Just a note that XLR8 only supports their new utilities (see my First Look) when used with XLR8 cards. They do not guarantee compatibility or accuracy with any other brand of CPU card or system.

I'm not sure why the Apple G3 systems have such a wild spread of reported temperatures (26 to 60 degrees C). I suspect there is a compatibility issue in some configurations as the reading I get within minutes of powering on seems very high (46 deg. C). Another G3/266 MT owner reports a reading of 26 deg. C after 5 hours of playing games, and yet another reports 60 degrees C (!).

I wonder if there is a compatibility issue causing an inaccuracy or power supply problem (CPU over-voltage, just guessing) but a physical test of the CPU heatsink will help determine if the reported temperatures in my system are real. The amount of variation I'm hearing from readers on the Apple G3 systems makes no sense (stock CPUs, not overclocked, similar configurations).

PowerLogix reported that their PowerForce cards may not show accurate speeds (or temperatures) with the utility. I've also gotten several reports it does not work with a PowerBook G3. Again, XLR8 did not provide the utility for use with Apple G3 systems or other vendors CPU cards, so please don't flood them with calls or mails. That will hurt the chance of companies releasing utilities like this in the future.

I'll try to stay on top of this issue and report findings here. Lots of readers are sending temperatures from many different Mac models, CPU types and speeds. Thanks to all of you for sending in the info! [5:00 PM Update]

I just read that Diamond Multimedia is attempting to by Micronics computers for cash. Micronics owns Orchid, the company that produced the first PC 3Dfx Voodoo card. I guess those Righteous 3D II's are going to be collector's items now. Micronics (not to be confused with the industry giant Micron) manufactures PC motherboards. I suspect this new market and the consolidation of consumer Voodoo II game cards is the primary attraction for Diamond. [5:00 PM Update]

Pentium PCI cards in G3 Macs: I've gotten mail from several readers asking if Pentium CPU cards work in Apple G3's, or in G3 CPU card upgraded Macs. If you're running this combination and have any input to share, please contact me. [12:00 PM Update]

Apple G3 Ram Limits: A lot of us are wondering if three 256MB SDRAM dimms will work (provide 768MB usable RAM) in the Apple G3 systems. The Apple G3 SDRAM TIL only mentions 128MB DIMMS, not the new 256MB sizes.

If you're tried this (or even two 256MB DIMMS), please contact me. (Note MacGurus has (see below) 256MB low profile SDRAM dimms for $549.99)

G3 Updates for Power 100/120 Owners: Jim Sorenson writes that his beta test of the Newer Technology G3 upgrade works very well:

" IT WORKS!!!!!!

Pulled the HPV Video card out, slid an old Mirror Tornado videocard in one of the NuBUS slots, and stuck that Newer puppy in. Ba-da-bing! Zoom.

No clearance problems whatsoever, Newer Gauges show the box as a PowerPC 750, 218.6 Mhz Processor, 109.3 MHz Cache Bus, 39.74 System Bus.

MacBench 4.0, Processor Power 120, 149, Newer, 613.
Floating Point, Power 120, 316, Newer, 692
Disk, Power 120, 138, Newer, 198

So there ya have it. Power Users worldwide can jump up and down, cause this thing does work!

Startup is sped up considerably, from when the inits stop marching across the screen, 'til all the icons are up and the box is ready to rock. Photoshop files open much quicker, and so do applications such as Illustrator 6.0.2, which I've got a ton of fonts attached to thru Suitcase.

As they say, "Bill Me"! I'm happy.
Jim Sorenson"

Great news for Power 100/120 owners!

Diablo and ATI VR no Problem: Matt Thale reports that the combination works fine:

"Mike,
I can't begin to thank you for the efforts that you put into your page. It is a mandatory part of my daily surfing.

And as far as running Diablo with the ATI VR drivers... It works like a champ on my machine. I am also running the Voodoo drivers from Techworks but no longer have the card itself installed. I haven't taken the time to disable the drivers yet since I'm experimenting with a new machine.

I'm running version 3 of the ATI drivers, the latest version of the Voodoo Glide drivers, System 8.1 on my 9600/233 (brand new today ;-)) and everything is as stable as I've come to expect from my Macs. Rock Solid!

And, from what I've seen of Diablo so far, it is pretty cool. However, I personally found Fallout from MacPlay to be the best role playing game on any computer system. It isn't as "high speed" as Diablo, but it is an incredible game...

And one final note, please don't work yourself to death.
-Matt Thale"

The problem reported yesterday apparently must be some other conflict, and not the fault of the VR card/software.

Bottom Line site down: George Cole sends a status report:

"Hey guys,
In case you have not noticed our site is down. We had a major database corruption last night and are working feverishly to get the site back up. In the mean time I would appreciate it if you could post a blurb that we are down, but hopefully not for long. Site should be back up sometime later today. Customers can still give us a call at 1-800-622-3475. Thanks for your support!
-George"

More Mac OS X Feedback: Mark Reeves sent mail that indicates OS X will require a G3 CPU:

" Didn't know if you were aware of Jobs little announcement beyond the press releases. While the press release says:

"Mac OS X will feature preemptive multitasking, memory protection and advanced virtual memory, and will be fully optimized for Apple's PowerPC G3 based computers."

Steve Jobs is quoted by MacWeek saying:

" While OS X will run only on PowerPC G3 machines, Apple will continue to develop Mac OS 8 for users of older hardware."

Interesting huh? I think jobs is trying to force the issue with owners of Mac clones. I cannot see a reason why they can't get an OS to work on a PowerPC 604e or 603e since they are both 32bit processors (same as the G3) and use the same PowerPC code. I have heard that some changes will be needed when the G4 comes out due to the full 64bit architecture, and that even G3's will be phased out- unlike the 604e/603e combination that fit so well together. Regardless, if MacOS X is so hardware dependant, will they make it so G3 upgrade cards won't be able to run on it either? Force everyone to buy only what Apple is selling? I wouldn't think so, but then I didn't think Apple would destroy the clones either.
-Mark Reeves"

I expect OS X to run on G3 CPU card upgraded systems, certainly Apple would not eliminate 90% of the market for the new OS (I hope). [12:00 PM Update]

Apple TIL Updates

• PowerBook G3 Series: External Video Out
• Claris Software Updates posted to Apple Web Site

XLR8's new G3 Cache Control and Processor Information utility: Read all about them in my First Look section. Then go get them at: http://www.xlr8.com/techsupport/softlib.

Let me know what your CPU temperatures are reading! I was surprised at the reading I saw in the stock Apple G3/266MT. Other owners are reporting temperatures 10 degrees C less than my G3 MT. I can't explain why mine reads so hot. It seems to almost immediately show a 40+ degree C reading. (This was first posted at 11:30 PM last night)

Bottom Line sent their latest list of weekly specials. Check their main page for more.

Macgurus updated their ad for lower pricing on Cheetahs, Jackhammer SCSI cards and 256MB SDRAM dimms.

I've just received new drivers for the G-Rex 3D card from Phase 5. Hopefully this addresses the problems with 3D applications. If so, I'll have a review posted by the weekend. (See the Video Card Forum for a link to the new drivers)

Mike Abbott reports that the new drivers seem to solve the problems we saw:

" A quick trial with the new G-Rex seems to work fine on my set up - OS8.1/266DT. FormZ has a QD3D rendering option - works fine with GREX. Walker also works fine for me (min of 11.6 fps on the stairs scene). 2D text scrolls so fast it gives me a headache... Seems pretty good to me at the price here in the UK (£169 + tax) - about $280 ?)"

Due to reader demand for a review, Sonnet Technologies is sending a 6100 loaner and one of their Nubus 6100 G3 CPU card upgrades for review.

Developer Scott Davilla wrote with a complaint and concern over Apple's OS plans:

" Well since your site seems to be more hardware related, I thought I would contact you about my concerns. Apple seems to be ignoring the hardware side of things. Both with Rhapsody and OSX, the much talked about IOKit is still missing from the developer releases. Without this driver API, hardware developers cannot port their exiting drivers (unless you want to use the NextStep 3.3 driver kit which is being replaced). In fact, before OSX was born, hardware developers where told by Apple to stick with OS8; Rhapsody was targeted to network applications.

This is very disturbing to us hardware developers. With the announcement of OSX, it looks like Apple not only intends to purge 68k from the OS, but also intends to purge a lot of third party hardware. I really donít want to turn to the dark side, but Apple is making it look better all the time for small third party developers (be it hardware or software). We develop hardware to acquire images and x-ray spectra from scientific instruments (electron microscopes) and we are being pushed in the WinTel world because Apple just does not care about the scientific market.

Scott D. Davilla
4pi Analysis, Inc.
http://www.4pi.com "

Apple has released a new Ethernet v2.04 extension for their G3 Macs.

Mac OS X Concerns: Dan Kuraisa writes with concerns that Mac OS X will require a G3 CPU:

" Mike,
I started to read Don's article http://www.maccentral.com/features/rumor_reality.shtml when I ran in to this paragraph:

'In case you missed it, Apple announced that a new version of the Mac OS, called Mac OS X (ten) "will be available to developers in early 1999 and ship in the Fall of 1999. Mac OS X will feature preemptive multitasking, memory protection, and advanced virtual memory, and will be fully optimized for Apple's PowerPC G3 based computers." In fact, it will ONLY run on G3 processors and its heirs, in case you needed further reason to upgrade to a G3."

Major comment here! Don's track record is so, so, but I don't want him to be right about this. Find out more because if Apple's going this route, then it may not include G3 after markets too. I can't believe they would eliminate computers they sold up to a few weeks ago.

I'm sorry, but it would be like the current apple to make the past clones and even their machines a non factor with OSX, to make more sales.
Dan"

Robin Kirmeier also wrote expressing concern about Apple's OS future and delays of Rhapsody:

"Mike,
Do you understand the new MacOS X plan. Do I understand this that the yellow box is out the door??? And basically Rhapsody too..... Maybe this is a good plan but Apple really needs to stick with a plan!!! I donít know what to believe.. Will MacOS X have as much power as Rhapsody, will it offer as good server capabilities and offer a Shell for developers and web server administrators... Most of all will it still be the NT killer or just a better alternative for Win95-98??? I realize you may not know all this info yet but maybe you have a better understanding.
Thanks,
Robin K"

I'll try find out more on these issues, as a friend is at WWDC (see yesterday's Notes from the Field).

More Lightwave 3D Benchmarks: In response to yesterday's post of some Lightwave 3D benchmarks, Ryan D. Tanaka sent a

" Hi Mike,
I think this is the most comprehensive LW benchmarking place on the web. If you look up all benchmarks, check out the raytrace times (at the bottom). Unfortunately, I was hoping that the G3 would do better than a lot of the PII systems, but theyíre pretty even in raytracing. Some single CPU PII systems did very well in raytracing.

http://pluto.njcc.com/~chrisb/benchmark.html

must sleep,
-Ryan"

Initio Miles Feedback: Based on reader feedback, I thought the 1.03 bios update had addressed all the issues with the Initio Miles SCSI card, but Adam Dluzniewski reports that he is still having problems:

" Adam I found that I was unable to format my internal Apple/Seagate drive while Initio Miles was in the slot. Iíd get a message 'Initialization Failed' after formatting was almost complete. Removing Miles AND resetting the motherboard finally enabled me to format that disk. I think that the UW SCSI speed comes at a price of flexibility and stability.

BTW, I was also having problems with Miles freezing my 8500 while editing large audio files. It was fixed by removing Termination Power jumper from the VikingII drive. I was new to this UW SCSI stuff and finaly Initio support discovered the problem. I am using the lates bios. I tried formatting twice, before I disconnected Miles, and it failed twice, then I took Miles off and the third time it went fine. Itís gotta to be Miles bug."

Mail of the Day: Ryan Grimes writes with a story that shows how quickly kids pick up on things:

" Mike,
A funny thing happened the other day. I usually check out your site during my lunch break while my students are out of the room in the lunchroom. Well, last week they came back a bit early and one of my students saw your website up on the Mac. The next day he borrowed a pen from me and when he handed it back he told me, "Mr Grimes, I have to tell you that your pen is different from when you gave it to me. I tweaked it and it now writes twice as fast." Needless to say I was laughing so hard I was crying. Not bad for a 6th grader. "
Ryan Grimes

Search Tip! For searches on product names with mixed capitalization, use keywords like PowerBoost Pro (not Powerboost Pro or powerboost pro) and MaxPowr (vs maxpowr or Maxpowr). It seems that capitalization within the word on the site pages is throwing off the engine. Keep that in mind when searching for some of the odd product names.

Need Help? Before you send email for tech support, please check the Troubleshooting page or try searching the site (use quotes for exact matches! i.e. "mach 5" vs mach 5 which will match machine, 5, etc.) and to check the FAQ, Performance Basics, Links, and Forums for solutions to your problems or answers to tech support questions. They have a lot of good info and are a great source of help.

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