Accelerate Your Mac! - Review of the MetaBox JoeCard G4 450MHz 2MB cache CPU upgrade

Below is a screenshot of the MetaBox Info Control Panel and the contents of the supplied CD:

The G3 Firmware Update folder contains instructions and their patcher for removing the G4 CPU block from B&W G3 firmware version 1.02/1.1. Basically you download the Apple firmware file and run their patcher which removes the G4 CPU block and flashes the firmware.

Installing the Software:
The Metabox installer copies their cache enabler extension and control panel to your system folder. The version of their software I used with this review was 3.0.

Note: For Blue and White G3 owners, you must install the patched firmware that removes the G4 CPU block from the 1.02/1.1 Apple firmware revisions before you install the CPU module. Metabox includes directions for this but did not include a direct link to the Apple 1.1 firmware download page (you have to download the Apple firmware, then Metabox's patcher modifies it to remove the G4 CPU check, then flashes it in your Mac). Only B&W G3 owners need to do this.

I covered the procedure of updating the B&W G3 firmware in my previous review of the XLR8 G4/400 ZIF upgrade install page.

The Source for Mac Performance News and Reviews
Review: MetaBox's JoeCard^TM Z G4/450 2MB Cache First Shipping 2MB G4 CPU Upgrade By Mike Published: 9/15/2000
Software Cache Control Features
Intro \| Benchmarks \| Appl. Tests \| Software Controls \| Installation \| Specs/Design \| Summary
Cache Control Software
Metabox's supplied software consists of an extension to enable the 2MB backside cache and a control panel that reports CPU, Backside L2 Cache Size/Speed, Bus speeds and CPU temperature. There are no adjustments for cache speed possible. (Backside cache speed boosting has little benefit for real world applications usually, although it does result in higher MacBench CPU scores since that benchmark seems to fit completely in the cache.) Below is a screenshot of the MetaBox Info Control Panel and the contents of the supplied CD: What's On The MetaBox CD: The G3 Firmware Update folder contains instructions and their patcher for removing the G4 CPU block from B&W G3 firmware version 1.02/1.1. Basically you download the Apple firmware file and run their patcher which removes the G4 CPU block and flashes the firmware. Installing the Software: The Metabox installer copies their cache enabler extension and control panel to your system folder. The version of their software I used with this review was 3.0. Note: For Blue and White G3 owners, you must install the patched firmware that removes the G4 CPU block from the 1.02/1.1 Apple firmware revisions before you install the CPU module. Metabox includes directions for this but did not include a direct link to the Apple 1.1 firmware download page (you have to download the Apple firmware, then Metabox's patcher modifies it to remove the G4 CPU check, then flashes it in your Mac). Only B&W G3 owners need to do this. I covered the procedure of updating the B&W G3 firmware in my previous review of the XLR8 G4/400 ZIF upgrade install page.
The next page describes installation of the upgrade and includes troubleshooting tips. Or you may use the links below to jump to a specific page.

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