on 5/2/02 5:01 PM, D. Bowie at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > Other than increased memory, this PowerMac 7500 is > "stock," with its PowerPC 601 putting along at 100 > MHz, with 256k of external L2 cache. What upgrade(s) > might now be considerd for this computer?
I have a tried a variety of upgrades on this kind of machine and I'll share my experiences and opinions. I currently am using two 7500's: one I have upgraded with a 200mhz 604e processor and one with a G3 zif 333 with 1mb L2 cache. Currently the 200 mHz machine also has a 1mb cache, but previously it had a 256K cache. The G3 is obviously faster, but for 90% of the things I do, the speed difference is hardly noticeable. I just recently did some benchmark tests to see how much difference the 1mb cache made versus the 256k (using the 200mHz processor). It turned out that the cpu performance increased by about 25%. Currently you can get a G3/400 with 512K cache for about $100. A 200 mHz 604e would cost about $20. Whether you would make much use of the faster processor depends on what you are doing with the computer. The RAM setup you have would make no difference with regard to the processor, except that some G3 upgrades don't work well with interleaved RAM. I have also upgraded the video RAM, added PCI video card and USB card. The extra VRAM gives me more options for monitor resolution, but other than that, these PCI cards haven't made a great deal of difference in my computing experience. For a while I used a two monitor setup, but I stopped doing that. I've had up to 768 mbs of RAM installed at once, but I can't say I saw much difference beyond the first 128 mbs or so. So my opinion is that unless you find a specific need for a particular upgrade, don't get it unless it is really a good bargain. For myself, my best investments were in the 200 mHz processor and a good, big monitor. tafkar -- PCI-PowerMacs is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Sonnet & PowerLogix Upgrades - start at $169 | & CDRWs on Sale! | SPECIAL LIST PRICES - Apple PCI Video Cards from $19.99, MacOS 8.5 CD $79.99 Replacement Parts IN STOCK, Apple CDROMs from $19.99 <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> PCI-PowerMacs list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/pci-powermacs.shtml> Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive:<http://www.mail-archive.com/pci-powermacs%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
