PowerLogix and XLR8 make ZIF upgrades that have switches or jumpers on the ZIF module that allow higher ratios and eliminate the need to change motherboard jumpers, however they cost more than the OEM type ZIFs sold by OWC and others.

The forums.xlr8yourmac.com (FAQ/CPU/Drive database, etc.) server is back online now. The software update took longer than expected but was needed for support of new features planned for early next year. Due to the server work, I was unable to complete the writeup on the 1MB vs 2MB G4/350 article. I'll be working on it later tonight for posting some time tomorrow.

Note on Early Beige G3s and 466MHz ZIF Upgrades: After a reader report I asked OWC on his issue of needing a ROM update for a 466MHz ZIF CPU upgrade:

"We have been including the latest Apple Rev C Rom with the IBM Copper 466mhz ZIF. Were not sure why, but computers with Rev A and some Rev B do not seem to work at any speed without the Rom Update. This applies to Beige systems only.

In machines capable of handling the speed, these modules are clocking as high as 541 without cooling help. Also, the cache on multiple units tested is stable to over 300mhz regardless of the clocked speed. In house we also found that we had one machine, that irregardless of ROM or ZIF, would not go beyond 466mhz. We determined this with a 450mhz that was stable to beyond 500mhz in 2 other machines, but would not go past 466mhz with any rom version in one machine. The 466mhz behaved the same with the rev C. The test machine that wouldn't go beyond 466 (actually 468mhz due to multiplier) was striped of all cards and all but one SDRam for testing. It would seem that some Apple beige computers can't go past a certain speed... at least with an 8x ZIF. [Update: This is due to the fact that the Beige G3 has a 7x ratio limit and many Beige G3s won't run an 83MHz bus speed reliably-Mike] We will be testing with a 10x ZIF later this week to see if the same limitation continues to exist.

In short though, in addition to getting a slightly faster ZIF, 466mhz purchasers have also had the bonus of the free Rom update. This is not going to be a norm and thus will not be advertised nor should be expected with future ZIF offerings unless specifically mentioned.

Best Regards,
Larry O'Connor
Other World Computing, Inc. "

Remember that overclocking speeds can never be assured and may lead to stability problems, data loss, etc.. Since the highest Beige G3 Bus/CPU ratio setting is 7x, this limits CPU speeds with a 66MHz bus to 66 [bus speed] times 7 [max ratio] = 466MHz CPU speed, unless using faster bus speeds which may not be reliable with 66MHz SDRAM memory used in most Beige G3s). This is why Larry found that some of his test machines would not run at the higher speed. Don't assume any CPU speeds beyond the CPU's rated speed. The other way to get around the 7X motherboard ratio limit is with an adjustable ZIF with switches or jumpers on the ZIF. Powerlogix and XLR8 ZIFs usually have switches or jumpers on the ZIF module to set Bus/CPU ratios but cost more than the OEM ZIFs that OWC sells. See the CPU upgrades page for reviews of XLR8 and Powerlogix adjustable ZIF modules.

A 10X G3 ZIF won't help on the Beige if it's an OEM/jumperless model since you can't select a higher than 8x ratio on the motherboard.

Also I'd never suggest running cache near 300mhz, as it can ruin stability for little gain in real world apps over a 2:1 setting.

Even Lower Price on Pioneer 10X IDE DVD drive: [Update - a reader correctly noted the slot-loading CD/DVD drives are not well suited for the B&W G3 and G4 system's front panel cover (flip down, relies on the tray to push open the cover). He suggests getting the tray model unless you want to remove the front cover completely.] Thomas Andre reports he found an even lower price on the drive than noted in today's earlier post:

"Mike, I got the slot loading drive for $ 90 plus $ 10 shipping at: www.hardwarepro.com, and I had no problems with them. Thomas"

Emagic Releases The First Altivec Enhanced Pro Audio App: Check out Thad Brown's issue #50 of our Mac Audio Column for details. If you missed it, issue #49 had a Holiday Gift Guide and more. The current issue and links to back issues are always at www.xlr8yourmac.com/audio/

Lower Prices on Pioneer 10X DVD Drive: In a follow-up to the post in yesterday's news about the Pioneer 10X IDE DVD drive working in Macs, a reader sent a note and links to even lower prices on the drive:

"In your news, you posted about the Slot loading Pioneer 10X DVD. Well, I found a cheaper, better source for the drive - Hi-Val themselves!

Their URL is http://www.hi-val.com and they offer the tray or slot-loading bare drive for only $99.99! I have a B/W G3, so I ordered the tray loading drive.

Their website is not laid out well, so I have provided direct links. The direct link for the order page is: http://www.hival.com/HighEnd/dvd.htm
(as of Dec 15th, 1999)
then scroll down to where the following two models are; HDVD10X-00R(tray) or HDVD10AS-00R (slot-loading), and click BUY NOW to order the respective drive.

The direct spec sheet URL is:
http://www.hival.com/HighEnd/Product_Sheets/DVD/pioneer10xdvd.htm
(as of Dec 15th, 1999)

I ordered one, and I will let you know how it goes.
Mike."

Initio SCSI Card Firmware Updates: Eli sent a copy of Initio's latest mail regarding firmware updates to their SCSI cards:

"Well it is finally released! I am attaching a copy of the final version of the MilesU2W firmware update. This update fixes the Virtual Memory issue on all machines. It also resolved a couple of issues with OS 9 and it makes the MilesU2W fully compatible with the G4.

We want to thank you for your patience in waiting for this update, Initio does realize we need keep our adapters current and we do try. If you experience any difficulties with this update please let us know.

Happy Computing
Dan
Initio Technical Support"

http://www.initio.com/mac/mac_sd.htm has updates for the Bluenote (v2.11) and Miles (v1.13) but as of this morning I did not see the update for Miles Ultra2 cards linked there yet. I suspect the U2 card firmware update will be added there later today.

Sony Spressa USB CDR Tip: A reader replies to the iBook/Spressa USB CDR problem report in yesterday's news noting that Toast 4 solved a similar problem with the drive on his iMac DV:

"Mike,
I read the article on your site about the problems with the Sony USB Spressa drive and Toast 4. I don't have an iBook, so maybe this is not relavent but I have the same drive and an iMAC DV. The drive definitley does not work with the SONY extensions, but if I install TOAST 4 with the default USB extensions it works fine.

I have burned over 70 CD ROMS with it without any problems other than a few "coasters" which is pretty normal. I just wanted to let your readers know that the drive seems to work fine on an iMAC.
kristian nader "

Older Macs and Audio Playback Fixes: Just a reminder of the SCSI card/Audio playback issues seen with most PCI SCSI cards.

"I've had a stuttering and dropping out sound problem with my PowerCenter 150 ever since I upgraded a few of the components. I saw posts on your site with similar problems but nothing exactly the same. Until I read your FAQ's section [audio and scsi section-Mike]. Thanks for a great site, I read it every day. Here's what I did to fix it...

It has an XLR8 366MHZ G3 card(overclocked to 400MHz since the computer's normal bus speed is 50MHz) and a Initio Miles UWSCSI card with IBM Ultrastar 9.1ES harddrive.

I have two hardrives, one the Ultrastar and the other a slower OEM hardrive both on the Miles PCI SCSI card bus. Here's the things that didn't fix the problem...

1). slowing down my G3 card
2). changing versions of sound manager
3). PCI Timing Extension was already installed
4). didn't want to mess with different drivers (had the FWB driver)
5). Quicktime 4.0 already installed
6). OS 8.6 already installed

What worked? I transferred all my movie files to my OEM hardrive and slowed the speed down to 10MB/s max using Initio's SmartSCSI. I didn't want to slow the speed of my Ultrastar hardrive down because that would totally defeat it's purpose.
Thanks again,
Jason Scheller"

As noted here many times in the news and in the FAQ, the most common fix is to slow the PCI SCSI card to 14MB/sec or so (using Intio's util or Adaptec's PowerDomain control panel, or to disable UltraSCSI mode using 'board control' on some OEM 2930 SCSI card equipped PowerCenter Pros). Onboard SCSI drives have never had the problems with audio playback. One recent report here from a PowerCenter Pro owner was that OS 8.1 was the best OS he's used as far as performance and Audio/Video capture. He reported he'd tried 8.5, 8.6 and 9.0, but went back to OS 8.1 as it was the fastest and most A/V troublefree on this system. The PowerCenter Pro review has other related tips as does the FAQ.

PCI Slot Tip for Starmax/USB card owners:

"Mike
I wish to pass along a great solution for a Newer G3/PCI USB card problem. Everyone here may already know this, but....hey, I'm new here.

My Entrega 4 Port USB PCI Upgrade caused system freezes when I first installed it in an easily accessible PCI slot, far from the motherboard (ie, on the wrong side of the PCI bridge that allows 5 slots instead of 2). I was trying to chase down imagined software conflicts until I got a hot tip from a fellow SM user on the StarMax.net site - move the USB card to one of the two PCI slots that are *closest* to the motherboard (A or B). Voila, no more freezes!

I am, however, experiencing major sound chopping with 3D games after the Newer G3 upgrade. I am running OS 9, ATI 4.2, and Open GL 1.1.2 on a SM 5000/225 with Newer G3, ATI Orion card.

Any brilliant ideas aside from downgrading ATI and losing Open GL 1.1.2? My system sound was low & muffled before Open GL 1.1.2, so I'd like to keep running it:)
Thanks!
Steve "

I welcome other tips from similar system/upgrade owners, but the only fix may be to revert to OpenGL 1.1.1 and/or the previous ATI drivers - previous owner reports with 603 systems said this was the only way they fixed audio problems (regardless of CPU upgrade). Even the USB drivers/card could be adding to the problem (I suggested he try disabling the drivers and/or removing the card to see if that helped). In the past USB PCI card owners reported a drop in 3D game performance as well.

Software Updates/News:

• URL Pad 1.0 is a small application which stores and handles www, ftp and e-mail links. You can add, remove and edit saved links and their names in URL Pad with a built-in link manager. URL Pad is freeware. Download: http://Gamma.nic.fi/~evolite/files/urlpad-10.hqx. More information available at MacZ Software's official web site, www.intsys.fi/macz.

• SoundJam MP Version 1.5.1 is a free update to registered users of SoundJam MP. V1.5.1 solves a small number of issues which appeared in SoundJam version 1.5, released last week. SoundJam 1.5.1 fixes an incompatibility with some third-party software which could cause problems, fixes a problem with streaming from proxy servers and handles low-memory situations more efficiently.

• GameRanger, the Mac online gaming utility has been updated. Check http://www.gameranger.com for more details.

• Virex 6.0Beta updated for OS 9.

• Ratoc's Firewire PCMCIA card drivers have been updated. Version 1.6 fixes several issues with DV capture and Final Cut Pro and adds Sharp DVCAM VL-FD1 support with Premiere 5.1C. See the update page for a full list of changes and installation instructions.

For a blast from the past see what was on the front page news here one year ago.

Tuesday's News Summary

• XLR8 (Technology Demo) 2MB Cache G4 Update
• PPC Checker/G4 Errata
• $1299 Yikes G4/350
• Pioneer 10X DVD Drive in G4
• HP9110i 8X CDR in Macs
• More Info on Sawtooth Rev 2 Motherboard Changes
• XLR8 Cuts Prices on G3 Upgrades
• iBook and USB CDROM Recorders
• CPU Review, Game Review and Game/Video Card Framerates databases updated.
• Rage128 PRO Game Performance
• Quake3 Arena Strategy Guide
• Intel Cuts PIII Prices again

Monday's News Summary

• Monitors & Picasso 3.1.1 update
• Sawtooth Rev 2 Motherboard Changes? No Intel Ethernet chip
• 2MB cache G4 upgrade followup
• Genesis system problematic with G4 upgrades
• Problems running VPC with TurboMax/TrueX CDROM/OS 9
• G4 Upgrade Virtual PC 3 Benchmarks
• Notes on Altivec Application Switching - registers must be saved/restored
• More Tech Info on AIWA Tape Drives for auction/'bare' drive owners
• Yikes vs Sawtooth Pros/Cons listed in FAQ Apple G4 section and Dec 4th news page
• PPC Checker 1.3 now supports G4 CPUs.
• Stories of mixed speed SDRAM problems in G4 Forum
• Y2K Software Updates special from Insider Software
• Other Net News

Friday's News Summary

• Newer Tech G4/400 ZIF Review
• Updated Adobe PS 5.5. Altivec extensions performance
• Powerlogix updates PF G4 page with Altivec PS 5.5 tests
• Ram timing reported by ASP on Sawtooth, new iMacs
• XLR8 G4/350 2MB Cache Prototype arrives
• Photoshop Altivec Plugins Updated
• More TurboMax/OS 9 Reports
• Another Yikes G4/400 Overclocking Failure
• Support Info for AIWA Tape Drives
• CVGS on iBook Report
• USB Switch Box
• iMovie on Beige G3 w/o Firewire
• FWB HDT/OS 9 Reminder
• Lucasart's POD Racer Raves
• Quake III (retail) Review
• More on ORB disk price increases
• Other Net News

Thursday's News Summary

• Proformance 3 GA 5.7 (non-Beta) OpenGL Drivers released
• Creamware releases Pulsar Audio card Mac Beta Drivers
• G4 CPU Named "Component of the Year"
• Higher ORB Drive/Disk Prices
• Airport wireless networking/cable modem problem report
• Mac IE Security Issue
• iMovie on PB G3
• TurboMax Price Increase?
• IE 4.5 Browser Tip Feedback (much faster)
• Another Overclocking Failure Report
• Motherboard Jumper Block Kits
• Voodoo3 ROM Tweaker
• Korg 1212 Driver v1.3.1 Update
• iMate USB/ADB Adapter Update
• Alternative Modem Scripts
• Other Net News

For links to older news pages see the Archives page.

The recent features page has a lists reviews/articles you may have missed.

For a guide to finding answers to questions - see my Site Guide 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. Readers post new entries daily and the database is updated several times a week. 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) as in many cases problems are later found to be due to settings errors, slow L2 cache, etc.

-Freq Asked Questions