Power Mac G4 MDD Dual CPU upgrade pros/cons?

[chrisdunderdale]

I have a dual 1.25ghz card from a non functioning machine ready to go into my single 1.25ghz machine, but I am reticent to do so, as I'm not sure how much of a real world performance bump it would give, and it will make everything quite a bit hotter/more power draw. I'd also like to know how much strain the extra CPU puts on the fragile power supply? I'd be really interested in thoughts!

 

[Unknown_K]

In OSX the second processor helps a bunch. Each G4 1.25ghz CPU is probably using 30-40W at most.

 

[chrisdunderdale]

OK, thats really useful thanks. In that case, I might look at doing the swap. I wonder how much it will increase fan noise - suppose I'll find out!

 

[chrisdunderdale]

Also, is it possible to install OS9 on one drive, and OSX on another drive for a dual boot set up? I want a larger than 120gb drive for the OSX one, hence this set up. Would I need to set both drives to master with the jumper settings, and press option on start up to select?

 

[Unknown_K]

I tend to do that on my G4's (dual HDs). You just select the drive you want to use and reboot or just hold the option button after it chimes and pick the drive.

 

[chrisdunderdale]

Ok, that’s great - and in terms of jumper settings, both set to cable select?

 

[RepairManiac]

Ok, that’s great - and in terms of jumper settings, both set to cable select?

Yes - Cable Select both devices