Upgrading a G4 Cube

[EvilCapitalist]

Out of all my machines my G4 Cube is one of the last few that haven't had a whole lot of upgrades...and I'm looking to change that. 

It's got a reasonably large HD which I figure I'll switch out with an SSD at some point but that's easy so I'll likely tackle that last.  I've already maxed the RAM and installed a new video card (Radeon 7500) so the only item remaining that I'd like to do would be a CPU upgrade.  I know I'll need to add a fan if I don't want everything to roast (slim 80MM correct?) but had some other questions.

As far as the actual CPU upgrade goes my options are:

1 - Upgrade to a stock G4 from another Apple machine (dual 500 or something faster)

2- Upgrade to an aftermarket G4 from Sonnet or PowerLogix, providing I can find one

Which would be the better option?  I thought I had read that only some of them really "required" the higher spec VRM, but since I'm using an ADC monitor if I can get my hands on a CPU upgrade I should probably do the VRM as well just to be on the safe side, correct?

 

[omidimo]

If you drop the spin drive for the SSD, that should help alleviate some of the power and thermal issues.

I used to use the PowerLogix Dual 1.5Ghz in around 2004 without replacing the VRM and it never died. It was paired with a 17 ACD which it self was not a huge power drain, the larger monitors and the CRT ADC might tax the VRM. 

How did the 7500 bracket modification go? I never tried that as I had a GeForce 3 instead.

 

[omidimo]

AND... there is a Cube upgrade up : http://www.ebay.com/itm/222615778102

 

[ScutBoy]

When I've put 7500s in my Cubes, I just left the fence bracket off. The card is fairly solid, I don't disconnect/reconnect the video that often anyway, and I'm not OCD about the appearance [] ]'>

For me, the 7500 is a good, solid, inexpensive upgrade for the Cube. I can see why some people may want more, but for me, it's enough.

 

[EvilCapitalist]

That's what I did, installed it without the brackets.  I saw I can still get some if I really want to make sure everything is secure, but it's not like I'd be plugging/unplugging the LCD all the time.

Hmmm...I hadn't even started looking for CPU upgrades and there's one up for sale.  Nice find, omidimo!  I may have to snag that before someone else grabs it.

 

[Bolle]

That upgrade is not one of Sonnets Cube upgrades.

The model numbers starting with SG4RS are CPUs for normal PowerMacs.

The Cube upgrades have model numbers starting with SG4C.

As far as I remember the Cube Upgrades from Sonnet also did not have the fan connector because that one can short out on the heatsink in the Cube.

Looks lime someone stuck a Cube heatsink plate on a normal Sonnet CPU.

Those can run in the Cube but they might draw too much current and blow up your VRM, which usually takes the Logicboard with it on its way out.

ADC Monitors put no load on the VRM as they get powered directly by the external PSU of the Cube. The external speakers do put quite some load on the VRM though.

So a cube loaded with speakers, upgraded graphics card, Firewire devices and a CPU ugrade that is not specified to run in the Cube might be too much for the VRM.

The VRM gets hot by itself - even more when under heavy load. Together with the heat from the upgrades the little smd MOSFETs blow up in no time. I have seen quite a few releasing their magic smoke.

 

[MikeatOSX]

I got a new built, stronger VRM (DC-to-DC Board) and base fan from here:
http://www.artmix.com/wordpress/?cat=6
(bought via ebay)

Power Mac G4 Cube High Power VRM (voltage regulator module)

Super High Power and Accuracy VRM (25% up than Apple Genuine VRM) Unit. If your PowerMac G4 Cube is upgraded, such as accelerator, high capacity HDD , memory, or Video card..., your VRM Unit might be over load and over heat. Please try my new product.
Only Swap with Genuine VRM, then you can use it.
Automatic fan controller built in. Low noise Cooling Fan is including. Fan revolution is adjusted by on-board heat sensor.
Precise rating circuit and parts makes very low voltage ripple. So, it works very good for 7455/7447/7448 accelerator, such as SONNET, GIGA DESIGN, or PowerLogix.

So my Cube is working with a 1.2 GHz (non-Cube) card from Sonnet and a Geforce3 at very low temperature (below max. 60C / 140F).
My Cube is always connected inside to an external sensor of a thermometer. I don't trust in software measuring.

 

[Macdrone]

How much was the VRM?  I cant seem to find a place on the site that its for sale.

 

[Macdrone]

Just FYI they say its ok to use a later powerbook power supply on a mac portable, so be wary as they dont know what kind of damage they can cause if they dont understand how stuff works.

 

[MikeatOSX]

Artmix is a one-person "company".

I bought many parts from him: several SCSI2CF PowerBook adapters, SE/30 parts etc.

No problems after one / two years.

The VRM was about $200.- incl. shipping, taxes etc.

Not cheap but great product.

BTW: I'm not interested in a PowerBook portable...

 

[Macdrone]

I understand, I am just saying he said use a portable with the wrong power supply without the battery on his site.  With advice like that just be careful.  Maybe he had newer gear on lockdown without relizing the portable was so different he was hurting it.

 

[EvilCapitalist]

That's the VRM replacement I was looking at as I'd heard good things about it in the past.  Given that that Sonnet CPU that popped up wasn't the "correct" one (and is gone in any event) I'll just have to keep looking.

 

[omidimo]

Setup an alert for Sonnet G4. The Sonnet Cube cards are becoming very rare, I got a 1.8ghz last March for $157 and have not seen another since (or missed it if it had been a Buy It Now). 

 

[Macdrone]

mines a 1.6 which is great, I just want a new VRM.

 

[EvilCapitalist]

Now I definitely need to replace the VRM, as well as go to an SSD since the upgrade I picked up would likely spell the end of the stock VRM:



Found a Graphite G4 with this beast already installed.  Right now it's set to 1.5GHz though I believe it can go all the way to 1.8GHz.  Interestingly enough, right after this arrived a Sonnet Encore/ST G4/1.7GHz popped up on eBay.  I guess when it rains it pours.

 

[omidimo]

You mean this Sonnet G4? It is nice, but not a Cube model, not that it will stop anyone from using it one with a little care and customization. 

This SSD from OWC is the pretty much the cream of the crop when it comes to PATA SSDs, as it can handle OS X level of wear. 

 

[EvilCapitalist]

That's the one.  I figure anyone game enough to want to upgrade the CPU in a Cube is going to have the stomach for doing a little customization. 

 

[BicycleGuy]

I got a new built, stronger VRM (DC-to-DC Board) and base fan from here:
http://www.artmix.com/wordpress/?cat=6
(bought via ebay)

Hi MikeatOSX, do you know if artmix is still selling these VRMs for the Cube? It looks great. Hoping it will run in my Cube which i bought 18 years ago. The VRM is toast in mine as well. Thanks.

 

[Bolle]

They still are selling them: http://www.artmix.com/PowerMac_G4_VRM.html

Be aware though that if your VRM did blow it is likely that it took your logicboard with it on its way out.

I have rebuilt a few stock Cube VRMs that worked just fine afterwards but I could never get a logicboard to work again after it was taken out by a dying VRM.