John Teffer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
My local thrift store has a Beige G3 Desktop for sale for $40.
Here's the specs of the G3 I saw, as far as I can remember:
Processor: 266 MHz (in Apple System Profiler) RAM: Somewhere between 100 and 200 MB Hard drive: 4 or 6 GB OS: 8.1 DVD Drive (it said "DVD" on the front of the drive tray) Some sort of AV in/out card (6 RCA and 2 S-Video jacks) ---------- Short version response to the below questions: Definitely worth $40. Run, don't walk back to that store.
1. I know the Rev. A ROM make this computer a road Apple. I have found
instructions for checking the motherboard revision (in Apple System
Profiler), but this is different from the ROM revision, right? <snip>
Will I need to open the case to find out for sure whether it's a road
Apple? Does that take any tools?
----------
As someone else already replied, far from a road apple. The ROM can easily (and cheaply) be replaced for slave drive support, but I wouldn't bother. Just put the largest/fastest IDE hard drive you have access to in it; If you want to run more drives get an ATA controller card. Opening the case is easy. Under the front "shelf" of the case where the upper drive bays are housed are two rounded and recessed knobs or buttons; press up/in on these, pull the housing forward an inch or two and lift it off.
2. If I bought it I might end up putting a processor upgrade in it. I've
read that there's a certain brand voltage regulator that can cause problems
with upgrades. How can I tell if this machine has the bad regulator? Is
this another case-opener?
----------
The brand of VRM is only important if you wanna install a G4 ZIF; G3's not affected. The VRM's that little gizmo in it's own little slot near the PRAM battery and jumper block; you're OK if it's Raytheon - avoid Royal.
----------
3. What's with the DVD drive? I tried starting Apple DVD player from the
Apple menu, and it said that it couldn't start because a required something
or other was not found. Does this machine need some sort of DVD decoder
card in addition to the drive to play DVD movies?
----------
I'm not even sure if DVD Player is supported in OS 8.1...? In any event, you're probably just missing a driver extension (or library) in your System Folder. I'd do a clean install of the newest OS you have handy; as long as the DVD drive's connected and "recognized" that'll probably install anything you need.
4. I've been looking at RAM upgrades on OWC, and after selecting "G3
Desktop" I get a bunch of choices for 256 MB RAM modules, ranging from $25
to $75. Is there any reason why the lowest priced one, "256MB PC66/100 168
pin SDRam Low Profile for Apple PowerMac G3 Beige Models Only (Desktop,
Tower, All-In-One)", would perform worse in this computer than the more
expensive ones?
----------
Not at all. That's the correct RAM for the Beige G3. I don't remember seeing any RAM marked "PC66/100" though, I thought it was one or the other...? I'd go for the least expensive PC100 that's marked as Beige G3 compatible. I do a lot of RAM swapping between Beiges and B&W's, and PC100 works in both.
6. Would this computer be much faster than my 250 MHz S900? Fast enough to
justify the expense (1/10th of the price of a Mac Mini is still a lot of
money to me!) and the trouble of switching everything over?
----------
Yes. Faster processor, faster system bus, faster RAM, newer mobo architecture.
Whatcha gonna do with the SuperMac?
Pax, -- Gene, a.k.a. G-Man (Digest mode) Friends don't let friends do Windows
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