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Rodster · Mar 16, 2003, 12:24 AM

Before I place my order with Apple on Monday for a dual 1.25 rig I would like to know if they seem reliable hardware wise. I've been reading discussions about noisy systems, power supply problems, HD problems, memory problems on dual CPU systems. It has me a little concerned. I just would like to hear from all of you, your honest opinion.

Thanks !

sideus · Mar 16, 2003, 12:58 AM

I'd say the failure rate of the new systems is pretty normal. You will see more posts regarding hardware issues as most people don't post if their system is running fine.

Topic: "Dual 867, runs like a champ!(RANT)"

derekn · Mar 16, 2003, 01:14 AM

I've had zero problems with my dual 867. There is a bit of noise, nothing bad, no hard drive problems

The best way to respond to your concerns is like this. Regardless of how identitcal a systems components are, RAM, hard drive, procesor etc they are still unique. It doesn't matter if multiple components were made at the same place. You're going to have some problems of course, they're unavoidable.

Come Monday, send the order in, you won't regret it.

These DPs are beautiful systems, if you do have some concerns regarding the reliability you can get Apple Care or certain resellers offer extended warranties themselves.

Let us know how it goes.

JB72 · Mar 16, 2003, 01:59 AM

I would just be vary cautious with the type of RAM. I've had good luck with Crucial.

I've certainly got the impression that besides the fastideous RAM issue, these machines are at least a tad higher in the failure rate than previous PM incarnations. However, it's not like they're catching on fire or anything.

michaelb · Mar 16, 2003, 04:49 AM

Originally posted by Rodster:
Before I place my order with Apple on Monday for a dual 1.25 rig I would like to know if they seem reliable hardware wise. I've been reading discussions about noisy systems, power supply problems, HD problems, memory problems on dual CPU systems. It has me a little concerned. I just would like to hear from all of you, your honest opinion.

I've recently bought a dual 1.25 and it was perfect out of the box. Worked just fine with the Kingston 512 MB RAM chips I moved into it from my PC.

And this is in Australia, where they ship all the crap to.

It's the nature of these forums - small isolated problems take on a large reputation. Sounds to me like Apple got a bad batch of memory that's seen a handful of users get machines that are cactus.

Actually, If you're looking a getting a reliable PowerMac within the next six months, this MDD generation is probably the one to get. They've fixed the fan noise issue, patched Firmware to fix outstanding issues, and rounded up the OS X glitches.

The speed is decent and value for money is good. (And I build my own PCs, so I do know how to get a cheap machine.)

Even the 970 generation (six months?) that everyone's waiting for before opening their wallets is likely to have a few first generation "issues" to be sorted out.

Busemann · Mar 16, 2003, 06:18 AM

However, it's not like they're catching on fire or anything.

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Actually one of the dual 867 at my work did actually that! Suddenly, a lot of smoke came pouring out of the various holes so it was a miracle it happened at daytime when all were there. We dont know what caused it as the repair center took it with them after a very quick call.

Not any problems on my dual 1.25 at home though. (at least not after the powersupply exchange soon

SalBaker · Mar 16, 2003, 12:24 PM

Originally posted by Busemann:
Actually one of the dual 867 at my work did actually that! Suddenly, a lot of smoke came pouring out of the various holes so it was a miracle it happened at daytime when all were there. We dont know what caused it as the repair center took it with them after a very quick call.

That happened to me a few years ago. It was the power supply, and smoke was shooting out of the vent slots. Fortunately, I was home and smelled the smoke (the stupid computer was still running and the fan was blowing away like crazy.) By the time I unplugged the computer, it was literally toast (and a boat anchor.)

I still feel a little uneasy when I leave my computer on when I am not at home!

Richard Clark · Mar 17, 2003, 01:50 PM

The company I work for had a Dual 1 GHZ Mirror Drive machine have a bad fan. Apple replaced immediately and was fine. The other two machines from that batch and the sixteen 867 DPs we purchased in December have been ok except for two that we had to re-initialize the HD (in a different post I have all the information). We did purchase a 1.25 GHZ here about a month ago and it screams. You can see a huge difference. They work great.

Good luck to ya!

macbarry · Mar 17, 2003, 03:29 PM

I've been having no hardware problems with my new FW 800 dual 1.25 PM that is now over 2 weeks old. Modifications I've done myself include:

1) added in 512MB Crucial brand RAM - no issues
2) added a Toshiba DVD/CD-ROM optical drive in the bay below my stock Superdrive - easy install - works perfectly.

However, I have been having several weird issues concerning OS X (I'm running 10.2.4 now but same issues under 10.2.3) and DVD-Rs and Toast created VCDs.

It seems that DVD-Rs burned using a Panasonic DMR-E30 (and also a Sony machine - not sure what model) will show up but cannot be read by OSX (10.2.3 - .4 anyway). Apple claims to be aware of this issue but no word on a fix yet.

In addition, a Toast created MPEG 1 (a VCD file) CAN be read from my hard drive but the exact same MPEG 1 file CANNOT be read from the CD... very weird. Apple has not responded back to me over this bizarre issue...

Kerry · Mar 17, 2003, 07:51 PM

I have the new fw800 dual 1.25 G4 with no problems except...

The retailer sent an extra 256 ram chip it didn't like (wouldn't boot after it was installed) they sent another brand and it worked fine after that. In the mean time I had bought a third 256 (PNY) so near as I can tell I have three 256 chips all different brands. All is well though.

I've been running ProTools 6.0, InDesign 2.0, Photoshop 7, GoLive 6.01 all without a burp. I installed a second Deskstar internal drive.

So far it is a dream.

Meadowfield · Mar 17, 2003, 07:58 PM

no

Jupeman · Mar 17, 2003, 08:18 PM

No problems with my 1.42. I've had it two weeks. I added another 1GB RAM from Other World Computing. Nothing wrong here, just computing bliss and spreadsheet calcs on how to afford a 970 machine within a year ...