Building a Powermac G4

Tony B · Post by **Tony B** » Sat Mar 06, 2004 11:29 am

I need to try my hand at putting a Powermac G4 together. I am very good at building PCs and would like to build a Mac. Can anyone post a list of the various parts for me? I am looking at a 867 Mhz to 1 Ghz single processor. I am pricing some parts on ebay.

samplaire · Post by **samplaire** » Sun Mar 07, 2004 6:39 pm

GFor the particular CPU you need a particular mobo. As for the rest of the parts - it depends on the use. If you plan on using OS9 (SFP compatible) then you have to worry only on HDDs - remember to put a <120GB -> it's the OS limit ATA 66 and above (PC HDDs are welcome). Graphic card - go for ATI - nVidia are less stable as well as have issues on OSX (like mine

). ATI Radeon 7000 AGP is ok but for games I'd recommend a 8500 AGP(more pricey) and remeber - only Mac cards !!!!!!!!!!!. RAM depends on the CPU and mobo. So 733 to 1GHz (QuickSilver 2001 and 2002) need SDRAM 133MHz (it can be plain PC RAM but you'd better look for some Kingston quality chips).

Newer Macs (MirroredDriveDoor) require DDR RAM (probably 300MHz but I'm not sure) but be aware not each MDD runs OS9!!!!!. I don't know the specs of MDDs but as for the graphics cards and HDDs they are compatible with QS models (probably the HDDs should be ATA 100).

Mouse - almost each PC model runs great on Macs. I have a Logitech mouse but Microsoft etc. work great, too (mouse should be USB one). Keyboard: if you plan on using SFP - go for a ApplePro keyboard (the one with a separate arrow keys as well as a "del" key which is almost obligatory for SFP users, doesn't it??? Keyboard should be a Mac one though a PC USB keyboard works, too (some keys are swapped but...) - I'd recommend you a cheaper yet very comfortable Macally keyboards which are cheap and good (and feature 'del' key).
CD/DVD - buy a DVD burner - almost all PC models work great with Macs though some may function but not 100%. If you don't know a particular model then visit http://www.xlr8yourmac.com and look for your desired model in the user reviews database. If you buy a burner then the system (OS9) may not fully support it - then give me a call and I'll make it work for you

I know how to modify an appropriate file.

The xlr8yourmac.com site features many useful links for making your handmade Mac - like a cheap way to buy OSs, uttilities etc

_________________
Sir Sam Plaire Scopernicus

[ This Message was edited by: samplaire on 2004-03-07 18:42 ]

Tony B · Post by **Tony B** » Sun Mar 07, 2004 9:51 pm

Samplaire. I dig your vibes man. Your information is invaluable. I have printed your reply and appreciate it very much. You are the MAN. As I have said before on ebay there are lots of MAC parts for sale. I was confused. You have pointed me in the right direction. For a while I was wondering if my post was scary. Thanks man. I would call you.

samplaire · Post by **samplaire** » Mon Mar 08, 2004 4:12 am

Now I've learnt even more:

The first QuickSilver machines were: 733, 867 and dual 800 (no benefit from duals on OS9 unless you use Logic). The 2 latest feature L3 cache which improves speed drasticaly!

The next QS (the so called QS 2002) were 800, 933 and dual 1G. And here L3 cache in 2 latest

Both QS groups are 133MHz and SDRAM powered.

Two things to remember if you plan to assemble a MDD (MirroredDriveDoor): the newer (MDD 2003) doesn't support OS9; both have a large PSU disabling STDM cable to be used - the result is you can put only one CWA card

MDDs are DDR RAM powered.

If I were you I would think of buying parts for G4 QS, say 733 and instead of buying the original CPU I would search xlr8yourmac.com for good upgrade cards opportunities! This way you can have a 1.42 G4 QuickSilver (which is the best choice for CWA cards!) for reasonably low price! There are 3 or 4 manufacturers and each of them makes quality products. I have an upgrade card (G4/800 in my previously G4/400) and it works like it was original!!! Old Macintosh users could say "upgr cards are not 100% compatible" and it's true but for pre G4 solutions (and early non AGP G4s) - they were (the cards) put in L2 cache slots or even PCI slots causing several problems. But nowadays the cards are placed instead the CPU fooling the machine it 's an original part

The most important is to ask good questions on ebay. QuickSilver isn't the same as QuickSilver 2002 etc.

[ This Message was edited by: samplaire on 2004-03-08 04:13 ]

Tony B · Post by **Tony B** » Mon Mar 08, 2004 7:20 am

Thanks again man. The compatability issue with the Creamware cards is very important for me. I would be using Logic Pro 6 because of all the features included and the crossgrade price of $699.00. What about the monitors (display screen)? Would the normal PC ones work OK? I am using a KVM Monitor Switch and would like to switch between my PC and the Mac.

[ This Message was edited by: abre on 2004-03-08 07:21 ]

samplaire · Post by **samplaire** » Mon Mar 08, 2004 7:38 am

Logic 6? It's great, especially the freeze function - you can't beat it usfulness!!! And Logic benefits froim dual CPU Macs! You will be able to use the icons

: http://www.planetz.com/forums/viewtopic ... forum=13&7

Since the so called Blue & White G3 all SVGA monitors fit perfectly

[ This Message was edited by: samplaire on 2004-03-08 07:41 ]

[ This Message was edited by: samplaire on 2004-03-08 07:42 ]