Need some basics on G4 Power PCs

[HW-Hack]

I'm wanting to pick up a Mac on the cheap - but one that will also be a bit peppy and I can do some upgrades to.

Ultimately I want a dual G4 1Ghz (or faster machine) looking at a quicksilver or the mirror doored models -- but having dual CPUs is key.

However I am very ignorant on the architecture of these machines. From what I've gleaned it seems like there is a separate CPU board that mates to the main board - and that CPU boards come in both dual or single configs.

Is this true ? Or is there just an empty socket on a single CPU system ?

And when did AGP slots come in on these machines ?

Thanks a bunch

 

[ReanimationLP]

I'm wanting to pick up a Mac on the cheap - but one that will also be a bit peppy and I can do some upgrades to.

Ultimately I want a dual G4 1Ghz (or faster machine) looking at a quicksilver or the mirror doored models -- but having dual CPUs is key.

However I am very ignorant on the architecture of these machines. From what I've gleaned it seems like there is a separate CPU board that mates to the main board - and that CPU boards come in both dual or single configs.

Is this true ? Or is there just an empty socket on a single CPU system ?

And when did AGP slots come in on these machines ?

Thanks a bunch

I have a Dual 1 GHz G4 Quicksilver, and its plenty quick.

Yes, it is a seperate board, called the CPU daughterboard. No, there isnt just a blank socket, as its one card, and if you have a Dual CPU machine, the two CPUs are soldered on the same card, about an inch away from each other.

Both the QS and MDD use AGP4X slots. If you hack a PC card (google themacelite) and install it, you'll have to tape or cut two pins off of the card, otherwise the machine will refuse to boot.

 

[HW-Hack]

Thanks a bunch - that helps ---- now its back to CraigsList🙂