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Powermac G4 Identity Crisis
Posted by: belgaonkar on 2017-03-09 15:04:24 Picked up this 400MHz "PCI" Powermac G4. System profiler says this is a "Powermac G3" but it is in a G4 case with a G4 processor. Not sure what this thing is. Did apple just not bother to change the system Id? Sorry about the image. Guess it's not my lucky day.
Posted by: bunnspecial on 2017-03-09 15:32:17 The Yikes!(PCI graphics) identifies in system profiler as a PowerMac G3. In truth, it is a B&W G3 in a different colored case with a G4 processor and no ADB port. In fact, if you look at the LoBo, it has the solder pads for the ADB port. It raised my eyebrows on the first one I bought, but it's 100% correct for that generation G4.
Posted by: LightBulbFun on 2017-03-09 15:39:06 just reading the system Profiler Rev 2.6 G4... do you mind taking the heatsink off and grabbing a picture of the CPU for me please? in regards to the system profiler shot as bunn says its completely normal just a fun little "typo" apple left 🙂
Posted by: belgaonkar on 2017-03-09 15:50:36 Hmm, the "warranty void if removed" sticker did look familiar. I have attached images of the cpu.
Posted by: bunnspecial on 2017-03-09 15:55:20 Yes, the Sawtooth and following are totally different internally and also eliminate the handy bus/multiplier jumper block. One interesting thing about these compared to the B&W is the heatsink. Unlike the flat and squat B&W heatsink, these look a lot like a mini Sawtooth heatsink.
Posted by: EvieSigma on 2017-03-09 16:26:41 Wait, you can overclock the B&W G3 too, not just the beige?
Posted by: LightBulbFun on 2017-03-09 16:27:18 thanks for the Shots 🙂 looks like your CPU was made week 41 1999 I also see you have what looks like a Radeon 9200 Mac edition fitted 🙂 indeed you can over clock the BW G3
Posted by: belgaonkar on 2017-03-09 17:35:20 Hmm just noticed that its got a 9200. Will probably sell it as I have no intention (yet) of using this machine. If I ever do, Ive got plenty of spare PM G4 graphics cards on hand.
Posted by: Byrd on 2017-03-09 17:52:39 Wait, you can overclock the B&W G3 too, not just the beige? Yes, the G3 400mhz will always hit 450, 500 with a good part. G4s usually only get + 50Mhz
Posted by: EvieSigma on 2017-03-09 18:45:08 Darn, mine is a 350 so I'd only get up to 400. 🙁 I've had zero luck trying to find a faster CPU out of a Yikes and any accelerators I find are phenomenally expensive.
Posted by: just.in.time on 2017-03-10 06:33:28 In fact, if you look at the LoBo, it has the solder pads for the ADB port. Is it possible to add the ADB port back on and have it work?
Posted by: bunnspecial on 2017-03-10 07:29:03 Is it possible to add the ADB port back on and have it work? Never tried it, but I don't see why not. You'd also have to knock out the place for it. I don't remember offhand if it's stamped into the case or not, but I expect it is. With that said, if you need/want ADB and a G4 you're better off with an upgraded B&W IMO. Also, I love my ADB peripherals, but the one significant need I see for a real ADB port(as opposed to USB) is for a software HASP. AFAIK, all of the software I have that needs an ADB HASP can't use Altivec so a fast G3 is usually as good as a G4.
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