[All4Sky]

Hello everyone,

I just purchased a Mac Mini from an apple retail store, but it is still sealed. I'm wondering if going for an upgraded Power Mac G4 would give me more for my money. A little background info: I just switched from PC's to get into Macs. I sold a really nice Sony laptop and with the money from that, I've already bought a nice used iBook on eBay (which I am using right now to type this message) and the mac mini. I'm coming from a 3.0Ghz Pentium 4 desktop (which I don't plan to sell, but I won't be using it). I see some power mac g4's on eBay for less than $400. Do you guys think that a powermac G4 with a OWC Mercury upgrade is a better choice for me? I know the mini has some upgrade limitations, and the power mac g4 will pretty much be maxed out as well, but which will be the better machine? I have about a $900 budget. I don't plan to do too much gaming, but I may do more video editing (simply type of editing, mainly imovie, idvd). I'm really just using these macs (this ibooki and the mini/powermac g4) as a stepping stone into the platform. I still have a lot to learn. I have until Sunday to return the Mac Mini. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time.

[angelmb]

Hello,

well, I guess that aimed to work with video a MDD PowerMac G4 would be better, just think about the possibility to add more internal hard discs, over one GB of RAM and so. I guess with those $900 you can get even a Dual CPU model.

Oh yes, you can, I have found some duals MDD PowerMac at eBay so far under $900

Dual 1,25 GHz
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...sPageName=WDVW

Dual 1 GHz
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...sPageName=WDVW

Dual 1,25 GHz
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...sPageName=WDVW

Dual 1GHz
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...sPageName=WDVW

Hope this helps !

[Scotttheking]

The mini isn't a bad machine, but for editing video it'll probably be annoying. It's up to you.

shameless plug
I've got an upgraded G4 tower that I wouldn't mind selling, and it's within your budget range, so if you are really thinking about it, send me a message
/shameless plug

[All4Sky]

Thanks for the replies so far. What do you guys think about outfitting a cheaper G4 (sawtooth, gigabit ethernet, etc) with a OWC Mercury upgrade? Would a dual MDD still be more efficient/faster? I'm pretty sure I'm going to return the Mini tomorrow, I like the idea of having a better video card as well as being able to use my hard drives from my old desktop. Thanks again.

[Agent69]

The MDDs have large L3 caches. My single 1.25ghz model has 1MB of L3 cache and I am pretty sure that the duals have 2MB of L3. Also, the MDDs have hard drives spinning at 7200 rpm, where the mini has either a 4200 or 5400 rpm hard drive.

Plus, with a MDD, you have the option of buying a Core Image compatable video card, should you determine that you just have to have one.

[chris v]

I'm willin to bet that all those auctions run up well over a grand before they sell. One of out machines at work is an upgraded Sawtooth, with a 1.25 card in it. It performs well, but it's getting a little long in the tooth. Consider that those machines are pushing 4-5-6 years old, now.

[flanders]

I previously had a tricked out mini (the "ultimate" model) and I think an upgraded G4 would be a better bet--with the increase cache, dual procs (if you go for that) more hard disk options and greater expandability (esp. the memory). If I were looking for a video editing machine and couldn't get into a G5 I would definitely prefer a G4 tower.

[powertrippin]

Originally Posted by flanders

I previously had a tricked out mini (the "ultimate" model) and I think an upgraded G4 would be a better bet--with the increase cache, dual procs (if you go for that) more hard disk options and greater expandability (esp. the memory). If I were looking for a video editing machine and couldn't get into a G5 I would definitely prefer a G4 tower.

Exactly what I did, but I saved money buy purchasing a pre modded one on ebay with lots of upgrades.

[Superchicken]

I'd buy from Scott at least then you know you're getting it from someone who probably has taken care of and loved their Mac...

[ViviMaster]

upgrading a g4 is definatly a good idea in my eyes. g4's can be had for less that 300 dollars and with a decent upgrade card can be alot faster than the mini. the duals are expensive but nice. i have the 2ghz giga design which i find to suit my needs quite well! with the radeon 9000 and a couple raided raptors i got this thing screams

[All4Sky]

Thanks for the replies. For those of you who have upgraded their G4 "Sawtooth/AGP Graphics" with a new processor, do you guys notice any types of bottlenecks with the 100mhz bus? I see that OWC has just got some stock of the 2ghz giga design upgrades, and I'm wondering if I should jump on it. I've already returned my Mini, just waiting for the refund check to arrive in the mail. Thanks again.

[ViviMaster]

i honestly really have no complaints about gigas 2ghz card it has worked very well for me. if you got the extra cash even look into the dual 1.8's that theyve released. i would look for a digital audio one which has a lil faster bus at 133 and 4x agp which gives it a bit of a boost, but lack a fourth ram slot leaving max at 1.5gig. from bench marks the processor dont really seam all the best. but everyday using and the gaming ive done this thing has far outperformed i thought it ever would!

[powertrippin]

I'd look into it's spell checking abilities.

[macaddict0001]

I would go with a powermac, but you should remember that the mini has a warranty and is new it will also be better for the same price.

[ViviMaster]

Originally Posted by powertrippin

I'd look into it's spell checking abilities.

......

[powertrippin]

I am not a moderator.

[All4Sky]

Well guys, thanks for all the input. I found out my wife is buying me a 20" iMac G5 (the 2ghz model!) for father's day. Of course, this is after I purchased a Sawtooth AGP tower off eBay. I guess I'll have something to fiddle around with! Thanks again.

[macaddict0001]

ahh young love.