Question about CPU upgrade in Cube

[siddhartha]

Hi,

I have a couple of Apple Cubes, have always loved the form factor. I am interested in upgrading one, keeping the other stock, other than SSD upgrade, and max memory.
I have a NewerTech "sawtooth" G4 CPU upgrade, which fits the form factor, and looks pretty identical to ones I've seen that are Cube-specific. This one has a 1.6 GHz G4 (7447a, I think) and a firmware CD. In the instructions, it is specific as to how to go about the install, and from that perspective, no problem.
My question is that it doesn't specifically mention the Cube, but I have seen a (seemingly) identical one at Sonnet that does. I looked at their instructions, and all parts appear identical, and the method to install looks consistent.
Anyone know if the firmware from Sonnet would work? I ask because they DO include the Cube with their compatability list, and also, Sonnet seemingly acquired NewerTech when they went out of business, and offered some software support at the time.
I will be fan-cooling, etc., and can upgrade the VRM if needed, but Sonnet specifically states that stock is fine, as there is no additional power draw. I also will NOT necessarily need it to drive an ADC monitor, so that would be less demand as well. The fan upgrade would go through the power to the IDE chain.
Thanks!
Chris

 

[ervus]

Nice upgrade! Those are pretty hard to find these days.

Anyone know if the firmware from Sonnet would work?

I think it probably would work, but I would suggest using the Powerlogix/Newertech firmware patch. It's probably available through the OWC or Newertech website, or search for MAXPower_3.1b5FW.zip

That CPU has a temperature sensor and can use DFS, but I don't know how much of that is related to the firmware patch. It might just be the CPU Director extension that does it.

Good luck with the upgrade and let us know how it goes.

 

[siddhartha]

Thank you! I will try the included CD, but I am just trying to cover bases in case it didn't work. Honestly? I love the Cube, and want to treat it well. One came with a cracked acrylic case, and I searched long and wide to find a replacement, a shell someone bought as a project for a planter. Luckily, they didn't follow through...
The Cube is, in my opinion, one of Apple's best designs. It has its limitations, but most of those were due to the time, not the technology available today.
I had the choice way back when at the time I went to PA school, to choose a G3 "Blackbird" (I think that was the nickname?) or a Cube setup. I went with the laptop, never used it as such, and always regretted not getting the Cube. A couple of years later, our school was no longer selling them, so I got a G4 "Lamp" iMac. Great design, and computer, but not a Cube.
Now, I have 2, (actually waiting on a 3rd-couldn't resist) and just picked up a 22" Cinema Display. Have a GeForce 6200 on the way (pre-flashed) for the project. I have another GeForce 6200, but cannot get my CH341a to flash it correctly, so have to wait until after COVID to get to the office to try on a PC.
I will definitely check back with any success-it's tough to research, see potentials, and then people disappear without letting us know if it all worked out!

 

[CooperBox]

It will be interesting to see photos when you complete this project.
I've never performed a CPU upgrade on a G4 Cube as I was lucky enough to find one already modded (together with a fan obviously). From memory believe it's a PowerLogix 1.2GHz. Performance ok running OS X Leopard - good fun, but today in 2020 nothing exceptional.
You've probably read through past posts on G4 Cubes but if not I'll add a few links. HERE

Also when you've finished the current CPU upgrde, you may be interested in THIS 'G4 Cube' upgrade project (if you don't mind cheating a bit) Running this with Mojave is not only fun but with the latest FireFox version 81.0.2 is a real thrill.

 

[siddhartha]

It will be interesting to see photos when you complete this project.
I've never performed a CPU upgrade on a G4 Cube as I was lucky enough to find one already modded (together with a fan obviously). From memory believe it's a PowerLogix 1.2GHz. Performance ok running OS X Leopard - good fun, but today in 2020 nothing exceptional.
You've probably read through past posts on G4 Cubes but if not I'll add a few links. HERE

Also when you've finished the current CPU upgrde, you may be interested in THIS 'G4 Cube' upgrade project (if you don't mind cheating a bit) Running this with Mojave is not only fun but with the latest FireFox version 81.0.2 is a real thrill.

That is a fantastic upgrade indeed! I have thought about a few different ideas, and I have seen some cool Cube projects (here and Reddit) that I am interested in. I do want to keep the soul of the Cube intact, though, so it would need to be relatively seamless. I do remember there was a case-enclosure upgrade offered at some point that allowed for more expandability of the Cube, but I don't remember the name, what it actually looked like, and if any are floating out there.
Also, every time I open a cube, I am struck by how awesome the design is, and I am reticent to mess with it. There's more potential room inside these days, with SSDs, adding cooling to be able to remove heatsinks, etc., but you have to be clever and thoughtful. Not sure I have it in me, but I want to at least document what I do for posterity, and to make it easier for others to find how to proceed.

 

[siddhartha]

So....

Short story-it worked! Cube running with a 1.6 GHz G4 processor.

I tried the included NewerTech CD in 2 Cubes, one would not load it, the other did no problem. Installed per instructions, then shut down for the surgery.
There is NO way the included heatsink on the NewerTech would fit in the Cube without modification, so I ended up removing both of the original heatsinks in the Cube to make the CPU fit. This required a lot of work, removing the logic board (which is in the central location of the Cube) as well as the video card, and VRM. Also, the original CPU heatsink is integral to the rails that actuate the handle/locking mechanism of the Cube, so without them, the handle falls out, and there's no good way to secure it in the case. This will require more thought as to a solution...Maybe route out the original heatsink to make the NewerTech heatsink fit, or remove the NewerTech heatsink, and find a way to use the Cube's original heatsink. Or, a case mod to allow the guts to lock back in. Not sure.
So far, it runs well, but there are now two fans, one included with the upgrade on the heatsink, and an 80mm case fan I put in. So, there's some work to be done. For now, it's sitting on a lower open glass shelf, with no case, but running beautifully.
I'll have to include some screenshots, but they're on the Cube right now....

 

[ervus]

...find a way to use the Cube's original heatsink.

I would do this. That same CPU card was sold for Cubes using a different heatsink. You can probably search and find some pictures of how to do it. Too bad the old cubeowner site is dead.

 

[siddhartha]

One interesting thing to note-the NewerTech package came with a CD for driver install, and recommended that I also install CPU Director. This is to have control over caches on the CPU, and also to monitor temperature. I did download it, and it points to being a PowerLogix product. I wonder if these companies are the same?

 

[siddhartha]

I would do this. That same CPU card was sold for Cubes using a different heatsink. You can probably search and find some pictures of how to do it. Too bad the old cubeowner site is dead.

I have to see if it's possible, but the included heatsink with fan will work just fine for it. I'd prefer the original, not because it would cool better, but because it is integrated with the rails for the handle, and would allow that functionality. I may have to route the heatsink out a bit, or fabricate a copper spacer, but we shall see. For now, working like a champ. Have to get screenshots off the Cube, to post here

 

[ervus]

It is definitely possible to use that CPU in a Cube with the original Apple Cube heatsink. As I mentioned, that same aftermarket CPU card was sold for use in both the Cube and other desktops, with the main difference being the supplied aftermarket heatsink. If you search, you can find stuff like this:

Which I found here: https://www.ilounge.com/index.php/backstage/comments/the-cube-project-part-3

So you can see that to use that CPU in a Cube with the original Apple heatsink you just need a suitable plate between the CPU and the Apple heatsink.

And yes, powerlogix and newer technolog are related. I don't know for sure, but I think NT bought PL, and then at some point OWC bought them. I think OWC bought, or bought the rights to Giga Designs as well, and the Fastmac aftermarket CPUs were also clearly the same design. I don't know the full details but just looking at the boards that came out there is some clear overlap between brands.

 

[siddhartha]

I would love to use the original heatsink, but have to find out how to make a plate that would work. I have another G4 CPU upgrade, that requires a copper bar to go between the CPU and original heatsink (which I think is a very effective chunk of metal-the source of most of the heaviness of the Cube!), so I need to see if this is a possibility with this CPU. I probably will put that off until I get the upgraded video card going in this one. While the CPU upgrade is great, it really needs a better video card, too. The current vid card will go in my other Cube, which has a burnt-out video card.