PowerPC_Fan

Q: Overclocking an iMac G4 1.25 (20")?

I have an iMac G4 1.25 (20").  Is it possible to overclock this like in other G4 systems?  I've had successful experience in overclocking a G4 MDD from 1.25 to 1.5 and it worked out great. I've also seen posts where people have overclocked a G4 Mac Mini from 1.25 to 1.5.  So can the iMac G4 1.25 also be overclocked?  It seems logical but wanted to see if anyone had experience with this.

 

Thanks in advance!

iMac, Mac OS X (10.5.8), G4 iMac 1.25ghz

Posted on Mar 8, 2014 11:32 AM

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Q: Overclocking an iMac G4 1.25 (20")?

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  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Mar 8, 2014 6:21 PM in response to PowerPC_Fan
    Level 6 (14,340 points)
    Desktops
    Mar 8, 2014 6:21 PM in response to PowerPC_Fan

    Not sure about the overclocking part; a company who had been in business a

    relatively short time and offered a logic board replacement with upgraded 1.9

    GHz G4 chip; & was a board-for-board swap, for the most part. Hard to find now.

     

    •Daystar CPU upgrade - iMac G4 flat panel:

    http://www.barefeats.com/imup.html

     

    The inaccessible design of these iMac G4 luxo model computers makes for

    major difficulties compared to simple open door case tower model G4/G5.

     

    I remember my B&W G3 350 had a way to be overclocked by changing how

    the pins on the processor connected. That was another era. Some even had

    zif adapters; users worked around the limitations, because there was room.

     

    My iMac G4s don't exactly function, One was able to start but needed the

    superdrive replaced, or so it seems. Another may need a power supply,

    or it appeared. The Third one was part of a deal where I had to take it to

    get the one I wanted that worked OK at the time. Likely it has good parts.

     

    Although this http://xlr8.com/machspeedcontrol-osxandos9combo.aspx may

    be a little interesting, that's all remaining from the XLR8yourmac Daystar link.

     

    A CPU upgrade and maybe an SSD such as OWC has for legacy ATA Macs?

     

    Could be there may be some way to upgrade the processor, if you start out

    with a pile of repairable iMac G4 1.25GHz 17" or 20" models, and a box of

    other items. There is not much room on an iMac G4 logicboard, but maybe

    a CPU from a portable Mac may be able to work. Trial & error, & error, etc?

     

    Sounds like a project, of a sort...

    Good luck & happy computing!

  • by PowerPC_Fan,

    PowerPC_Fan PowerPC_Fan Mar 8, 2014 7:16 PM in response to K Shaffer
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 8, 2014 7:16 PM in response to K Shaffer

    Yes, I know about the Daystar 1.9 ghz G4 upgrade, I've just not been able to find one. And trust me, I've looked six ways to Sunday without finding ANYTHING.  It may as well be a ghost at this point.  Usually you can find an old CPU upgrade even if it is rare (for the right price).  I love my G4 iMac and never want to part with it but would very much like for it to be able to do just a little bit more (processor-wise).

    If there is ANYONE out there who knows of a way to successfully overclock this machine OR knows of a Daystar 1.9ghz G4 upgrade PLEASE let me know.  If there is Daystar 1.9 out there chances are I'll buy it if it's for sell.