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blues02 · 11:19 AM

How easy is replacing the CPU in these macs? I've never pulled a CPU from a Mac. Is it a ZIF socket? I notice it's a daughter card with big metal clips on it. Is it easy to get off?

And How much extra oompf would I get from this http://www.powermax.com/cgi-global/g...p.cgi?p=814408?

And do these various upgrade CPU's have any compatability problems or are they genuine G4 CPU's that run without any hitches?

chefpastry · Jan 26, 2006, 12:58 PM

I'm assuming that you're talking about the Gigabit Ethernet model of PowerMac as that's what you have for your signature.

Replacing the CPU modules on these models is not hard at all. Remove the heatsink. Pull out the old CPU module. Plug in the new CPU module. Put back the heatsink. You're done.

Since you currently only have 400MHz, going to 1.2GHz should yeild a significant improvement. However, if you can afford it, I highly recommend that you look in to one of the dual G4 upgrades. OS X really runs much better with two CPUs.

As for compatibiity, I don't know of any. Some upgrades require that you update the firmware on your machine, but, in terms of daily use, you should not see any compatiblity issues with any software.

blues02 · Jan 26, 2006, 01:06 PM

Thanks for the info. Yeah I'm looking to upgrade the one in my sig to give it a bit time as a XCode platform and for messing around with MySQL.

The dual option sounds good but that is too much money.

Lateralus · Jan 26, 2006, 02:09 PM

Ugh... Avoid PowerMax. They're **** all around.

Look at OWC or MacGurus. You can get a Dual 1.8GHz from MacGurs for $469.

kick52 · Jan 28, 2006, 08:43 AM

dont you have to flash the firmware or something?

for my birthday, i might buy one, but i have been put off by the flashing thing... i might cock it up...

Lateralus · Jan 28, 2006, 11:11 AM

I've done it twice. It takes a minute and couldn't be much easier.

kick52 · Jan 28, 2006, 11:37 AM

but do you you have to flash?

Lateralus · Jan 28, 2006, 12:07 PM

Originally Posted by kick52

dont you have to flash the firmware or something?

Originally Posted by Lateralus

I've done it twice. It takes a minute and couldn't be much easier.

Originally Posted by kick52

but do you you have to flash?

...yes.

leehotti · Jan 30, 2006, 12:43 PM

I suggest "gigadesigns" upgrades. The customer service support is outstanding, and you don't have to flash anything to my knowledge.

Lateralus · Jan 30, 2006, 02:19 PM

Yes you do. All 7447A G4 upgrades require a firmware update.

leehotti · Jan 30, 2006, 03:40 PM

Ah. I don't have the 7447s. I have the dual 1.33ghz ones that have a '5' in the model number somewhere.

kick52 · Jan 31, 2006, 02:09 PM

oh sorry, when you said "i've done it twice" i thoght you meant wapping processors.

there is a g4 733mhz processor at a part store. do you think it could work in my sawtooth?