Sawtooth Power Mac Processor Upgrade Question

Discussion in 'Mac Basics and Help' started by iamvexed, Aug 17, 2008.

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  1. iamvexed, Aug 17, 2008

    iamvexed macrumors member

    Joined:
    May 27, 2008
    #1
    Hi All,

    So a couple of years ago I bought a used PowerMac G4 (Sawtooth). It has a 450mhz processor, with 512MB RAM. I upgraded to a new iMac (so freaking hot!), and gave my eight year old the PowerMac. He's starting to use it more and more, and it seems to me that it'll be cheaper to upgrade the processor on that rather than buy him a newer computer.

    But here's the question: will it make a big difference if I put a single or dual processor in, if the processors are roughly the same speed? Here's what I'm looking at:

    http://store1.sonnettech.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_26&products_id=150

    http://store1.sonnettech.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_26&products_id=161

    Please do keep in mind that an eight year old will be using this, and probably won't even be surfing the net for another year or so. I would, however, like to keep this computer around for awhile, and don't want to have to upgrade it again any time soon.

    Thanks so much for any advice you might be able to offer!
     
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  2. agentphish, Aug 17, 2008

    agentphish macrumors 65816

    agentphish

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    #2
    If it where me, and I was going to spend 3-500 dollars on a processor upgrade for a G4 machine that was that old, I'd probably just reconsider and get him a Mac Mini. I know you said you'd like to keep the machine around, and you should, but you'll get much longer out of the machine with the newer technology...you know, for when he starts doing the whole net surfing thing...

    You could plunk down the cash for that upgrade, and something else could go out on it and you've just spent much more than a new computer, and be out the money you put in on the upgrade.

    That's my .02
     
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  3. localoid, Aug 17, 2008

    localoid macrumors 68020

    localoid

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    #3
    Don't forget you'd also need to upgrade the graphics card (to get Core Image support) and upgrade the RAM to at least 1GB ram (ideally max it out to 2 GB). The sd-ram for the old machines isn't cheap unless you find an individual selling it. I have a PowerMac G4 Digital Audio that was upgraded several years ago, before the Mac Intels hit the market. But today, I wouldn't consider upgrading a G4 unless I could find the parts ultra-cheap that someone was selling (used). The Mac Intel mini for just under $500 as an Apple refurb would be more powerful and give you a bigger bang for your buck.
     
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  4. iamvexed, Aug 17, 2008

    iamvexed thread starter macrumors member

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    May 27, 2008
    #4
    Awesome. Thanks so much for the advice! I'm going to get him a mini in a couple of months (holidays-ish), and keep the G4 around to tinker!

    Thanks again!
     
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  5. SmurfBoxMasta, Aug 18, 2008

    SmurfBoxMasta macrumors 65816

    SmurfBoxMasta

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    #5
    cost of upgrade = negative equity :eek: :D
     
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