upgrade cards

[bgmsmg]

I have a Beige G3/266 384MB running 8.6 OS with Logic Plat. 4.8. I ordered 5.0. I want to go to X OS when Lap 5.X supports it.
What is the best upgrade card to go to ??
G3 500
G4 400 or 500 etc.
Brand names???

Thanks for any replies and info.

[SteveR]

Do some calcuations. You may find that the price of the upgrade plus the price you would get for your G3 maybe closer to the cost of a used G4/400 than you think.

The whole architecture of the G4 boxes is faster than the G3 with a G4/500 upgrade.

Think about it as an option..

SteveR

[Stuartpa]

I would be really careful in chossing an upgrade card that claims to run MacOsX as historically Apple's new systems have caused a lot of problems for Accelerator manufacurers.

They do seem to be able to sort out these problems but it can be areally frustrating experience.

Also as previously mentioned the cost of getting a good upgrade may not be really worth it especially as the architecture and the Bus speeds of the newer systems can never be simulated by and upgrade card. For that as SteveR suggests getting a used G4 400 could easily be as effective as buying an accelerator and there are tons of them out there, even the 450's

Of course a lot depends on what you are planning to do with and older Mac. If you want tons of Virtual Synths Samplers and Plug ins while recoring 64 Live tracks then get a new system.

If you have a ton of outbord gear use pro tools TDM or similar system then an older Mac will work just fine.

Having used Logic and and a Mac 9600 with and accelerator I would recommend getting into a G4 400 at the least. It can be difficult enough getting an audio system up and running without adding in the acclerator question. Yes it can be done but in terms of supprt from Emagic, Digidesign, MOTU etc you are pretty much out in the cold with and Accelerator.

Just remember so called progress is not going to stop and an investment in a newer system now might be still serving you well into the future where something that is already a few years old is going to gradually get left behind, just like the new system you bought yesterday.
Good Luck