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Sonnet Encore/ZIFs:
I found installation extremely easy in my Yikes G4; however, many in the CPU database claim that installation is difficult. (FYI: Generally complaints/problems were from B&W G3s owners that had already flashed their B&W G3 with another vendor's G4 firmware patcher and could not apply Sonnet's firmware patch which is required to run the Sonnet G4/700/800/1GHz ZIFs. (Unlike the "Yikes" (G4/PCI) model, the B&W G3 required a firmware patch to even boot with any version of the G4 CPU, not just the new Sonnet G4 745x models.) Past tips on that issue were to use PL's patcher to restore the B&W G3 firmware, but that patcher has since been removed from PL's site.-Mike)
Although I found Sonnet's installation manual fairly clear, it is somewhat confusing so I will briefly go through the steps need for installation. Please do not follow my instructions only - they are only a guideline. Refer to the Sonnet manual for more detailed instructions. If you are nervous around exposed electronics, Sonnet makes it easiest for you.
- If you have installed a G4 patch for another processor upgrade in the past, you must deinstall that patch first. You can do this with Powerlogix's firmware installer, which is no longer available on their website. (Note: Thanks to readers that sent the PL patcher/restorer. As soon as I get the OK from PL to mirror it, I'll add the link to the
FAQ's CPU Upgrades section and this page. It's been over a week and still no OK to mirror the software though.-Mike)
- Install Sonnet Software.
- Power down G3.
- Follow the "discharging" instructions in the Sonnet manual (I've never been shocked, but touch the power supply and don't rub your socks on the carpet.) (this is to discharge static buildup that can damage components)
- Disconnect all cables.
- Open it up and unscrew the heatsink.
- Remove heatsink. A flathead screwdriver is helpful. Push down and then out to remove the clip.
- Pull up the lever and remove your processor.
- Remove the jumper block and replace it with the one Sonnet supplies. The bump on the Sonnet block goes by little "1" written on the motherboard. It must cover all pins. (this changes the bus speed from the default 100MHz to 66MHz)
- Pull out the Sonnet processor and remove anything found in its connection pins or on the ZIF socket. One little hair can prevent it from working. (also check for any bent pins)
- Stick it in. It only physically fits one way. Make sure the "missing pin" in the corner of the processor board lines up with the missing hole on the ZIF socket.
- While holding down the processor to assure it's maintaining a good connection, pull down the lever to lock the processor in place.
- Unplug your internal power cable punch and plug it into the Sonnet cable splitter.
- Plug the Sonnet power cable connector into the processor board and the end of the splitter into the motherboard.
- I highly recommend a CUDA reset. The CUDA button is a small button located near the battery. There are two buttons, I believe the CUDA is the one closest to the battery, but you may want to press and hold both of them for 10 seconds.
- Replug cables
- If you follow Sonnet and my instructions, your machine should boot up at 800MHz or 1GHz depending on your ZIF model.
Powerlogix PowerForce G3 ZIFs:
This installation requires physical exertion - I wish they could provide heatsink clips (although it would be difficult with the two different heatsink designs).
(NOTE: There's a reported conflict (startup freeze/hang) with OS 9.x's Firewire enabler extensions and the 750GX and 750FX's if the ZIF is hard set (via jumpers/switches) to more than 8:1 ratio (i.e.
if hard set to higher than 800MHz in a B&W G3/Yikes G4.) So it's
recommended to have even the 1GHz/1.1GHz ZIFs set to 8:1 (max)
via hardware and then use CPU Director to set the CPU speed
via software if you're an OS 9 user.-Mike)
- Install Powerlogix's CPU Director in OS 9 and OS X. (Note: To download the latest version and for more info/screenshots, see the PL CPU Director page.) To install, you must open the application in each OS. Note: I tried installing CPU Director in OS 9.2.1 on my Beige G3 and it seemingly does not work. I recommend upgrading to 9.2.2 if you have not already done so. Powerlogix does not say whether CPU Director is 9.2.1 compatible. CPU Director works very well with all the upgrades I reviewed and I even saw a slight speed increase using it for the Sonnet upgrades. (which has L3 cache, check that it's enabled to prevent some performance loss)
- Power down, remove cables, etc.
- Follow the instructions to remove the heatsink and old processor.
- You must bend the heatsink clip to fit a diagram that Powerlogix provides. I found this particularly difficult. I used pliers and muscles to bend it.
- Install ZIF, apply thermal paste, and reinstall heatsink.
(Note: make sure the heatsink clip is oriented correctly - the clip's off-center "Bend" (pressure point) should be over the CPU side of the ZIF - otherwise the CPU can overheat. On the B&W G3, the two-slotted end of the clip faces the Dimms slots; on the Beige G3 the two-slotted end of the clip faces the closest edge of the motherboard.-Mike)
- I highly recommend a CUDA reset.
- Reconnect and boot up.
- Set CPU speed with CPU Director (make sure to click to lock to authorize changes).
OWC Mercury Z600 G4 500-600MHz:
Standard ZIF installation. First download OWC's instruction manual and print it out if necessary. (OWC also has online illustrated install guides - see B&W G3 install guide and Beige G3 install guide; both also include links to jumper settings pages.)
I recommend using Powerlogix's CPU Director to enable cache in 9/X (I believe Ryan's Cache Control software has Panther issues, at least in legacy macs).
(Note: For B&W G3s and Yikes G4/PCI, unlike Beige G3 and older Macs, you do not actually need to install an L2 cache enabler software when using common G3 or G4/7400-7410 CPU upgrades (for either OS 9.x or OS X), although the cache will be enabled at 5:2 typically. L2 cache speed is not a major factor in real-world performance and since the external L2 cache on most all G4/7400 and 7410s are 250MHz rated, there can be problems with cache overclocking when running the CPU at higher speeds (like 550-600MHz). Last spring I ran an OWC G4/500 at 600MHz reliably, with the cache at 5:2 (220MHz) for the PL G3/800 review comparison. I personally prefer not to run any unnecessary software addons, but if you want to experiment with different cache speeds, then installing CPU director allows that.-Mike)
Follow the instructions for Powerlogix's upgrade except before Step 1, you will need to install a G4 firmware patch (unless you have a Yikes/PCI G4) in OS 9 (boot to OS 9) and before Step 6 you will need to set the jumpers manually using the table that OWC provides. You do not have to do Step 4, and instead of setting CPU speed in Step 8, you need to enable the cache at 2.5:1 (or 2:1 if your ZIF's cache can take it).
Incompatibilities:
None I can think of. Make sure to update the firmware to the latest on all your PCI cards before attempting an upgrade.
OS Requirements:
- OS 9.2.1 (for Sonnet upgrades) or OS 9.2.2 (Powerlogix)
OS 8.x+ for OWC (see their compatibility page)
- OS X (any version including Panther 10.3)
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