[pwrmacg4]

Assuming equal memory, does dual CPU Powermac run faster than single CPU in general usage of OS 10- file, web browsing. (non Photoshop) Would 500mhz G4 be faster than dual 450mhz G4?

[Webscreamer]

Originally posted by pwrmacg4:
Assuming equal memory, does dual CPU Powermac run faster than single CPU in general usage of OS 10- file, web browsing. (non Photoshop) Would 500mhz G4 be faster than dual 450mhz G4?

First of all, you need to upgrade to at least 10.1 from 10.0. It's a free update. Also, if you can, get your hands on 10.3 or wait a few more months for 10.4.

Secondly, A dual 450 would beat out a 500mhz G4 in Mac OS X.

[Superchicken]

A Dual 450 would be able to do about twice as much as a normal 450 at the same time. Therefore, while the 500Mhz model might do a single task a slight bit faster, if you are doing even mildly intence stuff the Dual should be faster. Unless you have a really poorly coded App. That said, I think a 1.25 Mac mini will perform better than either system.

[nerd]

There was a bug in 10.0 and dual cpus. The audio would drop out. I had to disable one CPU in open firmware every-time I booted if I wanted to enjoy audio on my Digital Audio Dual 533. I don't know how many Macs this affected.

Edit: If you talking about OS 10 in general and are planning on 10.3 or something then forget what I just said.

[CharlesS]

10.0 on a dual 450 will be faster (most of the time) than 10.0 on a single 500.

However, 10.3 on either system will blow away 10.0 on the dual 450. Apple did a lot of optimization between 10.0 and 10.2.

Furthermore, a $500 Mac mini will beat 10.3 on either system handily.

A G5 iMac will annihilate any machine thus far mentioned.

Whatever you end up deciding on, be merciful to yourself, and don't use 10.0. Get at least 10.1, but 10.3 is best. 10.4, when it comes out, will be awesome.

[Detrius]

Originally posted by nerd:
There was a bug in 10.0 and dual cpus. The audio would drop out. I had to disable one CPU in open firmware every-time I booted if I wanted to enjoy audio on my Digital Audio Dual 533. I don't know how many Macs this affected.

Edit: If you talking about OS 10 in general and are planning on 10.3 or something then forget what I just said.

This issue I didn't have on my identical machine.

[mudzilla]

Originally posted by Detrius:
This issue I didn't have on my identical machine.

thanks Yoda!