Processor Upgrade for iMac G3

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Level 1

29 points

Processor Upgrade for iMac G3

Hello, I didn't see any particular posts specifically pertaining to the slot loading iMac (Graphite)..I hope someone can help me out.
I have a G3 Graphite iMac, upgraded RAM currently running Tiger. I used to use it but wiped it clean, re-installied the OS and created a separate account for my 8y/o son, so essentially there aren't many apps on there. For some reason it's running slower than it should, even with just Safari open. Is there a fix or possibly a processor upgrade for this model (I keep seeing that there isn't, but I want to be sure).
It's either that or constantly hearing my son complain of the lagtime and ask for our laptops instead...

PC, Windows XP

Posted on Aug 26, 2008 8:47 AM

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Answer 1

Niel

Community+ 2025

Level 10

741,479 points

Aug 26, 2008 8:52 AM in response to Katy Rivera

If the iMac has a slot-loading optical drive, there is no upgrade. Otherwise, click here.

(35090)

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Answer 2

Aug 26, 2008 4:38 PM in response to Katy Rivera

Katy,

FastMac makes CPU upgrades for the old slot-loaders. I'm unaware of any other company that does. It is not a cheap or easy upgrade either. They require you to remove the logic board and send it in. In my opinion, the money would be better spent on a newer computer.

More ram is your best, cheapest and easiest way to get more performance out of these machines. Even then, performance will not be that great under 10.4.

http://fastmac.com/imacslot.php

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Answer 3

Sep 6, 2008 1:35 PM in response to John Helock

According to Mactracker at one point there was a 700 MHz model available in Graphite & Snow. If you could find a 700 MHz G3 CRT iMac logic board on eBay it might be possible to upgrade the processor speed. You could also install a Matshita SR-8184 or SR-8186 DVD-ROM drive.

There's firmware available for both drives that allow them to be flashed to RPC1 or region free meaning they can play DVDs from any region in the world. Normally the drive is restricted to being able to only play Region 3 DVDs from the US. If you order a Matshita SR-8184CD optical drive from www.welovemacs.com call their 800 number listed on their website & be sure to ask for Jessica or Faith since some of the optical drives they sell don't have RPC1 firmware available for them.

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Answer 4

Katy Rivera Author

Level 1

29 points

Dec 30, 2008 9:43 AM in response to Katy Rivera

Thanks for the help. Should have closed this a long while ago. I was unable to do anything to the mac, too much $$.. not worth the trouble, either. will go with a newer machine eventually.

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