Inquisitive Chef

Q: How can I update iMac PowerMac4.2 PowerPC G4 Firmware and Upgrading to Mac OS X 10.3.9

Trying to save this old iMac

iMac, Mac OS X (10.3.x), PowerMac4.2, PowerPC G4,

Posted on Jul 19, 2013 6:22 PM

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Q: How can I update iMac PowerMac4.2 PowerPC G4 Firmware and Upgrading to Mac OS X 10.3.9

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  • by Allan Jones,

    Allan Jones Allan Jones Jul 20, 2013 8:09 AM in response to Inquisitive Chef
    Level 8 (35,151 points)
    iPad
    Jul 20, 2013 8:09 AM in response to Inquisitive Chef

    Greetings:

     

    This link:

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/DL496

     

    will get you the 10.3.9 combo updater that will update any versions of 10.3 to 10.3.9 assuming you already have some version of 10.3 installed.

     

    Apple has dropped a lot older reference material for its older computers from its site (Grrr!). However, the MacTracker database doesn't show that any firmware updates were issued for the G4 iMacs.

     

    As for as upgrading hardware, there is not a lot you can due yourself because the design of the G4 discourages end-users from opening it up. You can get it open but, without proper reassembly expertise, the computer will overheat and die.

     

    RAM upgrades are affected by this design. The G4 iMac has two RAM slots but only one is accessible to the average user. That makes it hard to max out the RAM. That model can hold up to one 512MB module in each slot for a total of 1GB RAM. Most people has to satisfy themselves with putting a 512MB module i the "user accessible" slot and simply live with what was in the "factory" slot, often a 256MB module.

     

    Upgrading the hard drive faces the same take-apart limitations as accessing the internal RAM slot. Not a typical DIY event.