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Review: MAChCarrier^TM 450 CPU Card
10X G3 CPU Upgrade for PCI Macs
Published: 8/31/99

Software Cache Control Features

Intro | Benchmarks | Appl. Tests | Software Controls | Docs/Installation | Specs/Design | Summary

Cache Control Software

XLR8 has updated their Cache Control software since my first CarrierZIF review , adding the capability to disable motherboard cache (my only complaint with other previous version) in v1.4. Previously only Newer Technology's G3 cache control had this feature. This is a nice feature for owners of soldered-in cache on Macs like the 9500, some 9600 and Umax models. Motherboard cache is often the cause of both stability problems and bus speed limits with many G3 CPU upgrades. If possible, I still recommend removing the motherboard cache before installing a G3 CPU card if your Mac has a cache dimm.
The XLR8 cache control features automatic cache speed testing (which can be a bit optimistic as I'll explain later), 'Virtual Firmware' to address compatibility issues with older Mac ROMs and an option to disable 'Speculative Processing' of the G3 which can cause problems with some applications like Retrospect backup software. "Speculative Processing" is often called code 'Branch Prediction' where the CPU makes educated guesses on future code execution. See XLR8's white paper for more details.

Installing the Software:

XLR8 recommends installing their software before installing the card. Currently there is only one case where this is not possible and that is for owners of 601 CPU cards (i.e. early 7500 models). I've written XLR8 asking them to revise the installer to eliminate this issue.

The XLR8 software installer automatically places the cache control and extension in the system folder. By having the control software already installed when you first boot with the G3 upgrade their 'virtual firmware' ensures that any compatibility issues such as the Adaptec wide SCSI cards are solved.

During the first boot with the G3 card (or whenever you change speed settings on the card), the XLR8 software tests the backside cache automatically and reports what it suggests is the maximum reliable cache speed (but offering you the option to manually set the speed to another setting). In some cases this speed may not be reliable in my experience, so I suggest keeping the cache at 1/2 the CPU speed or near the cache rating. Only the expensive (and rare now) IBM metal lid cache can run reliably near 300MHz speeds in my experience (Some reviews like the PF 466/311 ZIF and older cards like the XLR8 G3/266 show pictures of this cache if you're interested.). I normally keep the backside cache set to a 2:1 ratio (half the CPU speed), which ran perfectly at speeds of up to 240Mhz with this particular 450/225 rated sample (results with another cards may vary). From what I have seen in real world applications tests, backside cache speed is not a primary factor in performance so don't push the bleeding edge on cache speed as it can affect reliability.

XLR8 Cache Control 1.4

(PowerCenter Pro settings shown)

The main page of the control panel lists the amount of installed RAM and system bus speed, CPU type/speed and CPU junction (internal) temperature. As I've mentioned many times in the past in the front page news, I don't believe the CPU junction temperatures are accurate (literally), especially with the new Copper CPUs (IBM 300Mhz and higher are all copper based now - get our exclusive PPC Checker to test yours).. With this CPU, the reading of 32C is at least a bit closer to reality than some previous tests (8C with a 400MHz copper G3 in the previous CarrierZIF review). Since the software just reads a register on the CPU unless a company performs extensive tests and applies a 'calibration factor' to the reading the temperatures are of little use in my opinion. BTW - most G3 desktop CPUs are rated for 65C junction temperatures (PB G3 models use an 85C version I hear). At the bottom of the main control page is the current Backside Cache size and speed.

Advanced Settings: The image below shows the 'Advanced' settings tab of the control.

Advanced Settings Tab
Advanced settings page

The Advanced settings page will allow you to set the backside cache speed to manual (you select a speed) or automatic (the default based on the card type and bootup testing). There is also an option to enable or disable (default) Speculative Processing of the G3 CPU. Version v1.4 added an option to disable (the default setting) any motherboard cache, which as I mention earlier is a nice feature for owners of soldered-in cache motherboard designs like the 9500, some 9600s and Umax machines.

As noted previously, it is recommended that you disable Speculative Processing in older Macs to reliably run software like Retrospect (which backed my Genesis drive flawlessly). My previous review tests showed that disabling Speculative Processing actually improved performance in. Photoshop, but often has a small (5% or so) hit in some apps like Infini-D. Unlike previous XLR8 card reviews, for this review I ran the card with Spec. Processing at the default disabled setting at all times.

The 'Performance Tips' tab contains notes on faster cache speed settings and tuning. The 'Support' tab lists XLR8's contact information including toll-free tech support line and web site address (a nice feature).

Summary: Software controls were easy to install, use and contained options to enhance compatibility and performance. Overall I consider XLR8's cache control the best I've seen so far.

The next page describes the documentation and installation instructions supplied with the card. Or you may use the links below to jump to a specific page.

Index of XLR8 MAChCarrier450 Review Pages
Intro | Benchmarks | Appl. Tests | Software Controls | Docs/Installation | Specs/Design | Summary

- or -
Back to WWW.XLR8YOURMAC.COM

Copyright © Mike, 1999.

No part of this sites content or images are to be reproduced or distributed in any form without written permission.
All brand or product names mentioned here are properties of their respective companies.

Users of the web site must read and are bound by the terms and conditions of use.

The Source for Mac Performance News and Reviews
Review: MAChCarrier^TM 450 CPU Card 10X G3 CPU Upgrade for PCI Macs Published: 8/31/99
Software Cache Control Features
Intro \| Benchmarks \| Appl. Tests \| Software Controls \| Docs/Installation \| Specs/Design \| Summary
Cache Control Software
XLR8 has updated their Cache Control software since my first CarrierZIF review , adding the capability to disable motherboard cache (my only complaint with other previous version) in v1.4. Previously only Newer Technology's G3 cache control had this feature. This is a nice feature for owners of soldered-in cache on Macs like the 9500, some 9600 and Umax models. Motherboard cache is often the cause of both stability problems and bus speed limits with many G3 CPU upgrades. If possible, I still recommend removing the motherboard cache before installing a G3 CPU card if your Mac has a cache dimm. The XLR8 cache control features automatic cache speed testing (which can be a bit optimistic as I'll explain later), 'Virtual Firmware' to address compatibility issues with older Mac ROMs and an option to disable 'Speculative Processing' of the G3 which can cause problems with some applications like Retrospect backup software. "Speculative Processing" is often called code 'Branch Prediction' where the CPU makes educated guesses on future code execution. See XLR8's white paper for more details. Installing the Software: XLR8 recommends installing their software before installing the card. Currently there is only one case where this is not possible and that is for owners of 601 CPU cards (i.e. early 7500 models). I've written XLR8 asking them to revise the installer to eliminate this issue. The XLR8 software installer automatically places the cache control and extension in the system folder. By having the control software already installed when you first boot with the G3 upgrade their 'virtual firmware' ensures that any compatibility issues such as the Adaptec wide SCSI cards are solved. During the first boot with the G3 card (or whenever you change speed settings on the card), the XLR8 software tests the backside cache automatically and reports what it suggests is the maximum reliable cache speed (but offering you the option to manually set the speed to another setting). In some cases this speed may not be reliable in my experience, so I suggest keeping the cache at 1/2 the CPU speed or near the cache rating. Only the expensive (and rare now) IBM metal lid cache can run reliably near 300MHz speeds in my experience (Some reviews like the PF 466/311 ZIF and older cards like the XLR8 G3/266 show pictures of this cache if you're interested.). I normally keep the backside cache set to a 2:1 ratio (half the CPU speed), which ran perfectly at speeds of up to 240Mhz with this particular 450/225 rated sample (results with another cards may vary). From what I have seen in real world applications tests, backside cache speed is not a primary factor in performance so don't push the bleeding edge on cache speed as it can affect reliability. XLR8 Cache Control 1.4 (PowerCenter Pro settings shown) The main page of the control panel lists the amount of installed RAM and system bus speed, CPU type/speed and CPU junction (internal) temperature. As I've mentioned many times in the past in the front page news, I don't believe the CPU junction temperatures are accurate (literally), especially with the new Copper CPUs (IBM 300Mhz and higher are all copper based now - get our exclusive PPC Checker to test yours).. With this CPU, the reading of 32C is at least a bit closer to reality than some previous tests (8C with a 400MHz copper G3 in the previous CarrierZIF review). Since the software just reads a register on the CPU unless a company performs extensive tests and applies a 'calibration factor' to the reading the temperatures are of little use in my opinion. BTW - most G3 desktop CPUs are rated for 65C junction temperatures (PB G3 models use an 85C version I hear). At the bottom of the main control page is the current Backside Cache size and speed. Advanced Settings: The image below shows the 'Advanced' settings tab of the control. Advanced Settings Tab The Advanced settings page will allow you to set the backside cache speed to manual (you select a speed) or automatic (the default based on the card type and bootup testing). There is also an option to enable or disable (default) Speculative Processing of the G3 CPU. Version v1.4 added an option to disable (the default setting) any motherboard cache, which as I mention earlier is a nice feature for owners of soldered-in cache motherboard designs like the 9500, some 9600s and Umax machines. As noted previously, it is recommended that you disable Speculative Processing in older Macs to reliably run software like Retrospect (which backed my Genesis drive flawlessly). My previous review tests showed that disabling Speculative Processing actually improved performance in. Photoshop, but often has a small (5% or so) hit in some apps like Infini-D. Unlike previous XLR8 card reviews, for this review I ran the card with Spec. Processing at the default disabled setting at all times. The 'Performance Tips' tab contains notes on faster cache speed settings and tuning. The 'Support' tab lists XLR8's contact information including toll-free tech support line and web site address (a nice feature).
Summary: Software controls were easy to install, use and contained options to enhance compatibility and performance. Overall I consider XLR8's cache control the best I've seen so far.
The next page describes the documentation and installation instructions supplied with the card. Or you may use the links below to jump to a specific page.

Index of XLR8 MAChCarrier450 Review Pages Intro \| Benchmarks \| Appl. Tests \| Software Controls \| Docs/Installation \| Specs/Design \| Summary - or - Back to WWW.XLR8YOURMAC.COM
Copyright © Mike, 1999. No part of this sites content or images are to be reproduced or distributed in any form without written permission. All brand or product names mentioned here are properties of their respective companies. Users of the web site must read and are bound by the terms and conditions of use.