i wanna know if i can make my iMac RevB a good network game machine. I wanna be able to play hardware intensive LAN games like Unreal Tournament. I know i can upgrade the processor, the RAM (video also?) and th HD. But can i upgrade the Video Card? What would i have to do make my imac RevB play Unreal Tournament as well as my friends 500Mhz iMac SE?

[The Dude]

Howdy david! To answer your question, yes you can make a Rev.B iMac into a network gaming machine.

First off, I would recommend that you upgrade the processor to atleast a 400Mhz G3 with one of those CPU upgrades from Newer Technologies.
Second, I would up the ram to atleast 192MB. Make sure this RAM is 2-2-2 rated. If it isn't, it won't make that big a difference, but it sure does help.
Third, yes you can upgrade the video card. You can add a Voodoo2 card which is a significant bump up from the pathetic RagePro in it already. For games such as Unreal Tournament, the voodoo2 will give a real nice kick in the ass with the FPS. As of right now, you can pick one up for about $130 at www.Mac-o-Rama.com. One thing about this card, if you aren't too comfortable about installing RAM or another CPU, then I recommend that you don't even attempt to install the Voodoo2.

Well I think I covered all the bases here. If you want to begin to play over the net, then I suggest you get a cable/DSL line.

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The fact that life sucks, is a fact of life.

[MezzanineKid]

You asked this in a different forum. Not cool.

[The Dude]

While I do agree with you Ca$h, maybe you want to cut some slack for him. He has only posted twice.

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The fact that life sucks, is a fact of life.

Sorry, I'm new to this. Didn't know it wasn't cool to post twice. I just thought different people would be able to give different answers. Thanks for the advice thus far "Dude." Later.

[TheAdmiral]

Starcraft should run on it just fine ... if you're into games like Starcraft. Granted, it doesn't need a Voodoo card or half a gig of RAM, but multiplayer Starcraft is one of the coolest gaming experiences out there.

For games like UT, The Dude is right on the money.

Happy gaming!

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-The Admiral

[proux]

I would not recommend to upgrade your machine, just sell it on eBay for around $500 and buy a used 400Mhz iMac DV SE for like $800, or better a used iMac with the Rage 128 pro (it makes a difference).

It will be cheaper and more effective in the long run. And in a couple of years you can do it again.

Good luck

[andi*pandi]

The imac rev b has RagePro.

[MoBius]

You can do the best you can by getting mezzanine slot voodoo2 and more ram i would say 192 is good or more. if you have the money get a upgrade for hte processor...

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m0b

The best long term course would be to keep your iMac and make it a terminal for family & friends to do email, web, surfing and productivity. This way they don't nag you off you the Mac while you're playing because they want to check some stupid email! =)

Wait until after January 9, for the Apple Expo, the iMacs will be upgraded and you will be able to get a good new system or the current DV+ models for under $1,000.
It is a lot less hassle and expense/value then upgrading your RevB iMac.

I strongly believe the iMacs will be upgraded Jan 9. I don't think Apple can sell iMac 350Mhz to anyone, even if it is $799. PCs for same price give 500Mhz minimum. I bet in January the $799 model will be at least a G3 450Mhz. They might even toss in a 8mb Radeon set with all iMacs, I think this is a strong possibility.

Then you will have a nice gaming machine.

[Jsnuff1]

What the hell is wrong with posting twice, whoever said that is the person thats "not cool"

[andi*pandi]

re posting twice:

that is actually a macnn standard, one frequently shouted by former mod wlonh.


And cash quoted him! heh heh...

"In memory of wlonh"

[The Dude]

Does the term "If at first you don't succed, try try again," mean anything here?

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"I drank what?"

-Socrates

[andi*pandi]

if I recall, the rule is less about preventing posting anew at a later date about the same problem, but blanketing multiple forums with the same question.

anyhow.

my imac rev b will rock for games if i ever get my 256 MB module... sigh. With the partial 128 I can get Dues Ex to run without crashing, but swimming is so slow it may be molasses.

[Angus_D]

Call me insane, but I know my iMac Rev.D has a mezzanine interface on the motherboard, and I heard I could solder a card onto it. Just out of interest is this possible?

[TylerDurdan]

Yes. It is. If you want more info, contact me at

wanker__@hotmail.com