iMac G4/800 "Mac OS museum" project questions

[macinbot]

I've got an iMac G4/800 Flat Panel. It's the original "high end" launch model (everymac.com info page), that boots into both OS X 10.1+ and OS 9. I want to max out the RAM, upgrade the hard drive and put in a different DVD reader.

My plan with this computer is to create an Mac OS museum on the machine that will boot OS 9 and OS X 10.1-10.5, plus OS 1.0 through possibly 8.x via emulation.

I know Apple initially shipped these with PC100 and then later revised the spec to call for PC133. Does anyone know if that's because a bus speed issue, or is it because there was RAM floating around that was being under-speced (labeled PC100, but not meeting the speed) and causing problems? The reason I ask is I have two 512mb 168-pin DIMMs that have been happily living in a G4 tower without problem. I would like to take one and use it for the upper slot of the iMac. Also, if that works, does anyone see a problem with PC100 mixed with PC133? I have a 512mb 144-pin 133mhz so-dimm ready to go into the lower user slot. 

Despite Apple's official docs, I don't believe there is a problem using HDs larger than 128mb in the original launch iMac G4s, as long as OS X 10.2 or later is used. If I install a larger hard drive and partition into smaller chunks, will that allow 10.1 to see at least its own partition? Can OS 9 see larger HDs natively or do 10.1 and/or OS 9 need a special driver for that?

I think from 10.4 on, OS X allows basically any standard DVD drive to be installed, but on earlier versions it requires a special driver/kext, is that correct? The Pioneer in this iMac (and the one from my G4/800 "X Only") is really flaky. I've been testing out a LG drive that seems to be really solid under 10.4 and I would like to use that.

 

[Macdrone]

Ok I'll give some thoughts.

Ram, you can mix as the 133 will just slow down. It is fine. I maxed my original out years ago the same way.

Clean everything out when apart. Don't want to have to go in again. Thermal grease, same as any other heat sink, use just enough to remove air gap.

Hard drive I went 128 gig partitions so if some OS goes hay wire even OS 9 won't have an issue booting. Was it needed? Maybe not but it was good piece of mind.

Standard DVD drives, combo or otherwise will be fine, issued is OS 9 boot ability. I chose a brand that made drives for apple to make sure it was less of an issue. Do a google search and you should get led the right direction. Only issue is the drive must not be full length. Full length won't fit in the case. You also need to remove (un clip) the cover (door) off the drive sled so it can pop out.

Good luck

 

[macinbot]

Thanks 68000.

I was concerned that the PC100 would have performance problems or errors. Is there a good tool for checking RAM integrity?

I've taken an iMac G4 apart before. It's a pain, but not overwhelming. And you're right, it's much easier to clean it up while in there, than to pull the whole thing apart later.

The LG I have in the "X Only" iMac is one I put in there. I know it fits and works well, so I'm hoping it's OS 9 friendly. If not, I have an external Lacie Firewire DVD/RW I can use.

Now I need to find a nice sized IDE hard drive to complete the package.

 

[TheWhiteFalcon]

The earlier G4 iMacs are easier than the later models, thankfully.

 

[macinbot]

Thanks 68000.

 I meant to say "thanks Macdrone". So -- Thanks Macdrone.

 

[Macdrone]

Thanks I understood. It all works out. ????