Working on Saturday's news now!
Mach 5 at 350mhz!: Just got home and tested the Mach 5 card mod to 350mhz (was a 300).
It's running fine, just as I suspected. With the large fan on the 8600 door I suspect it will be cool
running as well. Macbench CPU score was 796 (full OS 7.6.1 extension set, no speed doubler, libmoto) which
doesn't match the G3's but the FPU score was 1118 ! If I must say so myself, the soldering job is perfect.
I'm liking this 8600 more every day. Can't wait to see how it does in apps tests now (esp. 3D apps that make
heavy use of the FPU). Also wanted to make a note that based on feedback, many of the 8600 refurbished
machines need the 2-4-6GB Firmware update applied to the HD (makes you wonder what the refurbishing
tests were - as this system was checked out recently but the update was not applied). For more info on the
firmware update, click here. To download it, click here (1.4MB).
[4:30 PM Update]
Bottom Line just sent their latest weekly specials list.
[1:30 PM Update]
Arno Bosse replied to recent posts on Firewire cards with
info on Apple's offering: "
Mike,
Apparently, the card uses TI's PCILynx, TSB12LV21A and S200 phy,
TSB21LV03A chipsets. It's manufactured by Solectron for Apple. The design is based on TI's TSBKPCI.
It's selling for $299 from store.apple.com I believe.
Arno Bosse
Univ. of Chicago"
[1:30 PM Update]
Hollywood loves Macs: A reader notes that Macs still rule the roost in TinselTown (can you imagine the budget overruns if only PCs were used in movies? ;-):
"
Mike, umm how do I say this ........You and your site are FANTASTICAL. I have
found so much support and information on these pages over this year than I can
say!
I wanted to tell you about one industry where the mac is thriving despite the evil empire (windoze). I work as a graphic artist in the film industry here in Chicago, in my two years in the business I have seen macs dominate the production end of things. EVERYONE from the production coordinators, Assistant directors (some from Europe), even the transportation captains have macs. In fact I was still using a 6400 on the last show but the transportation captain had a G3 powerbook. (outgunned by the teamsters) I even saw a DP (cinematographer) cart around a Power Tower on the set of U.S.
Marshals. : )
Advice to anyone trying to get in to the biz, GET A MAC.
Ben Nowicki" Hollywood here I come!
[12:30 PM Update]
I've just modified my Mach 5 300mhz CPU card to run at 350mhz.
I noted that the area on the card that has surface mount resistors
adjacent to speed markings (250mhz, 300mhz, 350mhz, 400mhz) is a ruse - all the connections there are already shorted and even the resistor that was in place is a zero ohm one. The real resistors that need to be moved to change the CPU/Bus ratio is in another area, as shown on
http://www.bekkoame.or.jp/~t-imai/ilcpce1.html. I'll report later tonight/tomorrow on how it runs, but based on feedback
I am not expecting problems. I'm looking for a 9600/350 Mhz card (not a 300mhz clocked up) to modify to 400mhz. If you have one for sale or trade, contact me.
[12:30 PM Update]
I've gotten several mails recently like this:
"Have you seen the recent Macworld article on CPU upgrades? After all the great info and excellent reviews we've gotten from your site, Macworld's tests seem very elementary. It seems absurd for Macworld to include stuff like a "best buy" rating without actually comparing street prices and testing what the potential headroom is for the cards.
Also, MacinTouch finally posted a blurb from a reader about how MacTell
is "now" offering G3 ZIF upgrades. Yeah, as if MacTell just put this
info on their website today ; ) [I commented on these months ago-Mike]
Well, just wanted to let you know how reading these things made me
appreciate your site even more.
Glen"
Seems they have refurbished Mac warranty notes now too - where did
I read about that lately? ;-) And where was the RagePro/Dual IDE
story first printed? Seems they don't post reviews but at
least they must be reading the news. Just coincidence I'm sure. [12:30 PM Update]
Choong Ng sent a note about Stuart Cheshire's articles on bandwidth and
latency that is a must read for netgamers:
http://www.tidbits.com/tb-issues/TidBITS-367.html#lnk4
http://www.tidbits.com/tb-issues/TidBITS-368.html#lnk4
[12:00 PM Update]
Insanely Great Mac has a posted excellent article on Raid.
[12:00 PM Update]
There is a large list of new items at the latest Apple software updates page.
Softwatcher sent a better URL for info:
http://horton.austin.apple.com/alphalist/alpha_swupdates.new.html
[12:00 PM Update]
If you missed the 7PM update to yesterday's news, I've updated the Rhapsody Tips page for new info on how to install DR2 on a unsupported machine.
Rhythmic Disk accessing Problems - More Feedback: Here's the latest in our continuing coverage of the problem:
"
Mike,
Here is email I exchanged with Seagate on a similar problem. I have always had New York selected as my clock font and load only when needed selected in TCP/IP control problem, so the suggested fixes have no effect for me.
I read your page everyday and have made RAM and processor purchases from your sponsors. Thanks for the great review work and links to good deals. BTW I bought a CoolPix 100 and have
been using it for a couple months and couldn’t be happier.
John Mitchell, DesignReality" [The following is Seagate's reply that John attached to his mail] "
This is normal activity for this drive.
Dave
Seagate Technology
"
"
Mike,
Forgot to mention one thing: I’ve only noticed this problem on my two Seagate drives. Not sure if it is really related or not, but someone
mentioned it today in your news.
Tim Catlin
"
"
I have instituted a 'no foreign extensions' policy at home. If there is a standard Apple solution, I use that (no Free PPP, no Kaleidoscope, no
MotoLib). There is an exception or two, but few and far between.
I get that weird disk accessing and it bugs me. It happens on a regular basis and has for awhile. I don’t know how harmful it is....I don’t know
WHAT it is. But I guarantee that it’s not related to Free PPP....I’m not using it!
blevy
"
"
I use FreePPP 2.6.2 on my G3, and I have not experienced the disk accessing problem as some have described on your forum.
The t-shirts look cool! I’ll wear mine with pride. Now I’ll have another t-shirt to alternate with the Think Different snail/pentium II shirt I have.
Martin Kaufmann"
I've always used OT/PPP, and FreePPP seems to be a common thread in most of the problem reports.
Diablo/G3 Net lag: Here's the latest feedback on the lag problem w/G3 CPUs:
"
Mike,
If I noticed correctly in all of the posts of users having problems with game networking, they were all Catalyst (PM 7200) based clones. The
PowerCenter, PowerTower, and PowerCenter Pro are all based on the Catalyst logic board.
The Power Macintosh 7200 and the Catalyst clones have had some funky networking issues. Apple released an extension awhile back that
helped the networking issues, but these fixes should be rolled into Mac OS 8.1.
I would track which machines are having the problem to see if it is only Catalyst based machines. I doubt that the Tsunami based machines
have this problem (those machines are the 9500/9600, UMAX S900, UMAX S700, Power Computing PowerTower Pro).
BTW, if people are having problems the Apple G3 machine, they should definitely download the 2.0.4 Ethernet driver from Apple. This solves
many Apple G3 networking issues.
Take care,
Pat Lee
"
"
Hey Mike,
Here is an interesting follow up to my original note on my XLR8 G3 upgrade card causing others I was playing
Macdiablo on battlenet with to lag significantly (much worse than normal battlenet lag). When a friend put my XLR8 275/183 G3 daughter card
in his 7500 and joined battlenet, his machine worked perfectly and did not cause the others to lag at all. So there is no problem with the card
itself, only some issue with the XLR8 card and my PowerCenter Pro. The 7500 doesn’t use the catalyst motherboard design, and I bet this
has something to do with it. I would still love a solution so I can use my card when playing MacDiablo. I emailed XLR8 but have received no
reply. Blizzard answered me with some vague comments about changing the PCI slot my processor upgrade was in, which is obviously a
useless suggestion since it is a daughter card upgrade and is not in a PCI slot. Thanks for your attention,
John Akin
"
It does appear that Catalyst motherboards are a common thread in most
cases, but several Apple G3 owners also reported severe lag. Possibly
updating to the Ethernet v2.04 extension will help (if it does, please contact me).
Apple's TIL library has a good overview on DVD Technology.
Just a note that ATI is working on a fix for the problem with SoftRaid 2.0 and their latest drivers. Apparently only ATTO SCSI cards are affected. I'll keep you posted.
FireWire Info: Tobias Jachmann reports on the feedback from his request for more information in yesterday's news:
"
Hi Mike,
Thanks for posting my letter on your page. Even if it is sooooo long. I haven´t mailed you a shorter version yet, because I got some new
information which solved my problems a little. Some readers have also provided me with valuable information.
In case this video thing is interesting for you:
All radius firewire products like PhotoDV/MotoDV/EditDV are using the same FireWire card. So it is possible to upgrade only by buying the
new software. It is even possible to buy the cheaper PhotoDV and then buy the MotoDV upgrade and still save money instead of buying the
whole MotoDV package first. It saves you around $80. See cyberian outpost for a quote.
It seems that the Radius products are the best you can buy in that price range. I will buy one from them for sure !
? the adaptec card with SCSI (2940) has some problems with some G3 cards [Reported here many times in the news and reviews -Mike]
? the apple card is widely unknown. Nobody could tell me about it.
? other cards like the Miro are only more expensive. I cannot see any advantage for my needs.
I am still waiting for a mail from one of your readers. He has the Sony DV TRV9 cam which I am looking for. If he confirms that this camera
has analog video inputs too, like stated on one of Sony´s product sheets, it is THE camera (for up to semi-professional needs) today ! People won´t need any analog capture boards like a Miro DC30 or similar. Only a FireWire card is enough. This not only saves money, a valuable
PCI slot, it also frees you from another piece of software to deal with. Handling is much easier too.
Thanks for your help, it has solved a very interesting problem for me !
Your site is the best place for news and tips.
greetings
Tobias"
Eric Feinblatt sent a reminder that the latest NewMedia magazine has reviews of all the firewire variants.
Responses to yesterday's request for JazJet feedback:
"
I’ve run the Jaz Jet Ultra narrow model in an 8500/180, 7200/120 and 8600/300. It worked reliably in all those machines, and in pairs, and
mixed w/ other SCSI cards [old ATTO Express PCI SCSI2W, and Initio Miles].
-Nathan Taylor
"
"
Hi Mike,
(Sorry for my bad english, I speak french...)
I have a 7200/120 PC Compatible and a JazJet Ultra card.
(My HD is a Quantum Fireball ST 3.2Gb) And it works great!
4800K/sec MAX sustained rate on the internal bus and
+8100K/sec on the Ultra card!!
(One thing, you have to remove the plastic door on the top
of the PCI cards OR only use the external connector for
Ultra devices... Because the internal connector is on top
of the card.)
Only one minor bug: the 4x Apple CD-ROM Drive is WAY
buggy when plugged on the Ultra bus.
Well in fact the drive work without trouble... the drivers
are the problem. (Astarte CD-Copy 2.0 run the CD on the
Ultra bus always at 600k/sec and not even the smallest
bug)
-Apple CD-Rom extensions 5.4.x (the one with OS 8.1) ALWAYS
hang when I put a CD in the drive.
-FWB CD Toolkit 3.0 is usable but as all the FWB software
there is a bunch of minor bugs that I can't stand... :)
-Saï CD/DVD Drive Tuneup (1.0 I guess...?...?) working, but
not quite usable yet... (hang from time to time)
THE thing to do is to let it plugged to the integrated
bus... I used 8.0 FR Can/8.1 Fr Can/8.0 US and 8.1 US
without any traces of the old bugs.
I hope it will help you!
Levesque Christian"
I have a JazJet card here but it failed to work in the PowerCenter Pro. I've not tried it yet in other systems.
More Rhapsody Install Tips: Regarding problems reported here earlier with no video, etc. Mark Costa wrote:
"
This happens when the COFF definition file is incorrect for that
particular machine.The COFF definition is used to talk to the Open Firmware.
Examples of what I mean can be found at:
http://www.linuxppc.org/install/g3/
and
http://ogrady.com/articles/openfirmware.stm
(by the looks of things, we could run NT, Linux, BeOS AND the MacOS. great machines!)
Mark Costa"
I'll add this to the Rhapsody Tips page later tonight.
Reader Requests: A reader urgently needs help with Media 100/MP/OS 8 problems:
"
Dear Mike,
I wouldn’t email you normally, but I have become desperate to solve this problem as I am losing business with my Media 100 no longer
working properly. After all my testing, I am clearly on the wrong track and don’t know wher to go next.
I have a 9500 with a Daystar MP processor card. After upgrading to system 8.0, the system freezes whenever I try to copy information from
my internal drive to any drive connected to a drive connected to either an ATTO or Adaptec SCSI card (I have both and tried each one
separately.) Does anyone know how to fix this?
I have upgraded the Hard Disk drivers to what comes with the PowerDomain software (Diskbasics). I have also tried FWB Raid toolkit 2.0.2.
I have also tried the drives striped and non striped.
BTW, the external drives I have tested are some Micropolis 9 gigs and Quantum 4 gigs. All were running fine and furious under system 7.5.5
and my Atto card.
Thanks in advance.
Doug"
If you have any tips, comments or suggestions that would help, please contact me.
3D Column Logo Contest: I've gotten about 7 offers so far, but I'm still asking for all 3D artists out there to submit their creations for our new 3D Column Logo/Banner.
The winner (and any other interesting entries) is also invited to write an article
(complete w/screen captures if poss.) showing how it was done. I'd like to have all entries by June 15. Resolution should be
200H x 500W (Maximum size - smaller is fine). GIF (animated OK, but try to keep file sizes small) or JPEG format for the final image.
If you'd like to submit a 3D Logo design (full credit given of course), please contact me.
The Site T-Shirts should be shipping now to the 50 winners. For a picture of Kay with one on, click here.
Please check your bookmarks - make sure you are using www.xlr8yourmac.com.
We need your G3 info! Reader "Oz" has offered to help with collecting data on Apple G3 system compatibility issues (hardware and software) of all types. Please send him any Apple G3 system compatibility info/issues you have
or are aware of at: oz@bbdoperu.com
If you missed this yesterday's news here's a summary:
Thursday's News:
- Rhapsody Install Tips Updated
- Kay's feeling better
- Mach 5 604e's applicability
- IDE 7200 RPM Drives
- LightWork updates Walker 3D to v1.2
- Sonnet Cresendo Nubus G3 card feedback
- New issue on Mac Audio Column
- Shared lib/disk accessing - more reports
- More Diablo Net Lag w/G3 CPU reports
- Myth 1.3 beta news
- Apple TIL Updates
- Reader Requests for JazJet and Firewire info
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.
Yesterday's News
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