Mixing firmware on processor upgrades...

[nikonnut]

Hello all,
The time has come for my DA to undergo another transformation. I've re-enrolled at the local CC for some graphics design classes and need a bit snapper mac (Think CS3 Extended at the very least, and maybe the whole design suite as well as Quark, Fianl Cut Studio, and Logic Pro. I'm thinking I just have to hi-jack the schools Mac Pros for those last two ) for the digital aspect of the program. So... I'm looking at Giga Designs dual 1.33 unit or a FastMac dual 1.4 unit from your mac store. Right now I have a Sonnet Encore ST 1.4 processor. The main question is will the other manufactures units conflict with Sonnets firmware update? If so, can I even go backwards to a virgin 4.2.8f1 boot ROM revision(ugh, OS9 again!)? If anybody has some input as to a favored upgrade, I'd love to have that input also( I'm not completely opposed to a 7447a upgrade if somebody has a strong case for them). As soon as all this become a reality I'll be peddling the Sonnet unit and my spare 6800GT as well as my Nikon F5 to help finance a Nikon D200.

Cheers,
Chris

P.S. Right now the DA can complete the Retouch Artists Speed Test in about 5 min using CS3 Extended. This is a killer app to wring out a processor for sure!

[aquamac]

I don't know for sure if the Sonnet firmware upgrade will conflict, but you will need to install a new upgrade to the firmware if you go down the 7447a route. When I upgraded the firmware on my DA, by putting the upgrade disk in again, gave me the option to remove the update. I suspect you didn't mention the dual 1.8 upgrades as maybe they are a bit pricey, but will give you some grunt. I quite like the look of the Newtec upgrades:

Newer Technology

With 7448 chips on board & 1mb of fast L2 cache onboard, this makes up for the lack of L3 cache. I guess they are not cheap though, but apparently run very cool. Could be worth the extra expense if you can hold out a little longer.

[nikonnut]

You're right,
The 7448 upgrades look amazing but that is probably half the cost of a good used PPC G5 or ALL of the cost of a Hackintosh. As for the 7447's, I would stick with Sonnet if I went that route just to ease the confusion. I'm still a big fan of the 7455's and the Fast Mac unit is only $405.00 shipped so. School doesn't start for another 4 months so I've got time to procrastinate ;D. Thanks for the input, I'll let everyone know when the old parts come up for grabs.

Cheers,
Chris

[nikonnut]

O.K. nevermind!
Free parts from work insist that I build a Hackintosh so... Let the Mayhem begin! ;D

Cheers,
Chris