Powermac G4 Identity Crisis

[belgaonkar]

Picked up this 400MHz "PCI" Powermac G4. System profiler says this is a "Powermac G3" but it is in a G4 case with a G4 processor. Not sure what this thing is. Did apple just not bother to change the system Id?

Sorry about the image. Guess it's not my lucky day.

 

[bunnspecial]

The Yikes!(PCI graphics) identifies in system profiler as a PowerMac G3.

In truth, it is a B&W G3 in a different colored case with a G4 processor and no ADB port. In fact, if you look at the LoBo, it has the solder pads for the ADB port.

It raised my eyebrows on the first one I bought, but it's 100% correct for that generation G4.

 

[LightBulbFun]

just reading the system Profiler Rev 2.6 G4... do you mind taking the heatsink off and grabbing a picture of the CPU for me please? in regards to the system profiler shot as bunn says its completely normal just a fun little "typo" apple left

 

[belgaonkar]

Hmm, the "warranty void if removed" sticker did look familiar. 

I have attached images of the cpu.

 

[bunnspecial]

Yes, the Sawtooth and following are totally different internally and also eliminate the handy bus/multiplier jumper block.

One interesting thing about these compared to the B&W is the heatsink. Unlike the flat and squat B&W heatsink, these look a lot like a mini Sawtooth heatsink.

 

[EvieSigma]

Wait, you can overclock the B&W G3 too, not just the beige?

 

[LightBulbFun]

thanks for the Shots looks like your CPU was made week 41 1999 I also see you have what looks like a Radeon 9200 Mac edition fitted

indeed you can over clock the BW G3

 

[belgaonkar]

Hmm just noticed that its got a 9200. Will probably sell it as I have no intention (yet) of using this machine. If I ever do, Ive got plenty of spare PM G4 graphics cards on hand.

 

[Byrd]

Wait, you can overclock the B&W G3 too, not just the beige?

Yes, the G3 400mhz will always hit 450, 500 with a good part.  G4s usually only get + 50Mhz

 

[EvieSigma]

Darn, mine is a 350 so I'd only get up to 400.

I've had zero luck trying to find a faster CPU out of a Yikes and any accelerators I find are phenomenally expensive.

 

[just.in.time]

In fact, if you look at the LoBo, it has the solder pads for the ADB port.

Is it possible to add the ADB port back on and have it work?

 

[bunnspecial]

Is it possible to add the ADB port back on and have it work?

Never tried it, but I don't see why not.

You'd also have to knock out the place for it. I don't remember offhand if it's stamped into the case or not, but I expect it is.

With that said, if you need/want ADB and a G4 you're better off with an upgraded B&W IMO.

Also, I love my ADB peripherals, but the one significant need I see for a real ADB port(as opposed to USB) is for a software HASP. AFAIK, all of the software I have that needs an ADB HASP can't use Altivec so a fast G3 is usually as good as a G4.