I am trying to use a PowerMac G4 Digital Audio with an Apple HD Cinema Display (23-inch). I bought the Belkin connector so I could connect ADC to DVI. When I start up the Mac, I get the startup screen, gray with Apple logo and spinning startup ball, but then it goes dark. Any idea what the problem might be? Could it be a video card issue? Thanks!
If the card is a Rage 128, it cannot drive a 23" ACD at native resolution (or any for that matter).
System requirements include:
Power Mac G4 or G5 with Mac OS X v10.2.8 or later and an NVIDIA graphics card or ATI Radeon 7500 or better graphics card
http://images.apple.com/pro/pdf/L309968A_Display_TO.pdf
An OEM Radeon 7500 can, as can a Geforce2 MX, Geforce3 MX and Geforce4 MX.
A Geforce2 MX will need the proper firmware update applied to support the monitor at full resolution.
A retail Radeon 9000 Pro and any Radeon 9800 Pro or XT can also drive the display.
More info:
Maybe...
Details
http://lowendmac.com/video/pci/rage-128.html
http://support.apple.com/kb/sp79
Might look into DisplayConfigX...
As the great Limnos says, try Safe Mode then see what Display Resolutions are availbe to choose, & if it matches the Default of the Display.
Power Mac G4: Display Compatibility...
I have little knowldedge on this but wasn't there a recent discussion on power issues in this configuration? Also try holding down teh shift key while starting up so it starts in Safe Mode. If that works it isn't a long-term solution but at least it would help narrow down the issue.
Thanks, japamac, very helpful. As I am simply trying to get data off this machine for a friend, I am interested in spending a bunch of money to get it going. A quick search shows prices of a Radeon 7500 from cheap to expensive, but not sure I'm looking at exactly the right thing. Can anything in the know point me to a place where I could pick up one of those cards at a decent price? Thanks much.
An OEM Apple Radeon 7500 (AGP) or Geforce2 MX can be had for as little as $10-$20.
I've got extra of all three cards, but shipping from Japan will run as much as a $20 card......
One more question... if I decided instead of upgrading the card to get a cheap monitor, would it work to get something like this HP, which has VGA connection? Thanks!
http://www.shopping.hp.com/product/display/display/1/storefronts/WJ676AA%2523ABA
Hello twin,
Try old faithful (for old Macs) eBay. You should be able to find a GeForce 4 for $20 or less, or a Radeon 7500 for $25 or less. A GeForce 3 is rare, but a really nice card. A Radeon 9800 is even nicer, but the Mac version runs close to $100 or better. Make sure your connectors match.
Try Craigslist for a free - or cheap - CRT monitor, but I'd opt for the upgraded video card. Your DA will love you for it.
jws
Thanks, Jon. Defimitely will try eBay. But this monitor would be used only temporarily with the PowerMac, it is normally hooked up to a mini. So if I decide to keep it in service, I will get another monitor. Not interested in CRT, just wondering if these cheap HP or Acers with VGA ports would work with the PowerMac... any idea? Thanks.
If you get something like the linked HP, you will want an upgraded card, minimum of a Radeon 9800 Pro.
The DA can use numerous 4x AGP options, of which the best overall performer is a Geforce 6800 GT (flashed PC version).
The main issue with the HP is the newer 16:9 ratio, for which most old OEM cards have no firmware resolution support (only 16:10 was available in the day).
Use of some software like SwitchresX will be necessary with a newer monitor and older OEM cards.
OEM options are all listed on my page here:
8923D90A-7AD8-41F1-BD1A-FEA5E1780B95.html
All performance options are listed here:
4B4B7BA2-7ABB-47F1-87AC-B03D37942BEE.html
Like Jon said, if you upgrade your graphics card, your DA will love it (and you, in turn, will love the DA more).
Thanks again for all the help. I have too Macs in operation in the house now, if I do this, it is pretty much just for fun. I am willing to upgrade the card if I can do it for cheap, and easily, and same for adding a new monitor. This G4 will not be asked to do any heavy lifting, so I don't want to spend $100 on a card... so the Radeon 7500 is probably it. If I can't find an old Apple display on eBay or Craigslist, is there a new one that's inexpensive with 16:10 ratio that someone could suggest?
I appreciate all the good advice, this is not my area of expertise (obviously) and you guys clearly know your stuff.
Here is a better card than any of the other OEMs:
It will give you better options for resolution support (1920x1200 digital) and will work some better with more modern 16:9 monitors like the HP.
Not widescreen, but when used with an ADC port equipped graphics card, these are pretty little displays:
Japamac's really the authority on video cards for these old Macs - you can't do better.
If I were staying on the cheap, I think I'd go for the GeForce 4 - there's a 64 MB variety with ADC and DVI connexions and a 32 MB one with ADC and VGA (I think I'm right on that). The Radeon 9800 is definitely better, and the nVidia 6800 is better yet. It's the one I use (on Japamac's recommendation). Both have DVI connexions and VGA (which usually works - there are occasional anomalies - pay attention to the seller's comments).
I've had good luck with eBay video cards. I like the Apple ADC monitors,too, but they are better purchased locally - where you can see them work and inspect the stand: they don't ship worth a darn.
Regards from the house of Too Many Macs... Jon
P.S. You might try Japamac's Radeon 9000. I just found one lurking in a dark corner, and plugged it in. Works pretty well, too. There are several varieties of them, too, with different port configurations, 64 or 128 MB, and prices from $25-75 on eBay.
I've ordered a 9000 Pro that will be here in a couple of days. Having a hard time finding an old Apple monitor that is not beat to crap and is inexpensive. Made a verbal deal for one on craigslist, good shape (supposedly) and cheap, but the guy backed out of two appointments... and I don't need that aggravation. I'm gonna keep looking, but is there any new monitor that work work well with the DA, 16:10, doesn't have to be big but it should be relatively inexpensive? Thanks!
Made a verbal deal for one on craigslist, good shape (supposedly) and cheap, but the guy backed out of two appointments... and I don't need that aggravation.
My experience with Craigslist is that there are more flakes than in a Snow Storm! 😉
I;d check Goodwill & Salvage joints, you can get them for a song! 🙂
Trying to use PowerMac G4 with HD Cinema Display
