MikeRF/A2 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
I just dumped my 9500 after spending way too much time and frustration with the case design trying to figure out it's issues. I purchased a G3 Beige/266/DVD MT described as being in almost like-new working and cosmetic condition for $69. I have several Macs (8500, iMac DV+, iBook/700 Dual USB) but this is my first experience with the G3 model.
Apple's original specs say the RAM is PC66 3.3v168 pinSDRAM but I have seen RAM being sold for the G3 listed as PC100. Can someone please clarify the best latest available RAM I can use in this machine?
Jeff Replied:
PC100 RAM is (supposed to be) backwards compatible with PC66 RAM, so many vendors don't stock PC66 RAM anymore. As long as you deal with a reputable vendor who will allow exchanges/refunds for any memory that doesn't work you should be fine.
Thanks, I kinda figured the PC66 was what was available at the time the machine was introduced but wanted to make sure I don't purchase the wrong thing for a machine which is not yet in my possession.
Furthermore, this bit of confusion is from an Apple G3 download manual:
"*Warning* Do not connect any SCSI devices to the external 68-pin SCSI-3 connector or to the internal 50-pin SCSI-2 connector on the PCI card that supports the internal hard disk. Connecting even one external SCSI device to the external 68-pin connector extends the overall cable length of the SCSI bus beyond the limit for which error-free operation can be guaranteed; the combined length of the internal cable and the external cable reduces the reliability of all the devices connected to the Ultra Wide SCSI bus. Connecting a device to the internal 50-pin SCSI-2 connector will cause your Ultra Wide SCSI devices to transfer data at the slower, SCSI-2 rate."
Why are these connectors there if you can't use them? This machine must be able to support multiple drives!?
I interpret that to mean that they support multiple drives, but only on the internal UW bus. It probably has a stripped-down OEM SCSI card that retains multiple connectors but only has one SCSI bus. So using an external connector makes the bus length too long and using the narrow internal connector makes the whole bus run at narrow speeds.
The bottom line is that it's really not a very versatile SCSI card. I believe they were provided only as an alternative to the Beige's IDE/ATA bus (which was particularly slow); and only for the internal HD(s).
If you want to utilize some external SCSI devices you'll need to either replace your existing SCSI card with a better one or else add a second SCSI card.
I bought a new18 GB SE/LVD SCSI 10,000 RPM (hot!?)Seagate Cheetah 6 months ago and never used it. How does this drive fit into the picture with this G3? I think it's 68 pin with an adapter for both 80 and 50 pin connectors. The drive itself can not be terminated. Can I use the existing card bus or other SCSI bus or would it be recommended to get a different controller card. I almost purchased an Adaptec 2940U2B until I saw somewhere that it wasn't OSX compatible.
What good performing SCSI cards are available for this drive that hopefully won't cost more than what I paid for the entire computer ($69 + $24 ship)?
Mike
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