Upgrade old PowerMac G4...?

[buxtone17]

Hey all -

Just came upon an old PowerMac G4. I don't have a monitor to connect to to yet, so I'm not sure what speed the processor is and such. (The model # is M8570 if that helps anyone...)

Anyways, I was wondering if it's possible and how difficult it would be to upgrade this machine with a new processor and video card. Also, I know these old Macs can only handle up to a gig of RAM. Is there any way to expand that capability (I've got a bunch of 1 gig sticks of RAM that need a home).

Any help/suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Dave H]

M8570 would make it a G4 MDD Firewire 800.
http://lowendmac.com/ppc/firewire-800-power-mac-g4.html

They can take 2GB of RAM.

The cheapest processor upgrade is probably a faster CPU pulled from another MDD.
If the donor Mac has a different bus speed, soldering would be required to change jumper settings on the CPU. Settings are on this page.
http://bitsandpieces.info/Multipliers.htm

For video cards, see here.
http://themacelite.wikidot.com/compatibility

 

[buxtone17]

The fastest processor on the MDD G4's is only 450 MHz, right?

Are there any companies that sell faster processors for old Mac's?

 

[Dave H]

They go up to dual 1.42GHz with stock processors.
http://lowendmac.com/ppc/firewire-800-power-mac-g4.html

 

[Sorkvild]

My last mac was this very model, and I upgraded just about everything I could on it... and I realized that the cost was just not worth it. The total amount I spent on upgrades could have gone toward a waaay better intel mac. However, if 1. this will be your only computer for a long time or 2. you really have enough money to pour into it, then by all means go for it...

But especially now I would advise against it just because its a PPC and they are slowly becoming a dying breed .

 

[jons]

The fastest processor on the MDD G4's is only 450 MHz, right?

Are there any companies that sell faster processors for old Mac's?

I think you can actually get like 2.0GHz aftermarket upgrade for them.

But seriously, don't put too much time/money into it.

It would make a fine file server or web machine, but beyond that it's aging pretty fast.

 

[michael.lauden]

i think if you have to ask "should i upgrade" - and you are financially able to, of course.

then the answer is yes