CPU upgrades for Cube

[Mikeyy00]

Hey all,

I'm confused. Can you generally use a non-Cube Sonnet upgrade in a Cube?

I know the dual CPU models require some heat sink modifications.. but do the single? I've seen a few 1.0, 1.2 and I think a 1.6 pop up on eBay.. so I was curious if these could be used in a Cube (with a fan installed). 

I've read on some older posts that the VRM needs to be replaced if you're going to use anything higher than 1ghz, is that true? I think those are still obtainable.. but they're expensive.. so if I can avoid that, I'd rather.

In the same vein, does anyone have a 800mhz+ CPU upgrade they want to part with? I'm thinking about buying a 500mhz Cube CPU from another member here.. but I guess that's really only ~10% faster than the stock 450..

 

[Bolle]

You can use any upgrade in the Cube that fits in there you will however put extra load onto the VRM when using upgrades which were not made for the Cube.

Running the stock VRM with those upgrades will eventually fry it. A dying VRM takes the CPU and logicboard with it - I would not risk that.

That's the reason for running my Cube with the stock 500MHz CPU. It can stay 100% fan and noiseless that way too. I have a few spare Sonnet upgrades in the drawer but could resist the temptation to put one of them in the Cube.

 

[EvilCapitalist]

I'm about to put a 1.25GHz upgrade in my Cube...when I finally have enough free time to take it all the way apart again, but I'll also be doing a whole load of other upgrades as well (upspec VRM, cooling fan, DVD burner, and upgraded video card).  I wanted to find a dual G4 upgrade but there are only a few that actually fit the Cube and I haven't seen any come up for sale in a while.  The majority of the Sonnet upgrades will fit with little modification, it's just going to seriously stress the VRM as Bolle mentioned.  The ones that typically don't fit without quite a bit of modification are the NewerTech, FastMac, Giga Designs, and PowerLogix upgrades from what I've seen.

 

[beachycove]

A Dual 500 (from a Digital Audio) is possible, with relatively minor mods.

 

[Mikeyy00]

A Dual 500 (from a Digital Audio) is possible, with relatively minor mods.

How’s that for OSX performance (generally) vs. a single 1ghz?

 

[Alexlfm]

A dual 500 will likely do worse for the generation of apps you'd be likely to be running. While OS X does scale very well, anything that would take advantage of dual 500s is likely going to be in the class of apps such as photoshop and final cut. For regular use a 1ghz is going to be around 25-30% faster, at least in my experience.

 

[Mikeyy00]

Will a quicksilver processor work?

Obviously have to take the 133 vs 100 bus into account.. but has anyone else had luck using those?

 

[Alexlfm]

Not certain. Do you have any quicksilver machines? I have one laying around I could take a look at it later in the week, but I'm not sure. The bus speed shouldn't be an issue it should just drop down. When I get a chance I'll take a look at it and let you know.

 

[Mikeyy00]

I don't.. I just notice that their CPUs are far cheaper than proper Sonnet upgrades.

 

[Byrd]

Quicksilver CPUs will not work - they will not physically fit in a Cube

 

[Mikeyy00]

Quicksilver CPUs will not work - they will not physically fit in a Cube

Good to know.. Thanks. Glad I didn't buy one.

Anyone trying to sell a Sonnet processor they might have lying around?

 

[Jinnai]

I actually do haha, I should look at it and figure out what it is. I know it's just the card, lacking some sort of bracket or heatsink, so it might not be useful.

 

[Macdrone]

Have to be careful of bus speed on the cube.  Also Low power cpu upgrades as to not tax the VRM.  I have a 1.8 single upgrade in mine and runs 9 and X fairly well.  I put a fan in as there is a spot to actually mount one, and with a slim line G5 imac DVD bootable drive in there it takes lesss power and less room for more unblocked cooling.

 

[Mikeyy00]

I found a japanese site selling the higher test VRMs.. so not worried there.

 

[Mikeyy00]

I actually do haha, I should look at it and figure out what it is. I know it's just the card, lacking some sort of bracket or heatsink, so it might not be useful.

Just the card is exactly what I'm looking for provided it's not a dual CPU.. send me a picture if you want? Happy to make an offer.

 

[EvilCapitalist]

I found a japanese site selling the higher test VRMs.. so not worried there.

If you're talking about the Stratos VRM upgrade that's the one to go for...namely because if I'm not mistaken it's the only game left in town.

http://artmix.com/PowerMac_G4_VRM.html

 

[Mikeyy00]

If you're talking about the Stratos VRM upgrade that's the one to go for...namely because if I'm not mistaken it's the only game left in town.

http://artmix.com/PowerMac_G4_VRM.html

Yeah, thats the one. Apparently his placement of capacitors allows larger cards like the 9000 to fit as well without having to relocate the VRM.

 

[Byrd]

Don't bother with the Gigadesign C-VRM if you ever find one; they were actually not that great on aftermarket CPUs.  Mine couldn't even run a Gigadesign G4 1.4Ghz upgrade at the time.

 

[Mikeyy00]

Don't bother with the Gigadesign C-VRM if you ever find one; they were actually not that great on aftermarket CPUs.  Mine couldn't even run a Gigadesign G4 1.4Ghz upgrade at the time.

I might have a line on a 1ghz Sonnet.. I'm thinking about trying it on the stock VRM, since the aftermarket one is like $200.