What To Upgrade First

[candles]

Do I upgrade the Video Card or do I upgrade the CPU?
This is the specs what they are now.
I can only do one at a time and have to save to start it. lol
Hardware Overview:

 Model Name: Power Mac G4
 Model Identifier: PowerMac3,5
 Processor Name: PowerPC G4  (2.1)
 Processor Speed: 867 MHz
 Number Of CPUs: 1
 L2 Cache (per CPU): 256 KB
 L3 Cache (per CPU): 2 MB
 Memory: 1.12 GB
 Bus Speed: 133 MHz
 Boot ROM Version: 4.2.5f1

Chipset Model: GeForce2 MX
 Type: Display
 Bus: AGP
 Slot: SLOT-1
 VRAM (Total): 32 MB

[aquamac]

Swings and roundabouts really, you can upgrade the graphics card first, 6800 GT off ebay is a straightforward flash as you do not have to replace the rom chip (Get the original nv reference design - not the latest). Or better, if you can get an Ultra (Dual DVI) I can mod the GT rom to work on it. Ultra is a 2 slotter though. 7800 GS is another possibility Gainward (Dual DVI - fastest - Must be G70 check sticker on back) or otherwise BFG et all (single DVI + VGA). Processor will make the thing feel faster around the desktop (although graphics card will help too as I don't think Ge Force 2 MX does CI or QA in Hardware, only software). Any idea what processor you are going with?

Here is a GT:

Nvidia 6800 GT

Here is an Ultra someone already modded for a G4:

Nvidia 6800 Ultra

[reddrag0n]

Almost sounds like me. But i got a 6200 some time back, and recently just got a Quicksilver 933 CPU OC'ed to 1067 for $100

I'm very tempted to get the last 6800 from aquamac's site.

[candles]

I was looking at the card on your site too. So may go with the video first then the CPU.
i was looking at the PowerLogix from OWC .
I don't know all that much about the PPC so would help to know what to use and what to stay away from.

Ok edit here:
I started looking at things and started thinking if it is worth it to do this upgrade or would I be better off with a newer computer.
What pays the most for the bang as they say!
So looking at if I did an upgrade to a DUAL 1.8GHz Processor thats like $699.00 bucks and then you add the video card your looking at maybe 200.00 more for a good card.
Add the price of what I paid for the computer I would have around 1068.99 in this computer.
So started looking around at used Macs and one I find for $899.99
And it is a G5:
System configuration:
1.8GHz G5 Dual Processors
1.0GB RAM
80GB Hard Drive
DVD-RW/CD-RW SuperDrive
GeForce FX5200 video card (64MB)
ADC and DVI video ports (DVI to VGA video adapter included)
2- USB ports
3- Firewire ports (1-FW800 port)
Ethernet port
So I think unless I can get the parts dirt cheap I would be better off saving my money and just upgrading to a better computer.
What do you think looking at this now.

CPU upgrades
Video cards you have a good idea how much they are.
Better computer.

[reddrag0n]

I would honestly stay away from PowerLogix. Apparently people are saying that their service is really bad. If you want some bang for your buck, i would go with the OWC 1.47 to 1.5. I have heard that people have successfully pushed these to 1.7 GHz in their G4's.
Now 1.7 with full L3? Blows away any 7447 and 7448 in my eyes.

[aquamac]

There is certainly a point that you reach in upgrading a computer, where upgrading does become the wrong decision. This is certainly the wrong thing to do if the CPU upgrade starts to cost a load of money. Some of the less expensive ones are worth the effort though. G5's have dropped in price as well, so it is always worth keeping one eye on any offers that are around on G5's. Getting a Graphics card that works on both may be worth it though as G5's shipped mostly with basic cards.

[reddrag0n]

hehehe

I look at it this way aquamac, $650 for a dual processor at 1.8 GHz with 1 Mb L2, or $800 and some for a low end G5. Hmmm, if i were to get a little bit higher speed, like a dual 2.0 with AGP is going to set me back a grand. Or if i get one with PCI-e slots, that makes it go even higher.
I think i will raise the crap out of my Quicksilver and go nuts saying i did. Sure Apple will say that they won't support OS X on PPC hardware in due time, but it will go strong in the meantime.

[aquamac]

Oh I agree, it's more fun too! Where is the satisfaction in buying a bog std comp! In fact, the more agro involved the more fun, but then maybe we are just saddo's who just like the challenge - PS no offence meant here. ;D

[candles]

None taken. heh heh

[reddrag0n]

admin said:

PS no offence meant here. ;D

No offense taken at all. But i did see how someone can smack the mac pro up to a dual quad 3.16...... ;D
That's for a different thread.

[aquamac]

I would certainly be interested in seeing that, we have a dual 3 gig at work!

[reddrag0n]

Yeah, that post is here.

[candles]

Going to do the video card first.