Best PPC Mac for older games

[smokeyrabbit]

I recently discovered that I still have backups of several games (Bugdom 1&2, Nanosaur, TR 1-5) that I played back in the day on my iMac DV SE and upgraded Quicksilver G4. The oldest Mac I have now is a PowerMac G5 1.6, which of course doesn't support classic applications while running 10.5.8. I can't remember if it ever could run classic applications under older versions of OS X. What would be the most economical system to play these games in their original glory (i.e., probably not through emulation software)? I should add that I am open to getting an old system like a PM G4 of some sort too, just trying to figure out what would be best value for my $.

 

[Intell]

If you're wanting to run the widest possible range of operating systems on it, get a late PCI PowerMac. They can run 7.5.5 through 10.5.8.

 

[MisterKeeks]

If you're wanting to run the widest possible range of operating systems on it, get a late PCI PowerMac. They can run 7.5.5 through 10.5.8.

7.5.5? I know that some MDDs can run 9.2.2, is that what you meant?

 

[Intell]

7.5.5? I know that some MDDs can run 9.2.2, is that what you meant?

Nope, Mac OS 7.5.5 is original OS for the PowerMac 8600 and 9600. Both of which would be a great machine for classic games. They can take 1GB to 1.5GB of ram and can be maxed out with a 1Ghz 7455 G4. Really nice to use Mac OS 7.5.5 on a 1Ghz G4. It about near pees itself.

 

[MisterKeeks]

Nope, Mac OS 7.5.5 is original OS for the PowerMac 8600 and 9600. Both of which would be a great machine for classic games. They can take 1GB to 1.5GB of ram and can be maxed out with a 1Ghz 7455 G4. Really nice to use Mac OS 7.5.5 on a 1Ghz G4. It about near pees itself.

Oh, I wasn't remembering upgrades. I'm surprised that 7 can handle a 1GHz processor.

 

[Intell]

Oh, I wasn't remembering upgrades. I'm surprised that 7 can handle a 1GHz processor.

It isn't the most graceful thing at those speeds. Just like how Windows 95 can't run on a 3Ghz+ CPU, OS 7.5.5 likes to crash for no reason. But for the most part, it can do games just well. Finder's the only unstable thing. OS 7.6 hasn't crashed yet.

 

[n8mac]

I run a dual 1.8 G5 with 10.4.11 and classic for my old games. While there are some games that don't work to well under classic, most of the ones I have run well.

Simcity 2000
Myst 1-3
Age of Empires
Civilization 2 gold
Bugdom and Nanosaur from my first iMac
Yoot Tower

Love that old stuff. This way I can play it all on one machine without taking up too much space. You could always dual boot into Tiger if need be if classic is enough for your old games.