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Leopard on 2002 800MHz eMac?

TheMacGuy

TheMacGuy

68000
I know the minimum processor speed for Leopard is 867MHz, but my eMac just falls short of that. I was wondering if anyone has tried this with the original 800MHz Nvidia graphics model? If so, how did it turn out? If I do upgrade to Leopard, would I still be able to boot 9.2.2? Would I have to wipe the HDD to use LeopardAssist? I would upgrade it to 1GB of RAM before I install, but I just want to make sure of a few things before I upgrade the OS.

 
You sure it's 867? IIRC, 800MHz was the minimum, so it should run. Otherwise, I think it's just a matter of doing some Open Firmware Hacks to get it to install.

You wouldn't be able to use the Classic environment, but, yes, you can boot into 9.2.2. It's just not as convenient as it is under 10.4.11.

-J

 
You sure it's 867?
Click to expand...
That's what the a lot of webpages I've visited said.

It's just not as convenient as it is under 10.4.11.
Click to expand...
Is there a modern browser that works well under 10.4 on a G4? Thats really all I'm looking for. I use iTunes on my MBP, Mail is not needed, I would just like to have a backup machine just in case. If there is a good browser, I just need to find a 10.4 disc. This eMac has a SuperDrive, so any will work, but I'd prefer the CD version because it is compatible with more machines. Probably won't be as lucky as I was with that Leopard disc. :-/

 
If I put the the eMac into Target Disk Mode, would I be able to install and run Leopard without having problems, thus removing the need of hacking the firmware?

 
That was a common way to get around the 867mhz limit when 10.5 came out. Start in target disk mode and plug into a supported Mac.

If I put the the eMac into Target Disk Mode, would I be able to install and run Leopard without having problems, thus removing the need of hacking the firmware?
Click to expand...
 
With Target Disk Mode, do I have to wipe the HDD, or can I just upgrade the OS on the disc? Can I tri-boot with 9.2.2, 10.2.8, and 10.5.8?

 
Just do it with Leopard Assist and forget about target modes et al. It is trivially easy, and the process once started is familiar. Alternatively, the OF method is also literally just a matter of typing a handful of characters. Takes a few seconds to boot to the prompt, type, reboot as directed, and you're off. You are not going to do your machine any damage with it.

A Dual 550 Digital Audio that I have around here runs Leopard without coughing. The upgraded graphics card makes a big difference, but what's in an eMac? A Radeon 7500 or some such? Not too bad. As for the processor, a single (and less capable G4) processor eMac may have more problems than the dual DA, but I'd go ahead and give it a whirl.

Once the initial Spotlight indexing is done, you'll get a good sense of its usability. I would defer judgment until then.

 
Is there anyway to re-edit the firmware or is it stuck with the Moded firmware? It has the Nvidia GeForce2 MX 3D AGP card. I think the fact that it is only 67MHz slower then the required specs from Apple, it will run very well.

 
The OF setting is temporary, and is done only for the purpose of fooling the installer. So, e.g., if you need in future to re-install Leopard after a disk crash, you'd have to go through the process once again.

Software updates will work without further trouble. The machine will report itself as an 800mhz unit. All manner of things shall be well.

 
Tried using LeopardAssist a few times. Didn't work. I keep getting the "Install Failed" "Mac OS X could not be installed on your computer" "The installer could not install the software because there was no software to install" "Click Restart to restart your computer and try installing again.". I went into the OF and moded it myself, got the same error. Is it something with my disc? Its pretty scratched. :-/

 
Its FINALLY working! It was not LeopardAssist's fault, but my semi-scratched disc and/or my eMac's SuperDrive. So, I borrowed a friends MacBook Pro (because I still need to buy a SuperDrive for my MBP w/ Retina) popped in the install disc, opened the Firmware, edited it, and put the MBP into Target Disk Mode. It found the disc, and booted. The install is almost done, with a minute to go.

 
I started the 10.5.8 Combo update. I then hopped in the shower, because it was going to take a 10 minutes. When I got out, it was done, and on a black screen, fans running, and the power indicator on. I couldn't get it to boot up after a forced shut down. Going to reinstall and try again.

 
Did you choose the right g4 optIon? My installations, which have been done twice or three times, have been absolutely trouble free.

 
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