On Monday, Mar 10, 2003, at 19:37 US/Central, Mark Koan queried: The first question has been answered.
> 2. Is it really feasible to try to run OS X on such a > beast, or what is the rec. most basic machine for that > OS? I have been running OS X v10.2 on an upgraded 7300 with a MACSpeed G3/300 (from xlr8, now out of business but supported by DayStar Technology) and 400+MB ram since November without a hitch. A a couple of hacks available from OtherWorldComputing have made this possible, although it is known that there are sometimes difficulties installing the OS. The two programmes are called XPostFacto--for the installation of the OS--and L2CachConfig--to enable the on board L2 cache for speed as the OS is terribly slow with out this cache available; these are free from OWC. There is also one available from Sonnet which is not free; I don't know if it addresses the L2 cache issue. > 3. Should I hold out to find a 8600-9600 instead of > sinking $$$ into a 7500? I really don't know much > about the PCI situation. The 7500 has the same case as the 7300, if I remember correctly. It is easy to work in. All three machines are AV capable, have the same 50mhz bus speed. L2 cache is optional on the 7500, but standard on the other two. Take a look at www.lowendmac.com for the basic differences among the three. The 9600 has 6 PCI slots for more options for expansion. I've seen 7500's going for $35-$60+ on eBay; 8600's, for $60-$100+; and 9600's, for $85-$150+. Price depends on how the machine is decked out. > 4. Finally, I might have another option, a 6400 for > the same dosh. WOuld it be cheaper/simpler to install > X on one? If you have options, while the 6400 & 6500 machines are very capable, you'd be better off with a 7500, judging from what I've read here in forum. You don't have a lot of options for expansion in the 64-6500 machines, very limited indeed. The requirements are the same for installing OS X in one of these as in any PCI Mac but the upgrade is not cheaper. If memory serves, it is a bit more because the pathway to upgrade to G3/G4 is different. Again, look at Lowendmac, OtherWorldComputing and the Apple Tech site for information to help guide you on the differences among these machines. Look at Sonnet's site, too, for the information to use their upgrades and prices. You'll get a general picture of cost. Check out eBay for the going rates for upgrades there. Many members of this list (and other lowendmac lists) sell Mac goods there. I haven't gotten any bum equipment yet. HTH, Jim Sanderson -- 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! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> PCI-PowerMacs list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/pci-powermacs.shtml> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; 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
