Tray load iMac with G4 upgrade = decent OS X machine?

NewWorld Power Macs 6 posts « Forum Index

#1 Sat Apr 7, 2007 4:25 am Tray load iMac with G4 upgrade = decent OS X machine?

I've asked this a few other places, so whay not try here?

To be more accurate, I'll be using it primarily for filemaker and web surfing.

I know that the G3 iMacs have lousy video under OS X, but I was hoping that a G4 upgrade would help. What do you guys think? I've always wanted a Rev.B Bondi iMac, but I cannot have any more "useless" computers sitting around, or I will end up single.

#2 Fri Apr 20, 2007 11:43 pm

I would say go for it! Max out the RAM for sure, install a decent 20GB or higher harddrive, and get a little USB WiFi and/or Bluetooth adapter. Don't go any higher than 10.3.9 for sure: you would have a heck of a time with Tiger, because I am assuming there isn't much L2 cache, and none of the bus speeds will be decent.

I've run 10.2.8 on a Bondi back in the day and thought it was an enjoyable experience, actually. 10.3.9 with upgraded specs plus a G4 = wonderful.

#3 Sat Apr 21, 2007 3:25 am

I used panther on my Rev. B iMac, with 384 MB RAM and a 40GB HDD
When I got the eMac, I realized the iMac was quite slow, but quite usable.

So this is how PowerPC dies... with thunderous applause

#4 Sat Apr 21, 2007 11:11 am

It'd be a decent performer under OS X. The main limiting factor would be the low amount of VRAM. Also, unless this machine has already been upgraded to a G4, the upgrade will push up the price a bit. Depending on how much you might be spending, it might be cheaper overall to get an older G4 tower.

PPC Macs:

Power Macintosh G4
B&W Power Macintosh G4
Power Macintosh 6500/225

#5 Wed Apr 25, 2007 7:59 pm

Definately do it...with enough RAM and a big, fast HD thrown at it, there's no reason a decently CPU'd iMac (G3/333 or above) can't handle OS X decently.

"I mean, how hard can it be?" - Jeremy Clarkson

The Infamous LCGuy - Now back with Amazing Working iMac Action!

#6 Thu Apr 26, 2007 12:51 am

So, "Montag", have you decided on what you are going to do with this machine? It will be interesting to hear how your performance changes. If you already own the machine, can you do an Xbench test: http://xbench.com/ before and after, just to see roughly what the performance boost was? Since this takes *all* aspects of the system into account, it won't be the best judge, but will still be interesting for sure.

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