Upgrading CPU G4 Digital audio???

I want to upgrade the CPU on my G4 733MHz digital audio machine. Any suggestions?
I want to use the Machine to run Protools and a Digi 002 interphase. I know I need to boost the CPU to at least 1.5GHz.
I would appriciate any suggeations or advise.
Thanks

Thanks I realised I was posting in the wrong area
Thanks

Similar Messages

Lost L3 cache with QS 933 CPU in Digital Audio

Hi All:
I recently installed a QS 933mhz processor in my G4 Digital Audio. All seems to be fine with the exception of the lost L3 cache. My question is: can I somehow achieve the L3 cache or is it an "is what it is" situation with this processor? Are there any articles on this subject?
Thanks for your thoughts and responses.

Jon has certainly hit the nail on the head. The base model Quicksilvers (733MHz and 800MHz 2002 version) didn't have any level 3 cache full stop. Consequently the 733MHz DA G4 (which was Apple's high end model of the time) was faster in real world performance terms compared to the 733MHz QS G4 (which, although newer, was Apple's low end model of the time). The benchmarks for the OWC processor upgrades show this as they have results for both models.
Apple often vary the level 3 cache amount between different models in the same range. For example, some MDD and FW800 models have 1MB, the high end MDD and FW800 models the full 2MB (the most supported by the 7455).
As I understand it the newer style G4 processors which support level 3 cache are actually slower in real world performance terms for a given clock speed. What makes them faster overall is the level 3 cache and the fact they clock to higher frequencies. Consequently the 733MHz QS processor, which doesn't have any level 3 cache at all and isn't clocked that highly (unless overclocked), is probably a bit of a dog.
 PM G4 QS 1GHz DP, ATI 9600, 1GB RAM, WD Raptors, 23" ACD Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Ui wanna upgrade my 733Mhz digital audio

I have a G4 733Mhz Digital Audio and I wanna add what ever I can to it to increase the performance. I know these things won't increase the performance but just to let you know what I have added....I just bought an extra 3 port firewire pci card and a 5 port usb 2.0 pci card they work great I also have 1.25 GB of Ram (Max is 1.5GB)
what else can I do with it? as far as graphics card if I need it or not? and if so which one?
Thanks,
Raffi

Hello! Try adding a 1.8ghz processor. Tom
Sonnet1.8ghz from OWC

Upgrading from 10.4.11 to 10.5.8 on my G4 Power Mac Digital audio-is it worth it and how do i find the 10.5.8

Hey Gang.   How's it been going? I still have the same G4 Digital Audio which came used but with a clean OS, which I managed to up
grade to reach the 10.4.11. Its works great and I love it. I can only imagine using a real Mac Pro 2012. The software is legacy and It will not support the QuarkExpress9 for example. So what if I found and upgraded to the 10.5.8 or the max OS my G4 can handle? Is it worth it?
Thanks

Hi,
Depends what part of 10.5 you think you need, but 10.5 does not support Classic Apps, requires 3 times the resources & space, is expensive, & slower than Tiger/10.4 even on a G5 Quad with 10 GB of RAM.
I have run 10.5.8 on a DA/450 MHz/1GB, & it is possible.
Leopard requirements/10.5.x...
    * Mac computer with an Intel, PowerPC G5, or PowerPC G4 (867MHz or faster) processor
minimum system requirements
    * 512MB of memory (I say 1.5GB for PPC at least, 2-3GB minimum for IntelMacs)
    * DVD drive for installation
    * 9GB of available disk space (I say 30GB at least)
Classic/OS9 Apps no longer supported.
Trouble is Apple no longer sells it, check eBay & such for the Retail version, not the Gray Discs...
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=mac+os+x+leopard+retail+10.5
There are workarounds if the 867MHz CPU is the only hangup...
http://sourceforge.net/projects/leopardassist/
http://lowendmac.com/osx/leopard/unsupported.html

Can I out an Apple cpu G4 933hz into an Apple digital audio?

I know that the cpu will fit but will it operate?
reason for asking is that I wish to put a third party dual cpu upgrade in the 933hz and wish to utilise the 933hz cpu by placing it into an older G4 digital audio.

I just installed my 533 digital audio CPU in a 450MHz cube. It fit amd works. However you need to take into account pin configuration with bus speed and processor speed when swapping cpu's
The 533 ran on a 133MHz system bus while the 450MHz cube was 100MHz. When I installed 533 in the cube the bus speed pin configuration just happen to equal the right setting to run at 100MHz. Great for me! However the jumper positions for the CPU made it run at 400MHz speed instead of 533. I had to remove the 2 jumpers that were there (magnifying glass and nail clippers) and use a rear window defogger repair kit to add the correct jumper setting which brought it up to 600MHz.
In short your 933 running at 133MHz might just end up being 733 running at 66MHz (just an example) I guess I would just try it and see. Make sure you post back any information you glean.
Laish

Will my 533MHz Digital Audio CPU work in my AGP Sawtooth G4?

I bought an OEM Dual 533MHz CPU to upgrade my single 533MHz in my Digital Audio Power Mac G4. I was thinking about putting the spare 533 Mhz CPU in my 400MHz AGP Graphics Sawtooth G4. The Digital Audio bus speed is 133MHz, while the AGP G4 bus runs at 100Mhz. Will it work or be downclocked slightly? Thanks in advance!

Hello Craig,
Has been done, but it's not for the faint of heart. Requires microsurgery with a soldering iron and X-acto knife to change bus multipliers and things. As-is, it would be downclocked.
It's been covered somewhere - XLR8yourmac, perhaps - and there's a guy who sells on eBay who does a lot of it - currently has a 550MHz cpu listed - handle of 'ijnujb'.
I would think you'd get more satisfactory results from a used after-market cpu, but if you like to experiment give it a try and report back.
Regards .... Jon

Upgrade Digital Audio or buy Used MDD G4?

I have upgraded by Digital Audio (933 Quicksilver CPU, 1.25 GB RAM, Radeon 9000 video card). It is reasonably fast for basic applications, but the only way to get a significant speed increase at this point would be a decent upgrade processor ($250- 300 currently for something above 1.2 GHZ). I am wondering if the money (which is tight) would be better spent getting something like a single (or dual) CPU MDD 1.25 GHZ or faster, which I might be able to find on eBAy for $150- 175 more than I could sell the Digital Audio for.
In other words, how would a stock 1.25 GHZ MDD compare with my Digital Audio if I put in the OWC 1.5 GHZ upgrade w/ L3 cache (currently $260 at OWC)?
I'd like to stay with the G4 because I don't care for the look of the G5's (nor the price at this point).
Steve

I would vote for the G4 MDD. What do you use your G4 for that the increased speed would be a benefit?
 Cheers, Tom

Found "Digital Audio" logic board, cpu & psu inside my Quicksilver ?

Recently got a quicksilver that "appeared" different to me . . .
Upon looking inside it's is a digital audio g4 swap (verified part #'s)
Logic board, 466mhz cpu and psu inside a Quicksilver case.
Any upgrades for this? does the dual 533 work in here?
Not sure what to do with this one, was hoping it was the sawtooth with the agp without adc (for testing flashed video cards without taping pins 3 & 11) . . .anyways

If you are just a TINY bit adventurous, get a QS CPU.
All you need to do is run a 12V line for fourth screw hole on CPU daughtercard.
Have a dig at XLR8yourmac.com, details used to be there...somewhere.
I once a QS 867 CPU and moved a resistor and made it a 933Mhz. I then ran over it with a rolling chair and knock a bunch of caps off.
Soldered them back on and sent it to a friend with a DA. He slapped it in and went on to do great things with that old DA. (like write the Mac Nvidia 6200 ROM)
The later QS 133Mhz bus CPUs had more cache, something like that. I know that the 867 was MUCH faster than a 733 I tried in it once.

Upgrade the G4 733Ghz Digital Audio

I have a G4 733Mhz Digital Audio and I wanna add what ever I can to it to increase the performance. I know these things won't increase the performance but just to let you know what I have added....I just bought an extra 3 port firewire pci card and a 5 port usb 2.0 pci card they work great I also have 1.25 GB of Ram (Max is 1.5GB)
what else can I do with it? as far as graphics card if I need it or not? and if so which one?
Thanks,
Raffi

Hi Paul-
Your G4 is a 4x AGP. You can only use a 4x AGP compatible graphics card. The 8x AGP will not work, unless, like the ATI Radeon 9800, it is 2x, 4x, 8x compatible.
The FX5200 is an 8x card, so, unfortunately, you won't be able to use it in the G4.
As far as upgrade suggestions, a new ATI Radeon 9800 Mac Pro, a used ATI Radeon 9000 Mac Pro (eBay), a flashed (PC ver. converted to Mac) Ati Radeon 9800 Pro(eBay, Strangedogs), or a flashed GeForce(eBay, Strangedogs).
G4 AGP(450)Sawtooth Mac OS X (10.4.8) 2ghzPPC,1.62gbSDRAM, ATI9800, DVR-109,(IntHD)120&160,LaCie160,23"Cinema Display

Best low buck video upgrade for Digital Audio

I just purchases a Digital Audio G4/733 with the original GeForce 2 AGP video card. If I want a better video card for online games (for my kids), what would be some good choices (for no more than $50- $60 used- don't mind eBay).
How would a used GeForce 4 or Radeon 7500 stack up against the GeForce 2? I'd like ot try to avoid flashing a PC card if possible (unless someone else already has done it and tested it in a Mac).
Alternatively I have waht I think is a GeForce 6200 lying around that I couldn't get to work in my PC. Since I have nothing to lose with this card- has anyone flashed one of these to Mac and used with 4X AGP?
Thankd, Steve

As a co-author of 6200 ROM I can speak highly of the cards, but they aren't really in same league as 9800.
Core Image is a great thing, frees up CPU from drawing much of desktop & goings on there.
8500 was good in it's day but is leaving your CPU doing work that a 9800 would be more than happy to do.
Flashing a 9800 can be done in a Mac provided you have a PCI card to "see" from.
PC versions sell for as little as $15 on EBay and using the reduced 9800 ROM from STrangedogs / Macelite you have a guaranteed card. Just be sure to get a PC 9800 that matches the standard image of a 9800 Pro. (128 Megs RAM on a 256 bit bus, red card with 60's looking silver fan)
The 6200 is an IDEAL card for Cube.

Monitoring CPU temperature on a Digital Audio

Does anyone know of any downloadable CPU monitoring software out there that will work on a Digital Audio? Temperature Monitor doesn't work on this model (although I think it used to work on a Sawtooth), but it would a great utility to have.

Hello! Welcome to the Forums!
Sadly, there is no real way to obtain the temperature of the CPU in G4 models before Mirror Drive Doors. Those models lack the cpu sensor to report temperature. You might have to search xlr8yourmac.com or use Google to do a search for how to get CPU temperature from a Digital Audio G4.
The technology of those G4s doesn't include a sensor for temperature reporting.

The Mother of All G4 Digital Audio Project?

Alright, my apologies right from the get-go: I'm new to this user-friendly and intuitive world of Macs. So if this post is long-winded and excessive, please excuse my bad manners and blame it on living in the world of PCs and M$ for far too long.
To start, the one thing I've found that is consistent no matter what computing world I've explored is the cost of upgrading... but first, let me explain a couple of things.
For one -- I'm finished with my PC. I'm fairly computer saavy, and have never bought a pre-built system in my life. My first computer I built in the 8th grade from spare parts and a Pentium 90 chip. Although I've enjoyed my time playing around and working with PCs in the past, I've recently become a father (and my wife is now at home 24/7). Suffice it to say I don't have much time to troubleshoot my PC as often as I use to, and with my wife using the computer more and more, I really would like to be able to offer her something intuitive and easy to use (unfortunately, this usually isn't a common description of anything related to the world of M$ and PCs).
Anyways, her entire extended family has been Mac based for awhile now, and I've grown more and more desirous of owning a Mac at home. Well, about 4 months ago I was given an old G4 Digital Audio for free. This gift, coupled with my increasing frustration with the PC, has lead me to contemplate ditching the PC (selling it off), and trying to fully pimp out the G4 to its maximum capacity. FOR CHEAP.
I realize that a Mac Mini would be pretty cheap and cost effective, or perhaps just selling the G4 and putting that money towards something else (like a Mac laptop) might make more sense... but I'm limited on a couple of fronts.
1) There is the issue of some money having already been invested into this G4.
2) I need to keep costs down, while also retaining the ability to expand (my PC currently has 3 HDDs at a total capacity of 800gb)... and it just doesn't seem feasible with a Mac Mini.
3) I already have the G4 -- and in my wife's eyes, expanding this rig is cheaper than buying a brand new Mac (this point is clearly debatable).
4) We really just need a solid system at home, easy for her to use, while having enough muscle for me to use the Adobe/Macromedia/Final Cut software packages.
So... I'd like to start pushing this G4 to its limits performance wise, while not breaking the bank unnecessarily. I've looked into upgrading the logic board and CPU, maxing out the system memory, purchasing a SATA controller board and new HDDs, and finally springing for a new video card. My question is this:
Can anyone shed some light on upgrade options that would suit my needs, without giving my wife reason to leave me?! For example, when looking to upgrade the G4 to a wireless system, I opted to purchase a Belkin Wireless G (F5D7000) instead of a official Airport card. It works flawlessly, is G compatible, and was only $25. Are there similar options when looking at SATA controller cards (the Sonnet cards are really pricey)? PC133 memory -- should I buy new or look for sticks in older PCs? Buy a pc video card and tweak it to work in a Mac, etc? Should I buy a single cpu upgrade, or spring for the pricey duals (is the performance benefit in OSX and the various design software packages worth it? - I've seen varied reports on this)? 1.6ghz vs. dual 1.4ghz??
Any help in this endeavor to build the Mother of All G4 Digital Audios would be wonderful. I know this post is lengthy, but I needed to vent some frustrations, and ask for a helping hand in this transition from PC to Mac! Thanks to all who've read this beast of a post -- and if anyone has anything to contribute (either suggestions or directions to some relatively cheap upgrades - new or used), it would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks again!

Hi-
I'll keep things brief.
CPU- The following will give you the most bang for the buck-
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/MEG42M1500/
Memory- Doesn't have to break the bank, but, you must buy quality-
http://eshop.macsales.com/MyOWC/Upgrades.cfm?model=163&type=Memory&TI=1047&shoup grds=Show+Upgrades
http://www.datamemorysystems.com/viewcat.aspQ_C_E761
Graphics- a flashed PC 4x AGP card will give you the most for the cheapest
Sata Controller Card- the following is hard to beat:
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/SATAPCI2P/
Or, get the bundle:
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/SATAM500GPCI/
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/SATAM10TBPCI/
If you need cheaper, or used, check:
http://groups.google.com/group/lemswap
or, eBay.
Good Luck!
G4 AGP(450)Sawtooth Mac OS X (10.4.8) 2ghzPPC,1.62gbSDRAM, ATI9800, DVR-109,(IntHD)120&160,LaCie160,23"Cinema Display

Digital Audio G4 and Radeon 9800 Pro

Has anyone had the same fuss w/a Digital Audio and ATI Radeon 9800 Pro Mac Edition? Been through about 5 cards (lost count somewhat) and constantly getting a display of the video card (with its power connector flashing red) on a black screen. Only by opening the box and reconnecting the power connections, and sometimes reseating the card, do I get successful results, with the Mac booting properly.
No other card (others that I use do not require an additional power connector like the 9800 does) seems to have this problem; all boot properly.
There is a Sonnet 1.8 Ghz Dual CPU upgrade, 2 internal hard drives, a raid card, and FW 800 and FW 400/USB2 cards, but additional power connections for those have been unplugged. I'm good with letting any external devices run on their own power.
Thanks much, to anyone that may have a suggestion or a solution.

Hi-
With regards to the connector graphic, this invariably means that there isn't power connected.
State the obvious, but, have you tried pulling power from a different connector? Maybe try a new extension........ Molex connectors can work loose from the cap, and slide back when attaching to a device. This would give the appearance of being connected, though in reality, otherwise.
Have you tried without any of the PCI cards installed? I wouldn't want to remove the processor, either, though the dual does pull some power at boot. The DA PSU, however, should be able to handle both the processors and the 9800..... unless the PSU has a weak 12v/5v/3.3v rail....
Pulling the PCI cards will clear up whether or not the problem is with power in the PCI bus.
As for posting a picture, you need to host the picture at a site like Photobucket or Imageshack. Then, place a link (produced at the host site) in your thread.

G4 Digital Audio 733MHz Daughtercard schmatics

Can anyone tell me what the thing is on the daughtercard that has copper wire wrapped around a piece of plastic is? I'm pretty sure it's a coil, but it seems the one on my CPU has fried and so when the computer turns on and heats up the computer freezes in OSX. Also I would like to know where I can purchase one of these and what size I need to get. If anyone can help it would be very appreciated. And if anyone has the breakdown of the different parts on the CPU that would be helpful too.
Thanks.

As long as your daughtercard fried, you may as well buy an upgrade. A new replacement is just as expensive as an upgrade in most cases, and hard to find. If you want a used replacement, ebay would probably yield some, but you'd have to be patient because they come and they go.
I found a whole machine on ebay that is the same as yours, 733 mhz. You could pull the card, drives, RAM, and have an extra PSU/logic board as a back up. You can "buyitnow" for $150 plus shipping. The link is here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/PowerMac-G4-733-mhz-733mhz-Digital-Audio-Gigabit-Ethnet_W0QQ itemZ220236355454QQihZ012QQcategoryZ111418QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I wouldn't suggest trying to operate on your old daughtercard, chances are if one thing blew then many other components failed as well. The time, effort and money would probably end up wasted at the end. I have done many daughtercard upgrades including overclocks and bus changes, and those little tiny resistors sure take a steady hand and a very fine tipped soldering iron. If you don't have any formal training in electronics then just forget about trying to fix it yourself.
My recommendation would be to upgrade to a new daughtercard. I used to have a dual 450 mhz gigabit ethernet, and overclocked it to 500, then 550, and spent a long time trying to get it up to 600 (cooling mods and all sorts of things). Eventually I broke down and spent the $400 on a dual 1.4 Ghz processor upgrade. Best decision I ever made! The upgrade is great and allows me to have the fastest computer possible still capable of running OS 9 and other strictly powerpc applications. If you are set on sticking with your currect DA for a little while longer, then go with an upgrade. A few vendors to consider are Sonnet and OWC. Their sites are here:
http://store1.sonnettech.com/index.php?cPath=22_26
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/accelerators/
As you can see, the cheapest card, a 1.0 ghz from Sonnet is around $170. That is way worth it compared to replacing your old card.
If you have any questions, just let me know.

Swap Processor from G4 Quicksilver 80Mhz to G4 Digital Audio 466Mhz

If I swap the processor from quicksilver 800mhz and put it in my digital audio 466 mhz G4 will it work?
g4 Mac OS X (10.4.5)

Hi
it is actually possible, although whether it's worth the effort I'm not sure.
The CPU upgrades database at www.xlr8yourmac.com contains a number of reports from people who have installed a Quicksilver processor in a Digital Audio (select Apple AGP Slot for the Mac Model and Apple for the card manufacturer).
Both have a 133MHz system bus so the processor will run at the same speed (800MHz) without having to fiddle with the resistors that control the bus multiplier ratio.
The main issue though is the Quicksilver processor card requires a 12 volt feed to one of the screws that secure it to the logic board, although this can be taken from a spare hard drive molex power connector.
There are also possible heat issues, as the Quicksilver has a small fan between the processor heat sink and back of the case, where as I don't think the 466MHz Digital Audio has a processor fan at all.
I hope this helps.

Upgrading CPU G4 Digital audio???

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