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aaronc · Jul 31, 2005, 03:48 PM

Hello,

A friend recently gave me a G4 that he no longer uses. Its a pretty old G4 (400 MHz, 100 MHz Bus, 704 MB RAM), and I am wondering about upgrades. Is it easy to upgrade a G4? How much faster could I actually make it? And would it be worth it?

I'm thinking about using it for audio apps like Logic if it is possible to improve the computer's performance enough.

I use a Mac at work, but as far as owning I am completely new to Macs, so I am in the dark about this topic.

Thanks!
Aaron

yikes600 · Jul 31, 2005, 05:52 PM

There are two different models of the G4/400 and they are very different. The first was the "Yikes" (PCI graphics) model, which isn't very upgradable and the latter is the "Sawtooth" (AGP graphics) which is worlds better for upgradability. You need to determine which model you have in order to see what upgrades are available.
You can use this diagram to determine which you have:
http://futureshare.lip6.fr/images/58418_2.jpg

If it's a Sawtooth, the options are very good. GigaDesigns sells a single 2.0GHz CPU upgrade, or if your Sawtooth is dual-processor compatible, a dual 1.8GHz. The Sawtooth can have up to 2GB RAM under OS X, or 1.5GB under OS 9 (software limitation). You might also consider upgrading the graphics card (uses a 2X AGP slot) to something like the Radeon 9800 Pro.

If it's a G4 "Yikes", you can upgrade the processor with a ZIF daughtercard. Sonnet sells a 1GHz G4 model but it has a big drawback of reducing the system bus to 66MHz. If you prefer to keep the bus at 100MHz (as I did), then OWC and FastMac both sell a G4/600MHz. The Yikes uses a 66MHz PCI slot for graphics, and you can remove the old Rage 128 and replace it with a Radeon 9200. The Yikes' RAM is maxes out at 1GB.

suvsr4terrorists · Jul 31, 2005, 08:30 PM

It'd honestly be a better idea to sell it on ebay, and buy a pre-modded G4 tower if thats what you want. Buying upgrades NEW costs a lot of money, and they really aren't worth that much if they're used.

Madrag · Aug 1, 2005, 04:01 AM

I have one of the G4 400 AGP, and you could start by adding another HD and more RAM.
In Tiger it behaves very well!

Now, upgrading the processor, I have no idea of the best options, but as I said, you can be very well of with that G4 if you plan to use it for Logic...

aaronc · Aug 1, 2005, 06:43 PM

I took a look at it and its the AGP model, single processor.

-What are my options?
-Where can I look for the best prices?
-Is it easy to upgrade? (I build my own PC's so I have some basic knowledge, but none with a Mac)
-Is the performance of an upgrade as good as a new Mac with the same speed processor?

Sorry about all of the questions, but like I said I'm totally new to the world of owning a Mac.

suvsr4terrorists · Aug 2, 2005, 08:47 AM

1. Buy all the upgrades yourself, spend a lot of money, end up with a pretty fiesty G4 system
2. Sell it on ebay, and spend what you get for it plus a bit more on an ALREADY MODIFIED G4 system. You'll end up with the same system for less.

Seriously, I can't stress this enough. A decently fast dual processer upgrade is going to cost you around $400-550. If you find a system on ebay with this upgrade already installed, you're going to be spending LESS money for the same thing. Plus you'll probably get extra ram, HDs, vid card, etc.

I purchased a quicksilver with a gigadesigns dual 1.33ghz G4, 1.5 gigs ram, twin 160 gig HDs, two Raid controllers, USB 2.0 card, and 20" Cinema display for $1700, about 6 months ago. Considering the cost of a 20" cinema back then, and the system back then, it's a steal. Seriously, look on ebay for premodded systems. You'll savea buttload.

bbales · Aug 2, 2005, 09:01 AM

I have the same machine (gigabit ethernet/400 MZ), but I've had it since 2000. I've upgraded the processor (purchased at Other World Computing), added RAM and finally, this past winter, I added a much bigger hard drive. It was worth it for me because since the processor, especially, I added, just so far, more than 18 months of life to my machine. In fact, I have no plans to buy a new computer any time soon. I'm running Tiger and it's just fine. Having said that, I think you might be better served selling what you have and buying a Mini.

However, maybe you want the experience of doing everything yourself, which is a whole different matter.

thereubster · Aug 2, 2005, 07:25 PM

-What are my options?
1. Upgrade the G4, Logic works best with Dual-processors so you are looking at $400 minimum if you are serious about it (and it may not accept Dual-proc's, you'll need to check)
2. Upgrade the memory, you'll need at least another 512Mb to make Logic (or even garageband) useful.
3. 7200rpm hard drive, (serial ATA PCi card and SATA drive might be best option.)
4. Buy Tiger (you may need to get a DVD drive as well, if it is a CD-Rom model)
All of this adds up to way more than a Mac Mini, but of course thats not really suitable for Digital audio work either.... and you have better expansion options in the Powermac.
-Where can I look for the best prices?
heaps of places have deals - OWC, Small Dog, etc, etc
-Is it easy to upgrade? (I build my own PC's so I have some basic knowledge, but none with a Mac)
Yes, just as easy as a PC, but you have to be careful with your firmware version when installing upgrade cards and OSX on a Sawtooth (which you have) so you need OS9 installed to update firmware.
-Is the performance of an upgrade as good as a new Mac with the same speed processor?
Depends

if you compare put a 1.4Ghz upgrade card and a new HD in it then it will be at least as fast as a Mac Mini which is the only new comparable model. I guess an eMac will be faster as it has faster bus, ATA and ram interface.
Sorry about all of the questions, but like I said I'm totally new to the world of owning a Mac.
Thats OK, we macheads love to help!!

aaronc · Aug 2, 2005, 08:34 PM

Thanks everyone for your help!

I'm going to keep looking around and try and figure out what my best options are. I figure it would probably be better to not upgrade it since I will be using it for audio production. As far as selling it on ebay, seems like shipping would be more than the price of the computer based on what I saw during a quick search.

I'll probably just hold onto it just so I can be a mac owner!

suvsr4terrorists · Aug 2, 2005, 11:57 PM

Buyers usually pay shipping on ebay auctions. I've never heard of an auction where the shipping was included.

soUwannaBeacrackHead · Aug 4, 2005, 04:19 PM

If you really want to sell it, I might be interested, if the price is reasonable, AND you are 100% certain it is a Sawtooth model.

Can you post a list of the installed components, OS version, ect ect... or a screen shot of the Apple System Profiler reports, or just PM/email them to me directly ?

And shipping by UPS or USPS is not that bad, depending on locations, of course (I have bought several mac towers off ebay)

please respond asap

Freeflyer · Aug 4, 2005, 06:56 PM

Do you really need to do a processor upgrade? Think about what you're going to be doing with it first. I have a sawtooth that I use as a server, I've put two 120Gb drives internally and a 200Gb in a firewire case, and upped the ram to 720. Does everything I need without the expensive upgrade. Might add a new processor if I see one on ebay sometime.