The Railgun card control software consists only of a cache enabling extension, but you do get a choice of a 2:1 (the cache running at 1/2 the CPU speed) or a 1.5:1 ratios (the cache runs at 2/3 the CPU speed). You simply copy the extension to your system folder (say yes when it asks if it's ok to put it in the extensions folder) and then restart the machine. My tests showed that this particular card ran fine with the 1.5:1 extension, but if you should encounter any problems, you might want to try the 2:1 extension at higher CPU speeds. With the 1.5:1 maximum ratio, I think you'll reach the CPU speed limit before the cache limit based on my tests and the hardware on this particular card.

Initial startup tips:
Should you have problems booting up, verify that you do not have the card running too fast, or there may be an incompatibility with your motherboard cache. The first troubleshooting step is to remove the motherboard cache if possible (after verifying that you have the card set to the default rated speed). The manual has a 10-step troubleshooting section as well. I did not need to remove the motherboard cache in the PowerTower Pro during any part of the tests on this particular card.

Remember to always verify that your setting is reliable. I suggest running your favorite applications to fully exercise the CPU for at least 8 hours continuously. I also like to use Newer Technologies freeware RAMometer set to continuous testing and allow it to run for 24 hours straight. Final speeds should always be run for at least 24 hours before considering it reliable enough for normal use. MacBench and one or two applications are not a guarantee of reliable operation and remember that if ambient temperatures rise (warmer room temperatures) operation can be affected if you're running at the ragged edge. Speed without reliability is nothing but frustration.

For verification of bus, cache and CPU speeds I used the latest version of Newer Technologies freeware Clockometer. As proof I took a screenshot that shows the 312/208 Clockometer report and a 4000+ run Ramometer test pass on the same screen.

Since there is no control panel as with the some other G3 CPU cards I deducted points for this lack of flexibility (although rarely needed, it's nice to be able to disable the cache without a reboot, etc). However they did provide two different ratios, a plus. The extension does the job, but with less options than the competition.

The software controls do the job, but without any frills or extras, so I rated Software Controls a 6.

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.