PowerMac 7100 vs 7200 vs Performa 638

[Johnnya101]

I've gotta sell two of these...

Which one would you keep out of them? I like the style case on the 7100, but the 7200 is faster with more ram.

 

[Themk]

I like the PowerMac 7100; PPC, but with NuBus!!!

In the event of you selling the Performa 638; if you are able to offer me a good deal, I will bite!

 

[Bolle]

The 7200 is crippled in my eyes because it does not have a processor slot but a soldered on CPU. The 7100 has PDS for CPU expansion and as you stated a better looking metal case vs. spindler plastics on the 7200.

If you want a faster PCI machine go for a 7300/7600 if you want to stay with desktop machines.

Also Nubus on the 7100 }

 

[EvilCapitalist]

I agree, the 7200 is the machine to ditch since the only CPU upgrade for it was the prohibitively expensive/hard to find Sonnet Crescendo/7200.  Think the Crescendo G3 L2/500MHz (TAM CPU upgrade) is hard to find?  The 7200 upgrade is even worse, likely (I'm guessing) because instead of upgrading 7200s people just replaced the motherboards with one from a 73/75/7600 and took advantage of their easy to find/cheap upgrades.

Now between a PM7100 and a Performa 638 I'd go with the 7100 since you've got it all: easy/inexpensive CPU upgrades, a solid RAM ceiling, a case that won't splinter to pieces, and a unique boot chime.

 

[Johnnya101]

Awesome, thanks!

Ive created my for sale thread. The Performa 638 is for sale, along with the 7200.

 

[Unknown_K]

I think I have a G3 for the 7200.

 

[Macdrone]

The 638CD can be overclocked to 40mhz and is 040.  If he needs a powermac or G3 its better just to get a tower rather than a 7100 or 7200.

 

[Themk]

I'm (most likely) buying the 638CD. Also, the 638CD is LC040, so I will have to buy a full '040

 

[CharlieFrown]

I used to have 7200 in 1998 and for a long time it was unexpandable in terms of CPU. That was ma main reason I sold it ...and then they accounced that you can upgrade it via PCI!

 

[Macdrone]

the 40 mhz upgrade for the 638 is pretty simple, like moving 3 resistors and all set.  noticable speed bump from 33.

 

[Themk]

Yup, that's what I'm hoping for! I'm also buying a 40MHz spec full 040 in anticipation of the overclock.

 

[techknight]

I remember trying to use Yellow Dog Linux on my 7200 back in the day. And it was definitely the "Dog" in YDL... 

 

[Themk]

Well, having used this Performa now for a little while, I can say it is fast. Nice 68040 system.