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norminfo · 05:08 AM

Here's my configuration.
Machine Model: Power Mac G4 (AGP graphics)
CPU Type: PowerPC G4 (2.9), Number Of CPUs: 1, CPU Speed: 450 MHz, L2 Cache (per CPU): 1 MB
Memory: 1.5 GB, Bus Speed: 100 MHz, Boot ROM Version: 4.2.8f1, Video card; ATI,Rage128Pro:
HD: 80G, 7200 tpm, OS: 10.3,

My machine is very slow and wont even play a single video, just opening a simple window is a real core, would I look for a processor upgrade or what would be the best.
Thanks

mduell · Sep 1, 2008, 12:22 PM

Here's the options; 1.6Ghz for $230 is probably the best value.
A slightly used Intel Mac (mini or iMac) can be had for not much more and would be much faster; but they have limited expansion options compared to a PowerMac tower.

norminfo · Sep 1, 2008, 02:04 PM

I have only one bay on mine already occupied by the dvd burner (din't have any before), I'm working (trying) with this mac and tried to compare with my pc, but for now, can't compare, and you mention another processor, but does it fit in mine, include a photo of it.

norminfo · Sep 1, 2008, 03:46 PM

Just change my HD for a faster one, just reinstall Mac OS and already seen a difference.

zombie punk · Sep 1, 2008, 03:51 PM

Don't get the upgrade - put the money towards a new machine - even a mini will be faster than this.

dimmer · Sep 1, 2008, 05:15 PM

...a MacMini (new or used, but an Intel model would be best) is a much better way to spend a smidgen more money.

mduell · Sep 1, 2008, 07:10 PM

Originally Posted by norminfo

I have only one bay on mine already occupied by the dvd burner (din't have any before), I'm working (trying) with this mac and tried to compare with my pc, but for now, can't compare, and you mention another processor, but does it fit in mine, include a photo of it.[/IMG]

It really doesn't sound like you're in the class of people who replace their processor... I'd look at a refurb iMac instead.

chipchen · Sep 2, 2008, 03:03 AM

If you're having problems opening a window and you've got 1.5GB RAM, sounds like you have a hard drive / software issue. I have an old 450MHz PowerMac, with 768MB RAM, opens windows and plays videos just fine. I think you got something else going on.

Does the hard drive sound bad?

norminfo · Sep 2, 2008, 05:09 AM

More faster and can even play heavy video, look that the drive was really to slow, I already have it in stock from my old pc and everything work fine.
And on a G4 with 450ghz what is the more recent OS can I put in it.
Thanks

Eug · Sep 2, 2008, 07:47 AM

Even with a 1.7 GHz G4 and a new video card (mandatory), you'll still have problems playing H.264 video.

Buy an Intel dual-core Mac mini.

chipchen · Sep 2, 2008, 08:10 PM

10.4 is what you can run on it. There are ways to get 10.5 on it... but I wouldn't recommend it.

sek929 · Sep 2, 2008, 08:28 PM

Originally Posted by mduell

It really doesn't sound like you're in the class of people who replace their processor... I'd look at a refurb iMac instead.

What he said.

Or if you already have a decent monitor look into a refurb. Intel Mac Mini which will spank your G4 no matter what CPU upgrade you buy for it.

OreoCookie · Sep 3, 2008, 03:19 AM

A refurb (Intel-based) iMac is the better choice, don't waste your money on an obsolete machine.

norminfo · Sep 3, 2008, 09:02 AM

For now it's working fine and if I love Mac, I'll by a new one, but for now, it's just for trying if mac can do a better job for what I'm looking for.
Thanks for your help.

Eug · 09:29 AM

Trust me, it's a waste of time and money to upgrade that G4 Power Mac. Do it for nostalgia if you wish, but not for performance, cuz you won't get much. I have two G4 Cubes by the way, and one of them has a G4 1.7 and a GeForce 6200. For H.264, it's adequate for low rez H.264 video, but not much else. And don't ever try to encode any H.264. It's extremely painful. And like I suggested earlier, you'd have to upgrade the video card too for a tangible increase in responsiveness, so even just for that marginal H.264 support and basic OS usage it'd cost you a merdeload of money (in comparison to what the machine is worth and the performance you'd get out of it). Buying a dual-core Intel Mac mini is a MUCH, MUCH better value for the money. It's several fold faster, it comes with brand new components, and it comes with a warranty.

The only reason I keep the Cubes is because they look nice. My main machine is a 24" Core 2 Duo iMac.

norminfo · 03:35 AM

Like I mention, I din't put any money in it and I won't ether, and like I said, probabely I'll buy one a little time later.
Thanks again for the advice.

dimmer · Sep 14, 2008, 09:28 PM

for now, it's just for trying if mac can do a better job for what I'm looking for.

I don't know how useful the system would be for that either: what would the six? seven? year old Mac be compared with? Do you have a set of tests in mind?

norminfo · Sep 15, 2008, 05:00 AM

Originally Posted by dimmer

for now, it's just for trying if mac can do a better job for what I'm looking for.

I don't know how useful the system would be for that either: what would the six? seven? year old Mac be compared with? Do you have a set of tests in mind?

Just triyng with photo programs and (Iknow it's to slow) with some video, which video programs do you suggest.

snodsy · Sep 23, 2008, 02:05 PM

I'm not a tech person at all, but I have a G4 AGP (Sawtooth) 400mhz that I upgraded to a 1.6GHz from OWC (they have a nice area on there website that lists all the upgrades for any system) and was able to read large CADD files in Adobe Illustrator that I wasn't able to do very well prior to the upgrade, I agree that a new system would be better, but for a couple hundred dollars this worked temporarily for me. It was pretty easy to install as well, just followed the instructions. I've tried to find a video card for this but most people are out of the earlier version and the latest are too expensive to really consider. You may need to upgrade to a later system version, I'd check first.

good luck
snodsy

chichow · Sep 25, 2008, 12:24 PM

only reason to stay with an old system like this, is if its already working well for some program or task that you have it setup to do.

SSharon · Sep 25, 2008, 02:47 PM

Originally Posted by chichow

only reason to stay with an old system like this, is if its already working well for some program or task that you have it setup to do.

I've been thinking about upgrading my MDD for years now even though the upgrade is more expensive than a mac mini. I've already invested a lot in the MDD, but to play h264 video it needs more power. Once I upgrade to a new machine I'll have to make the tough decision of buying a mini to plug into the TV or upgrading the MDD.