclide scanner; this works fine, but the G4 is rather slow when it comes to using some features of the scanning software, such as removing scratches.
I've been thinking about buying a SCSI card for my G5 (Dual 1.8) for some time now, but I'm not sure what card I should go for; I'm not even sure if there are still cards for such an "old" device as the slide scanner (about 3 to 4 years old, no Ultrawide or something like that). And then there's the problem of the drivers for the card - how long will they be available, especially now that Apple is switching to Intel...?
The other possibility would be to buy a processor upgrade for the G4. I've seen some at OWC, and they seem to be less expensive than a SCSI card. The drawback of this solution is of course that I'll have to keep the G4 standing on my desk... on the other hand, I do know that the scanner will work perfectly with the G4.
The G5, on the other hand... it will be faster and easier, since I won't have to transfer the files for storage and editing, I could free some space on my desk,... but will it work? The G5 is running 10.4, I'm not sure if my current scanner driver is compatible... and what when 10.5 comes out...?
So I'm looking for a second, third, fourth... opinion:
What would you do? Get a SCSI card for the G5 or a processor upgrade for the G4? What SCSI card would you recommend?
TIA,
Tina

I've done some research on G5 and SCSI and scanners, and obviously, what I remembered was correct... making it work seems at least tricky, and maybe expensive too (if you've got to buy new scanning software and and..).
So I guess that's decided: No SCSI on the G5. Leaves the question, should I buy a processor upgrade card for the G4? Getting some dual G4 on eBay might be an option, but then, that would be another computer in my already crammed office, and I just can't throw the G4 away, it's one of the very first models...
I came by the idea of a processor upgrade because I just played around with an old Mac SE, which has an 68030 accelerator card installed, and this seems to work fine. Anyone has any experience with G3 /G4 upgrades (good or bad)?
Smokerz: Why would you not recommend an upgrade? Any bad experiences?
Tina

Processors upgrade for ECS 945GCT-HM Livermore-GL6

Hi all,
I really want to know which processors that I can upgrade for this motherboard.
On HP specs it can only upgrade to intel e4300.
Which I don't totally understand why I can't upgrade to e4400 or e4500 or e4600 or e4700 as they have the same FSB of 800MHz...
Can someboday explain me why I can't..
I wouldn't even posting this message if I could find e4300 but that seems totally impossible as it is really old processor.
I really can't afford to buy a new desktop at the moment.
I am deeply appericated if somebody could help me out with this...
Thank you

So the following upgrades will help:
Upgrade the processor to the top model listed
Upgrade the memory to 2GB
Install a discrete video card. Without changing out the power supply, the NVIDIA GT 240 1gb DDR5 is an excellent card.
If it's gaming or video performance that you need then do the video card first.
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HP Touchpad, HP Chromebook 11
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1.25 167 MHZ processor upgrade for a dual 867 133 MHz bus

Having upgraded my MDD with a dual 1.25 processor, I am left with a single 1.25 processor at 167 MHZ bus. Can I use this to upgrade a dual 867 MHZ MDD? I know I won't get the original speed due to lower bus freq, but I'd like to use it anyway, especially if the heatsink fits.

Hi there, that's going to leave you with a single 1 GHz CPU vs. 2 867s, unless you also bump the speed multiplier, but...
http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/systems/g4mirrored_drive_doors/G4_MDD_CPUModule.htm
Info on 167MHz Bus Speed Mods for Dual G4 867 (DDR) System ...
http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/archives/oct02/100802.html
If you need more help, there are many former xlr8yormac.com/bbs users here that have done such things...
http://x704.net/bbs/

Memory/Processor upgrade for my K9A2 Platinum V1 board

Hello everyone. I am considering jumping up to a Phenom II x4 940 and 8GB 4 x 2GB sticks of the following memory....
1. Geil Black Dragon GB28GB6400C5QC
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820144074
2. Geil Black Dragon GB28GB6400C4QC
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820144240
3. G.SKill F2-6400CL5Q-8GBPQ.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231151
4. G.Skill F2-8800CL5Q-8GBPI
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231195
5. Or just getting a second set of Corsair XMS2 (TWIN2X4096-6400C5) for a total of 8GB.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184
I would just get a 2nd set of corsair memory.... but if I get a quad kit I know I am getting 4 matching modules ( Or at least should ). Instead of memory manufactured a year ago or longer (for original set) and up to this year (for 2nd set). I don't want problems between same type of memory using different chip sets. Oh btw, I would really prefer PC2 8500 or so.
Anyone out there had or have any of these combinations. Or is there other memory that you would recommend instead. Overclockability is a plus.
Oh ya I have also thought about upgrading motherboard as well and get something with the 790X or 790FX/SB750 chip sets instead of the 790FX/SB600. But not quite sure what to get on that end either.
My system specs are below.

Anyone of the above should work fine. I would consider Mushkin XP2-8500 modules, but with 4 x 2 GB modules you will probably have bad overclockability with any memory.
If you have a K9A2 Platinum now, it's not really useful upgrading to a 790FX + SB750 board. Granted, SATA and USB performance should be a bit better with the SB750 and it has RAID 5 support. For the rest, you will not notice the difference...

PLEASE READ!!! Pro Tools user - need tips on processor upgrades for movies

Hello all,
I know this is a FCP forum but thought that you may be able to help.
I'm a Pro Tools user and I bassically wanted to know if there is any hardware (like some sort of card) that I can buy to manage my processor's workload. I would buy a Pro Tools TDM system, but they cost so much.
I just want my Pro Tools to run smoothly (working with video) and right now, with my single processor - i can't. ANY SUGGESTIONS?
- Josh

Truth is, you really need multiple CPU's nowadays, especially for your ProTools filters to stay realtime. And your G4 is getting a little long in the tooth. It's going to be hard to keep it being a viable, up to date machine, as you stuff more and more tasks onto it and expect it to keep up in realtime. There are CPU accelerators for your CPU available (check www.macsales.com, xlr8yourmac.com or others), but you cannot make the jump from one to two procs on your system, and it's a game of declining returns...
If money's an issue, why not sell your G4 and buy a used Dual Proc G5? You may find yourself short only about $1k in the transaction, possibly even less if you get lucky. You will definitely see a major performance difference, and you won't have to reinvest in plugins, cards, etc for the new Intel architecture.

FW 800 - processor upgrade?

Hi,
please tell, are there any processor upgrade cards for a PowerMac FW 800?
Thanks,
Alex

Hi Alexander-
"The Power Macintosh G4 (Firewire 800) series is similar to the "Mirrored Drive Doors" series that it replaced -both share an identical case, complete with "mirrored drive doors" and the same bus speeds (133 MHz or 167 MHz) and RAM (PC2100 and PC2700), for example -- but the "Firewire 800" models have faster optical drives and add a single Firewire 800 port along with support for onboard AirPort Extreme (802.11g) and Bluetooth 1.1.
Perhaps most notably, however, is that the "Mirrored Drive Doors" models are capable of booting in MacOS 9, whereas the "Firewire 800" models are not."
http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/powermacg4/stats/powermac_g4_1.0mdd.html
Except for the OS 9 boot abilty, the models are so similar, that they are often grouped together under "MDD".
The link (in my 1st post) to the Sonnet processors is from OWC, a Mac upgrade specialist, who lists the MDX as a processor upgrade for the FW 800.
Also, MacUpgrades UK lists the MDX as an upgrade option for the FW 800:
http://www.macupgrades.co.uk/store/productinfo.php?productsid=281
I checked the xlr8yourmac database for user reports, and found one match in (criteria) G4 MDD/Sonnet. The report is from a FW 800 owner, who had a VERY unique problem:
http://forums.xlr8yourmac.com/cpureview.lasso
Mike, the editor, makes a very good point regarding the lack of L3 cache on the 7447 Sonnet processors. The lack of the L3 actually limits the overall "speed" of the processors, and the 7447 processors really aren't any faster than a 2x1.3ghz-1.4ghz 7455 processor with the L3 cache. In fact, for video, games and such, the L3 cache is an important feature in the G4's performance.
If I were looking for a processor for a FW800, I would consider a 2x1.42 ghz OEM processor, or the above linked GigaDesigns 7455 processor, before I would consider the quite expensive Sonnet (which also requires software patches, as the 7455 processors don't).
LowEnd mac also has some thoughts on this processor and upgrading the MDD, as opposed to moving to a G5. See "MDD Processor Upgrade vs. Used G5" on the linked page:
http://lowendmac.com/mail/07/0605.html
Finally, I intend to check with OWC support after they open in a little over an hour, and confirm their recommendation of the MDX for the FW 800. I will post back.

Processor upgrades

i have had a single 1ghz mdd firewire 800 for about a year. i had great plans for this machine but it is basically a print server for my g4 imac in the living room. recently i purchased a 400 mhz sawtooth to replace the mdd. Is downgrading from a mdd a good idea? i plan on selling one of the powermacs. if i decide to upgrade again which is easier/cheaper to upgrade? there are a lot more processor upgrades for g4 models earlier than the mdd and i am not sure why. i purchased the mdd for around $400. i purchased the sawtooth for $10.

eighth-1der wrote:
My LW 16/600 will work with the Wintels if hooked via parallel or via ethernet reversed pair cable (single cable with one reversed pair). But if I hook the LW to a hub or to the router the only units that can see it are the Macs. I just turn on sharing on the Mac and make a printer profile in the Windoze control panel that routes to my mac (\\xxx.xxx.x.xxx\<mac name>\<OSX printer profile>). I imagine it has something to do with the protocols back in 1995 when the HP4 was being made as a LW.
But if you say that your HP5 will show up when hooked to a hub but not a router I may try that, isolate the Wintels and the LW on the hub and then hook the hub to the router. Is that essentially what you are describing? A reversed pair cable is a two unit closed loop hub, so the same effect as I described before will apply, right? But current setting of letting OSX discover the LW and letting the Wintels use the Mac to print is no real drag, just a few watts of power for an otherwise unused computer.
My HP LJ5MP worked with the PhoneNet/EtherMac connection to its AppleTalk port back when I just used the old 10BaseT hub for my LAN and internet connection (before modern router and switches). However, the new switch technology doesn't recognize the EtherMac output, which is the AppleTalk input. I found that when I put the hub in between the EtherMac and the new switch, the switch recognized the hub, which recognized the EtherMac and everything worked on my LAN. With this setup, both my Mac and my PC notebook on my LAN could see and use the HP LJ5MP.
Alternatively, I later bought a D-Link parallel port print server for the HP LJ. It works quite well on my LAN and is a little bit faster than the AppleTalk/EtherMac/hub setup. I currently have both connections to the HP LJ 5MP hooked to my LAN. I do it for redundancy, as the two different connections function independently of each other, so if there is a problem with one, the other usually works. This is important to me as the HP LJ is my primary printer for all my computers.
Carl B.

Upgrading for pics and music

I have a 400 MHz Power PC G4, 768 MB SDRAM, L2 cache 1MB, AGP Graphics. OS OS x 10.4.1. This was a gift my wife bought me to replace my pc. It really needs some upgrading to enable me to work with my photos and music library. I had hoped to purchase the newest version of I photo, but find I don't meet the system requirements. Any suggestions or ideas would greatly be appreciated. I can not toss this computer because I love my wife and she really thought she was doing something nice for me. So far it hasn't been, but I am going to find a way to use it. Thanks for looking in and maybe having some ideas.

Although some may argue that it's not cost-effective for a first generation G4 at this point, you could upgrade the processor with a faster one. The performance boost would make continued use of the computer more satisfying, until you can replace it with a newer/faster computer. Other World Computing has some compatible processor upgrades for your G4. For the same $$ spent, you could find a secondhand G4 with a faster processor and system bus speed, as well as a better graphics card and optical drive.

FastMac processor upgrade

I have ordered a Fastmac 1.5 GHz processor upgrade for my PowerMac G4/400 AGP Graphics.
The onboard USB ports are 1.1.
Will this G4 model accept an 2.0 USB card?

Thank you for your answer.
I found two Belkin USB 2.0 cards.
One is Belkin F5U219-LP Hi-Speed USB 2.0 (480Mbps) 3-Port Low Profile 32-bit PCI Card - WIN/MAC
The other is Belkin USB 2.0 Hi-Speed 3-Port PCI Card.
The first one requires a low-profile PCI slot. What is this? Does my G4 has low-profile PCI slots?
I want to order one of them, but I'm afraid to order the wrong one.
Can you help me?

Graphics Card for Motion 4, RAM and processor upgrade

I am using a dual quad-core Mac Pro with 8GB DDR2 667MHz RAM for FCP and Motion. I have a NVIDIA Quadro FX card which does not work with Motion. Any suggestions on the card? I am looking into ATI 4870. Also, would like to put in some more RAM..any suggestion? I am looking at products on www.crucial.com
Also, does putting two graphics cards help at all?
Considering processor upgrades..will it be worth it?
Thanks in advance for your responses and time.

Also, does putting two graphics cards help at all?
No, unless you need more than two displays.
Considering processor upgrades..will it be worth it?
No.

Processor speed upgrade for 6100 question

Hi, i have a Sat Pro 6100 and currently my processor is powered by :-
manufacturer : Intel
type : Mobile Intel Pentium 4 Processor - M
clock speed : 1.8 GHz
Front Side Bus : 400 MHz
1st level cache : 12 KB
2nd level cache : 512 KB
core voltage (AC) : 1.3 V
co-processor : integrated in processor
system bus : PCI
I would to upgrade this to at least 2.8Ghz
I need to find out what is compatible with my computer.
Could i use a Mobile Pentium 4 Processor or do i need the specific one that i am currently using that has the M symbol?
http://www.intel.com/products/notebook/processors/index.htm
I was looking at this page
http://processorfinder.intel.com/scripts/list.asp?ProcFam=826
and it appears that the highest processor speed for
Mobile Intel Pentium 4 Processor - M
is 2.6 Ghz, can i not exceed 2.6Ghz?
I am interested in this spec and do you know if my computer will work with it?
Mobile Intel Pentium 4 Processors
Spec Number
sl726
Processor Frequency
3.06 GHz CPUID String
0F29h
Package Type
478 pin PPGA Core Voltage
1.300
Bus Speed
533 MHz Thermal Guideline
70W
Core Stepping
D1 Thermal Spec
100?C
L2 Cache Size
512 KB Manufacturing Technology
0.13 micron
L2 Cache Speed
3.06 GHz Bus/Core Ratio
23
Spec Update
http://developer.intel.com/design/mobile/mp4p/documentation.htm
OEM Order Code
RK80532GE083512
Notes
Lastly i would i would like to ask what are the benefits to be gained by upgrading the processor speed on my PC?
Thank you
Message was edited by: rachelrising

Unless changes were made to the 6100 series that spares dealers don't know about then the processor is not soldered direct to the board, a locking zif socket is used.
Sorry Rachel, now we're into unknown territory. I looked at http://www.impactcomputers.com/p000363550.html as an example and then using the CPU ID sl6j5 to http://processorfinder.intel.com/scripts/details.asp?sspec=sl6j5 which indeed is an M processor. Extra parts to consider possibly; the heatsink & fan assembly. As stated before, the current one may only be rated to match the processor originally fitted, on the other hand it may be ok. I suspect nothing else would need changing - I have no idea if Tosh would have limited the BIOS to recognise only one or two CPU types per model (unlikely).
The warnings given by Quad and Andrej re disassembly are extremely important so where possible obtain a service manual prior to doing anything. I have a 6000 copy which may be the same layout, be meticulous in your work. Screws have identifying letter/number combinations meaning differnt types and lengths and must be returned to the correct locations. Some are also supposed to be discarded and new ones put in as they have a vibration proof seal to prevent coming loose, as you will not be doing this, tighten well (not over) and double check your work. The insides are full of delicate cable and wires attaching various parts do not force or pull sharply on anything, lift gently look and trace connections - remember to note the locations and orientation. Plastics are held by regular and often mirrored pips, these are prone to break if not carefully eased apart. If the case is not giving, check for hidden screws under labels or inside compartments like battery/RAM/CD/DVD. The CPU must always be refitted with fresh thermal compound and as everything is tightly packed keep it clean and use sparingly but sufficient to coat the surface thinly. Take care when unlocking/locking the processor that you do not slip - disaster if you hit the SMD components they will break. Once assembled a gentle shake will determine if anything has been forgotten or fallen out and watch out for the left over screw at the end!! The whole process can be very daunting so approach only if you have the utmost confidence and can live with repercussions - nothing is guaranteed.
And don't forget - anti-static precautions at all times!
Message was edited by: davewuk

Processor upgrade is this possible

I have a broken 1.8ghz G5 which according to the apple repair centre has a faulty processor, (not happy only 18 months old and only used about once a week).
They are wanting £340+vat to fix this, but i can get hold of a second hand 2.0ghz processor for about £160 would this processor work with my mac? and is it easy to install, i work as a pc engineer so i'm ok with the taking pc's to bits.

There is some discussion of this subject which you can read if you enter say, "processor upgrade" (without the quotes) in the search box at top right of this forum
http://discussions.apple.com/search.jspa?objID=c108&search=Go&q=processor+upgrad e

Why is it that the new macbook pro processor upgrade option only offers up to 2.8 Ghz with Intel Dual Core i7, when back in Sep 12 I bought a 2.9 Ghz Intel Dual Core i7 Macbook, is the new one tuned to go much faster anyway?

Why is it that the new Macbook Pro processor upgrade option only offers up to 2.8 Ghz boosting to 3.3 Ghz with Intel Dual Core i7, when back in Sep 12 I bought a 2.9 Ghz boosting to 3.6 Ghz Intel Dual Core i7 Macbook, is the new one tuned somehow to go much faster anyway, or will the new one be slower in fact? Or does the solid state drive compensate for the lack of increased processor capacity?

The CPU's come from different Intel 'families'. The older ones are 'Ivy Bridge' and the newer ones are 'Haswell'. Numbers alone will not determine the efficiency of CPU.
Ciao.

Processor upgrades for PowerMacG4

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