Differences in G4 Models
This is a table showing the basic configurations of the G4 models sold by Apple (doesn't include the newer "Wind Tunnel" series). This might help you in determining which model to try to build. Note that through expansion and processor upgrades, building a low end system into a high end system is certainly within the realm of possibility as most of the low end models can take up to 1GHz processor upgrades. The original G4 is not covered since it used a ZIF socket and lacks AGP. It's not recommended to waste time on this model.
| Specification | Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics) |
Power Mac G4 (Gigabit Ethernet) |
Power Mac G4 (Digital Audio) |
Power Mac G4 (QuickSilver) |
| CPU | G4 module | G4 module | G4 module | G4 module |
| CPU Speed | 350, 400, 450 | 400, 2x 450, 2x500 | 466, 533, 2x533, 667,733 | 733, 2x800, 867 |
| Bus speed (MHz) | 100 | 100 | 133 | 133 |
| Memory | PC 100 up to 1.5 GB | PC 100 up to 1.5 GB | PC 133 up to 1.5 GB | PC 133 up to 1.5 GB |
| Video | Rage128
AGP Rage128 Pro AGP |
Rage128
Pro AGP ATI Radeon AGP |
Rage128
Pro AGP GeForce2 MX AGP ATI Radeon AGP |
GeForce2
MX AGP GeForce3 AGP |
| Video Connector | VGA, VGA and DVI | ADC and VGA | ADC and VGA | ADC and VGA |
| AirPort | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| USB | 2 ports | 2 ports | 2 ports | 2 ports |
| FireWire | 2 ports onboard | 2 ports onboard | 2 ports onboard | 2 ports onboard |
| Expansion | One AGP 3 PCI slots | One AGP 3 PCI slots | One AGP 4 PCI slots | One AGP 4 PCI slots |
| Hard Drive | Ultra ATA/66 | Ultra ATA/66 | Ultra ATA/66 | Ultra ATA/66 |
| CD/DVD Drive | DVD only | DVD-ROM or DVD-RAM | CD-RW, DVD-R | CD-RW, DVD-R |
| DVD Decoder | Software | Software | Software | Software |
| Sound Input | PlainTalk compatible 3.5 mm line input | PlainTalk compatible 3.5 mm line input | USB (with adapter) | USB (with adapter) |
| Sound Output | 3.5 mm stereo | 3.5 mm stereo | 2.5 mm Apple speaker jack | 2.5 mm Apple speaker jack, headphone |
| Network | 10/100base-T | 10/100/1000base-T | 10/100/1000base-T | 10/100/1000base-T |
| Modem | Unique to Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics) | Unique to Power Mac G4 (Gigabit Ethernet) | Unique to Power Mac G4 (Digital Audio) | Unique to Power Mac G4 |
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Main project page.
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Places to obtain parts.
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Brief look at the various models of G4 Power Macs.
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Processor module and heat sink fabrication.
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Quick look at the logic board.
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Installing the parts in the case.
Next page: Choosing vendors and parts for the project.
Prior page: Introduction to the goals of the project.
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