Accelerate Your Mac! - Review of the XLR8 MAChCarrier G4/450 CPU upgrade

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Review: XLR8's MAChCarrier^TM G4/450
Hardware/Software Installation Guide (B&W G3)
By Mike Breeden
Published: 4/7/2000

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

Note: This page is for reference only and is not a replacement for the owners manual. Consult the owner's manual of the upgrade for additional instructions and safety precautions. Get qualified help if necessary.

The page covers an overview of the steps involved in installing the MAChCarrier card. The thick, well illustrated manual includes more information which you should read before installing the card. The MAChCarrier models come ready to install and no card settings changes should be needed.
The manual contains illustrated guides to installing the hardware and control software. Configuration information as well as troubleshooting and advanced tuning sections are also included. For those not familiar with CPU upgrades, there are explanations of the basics and interaction of Bus, CPU and Cache speeds to help clarify their relationship to each other. XLR8's toll-free tech support number is also listed in case you have questions or need assistance. The XLR8 manual provides detailed instructions for buyers of the upgrade; this page simply gives a general overview of the steps involved.

Note: Older Macs owners using G4 CPU cards should first make the Emergency Boot Disk before installing the card so that it is available should it be needed later. The Emergency Boot Disk image file is in the MAChCarrier installer folder as shown above.

What's Included:
The following is a list of the contents of the XLR8 MAChCarrier G4/450 upgrade package:

CarrierZIF CPU Card with pre-installed 450MHz G4 ZIF module with 1MB of Backside Cache (ready to install)
Printed Manual (very thick and detailed)
CD with Control Software, Utilities and Troubleshooting docs
Permanent Anti-Static Wrist Strap (use it)
Small Screwdriver (for removing heatsink clip)
Thermal Paste (to apply on CPU/Heatsink contact area)
Applicator and instruction sheet for above
Warranty Registration Card
"Powered by XLR8" Decal

XLR8 supplies a permanent (vs. the disposable one time use versions) adjustable anti-static wrist strap which I recommend you use. Often you may not destroy an electronic component from static discharge, but you shorten its life which can lead to sudden failures down the road.

As noted previously, the MAChCarrier models come ready to install, requiring no switch settings changes or assembly of ZIF modules (unlike bundles of the bare CarrierZIF card and non-XLR8 ZIF modules. See my Setup Guide to the CarrierZIF if you're considering one of these low-cost kits).

If you have a low-profile Mac model in most cases you will want to remove the black support bracket. which is secured with two screws.

The following is a summary of the CPU card installation routine:

Install the XLR8 Software first (a must for G4 upgrades in older macs, and with G3s as well if you own an Adaptec wide SCSI PCI Card as noted in the XLR8 2940UW Tech Note) .
Shut Down the Mac (disconnect the AC power cord to prevent accidental powerups should you inadvertently press the keyboard power-on key, etc.)
Attach the wrist strap and connect it to the monitor out jack on the back of the Macintosh.
Remove the case cover
Remove the existing CPU card from its slot
If possible - remove the L2 cache dimm. Most G3 upgrade problems are due to too slow an L2 cache. with the G3 card's fast backside cache you don't need it and especially with Apple's stock cache dimms - most will be a source of problems. (In 1997 I wrote an article on 8500 cache upgrades that has the steps involved in those systems, but read the precautions first. 7x00 Macs and most clones have far easier access to the Cache dimm - check your system manual for info. 95/9500 macs don't have removable cache and neither do most Genesis systems or Umax J700/S900 models.)
Double check that the CarrierZIF speed settings are correct (manual has table of settings). I strongly recommend you leave the card set to the factory settings for at least several days before you think of changing speeds.
Insert the CarrierZIF card (making sure it's fully seated)
Press the CUDA (CPU reset) button on the motherboard (hold for 30 seconds)
(Note: Zapping the PRAM or resetting the CUDA switch in systems with a Thunder3D or IXMicro IX3D card can result in no video at boot. If this happens, remove the video card, power up the mac, wait 30 seconds or so, then shut down and reinstall the video card.)
Replace the Case Cover
Power up the Mac.

Total installation time was under 5 minutes, but if you want to experiment with other than the default speed you will need to adjust settings and then verify that the new speeds are reliable (I'd suggest at least 12 hours of heavy apps use to verify reliability along with an overnight RAM test or Game continuos demo). Should your system not boot follow the steps in the troubleshooting section of the manual and the tips noted below.

As mentioned earlier, the MAChCarrier cards come ready to install and you should not need to change any of the card's switches. My Setup Guide to the CarrierZIF includes details on switch settings for those that are curious. (The base card allows bus speed settings from 40MHz to 66MHz.)

Troubleshooting: Along with the benefits of a wide range of adjustments comes some responsibility. Although I had no problems running this card at the default settings, Macs with mixed or poor quality RAM may need to follow some of the tips below.

Although the XLR8 manual covers troubleshooting problems, here is a basic guide I follow when experimenting with speed settings in my Macs, or troubleshooting a CPU upgrade:

Before any major upgrade, especially when experimenting, back up your data just in case.
If the card will not boot at the current settings, or is unstable in use, first ensure you are not overclocking the cache speed (leave it at the default 1/2 CPU speed).
Although the MAChCarrier should ship set to the correct speeds, if problems arise double check that the bus speed and ratio settings are correct (for this card a 50MHz bus speed and 9x ratio).Take the time to verify that the settings are correct per the manual's chart.
If the system still does not boot at the correct bus speed and bus/cpu ratio settings and you've made sure the card is fully seated and you've removed the L2 Cache dimm (if possible - some systems have soldered-in cache like the test S900), then deinterleaving RAM or lowering bus speed may be the only option. Using only quality RAM dimms helps ensure you can run interleaved RAM which helps performance as noted in my previous article on the subject.
Once the system boots, I verify reliability by running applications that stress the CPU for hours to make sure the card is reliable. Simply booting and running MacBench is not proof. If you own Unreal or Quake, letting the auto-play demos run for hours is a great way to test for problems. Running GaugePro's continuous memory test is another option.
As a test for hard drive data errors - try mounting an Apple .SMI file image which will do a checksum test. The larger the file the better. (Apple often supplies software updates in this format.)

About Overclocking: Overclocking may void the warranty and may not be reliable at all speeds. I do not recommend overclocking to others and you assume all risk from doing so. Although owners reports in my 3500+ entry Rate Your CPU Upgrade database indicates overclocking is very common, sometimes reported speeds may not prove reliable after extended use. Don't assume the results of others will be repeatable with your specific system/hardware/software mix. Check with XLR8 on their current warranty policy if you plan on overclocking the card and are worried about warranty support. No company can guarantee overclocked speeds or what bus speed will be possible in your system. Buy a CPU upgrade by its rated speed, not an assumption that you can overclock it reliably or will be able to repeat other owner's speeds. The MAChCarrier is warranted to work at the default speeds in any compatible system.

Summary: The MAChCarrier/CarrierZIF printed manual is probably the most detailed I've seen provided with any CPU card currently available. No manual is perfect, but it's far better than many others. One note: the new heatsink design is not reflected in the current manual, which still shows the previous flat-plate heatsink of the previous models.
Installation went smoothly and the card plugged and played first boot at the factory set bus and CPU speed. As with any adjustable CPU card - things can be complicated if you want to experiment, as only trial and error can determine what advanced settings are reliable in any particular Mac. My CarrierZIF Setup Guide lists the rules I follow when searching for maximum reliable speeds, but realize that experimentation has its risks.

Index of XLR8 MAChCarrier G4 450MHz Review
Intro | Benchmarks | Appl. Tests | Software Controls | Installation | Specs/Design | Summary

- or -
Back to WWW.XLR8YOURMAC.COM

Copyright © 2000.
All Rights Reserved.
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 G4/450 Hardware/Software Installation Guide (B&W G3) By Mike Breeden Published: 4/7/2000
Intro \| Benchmarks \| Appl. Tests \| Software Controls \| Installation \| Specs/Design \| Summary
Note: This page is for reference only and is not a replacement for the owners manual. Consult the owner's manual of the upgrade for additional instructions and safety precautions. Get qualified help if necessary.
The page covers an overview of the steps involved in installing the MAChCarrier card. The thick, well illustrated manual includes more information which you should read before installing the card. The MAChCarrier models come ready to install and no card settings changes should be needed. The manual contains illustrated guides to installing the hardware and control software. Configuration information as well as troubleshooting and advanced tuning sections are also included. For those not familiar with CPU upgrades, there are explanations of the basics and interaction of Bus, CPU and Cache speeds to help clarify their relationship to each other. XLR8's toll-free tech support number is also listed in case you have questions or need assistance. The XLR8 manual provides detailed instructions for buyers of the upgrade; this page simply gives a general overview of the steps involved. Note: Older Macs owners using G4 CPU cards should first make the Emergency Boot Disk before installing the card so that it is available should it be needed later. The Emergency Boot Disk image file is in the MAChCarrier installer folder as shown above. What's Included: The following is a list of the contents of the XLR8 MAChCarrier G4/450 upgrade package: CarrierZIF CPU Card with pre-installed 450MHz G4 ZIF module with 1MB of Backside Cache (ready to install) Printed Manual (very thick and detailed) CD with Control Software, Utilities and Troubleshooting docs Permanent Anti-Static Wrist Strap (use it) Small Screwdriver (for removing heatsink clip) Thermal Paste (to apply on CPU/Heatsink contact area) Applicator and instruction sheet for above Warranty Registration Card "Powered by XLR8" Decal XLR8 supplies a permanent (vs. the disposable one time use versions) adjustable anti-static wrist strap which I recommend you use. Often you may not destroy an electronic component from static discharge, but you shorten its life which can lead to sudden failures down the road. As noted previously, the MAChCarrier models come ready to install, requiring no switch settings changes or assembly of ZIF modules (unlike bundles of the bare CarrierZIF card and non-XLR8 ZIF modules. See my Setup Guide to the CarrierZIF if you're considering one of these low-cost kits). If you have a low-profile Mac model in most cases you will want to remove the black support bracket. which is secured with two screws. The following is a summary of the CPU card installation routine: Install the XLR8 Software first (a must for G4 upgrades in older macs, and with G3s as well if you own an Adaptec wide SCSI PCI Card as noted in the XLR8 2940UW Tech Note) . Shut Down the Mac (disconnect the AC power cord to prevent accidental powerups should you inadvertently press the keyboard power-on key, etc.) Attach the wrist strap and connect it to the monitor out jack on the back of the Macintosh. Remove the case cover Remove the existing CPU card from its slot If possible - remove the L2 cache dimm. Most G3 upgrade problems are due to too slow an L2 cache. with the G3 card's fast backside cache you don't need it and especially with Apple's stock cache dimms - most will be a source of problems. (In 1997 I wrote an article on 8500 cache upgrades that has the steps involved in those systems, but read the precautions first. 7x00 Macs and most clones have far easier access to the Cache dimm - check your system manual for info. 95/9500 macs don't have removable cache and neither do most Genesis systems or Umax J700/S900 models.) Double check that the CarrierZIF speed settings are correct (manual has table of settings). I strongly recommend you leave the card set to the factory settings for at least several days before you think of changing speeds. Insert the CarrierZIF card (making sure it's fully seated) Press the CUDA (CPU reset) button on the motherboard (hold for 30 seconds) (Note: Zapping the PRAM or resetting the CUDA switch in systems with a Thunder3D or IXMicro IX3D card can result in no video at boot. If this happens, remove the video card, power up the mac, wait 30 seconds or so, then shut down and reinstall the video card.) Replace the Case Cover Power up the Mac. Total installation time was under 5 minutes, but if you want to experiment with other than the default speed you will need to adjust settings and then verify that the new speeds are reliable (I'd suggest at least 12 hours of heavy apps use to verify reliability along with an overnight RAM test or Game continuos demo). Should your system not boot follow the steps in the troubleshooting section of the manual and the tips noted below. As mentioned earlier, the MAChCarrier cards come ready to install and you should not need to change any of the card's switches. My Setup Guide to the CarrierZIF includes details on switch settings for those that are curious. (The base card allows bus speed settings from 40MHz to 66MHz.) Troubleshooting: Along with the benefits of a wide range of adjustments comes some responsibility. Although I had no problems running this card at the default settings, Macs with mixed or poor quality RAM may need to follow some of the tips below. Although the XLR8 manual covers troubleshooting problems, here is a basic guide I follow when experimenting with speed settings in my Macs, or troubleshooting a CPU upgrade: Before any major upgrade, especially when experimenting, back up your data just in case. If the card will not boot at the current settings, or is unstable in use, first ensure you are not overclocking the cache speed (leave it at the default 1/2 CPU speed). Although the MAChCarrier should ship set to the correct speeds, if problems arise double check that the bus speed and ratio settings are correct (for this card a 50MHz bus speed and 9x ratio).Take the time to verify that the settings are correct per the manual's chart. If the system still does not boot at the correct bus speed and bus/cpu ratio settings and you've made sure the card is fully seated and you've removed the L2 Cache dimm (if possible - some systems have soldered-in cache like the test S900), then deinterleaving RAM or lowering bus speed may be the only option. Using only quality RAM dimms helps ensure you can run interleaved RAM which helps performance as noted in my previous article on the subject. Once the system boots, I verify reliability by running applications that stress the CPU for hours to make sure the card is reliable. Simply booting and running MacBench is not proof. If you own Unreal or Quake, letting the auto-play demos run for hours is a great way to test for problems. Running GaugePro's continuous memory test is another option. As a test for hard drive data errors - try mounting an Apple .SMI file image which will do a checksum test. The larger the file the better. (Apple often supplies software updates in this format.) About Overclocking: Overclocking may void the warranty and may not be reliable at all speeds. I do not recommend overclocking to others and you assume all risk from doing so. Although owners reports in my 3500+ entry Rate Your CPU Upgrade database indicates overclocking is very common, sometimes reported speeds may not prove reliable after extended use. Don't assume the results of others will be repeatable with your specific system/hardware/software mix. Check with XLR8 on their current warranty policy if you plan on overclocking the card and are worried about warranty support. No company can guarantee overclocked speeds or what bus speed will be possible in your system. Buy a CPU upgrade by its rated speed, not an assumption that you can overclock it reliably or will be able to repeat other owner's speeds. The MAChCarrier is warranted to work at the default speeds in any compatible system.
Summary: The MAChCarrier/CarrierZIF printed manual is probably the most detailed I've seen provided with any CPU card currently available. No manual is perfect, but it's far better than many others. One note: the new heatsink design is not reflected in the current manual, which still shows the previous flat-plate heatsink of the previous models. Installation went smoothly and the card plugged and played first boot at the factory set bus and CPU speed. As with any adjustable CPU card - things can be complicated if you want to experiment, as only trial and error can determine what advanced settings are reliable in any particular Mac. My CarrierZIF Setup Guide lists the rules I follow when searching for maximum reliable speeds, but realize that experimentation has its risks.
Index of XLR8 MAChCarrier G4 450MHz Review Intro \| Benchmarks \| Appl. Tests \| Software Controls \| Installation \| Specs/Design \| Summary - or - Back to WWW.XLR8YOURMAC.COM
Copyright © 2000. All Rights Reserved. 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.