Loading OS 9.2.2 PowerMac G3 BW

[NZXTInerTia]

Haven't posted in awhile, I tend to go through strides of adding to my Mac collection. Then I switch back to cars, then back to my gaming PC, blah blah. ANYWHO.

I recently picked up a 400MHz B&W PowerMac G3 that I specifically searched for, and set out to buy as a "new years resolution" so to speak. I didn't have a G3 PowerMac, and I figured it would be a perfect classic gaming machine.

I'd like to dual boot it with OS 9.2.2, which I've found a copy of online as its freeware nowadays, and my OE copy of Panther for some newer stuff. What would be the easiest way of going about doing this? I was also toying with the idea of running an IDE to compact flash adapter, for a little bit of a speed boost. As well as upgrading the RAM to the maximum capacity as its been the trend of all of my other collected PPC macs.

On a side note, I was super bummed to receive the unit with a damaged handle. Complete packaging neglect from the seller as well, completely avoidable. Ebay listing, versus how I received it. The seller agreed to send me a new handle, or refund me half of my money. So we'll see if a handle shows up. Bonus G4 I got from a coworker.

 

[Slix]

As long as you aren't using a drive that is more than 128 GB, if you install Mac OS 9 and then install Panther or any version of OS X (Tiger should run pretty well on that machine), you can switch between then from Startup Disk in System Preferences/Control Panel as if the drive were partitioned. You don't actually need to partition it unless the drive is either larger than 128 GB, or you want to run, say, Mac OS 9, Panther, and Tiger all on the same drive. The System Folder (OS 9) and System (OS X) folder can live on the same drive and work just fine living in harmony. Classic mode through OS X then also works well if you have the System Folder on the same drive.

Hope that helps! Sad to see the handle broken, hopefully you'll get a new one shipped to you! I like using my Power Mac G3 too, mine is a 300 MHz.