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Review: XLR8's MAChCarrier^TM 450 CPU Card
CarrierZIF w/10X G3 CPU ZIF module
Published: 8/31/99

Review Summary and Final Comments

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

The Final Word

Just as this article was posted Apple (and XLR8) announced their G4 CPU line. This makes the price of the MAChCarrier 450 (originally $895) surely to drop since their announced G4 pricing is in that range. See my First Look at the XLR8 G4 for more info and tests with an early stepping G4 CPU Upgrade.
The primary audience of any upgrade that is more than 1/2 the cost of a new system is likely those with a 6 PCI slot Mac and/or a heavy investment in their existing model. I know from experience that I'd not trade my loaded Genesis for any B&W G3 and this upgrade makes it perform as well in everyday use. I also know companies that have proven, productive machines don't like to risk replacing them with new models which often bring their own set of compatibility problems.

Why So Expensive? In my opinion there are two reasons for the cost of this card.

As of August 1999, 10X ratio G3 CPUs are still rare and not produced in high volume yet. IBM is currently the only 10X G3 manufacturer. Since they are only needed for older Mac upgrades (with a 66 to 100MHz bus speed, a 10X ratio is not usable in a Beige/B&W G3) the volume is lower and the price is higher. I don't know exact cost differences, but 10X G3s surely cost more than the 8X models at this time.
XLR8 has one of the best if not the best support and engineering staff in the Mac CPU market. That costs money, as does designing new products, updating them often, and developing/supporting software

XLR8, like any company, makes mistakes (some 10X models went out with 8X CPU modules for instance) but every time I've brought a reader problem to their attention they have handled it quickly and even thrown in a bonus many times. They are a company I do not hesitate to recommend and from what I've repeatedly seen, they produce a consistent, quality product. (And no, XLR8 has never been a sponsor of this site, I'm just telling you the plain truth. The last thing I need is more problem emails :-)

Some companies and dealers prefer not to sell adjustable cards since they by nature of the many settings have a higher support cost. However remember that adjusting speed settings is an option - this card plugged and played at the 450/225/45 factory setting. I do like the options for adjustments in the future, and it's key to the ability to upgrade the card in the future.

Upgrade or New System?: Anytime an upgrade costs more than 1/2 the cost of a new system (which often has more advanced features and faster bus speeds, interfaces like Firewire, etc.), you have to consider your options carefully. As I comment on in detail below, OS X compatibility is also a consideration, although some companies are sure to wait for some time after its release to adopt OS X in mass.

I consider my Genesis a prime example of the target system for this upgrade, as its 6 PCI slots are nearly full, it has fast hard drives and plenty of memory and has yet to disappoint me in any task I need. It will serve me well until a low cost, faster G4 system with AGP and a mature OS X is available. As with any new computer purchase, speeds and features increase and prices fall as time goes by.

G4 Compatibility: With the bonus of a ZIF socket onboard and XLR8's statement of CarrierZIF G4 compatibility, this card can be easily (and cheaply if you shop carefully) upgraded to faster CPUs in the future and can reuse Apple G3 ZIFs. Since many Mac owners have older Macs and an Apple G3, if they upgrade the Apple G3 the original ZIF can be used to upgrade the CarrierZIF card. I won't repeat all the advantages listed on the First Look article, but I think you can see the advantages of a ZIF socketed card.

If you're in the market for a CPU slot form factor G3 upgrade, you really owe it to yourself to take a look at the CarrierZIF (either unpopulated base card or MAChCarrier model with CPU installed), especially if you plan to keep our Mac for some time or have an Apple G3 system to allow for 'inherited' upgrades in the future.

Owners of XLR8 G3 Cards (those that include a CPU ) are also eligible for their Trade-Up discount program, including upgrades to G4 CPUs when they become available. See the linked page above for more details.

CPU upgrade prices change often and current prices quickly become obsolete so remember to check prices often. Site sponsors like Bottom Line, Other World Computing and MacGurus offer discounts and special sales. If you do buy from a site sponsor, please mention this review.

The OS X Issue: I know many of you (and I) are wondering about the issue of OS X (coming next year) running on non-Apple G3 Macs. Many people wonder if they should invest in a G3 CPU card upgrade vs. the safer bet of getting an Apple G3 system. In some cases that's not an option, for instance those that need more than 3 PCI slots or have a large investment in their existing Mac of hardware that does not fit or work in the Apple G3s.

The latest info I've heard and read was that OS X client (dev beta) did run on a Railgun upgraded 8500, so there is hope despite the fact it will not be 'supported' by Apple if used on pre-G3 Macs. Owner's of Mac clones (non Apple brands) or very old Macs should definitely not count on running OS X, at least with the info I have at this time.

With only three of my many Macs being Apple G3s, I certainly hope Apple does not abandon the millions of existing owners of pre-G3 systems. And don't forget that OS 8.x (and OS 9) will be supported by software vendors, as that is and will continue to be the the largest Mac OS market segment for years. To be honest, I'm not looking forward to replacing the small fortune in applications I have now for native OS X versions (since blue box performance would likely be less than my current OS 8.x machines).

One last reminder: Every company I know doesn't replace Macs lightly - smart ones wait until all the bugs are shaken out of any new system or operating system before taking the plunge and replacing models that are proven performers.

Availability/Pricing:

Since the G4 Systems/Upgrades were just announced, Check with XLR8 and their dealers for the current pricing as it volatile at this date. The CarrierZIF base card alone (no CPU module) lists for $189 MSRP (often $159 at site sponsors like Bottom Line, Other World Computing and MacGurus).

Bottom Line, MacGurus and Other World have the MAChCarrier available now - check their web sites for current pricing.
You may also order direct from XLR8 by calling 1-888-957-8867. If ordered direct from XLR8, the CarrierZIF comes with a 30-day money back guarantee from XLR8 and a 2 year warranty. Most dealers offer 30 day returns as well but as policies vary be sure to check this before you order should any problems arise.

Mention this site if you order from sponsors - I'm working day and night to provide free tech support and the best product reviews for Mac owners (and have since 1997 :-). Your support is appreciated.

I hope this review has provided you with sufficient information of all aspects of the product, but if you have any further questions or comments you may contact me by email at: news@xlr8yourmac.com.
For reviews of other CPU cards at this site, see my CPU Cards page. The home page (www.xlr8yourmac.com) has links to reviews of Systems, SCSI controllers, Video cards (incl. 3Dfx), Game related articles and some of the most useful daily news on the net (updated 7 days a week). Thanks for stopping by!

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: XLR8's MAChCarrier^TM 450 CPU Card CarrierZIF w/10X G3 CPU ZIF module Published: 8/31/99
Review Summary and Final Comments
Intro \| Benchmarks \| Appl. Tests \| Software Controls \| Docs/Installation \| Specs/Design \| Summary
The Final Word
Just as this article was posted Apple (and XLR8) announced their G4 CPU line. This makes the price of the MAChCarrier 450 (originally $895) surely to drop since their announced G4 pricing is in that range. See my First Look at the XLR8 G4 for more info and tests with an early stepping G4 CPU Upgrade. The primary audience of any upgrade that is more than 1/2 the cost of a new system is likely those with a 6 PCI slot Mac and/or a heavy investment in their existing model. I know from experience that I'd not trade my loaded Genesis for any B&W G3 and this upgrade makes it perform as well in everyday use. I also know companies that have proven, productive machines don't like to risk replacing them with new models which often bring their own set of compatibility problems. Why So Expensive? In my opinion there are two reasons for the cost of this card. As of August 1999, 10X ratio G3 CPUs are still rare and not produced in high volume yet. IBM is currently the only 10X G3 manufacturer. Since they are only needed for older Mac upgrades (with a 66 to 100MHz bus speed, a 10X ratio is not usable in a Beige/B&W G3) the volume is lower and the price is higher. I don't know exact cost differences, but 10X G3s surely cost more than the 8X models at this time. XLR8 has one of the best if not the best support and engineering staff in the Mac CPU market. That costs money, as does designing new products, updating them often, and developing/supporting software XLR8, like any company, makes mistakes (some 10X models went out with 8X CPU modules for instance) but every time I've brought a reader problem to their attention they have handled it quickly and even thrown in a bonus many times. They are a company I do not hesitate to recommend and from what I've repeatedly seen, they produce a consistent, quality product. (And no, XLR8 has never been a sponsor of this site, I'm just telling you the plain truth. The last thing I need is more problem emails :-) Some companies and dealers prefer not to sell adjustable cards since they by nature of the many settings have a higher support cost. However remember that adjusting speed settings is an option - this card plugged and played at the 450/225/45 factory setting. I do like the options for adjustments in the future, and it's key to the ability to upgrade the card in the future. Upgrade or New System?: Anytime an upgrade costs more than 1/2 the cost of a new system (which often has more advanced features and faster bus speeds, interfaces like Firewire, etc.), you have to consider your options carefully. As I comment on in detail below, OS X compatibility is also a consideration, although some companies are sure to wait for some time after its release to adopt OS X in mass. I consider my Genesis a prime example of the target system for this upgrade, as its 6 PCI slots are nearly full, it has fast hard drives and plenty of memory and has yet to disappoint me in any task I need. It will serve me well until a low cost, faster G4 system with AGP and a mature OS X is available. As with any new computer purchase, speeds and features increase and prices fall as time goes by. G4 Compatibility: With the bonus of a ZIF socket onboard and XLR8's statement of CarrierZIF G4 compatibility, this card can be easily (and cheaply if you shop carefully) upgraded to faster CPUs in the future and can reuse Apple G3 ZIFs. Since many Mac owners have older Macs and an Apple G3, if they upgrade the Apple G3 the original ZIF can be used to upgrade the CarrierZIF card. I won't repeat all the advantages listed on the First Look article, but I think you can see the advantages of a ZIF socketed card. If you're in the market for a CPU slot form factor G3 upgrade, you really owe it to yourself to take a look at the CarrierZIF (either unpopulated base card or MAChCarrier model with CPU installed), especially if you plan to keep our Mac for some time or have an Apple G3 system to allow for 'inherited' upgrades in the future. Owners of XLR8 G3 Cards (those that include a CPU ) are also eligible for their Trade-Up discount program, including upgrades to G4 CPUs when they become available. See the linked page above for more details. CPU upgrade prices change often and current prices quickly become obsolete so remember to check prices often. Site sponsors like Bottom Line, Other World Computing and MacGurus offer discounts and special sales. If you do buy from a site sponsor, please mention this review. The OS X Issue: I know many of you (and I) are wondering about the issue of OS X (coming next year) running on non-Apple G3 Macs. Many people wonder if they should invest in a G3 CPU card upgrade vs. the safer bet of getting an Apple G3 system. In some cases that's not an option, for instance those that need more than 3 PCI slots or have a large investment in their existing Mac of hardware that does not fit or work in the Apple G3s. The latest info I've heard and read was that OS X client (dev beta) did run on a Railgun upgraded 8500, so there is hope despite the fact it will not be 'supported' by Apple if used on pre-G3 Macs. Owner's of Mac clones (non Apple brands) or very old Macs should definitely not count on running OS X, at least with the info I have at this time. With only three of my many Macs being Apple G3s, I certainly hope Apple does not abandon the millions of existing owners of pre-G3 systems. And don't forget that OS 8.x (and OS 9) will be supported by software vendors, as that is and will continue to be the the largest Mac OS market segment for years. To be honest, I'm not looking forward to replacing the small fortune in applications I have now for native OS X versions (since blue box performance would likely be less than my current OS 8.x machines). One last reminder: Every company I know doesn't replace Macs lightly - smart ones wait until all the bugs are shaken out of any new system or operating system before taking the plunge and replacing models that are proven performers.
Availability/Pricing: Since the G4 Systems/Upgrades were just announced, Check with XLR8 and their dealers for the current pricing as it volatile at this date. The CarrierZIF base card alone (no CPU module) lists for $189 MSRP (often $159 at site sponsors like Bottom Line, Other World Computing and MacGurus). Bottom Line, MacGurus and Other World have the MAChCarrier available now - check their web sites for current pricing. You may also order direct from XLR8 by calling 1-888-957-8867. If ordered direct from XLR8, the CarrierZIF comes with a 30-day money back guarantee from XLR8 and a 2 year warranty. Most dealers offer 30 day returns as well but as policies vary be sure to check this before you order should any problems arise. Mention this site if you order from sponsors - I'm working day and night to provide free tech support and the best product reviews for Mac owners (and have since 1997 :-). Your support is appreciated.
I hope this review has provided you with sufficient information of all aspects of the product, but if you have any further questions or comments you may contact me by email at: news@xlr8yourmac.com. For reviews of other CPU cards at this site, see my CPU Cards page. The home page (www.xlr8yourmac.com) has links to reviews of Systems, SCSI controllers, Video cards (incl. 3Dfx), Game related articles and some of the most useful daily news on the net (updated 7 days a week). Thanks for stopping by!

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.