Wanting to upgrade processor on PowerMac G4

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Wanting to upgrade processor on PowerMac G4

Hi, I have a (Graphite) PowerMac G4 350 mhz. It's a PowerPC 2.8 (AGP Graphics). I want to upgrade the Processor. I found this upgrade.... http://www.newertech.com/products/maxpower47.php Would this work for my specific Mac?

When I went to the OWC site for this processor, trying to find my specific PowerMac, they have a choice for a

PowerMac 1,2 -Apple PowerMac G4 PCI Graphics "YIKES" 350MHz 1999

or a

PowerMac 3,1 -Apple PowerMac G4 AGP Graphics "Sawtooth" 350MHz 1999

The thing that is confusing me is the numbers after the PowerMac... 1,2 and 3,1.......

mine is a PowerMac 2.8 G4 35MHz, AGP Graphics (Sawtooth? I am assuming in the name for the AGP Graphics)

I did ask their contact center and they told me no, my computer was not able to be upgraded...but with my computer having the AGP graphic, I don't see why not. So, I thought I would ask some Mac people that may have upgraded their G4 processors. This is kind of a hobby project for me.

Thanks in advanced.

Cindy

PowerMac, Mac OS X (10.3.x), G4 35mhz Graphite AGP Graphics

Posted on Aug 8, 2012 6:06 AM

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Answer 1

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japamac

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Aug 8, 2012 7:21 AM in response to PoeKat

You need to get the Model Identifier from your System Profiler/Hardware (About This Mac/More Info) pane.

If a Sawtooth, regardless of CPU, it will be PowerMac3,1.

There is no PowerMac2.8

http://www.everymac.com/systems/by_capability/mac-specs-by-machine-model-machine -id.html

If the machine is a Sawtooth, there should be no problem at all installing a 7447 based processor upgrade.

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Answer 2

PoeKat Author

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Aug 8, 2012 8:06 AM in response to japamac

I got the 2.8 from the System Profiler/more info. I couldn't find whether it was a 2,1 or, 3,1. I will check again tonight and post a snap shot of what I see on my System Profiler.

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Answer 3

PoeKat Author

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Aug 8, 2012 8:20 PM in response to japamac

OK, heres what I got with the screen grab

My serial number isn't even listed.

And on the back of my computer, my serial number ends with a HLA, which comes up on the everymac site as a PowerMac G4 400Mhz... but mine is not a 400mhz.

I also couldn't find my EMC# 1810 anywhere.

So I can't really find a yes or no if my computer is a 1,2 or a 3,1

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Answer 4

japamac

Level 7

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Aug 8, 2012 10:09 PM in response to PoeKat

OK- That's just an "issue" with the Panther system report.

From the info in the report, the machine is most assuredly a "Sawtooth" AGP graphics machine.

It is a PowerMac3,1.

As for the serial, the logic board and quite possibly the CPU were likely replaced, thus the missing serial number.

Use the serial on the tag on the back.

http://www.chipmunk.nl/klantenservice/applemodel.html/

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Answer 5

PoeKat Author

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Aug 9, 2012 3:32 AM in response to japamac

I bought the mac new and the first week I had it, yes, the logic board needed replaced. I was beginning to wonder if that was the issue with the missing serial number.

As for plugging that serial in that link you gave me, its a PowerMac 3,1.

I thank you very much for the awesome help japamac!

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Answer 6

japamac

Level 7

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Aug 9, 2012 6:39 AM in response to PoeKat

🙂

I did this to a 450 MHz Sawtooth that I bought new:

http://www.jcsenterprises.com/Japamacs_Page/The_Sawtooth.html

Still runs, though I moved the processor upgrade to a Quicksilver.

Tough machines......

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Answer 7

PoeKat Author

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Aug 9, 2012 6:56 AM in response to japamac

OMG, that is just spectacular! I had already added extra hard drives into the bays and memory. I do need to get a AirPort card for it. I'm wanting to load the Snow Leopard Os onto this Mac and use it for my art and design... as the programs I use do not work on the Mountain Lion Os that I loaded on my Mac Mini. And even though the Mac Mini is a good computer... there's something better about my G4. Maybe because it was my first Mac.. I don't know.

Thank you for sharing me your computer rebuild!

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