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Help me identify my G4 powermac.
Posted by: xypex982 on 2008-08-15 17:27:25
One of the many things I got in a trade today was a sweet AGP G4, but I can't seem to get it online, I set the network stuff to automatic and tried rebooting and unplugging and replugging the ethernet cable.....Im stumped. I also took out the rage 128 AGP card and popped in a PCI radeon 7000 32mb, and it just works don't I need a driver? Isn't a radeon 7000 way better than a rage 128?

Also this is my first mac, so please go easy on me.
Posted by: equill on 2008-08-15 18:58:30
A few more details will help us, who cannot even see your Mac, to help you. Does '10.2' in your sig. mean Jaguar (OS X v10.2)? Is it 10.2.8 (in About this Mac.)? That is the best that you can do without upgrade to Panther (10.3), and doing that ideally needs RAM enough to deal with OS and a browser, say at least 256MB and preferably 512MB.

What is the 'Network stuff'? Dial-up? ADSL? Through a modem, or a modem/router, or shared from/with a PC? Are you using the inbuilt Safari? How did you configure Network in System Preferences? A full and frank confession is needed for your catharsis ... and help.

de
Posted by: xypex982 on 2008-08-16 15:56:45
Ok I updated to Tiger and now it works fine, I have some questions as a new mac user. Is the PCI Radeon 7000 I popped in fine? I didn't install drivers. Doews Tiger already have good ones? Second I have loads of ram some of it pc100 and others pc133 I have 4 sticks of ram in the G4 one of the pc133 and the others pc100, does a mac like a pc slow down the faster stick to the slower sticks speeds, will it run right? On the topic of ram, what is a app that will test my ram to make sure it is good?
Posted by: Rodus on 2008-08-16 16:15:46
Tiger has all the drivers for the Radeon 7000 so don't panic, it's not a great card but it is much better then the 128.

Your G4 can take a mix of PC100 and 133 and you should have no problems (I never have) it will slow the 133 down to the motherboard bus speed which is 100 mhz. As for a RAM tester, first port of call is to go into System Profiler in the Utilities folder. Click on memory and if status is OK and you aren't experiencing any problems then life is good.
Posted by: xypex982 on 2008-08-16 16:38:32
Ok I did a upgrade to 10.4 from 10.2, but it didn't seem to like it so I want to try and format and then install 10.4 but it now didn't boot from the DVD drive. What do I do?

*Update* I got 10.4 on, so much faster with a clean install, now im just updating. Then im going to up the ram. Would a faster and bigger HD make a difference from the 12gb one in it now?What OSX do you guys suggest for b/w g3s?

A screenshot of my HD from system profile
Posted by: xypex982 on 2008-08-17 18:14:34
Ok didn't want to start a new thread so I just changed the topic of this one. I want to identify my G4 Power Mac, and hope you can suggest some cpu upgrades both aftermarket, or what system pull g4s would work.

When I got it, it had a 12gb IMB HD (can't reacall the RPM) a rage 128 pro, and a 400mhz G4 cpu. What other info can I give you to help you guys out?
Posted by: ealex79 on 2008-08-17 18:18:51
Sounds like a Sawtooth.
Posted by: Christopher on 2008-08-17 18:51:38
Yikes!
Posted by: Temetka on 2008-08-17 20:56:51
It has AGP and is therefor a Sawtooth.
Posted by: xypex982 on 2008-08-17 21:04:48
Ok it does have agp, I just didnt know if they put agp in and then did some other major changes later on (well obviously the quicksilver), so since it is a sawtooth could i put in some other g4 cpu in it like a quicksilver's, or even a duel cpu? Also what are good after market cpu upgrades that are compatible?

I wish there was a thanks or rep button, you guys have helped me sooo much.
Posted by: ealex79 on 2008-08-17 23:29:42
Well, I don't know what CPU's fit... but.. [😱)] ]'> Lets hope they don't duel!!
Posted by: Bunsen on 2008-08-18 01:46:12
since it is a sawtooth could i put in some other g4 cpu in it like a quicksilver's, or even a duel cpu? Also what are good after market cpu upgrades that are compatible?
The short answer to your first question is yes, and yes. There are catches though. To see detailed answers go to xlr8yourmac.com's G4 Systems page, especially the FAQ which is the first link, and their CPU upgrades page.

In short, ones from newer (133MHz bus) G4s can be used but may need modifications to either the CPU module, heatsink, or Mac.

http://eshop.macsales.com will give you the best price on new CPU upgrades. If you go through their "select machine type" menu it will only show ones that are guaranteed compatible with your machine, so there's no confusion.
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