G4 Processor Upgrages

[jitney]

I have a G4/400 MHz AGP machine running OS9.2.2 and ProTools LE/Digi001. Since PT6 does not take advantage of dual processors (yet), I would like to install a 1.2 GHz processor upgrade and stick with the current OS and software. Digidesign says that these cards are not tested, hence not supported. Sonnet says that software is not affected by their processor upgrade, so it SHOULD work (emphasis added.) Rather than rely on opinions, has anyone actually done this with success? If so did you use Sonnet, PowerLogix, or something else? Thanks in advance.

Disoriented in Detroit

[cmchamp]

My only reservation is this. The fastest processor built on the AGP form factor was a 533, or possibly an 800 MHZ processor due to the 100mHz system buss. If you upgrade past 800MHZ, I can't honestly say you'll see that much of a boost in system performance as the buss will be holding back. You've got the same machine I do, and I'm in the same quandry. PowerLogix and Sonnet are well reputed companies. Either of their upgrades should work as long as it's a plug and play processor.

[jitney]

PowerLogix has Benchmarks (for what they're worth) posted on their site, and the marks go up with the 1GHz and 1.2GHz upgrades. These are the only models in the 100 series, so I can't imagine that they are making products that don't add anything over 800 MHz. Be that as it may, have you actually installed a processor upgrade, at whatever speed? Again, I have lots of opinions from people saying 'it should work' or 'you shouldn't have a problem', but I would like to know if anyone has actually done it. Thanks for your input!

[cmchamp]

No, I don't know for sure. It is my understanding that you're removing the OEM G4 processor and replacing it with a faster one on a daughter card with the extra level 2 and level 3 cache. This is unlike the older days when you actually placed the upgraded processor in a NuBus or PCI slot and once the software patches loaded, the card took over. You are actually replacing the OEM G4 processor, so, again, there shouldn't be a problem.

[prism]

I upgraded my Beige G3 with a Sonnett G4 500 Mhz Ziff. It runs much faster. However, there is an additional software patch for the Beige G3's necessary to enable the backside cache. As a result it is not practical for me to runOSX on it [though some folks do].

I don't think that would be a problem with the upgrade you are considering. The AGP G4's just require swapping out the current processor with the new faster one. Changing the processors using the Zif cards is not difficult. The directions that came with the Sonnet card were very good. The installation was painless and the new processor has been very stable.

On the other hand, the recent Apple price drops makes the new machines that much more attractive. I couldn't resist the new Dual 1.25 G4. Love it.

Best Wishes