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Onboard Video is Dim/Blurry: |
Blurry or dim onboard video compared to PCI cards or other Macs has been a common complaint with the early beige G3s. Gene Shekhtman sent a URL to a page with info on fixing the dim/blurry video issue reported with the original rev of AV modules in the Beige G3 (when using the onboard video). I'm told that in some cases Apple will replace the module with a new rev (rev 3?) module (Gene's was) but have not verified this personally. I'm not sure when the revised AV modules were incorporated into the beige G3 production. Adjusting gamma in Monitors and sound seemed to help a bit here on my early G3 system. |
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Gray Market Systems set to 230V: |
It's a good idea to verify that your G3 Power Supply is set to 115 Volts if you bought your G3 from a non-Authorized dealer or Mail Order. Sometimes these systems are European models that have the Power Supply set to 230V which has been reported to cause failures if run that way for extended periods of time. Most PC ATX supplies/systems will not boot if set to 230V (I know - I saw this in my Micron PII 300 recently), but apparently the G3 will. |
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Solution: |
Check the Red sliding switch located between the AC Plug and monitor AC Output jack to verify that it is set to 115V. If it was set to 230V - report this to your dealer to document the fact it was shipped incorrectly. |
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Failures to startup: |
If your G3 fails to power-up, is acting erractic or has intermittent problems there are several things to check that may solve the problem. From feedback I've gotten it seems earlier models are more likely to have these assembly problems. It's a good idea to go over all the items should any problems arise. |
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Checklist: |
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Hard Drive Errors, etc.: |
If you've replaced the hard drive cable to add a slave drive, etc. there have been several reports of data corruption, disk errors, etc. |
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Solution: |
Most reports of this problem were due to faulty cables or cables that were too long. See the main site IDE articles page for a related article and also the FAQ's Apple G3 or storage related areas. |
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Hard Drive not secured: |
There have been several reports of both loose mechanical and electrical connections of the hard drives in the G3. This has caused data loss, noise and drive failures in some cases. |
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Solution: |
Examine the hard drive (press on it) to verify it is fully secured - it not tighten the screws. Press on the power supply connector and ribbon cable on the drive to make sure they are fully seated. While you're at it, make sure the motherboard end of the ribbon cable is fully seated as well. |
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Hard Drive noise: |
It is normal for the IDE hard drives to make a chirping sound during disk accesses, as this is just the voice coil head positioner (amplified somewhat by the rigid mounting and case design). However some owners report a "breaking glass" and very loud clunking sounds that are not normal. |
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Solution: |
As stated above first verify that the drive is mounted and connected properly. If so, back up your data immediately and arrange for service to have the drive replaced. Although some say the opposite, in my experience over the years I much prefer the Quantum IDE drives over the Western Digital brands. If you have a Western Digital drive and want to use FWB's Hard Disk Toolkit v2.06, read their Tech Bulletin first. My G3/266 came with a 6GB Quantum drive. |
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Symptoms: |
The usual indication the SDRAM is not the correct type is a failure of the new module to be recognized. Select the "About this computer" menu item under the Apple menu to see if the total ram displayed is correct. If you're replaced the stock SDRAM dimm with the new module then it's possible the system will not boot. |
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Solution: |
First verify that the new dimm
is seated fully. If the dimm is seated and still not
recognized then the dimm is either bad or the incorrect
type. When ordering SDRAM always verify that it is certified
for use with the Apple G3 systems. The G3 requires SDRAM
with a serial presence detect chip that tells the system the
size and type of the module. It's often a tiny 8 pin chip in
the upper corner of the dimm. Some PC SDRAM will work, but
it's safer to buy only dimms that are certified for use in
the Beige G3 systems (or whatever mac model you have).
Sponsor Other World Computing's site specials page has 256MB 1.15" Low-Profile 256MB SDRAM dimms for Beige G3s (minitowers, desktops and All-in-One models) for $46.75. [As of 6/3/2001 - prices/availability can change at any time however.] |
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24x CDROM Sleep/Wake From Sleep Problems: |
Some OEM brands of CDROMs shipped in Beige G3s may exhibit problems either going into sleep mode or (more commonly) after waking from sleep. |
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Solution: |
Apple has a PowerMac G3 2.0 CD Firmware Update that is reported to solve this issue. See the info on the apple page. (URL corrected to new Kbase link after Apple changed from TIL to Knowledgebase system.) |
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Noisy CDROM: |
As with most hi-speed CDROMs the one in the G3 spins up and down, making an irrating noise in the process. The spin-down is done to lengthen the life of the drive motor, due to the high rotational speed of a 24X drive. Sometimes this noise is amplified by an improperly mounted drive or vibration of the mounting bracket. |
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Solution: |
Some owners have reported packing foam padding around the drive helps quiet the noise and vibration. Experiment with various densities of foam to see which works best. Check out http://treeswallow.com/farm/g3vib for tips on how to better isolate the drive. |
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Slower Performance in Apps after Office 98 install: |
One reader commented on slower application performance that seemed to be related to support files for MS Internet Explorer 4. Read his story for all the details. |
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PB G3: Can't Shut Down with Data in Ramdisk: |
Michael Nagata reports that anytime files are in a RAM Disk (Apple-Memory-Control-Panel-based) when shutting down the computer hangs after the warning about losing the contents of the RAM Disk. (PowerBook G3, others?) Read his story for all the details. |
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Thanks to all the readers, dealers and technicians who have sent information. If you have information that should be listed here, please contact me. Users of this web site must read and are bound by the terms and conditions of use. |
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