Best OS version for a 233mhz 32MB G3 iMac?

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Level 1

5 points

Best OS version for a 233mhz 32MB G3 iMac?

Like the title says, I'm looking for the best OS version for a G3 iMac, 233Mhz, 32MB ram, 4GB drive. I'm new to the Mac (I'm an IT professional, but on the PC side :)).

If I were to upgrade the ram or drive, anyone have any good links for pricing on the components?

Any help would be most appreciated.

Posted on Sep 11, 2005 10:27 PM

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Answer 1

Sep 12, 2005 6:32 AM in response to Bob Smith4

Welcome Bob,

OS 9.x
You can upgrade up to OS9.2.2. And this it is for free just downloading Updates from Apple. Your iMac is pretty "fast" with OS9

MacOS X
If you need to learn and play around with OSX, you can do it. My opinion with your iMac is better to stay with OS9, more responsive.

Upgrades RAM & HD
Note: Max RAM is 512Mb
Note: HD up to 120Gb but OS MUST be installed in FIRST 8GB partition
You may look at this webs site:
RAMSeeker
DealRAM
DealMAC

Mauro

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Answer 2

Bob Smith4 Author

Level 1

5 points

Sep 12, 2005 7:01 AM in response to Bob Smith4

Thanks for the swift reply!

So even if I upgrade to 256 or 512 ram, you think OSX will be too sluggish?

I'm at 9.1.X currently, if I stay with 9.x is there value in upgarding to 9.2.x?

Thanks for all the help!

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Answer 3

DPSG-Scout

Level 4

1,138 points

Sep 12, 2005 7:06 AM in response to Bob Smith4

Rather than spending money on an old machine, I'd probably recommend getting a used G4 Mac that has at least 512 Ram and OS X installed.

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Answer 4

Sep 12, 2005 9:23 AM in response to Bob Smith4

Bob, yes possibly for OSX, however there are numerous users who are happy. With extra RAM and more HD space, your machine should be stable, but the bus speed and limited vRAM will be more noticeable in OSX than in OS9. As a general comment, the G4 processor does deal with OSX far better than the G3. The vast majority of improvements in OS9 past 9.1 are related to its compatibility with classic, however most machines that I have used, seem to run 9.21 or 9.22 as well or better than 9.1
best wishes
Andrew Platt

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