Quadra 700 and Newertech PowerPump device = not friends!

[Byrd]

Hi,

I purchased a NewerTech PowerPump clock chipping/overclocking device for my Quadra 700 on eBay (dlchief I think it was). This device purports to overclock the onboard 25Mhz '040 (to 30 - 33Mhz) and the Power Macintosh Upgrade card (from 50Mhz to ~ 70-80Mhz), using a software utility once the hardware is properly installed (which is quite a complex kit).

Yesterday I set about installing the special Nubus adapter, installed the fans on both CPUs, plugged in the ROM SIMM and wired up all the cables - including those two cables running to the 50Mhz clock generator and the chip next to it.

Fired up the Mac, all as usual - then excitedly loaded the PowerPump control panel, overclocked both CPUs slightly, shut down. Restart - both CPUs still at stock. Reseated and double checked all cables etc. No dice - after all this work, no faster Mac!

- Has anyone used these devices before, and had success?

- The PowerPump software is version 1.01 and I'm running OS 7.6.1, there doesn't seem to be later software available online

- The PRAM battery is dead, which could be one reason why this fails?

- I'm thinking of soldering the clock generator cables directly onto the motherboard - the little clips are crappy, although they are connected properly.

- The PowerPump manual is rubbish - it's funny how the box doesn't state how complex it is to install, the manual is geared towards a new computer user. However, anyone who has basic computer experience wouldn't go near installing it

Thanks

JB

 

[trag]

Definitely try the PRAM battery. That thing may be storing the speed settings you choose in the software in the Mac's PRAM. If so, the setting would be lost without a PRAM battery, but only if there's no wall power.

If during your test, the machine still had wall power during the shutdown period, then the PRAM battery is much less likely to be the issue.

 

[johnklos]

I'm not familiar with the PowerPump, but in my experience Quadra 700s don't overclock well at all. I remember I was able to get one to 30 MHz, but not to 33 MHz, so I decided to put in QuadDoublers wherever possible.

On the other hand, as suggested before, your battery might be why your settings go away.