Site sponsor Other World Computing sent a sale notice on Vimage's fastest G3 upgrade:

"New, Vimage VPower 366mhz G3 PCI Upgrades w/1024k 2:1 Cache (183mhz) - $589 Upgrade for 73/75/76/85/86/9600 and Systems. 30 Day Money Back, 2yr Warranty.

In stock and the price is comparable to most 300mhz upgrades! Free delivery when ordered online at www.fastermacs.com"

The latest reader report of OS X installs on unsupported Macs is very interesting:

"The machine: 7500 (Val-4)
The CPU: Railgun 300/1M Daughtercard

The problem: Unsupported configuration - hung during 1streboot from OSXS Installer CD to OSXS HD. (endlesslyspinning beachball)

The cause: mesh (sc1) does not properly support threads -hung attempting to mount UFS device.

The solution: install only to an external hard drive.

Dunno why, but the external SCSI controller (sc0) works forthe install while the internal one (sc1) doesn't on mymachine."

Is there anyone else that is running OS X on a G3 upgraded Mac? Is there any cache enabling software for G3 upgrades under OS X? Email me if you have anything to report.

Apple's latest TIL update (#30945) regarding OEM U2 SCSI firmware update compatibility might have been more on target if it listed the 2940U2W, not the 2940UW. I suspect most people wonder if the update is compatible with the retail Ultra2 SCSI card (not UW). The Apple OEM version omits the extra narrow and UW connectors present on the retail 2940U2W and I'd never want to flash Apple's OEM firmware on any retail card. For more info on retail U2 SCSI Cards see my review of the Initio Miles U2, Adaptec 2940U2W and ATTO U2 PCI SCSI cards.

Apple's news page posted a promotion yesterday on B&W G3s. Until June 27th, 1999 you can get a free internal modem or ZIP drive ($100 options previously). Add an Apple 17 inch monitor and get a $100 mail-in rebate as well. Download the coupon (PDF file) for more details. If you get the modem - I'd not install the FaxSTF software based on owner reports.

theiMac.com is reporting that rev C iMacs have been discontinued and that 333MHz versions are on the way. Now if they just had a mezzanine slot for iMac Voodoo2 card...hopefully future versions will have firewire and a Rage128 graphics chip as well.

Since I recently received an iMac overclocking report, I've added iMacs as a selectable model in the G3 Owner Reports Database. There are no CPU upgrades I know of for the iMac (it has roms on the module and is not a ZIF) but for those brave souls that have overclocked them (soldering required - see the links page OC section for a site with info on the procedure - NOT recommended as it voids your warranty, increases heat and you may damage the module in the process). Other iMac overclockers are welcome to submit their results. (Select Apple as the card mfr for overclocking results with iMacs and Apple G3 systems.)

I may have mentioned it previously, but I'm still hearing rumors that G3 CPUs will soon support more than 8X bus/CPU ratios. This will be a big help for older Macs with lower bus speeds (currently a 50MHz bus speed is required for a 400MHz CPU speed due to the 8X max G3 CPU/bus ratio in the current models).

C/Net is reporting that Andy Grove's 1998 bonus was cut to just over $1.9 Million. Last year's bonus was over $2.7 Million they said. Must be nice to get a bonus that is about 4x your annual salary...I could live with those 'cuts' ;-)

The 3D Gaming News page has another large update with the latest info on Quake III, Mac Carmageddon II (available now), Quake II for OS X (available now), Voodoo3 cards, Unreal bug reports and info on our new FPS Toolkit for Unreal (and much more). Also noted there was the recent PC Magazine review of the B&W G3 showing performance exceeding a PIII 500 system on many tests.

More B&W G3 Modem Feedback: Included are comments on external modem use:

"I would like to pass on my comments regarding G3 modems:
I purchased a new B&W G3 for my business and soon discovered my old GlobalVillage 56Klex couldn't be connected due to a lack of [serial] ports on the newG3. No problem, I ordered a KeySpan Serial Port adapter. It was backordered for 3 weeks. I got inpatient so I ordered an Apple 56k v.90Internal modem. The Keyspan adapter arrived the same day I ordered theApple internal Modem.

I connected the GV 56klex external through the Keyspan and I was up andrunning. I was connecting at 48,000 but had a few hang ups. I thought Iwould check modem firmware updates from GV and sure enough they had firmwareto update my GVKflex to v.90 so I downloaded it and ran the update.

The max I could connect after updating the firmware was 28400. I checkedwith Global Village and was told they don't provide support for my currentconfiguration (GV 56K ADB external on B&W G3). I asked if there was a wayto change my modem back to KFlex and was told 'NO'. The Tech Rep did say Imight check with my ISP to see if they were on v2.20 of V.90. I asked myISP and he didn't know but would check. I haven't heard back yet.

The Apple internal modem arrived so I switched over to it. I experiencedthe same hang-ups and narrowed the problem down to conflicts with the Faxextensions (faxSTF) that came with the modem. I no longer have the hang-ups but still couln't achieve any speeds greater than 28400 (even though ARA would report 'communicating at 57600') [the modem's UART speed-Mike].

I tried all the available scripts that came with the Apple Internal Modemand the set that came with Mac ARA v 1.5. Still no luck. Max connection28,400 and download speeds max out at 3100/bytes per second.

I just downloaded the two recent modem scripts Force 56kflec-imac and Force56v90-imac. Both report connecting at 48000 but download speeds on the kflex reched 4000 bytes per second while the v90 never exceded 3100.

My feeling at this time is that there may very well be a problem with thev90 firmware version loaded on my ISP's modems. For know I am sticking with the Force 56KFlex-imac script.

Thanks for the help I received from your website. I hope this helps someoneelse.
Greg Zwick"

The 'force' scripts are linked on my Internal Modem page.

More on PL Cache Cntl 1.5:

"I've got a 275/275/1M in my 180 and ran into the same problem with ver 1.5 of the Powr Logix G3 cache control: freeze on startup. CC8.04 points to it as the culprit. Even tried trashing the prefs file. My solution was to go back to 1.4.2. It did find that by changing the load order of the cache control panel (v 1.4.2), I could speed up the startup process with no problems.I am running the PL G3 card at 333/222 with a cooling fan and tried lowering the CPU speed - the cache control still froze during startup. The problem is not unique. However, it may be a 275/275/1M-Powerbase 180 problem -- no sweat with vers, 1.5 in my daughters 180 with a 220 card in it running at 320 and 2.5x cache ratio. CC8.04 isolated ver. 1.5 as the sole culprit in my 180 setup.
John Protopapas"

I've used v1.42 with no problems on several Macs. Like any update, I'd wait for other reports before upgrading a stable machine. Often software updates add support for new models or other features that does not really benefit existing owners. A good general rule is the old saying 'if it ain't broke - don't fix it'.

Fix for Scanners & B&W SCSI Cards?: The issue has been non-SCSI mgr 4.3 compliant software in most cases and some vendors are said to support only Adaptec 2906/2930 cards but this reader mail may help owners of other brands of cards. Chris Rosewell wrote with a copy of a mail from George Graves that might provide a solution:

"First of all, its not the scanner. Its the software which was designed for Macs with on-board SCSI. I have had a similar problem with an HP ScanJet II and an Adaptec SCSI card in a new Yosemite G3 Mac. I couldn't get HP's software to do anything but freeze the machine. I couldn't get LaserSoft's software to work at all, but I did get an older copy of Art-Scan Pro to work perfectly, with no fiddling, the first time. Go to:

http://www.scanhelp.com/ for information and downloads of this excellent software.

Hope this helps you as it did me. This should solve your problem
George Graves"

PPC Checker Note: PPC Checker does not work with L2 cache slot upgrades.

"Because my program uses POST code, it cannot detect the CPU on the L2 slot upgrade card which switches to G3 during INIT loading sequence.
Michiro Isobe"

I'm adding a comment to the readme and the PPC Checker page that the program does not support L2 slot upgrade cards.

The issue of Motorola not making copper G3s was noted back in January here. Contrary to some claims, there is another reason for higher heat dissipation however, and that is the die size differences on the Motorola vs IBM CPU. This was also noted on the IBM vs Motorola CPU page several months ago. Here is a sample of the related info from that page:

"The only significant difference between the two manufacturers is the manufacturing process and power consumption. IBM has a better process technology; their 750/400 is rated at 4.1W avg. / 5.7W max. while Motorola's 750/400 uses 5.8W avg. / 8.0W max.
IBM and Motorola both list a 0.22 micron feature size, but feature sizeisn't everything. IBM's process has 6 metal layers while Motorola's has 5.An extra metal layer means better circuit routing, tighter packing, and areduction in average wire length. The resulting chip is smaller and usesless power.
Timothy Seufert "

One reader disputed the claim that Motorola was not making copper CPUs, citing an apple inside source but in my opinion if Motorola was making copper CPUs their web site would surely have noted it.

VideoVision Nubus/G3 Upgrades: It seems even a Newer Tech G3 may not be compatible according to a report entered yesterday:

"7100/80av with Newer Tech G3 240/120/1MB upgrade
Fairly happy but I could never get my Radius VideoVision Studio card to work. That and I think there are some timing issues with my Jackhammer card. Also, frequent crashes under 8.5 and 8.5.1--it seems happier under 8.1. The speed is worth it but if this were my only machine I'd be screwed.

Not a bad deal but don't count on nubus card compatibility like I did.
Steve H."

B&W G3/300 at 420Mhz: From the latest entries in the G3 Owner's database:

"I have had my system running at 400/200/100 for about a month with no problems. I even had a beta of AutoCache boosting my cache to 266 (3:2) for a while with no problems. However, 450 was never possible. Recently, I put a fan on my heatsink and that made me feel better about trying another combination. Lo and behold, I am now running at 420/210/120. Everything works fine, and I know I have topped out because 450 won't even bring the smiley Mac ... and neither does a ~275 (3:2) cache speed. Needless to say, I am very happy with my $1400 1,390 kilo-key RC5 cracking machine! (It's fast at other stuff, too! =)"

The recent 300's must be a lot better than they used to be (possibly changes in mfg or die design inherited from the faster CPU models).

Force V.90 Sctipt: After Thomas Andre reported a connect rate of 57.6K, I suspected this script is reporting the UART speed, not the actual connect rate. I asked him to test download speeds to see if the script provided an improvement and he replied that there was really no difference btween the Apple standard script and the ForceV.90 script.

More FaxSTF/B&W G3 Problem Reports: Another B&W G3 owner wrote in response to the posts in yesterday's news that he also had to remove FaxSTF to prevent crashes.

"Hi. I had to remove FaxSTF 5.0 from my new Yosemite. It kept locking up my internet connection. I really need to be able to fax from mycomputer. Any ideas on compatible software?
Thanks,
Kurt"

I suggested he try Global Village. I can't believe Apple bundles this software with the modem - wasn't there any testing of it? Possibly there will be an update to address this from the software mfr. Personally I did not like FaxSTF's interface when I tried it on my Beige G3 last year. I never installed it on my B&W G3.

This non-B&W G3 owner reports he also had problems with FaxSTF and determined the cause:

"Last fall I was engaged in the process of finding a new job. I ordered FaxSTF version 3.2 to simplify the process of faxing out resumes. After installing the software I immediately started having the modem connection problems described on your page as of late.

After spending some timeinvestigating the phenomena, I traced the problem to the 'Queue Watcher' and 'Queue Monitor' system extensions that were loaded as part of the fax suite. As a result, I created a start-up group just for faxing, and run with the STF extensions off the rest of the time...
Mike Del Fava"

Mike also reported the 'forceV90' imac modem script (see links on my Internal Modem page) increased reported connect rates on his external Supra Express V.90 modem (latest firmware/scripts from Diamond) dramatically (48K connects). I asked him to test to see if it actually improved download rates.

More PowerLogix Cntl 1.5/Guardbit Feedback: Several readers reported problems recently - here's the latest feedback:

"I also removed Guardbit V1.02b, after repeated crashes on startup. These occurred while Guardbit was loading, which is first. I didn't fool with it by placing it further down the list of loading. All this was with a PF 250/250/1MB operating at 292, bus at 45 on a PPC8500, System 8.5.1 After removing GB, everything fine using 1.5.
Dick Moyer"

"Count me among those with problems caused by PL Cache Control 1.5 on a PowerCenter 132 with a Powerlogix 220/110/512. I could boot up OK, but couldn't enable the cache without the computer freezing.
Reverted to v 1.4.2 and am using Guardbit 1.0b2.
Pete Morgan
(ps: Your page was a _huge_ help when I was researching a G3 cards.Thanks.)"

Bottom Line sent a note on G3 card pricing:

"Bottomline continues to have the Best priced g3 cards on MarketBottomLine introduces new 400mhz, 366Mhz , and 333Mhz G3 Card pricingand introduces a new 400mhz & 366Mhz zif cards.Now your speed hungry readers can afford the fastest cards at the best prices.

Railgun G3 333Mhz 1MB Backside Cache 1.5-1 Ratio - $499
Railgun G3 366Mhz 1MB Backside Cache 2-1 ZIF Card - $549
Railgun G3 366Mhz 1MB Backside Cache 2-1 Ratio - $599
Railgun G3 400Mhz 1MB Backside Cache 2-1 ZIF Card - $699
Railgun G3 400Mhz 1MB Backside Cache 2-1 Ratio - $799
David Goldman
President, Bottom Line"

If you missed this weekend's news a summary is below.

Other Net Computer News:

• Once More into the Breach with MP3, or Why I Liked Turning 30 (MacOpinion)
• Conversation or Controversy? Rev. Jackson's Statements on Apple (MacOpinion)
• Upgrading Your PowerBook - From the 100 to the G3 (PBCentral)
• Hi's Universal Saver Updated (warn before save added, better support for non-US systems. See the page for more details.

If you don't check the news every day, you're likely to miss some valuable/useful information, so I'm now listing a summary of the past two days news instead of just the previous day (see below). The Archives page lists older page links.

Monday's News Summary

• Fix for FaxSTF/B&W G3 modem problems
• Audio and G3 Upgrades Issues
• 3D Game News page updated
• Verification that Motorola CPUs are not copper
• G3 CPU Upgrade Ratings database updated
• Performana 6360/Vimage G3 owner comments
• Fuse 1.81 drivers due soon to fix v1.8 issues
• PPC Checker released
• HD Cooling Fan info
• Force V90 script comments
• PL Cache Control 1.5/Guardbit problem reports
• PB 2400/G3 upgrade comments
• Railgun CPU Card slot too narrow say some owners
• $49.95 Mac DSL reader report
• OWC G3 pricing changes
• Comment on PC Systemworks for VPC owners
• Other Net News
• Summary of previous day's news

Weekend News Summary

• OWC's statement ATTO OEM SCSI Card firmware
• 3D Gaming News page updated
• Fry's $149 Game Wizard sale ends 4/6/99
• More on USB PCI cards/CPU Cycle hogging
• B&W G3 - IDE vs U2 SCSI performance
• G3 Owner reports database exceeds 850 entries.
• Apple beige G3/233 with PF466 ZIF report
• More Alternative Apple Internal Modem Scripts
• USB Mouse/Game Framerate slowdown
• PowerBase owner reports 2nd PF G3/220 card works
• Unreal 2.20 beta 3 released
• Other Computer news
• Summary of previous day's news

For other recent site news/features links, see the Sidebar to the right and the Recent Site Features page.

Considering a G3 Upgrade? Check the CPU Upgrade Owner's Survey results and search for owner reports by Mac model and/or card brand. The database is being updated daily for new reports. Also make sure you ask your dealer about any issues with current builds of some models (ie PF G3) as I have gotten several reports of issues with certain mac models in the last few months (Mach 5, PowerBase, 7300). I urge any owners that have had problems to report this via the Survey Form. Always give the most weight to recent owner reports (dated in the listing).

-Show All Topics-

B&W G3 Related:

FireWire 2.0
[File Download]
OEM B&W Ultra2 SCSI card
[File Download]
Miles/MilesU2 Updates
ATTO ExpressPCI 1.3.4
(U2 & UW cards)
Rage128 Update 1.0 (485K bin)
or Binhex (660K)
ATTO ExpressPro-Tools [2.1.1]
3940UW v4.1b1 ROM
(Get the 4.0 control below as well)
2940UW v4.1 ROM &
2940UW Control 4.0
Formac PowerRaid Updates
[get hqx version]
Jackammer v1.4 Update
VirtualGameStation 1.1
Plaintalk Enabler
[For B&W/iMac]
Fuse v1.8

Other G3 Models:
PPC Checker

Apple Modem Update
[File Download]
PB G3 Modem 1.0.2
G3 Modem Update (V.90/56Flex)
See VersionTracker's G3 page for others...

G3 CPU Cards:
Vimage PB1400/2400
Vimage G3/240
(Vimage Update Info)
MacTell G3 Cntl
XLR8 Cache Cntl v1.3 [628KB]
PowerLogix SW
 -Cache Cntl 1.5
 -Speedmeter 1.3
 -GuardBit 1.0b2
  (Retrospect fix)
MAXpowr G3 1.3.7
XLR8 Cache Cntl 1.2

Misc/General:
Int. Modem Scripts
Office98 GUID Patch
Fuse v1.8
Java Runtime 2.1.1
Drive Setup 1.7.2
USB Overdrive
Mac Mesa OpenGL
MP850 Glide 1.0
USB Drivers
Blue Label Update 1
Mouseworks 5.20 (1.5M)
Inspire 3D 1.0C (7.2MB)
NavCom Cache Cntl 1.2.1
Logitech MouseWare 3.0b7
Yamaha CRW4416 ROM v1.0f
(See Mac Update Utility page)
Apple Displays Software 1.7.1
GV V.90 Flex Preferred Script
IE 4.5 Plug-in Updater
Farallon NIC Update
Lightwave 5.6D GL Update
(7.9MB Download)
MacTell Vision3D Pro/Lite 5.4.0
(ROM update also)

Formac GA 5.4.0
(Graphics Card Driver)
Virtual PC 2.1.2
Stuffit Expander 5.1

Games Related:
Unreal 2.20 B3
MacMame(emulator)
3DfxChecker Util
Descent 3Dfx 1.14
FutureCop 101A
MP850 Glide Drivers
CVGS v1.2
T.Raider2 Update

OS 8.5 Related
Check VersionTracker
for other updates.

See also Apple's Software Updates

Apple TIL Updates

Check here for cool Sherlock Plugins