Another reader notes slow audio extraction on the OEM DVD drive in the B&W G3:

"...I've read on your website that an user was complaining about slow audio extraction using B&W's internal DVD drive. I can confirm it: using toast audio extractor 1.1 , the rate is ridiculous (I mean less than 500k/sec), while it's amazingly faster for normal extraction using CD-copy 2.02e (about 4500k/sec).

Maybe the problem is coming from Toast Audio Extractor, cos MP3-encoding utilities -like Audio Catalyst- seem to go faster while extracting a track.
MC "

The 3D Game News has been updated, including a note from Frank about free 3dfx voodoo 2 drivers for OS X server from Omnigroup. Frank Commented:

" version is 2.54 while the latest from Microconversions that only works with their cards and MacOS 8.x is 2.53r7...
Frank Bernier "

Just a reminder to those looking for G3 CPU upgrades for their specific Mac model. Go to the Rate Your G3 Card database page and select your Mac model or series and press the search button. If your mac model is not listed, use the Other (mac model) option. Another source of info is to check the sidebar links and CPU upgrades topic area of the FAQ. Also remember my CPU card reviews has a list of compatible mac models listed in the review.

This weekend was not very productive as far as reviews as I spent most of Saturday and Sunday on the road and with 'honey-do' projects, but the weekend news had some important tips on ZIF G3 cooling and IDE drive troubleshooting if you missed it (among other things). I've added that info in the FAQ as a permanent reference (under Cooling and Storage categories).

The weekend news also had important info on using Fixed-Speed ZIF CPU upgrades with the new ZIF socketed cards like the XLR8 CarrierZIF. Apple OEM ZIFs (and other fixed speed ZIFs that rely on the motherboard jumpers to set ratios) and any adjustable speed ZIF are the best choices, as they allow the ZIF CPU card to control the CPU/Bus ratio. I've updated my CarrierZIF First Look article and FAQ (CPU Upgrades area) with this information as well and also a note and picture on the PowerComputing plastic fan bracket mod needed to clear the card (a simple snip of the plastic tips on bracket).

A reader report in the weekend updates to the Rate Your G3 Upgrade database notes a compatibility issue with a Nubus G3 Upgrade and Remus 1.4 extensions and a note on PDS video card fit:

" Machine: 8100/80
Upgrade: Newer tech G3 300/150/1MB

The G3 300 card has transformed my 5-year-old warhorse into a fast machine again. However, I had two problems: (1) The card is NOT compatible with the Remus 1.4 extensions to use my ATTO SE IV SCSI card - even clean system & other software installations failed to stop the system crashes - and (2) the screws securing the original PDS video card's mounting bracket could not be removed, so I had to rig a pretty cheesy setup to get video from the PDS card. (It's not pretty to look at, but it works.)

That said, if you're not using any RAID arrays and SCSI cards (don't even try 'em), and if you don't have the same misfortune I did with the PDS video card, this upgrade will turn night into day for about $600. Everything is much faster - opening apps & files, scanning, web surfing...the computer even boots faster!
Mark Beasley "

One new entry in the database for a Starmax (Motorola) clone said a Newer Tech G3 upgrade for it required no software. I thought that was odd, as I've never seen an older mac G3 upgrade that did not need an extension or control panel to enable the backside cache. I suspect he is actually running without the cache enabled.

A PowerCenter Pro owner confirms his initial report that his sound problems (stuttering/loss of audio) after a G3 CPU upgrade was solved by enabling Virtual Memory:

" The sound is staying with me with VM on. It's been 30 hours and counting.
Louie G. Berry "

As noted last year in the PowerForce G3/PowerCurve tips article, enabling Virtual Memory also fixed the 7200 Graphics Accelerator extension issue according to one owner.

OS X Developer Preview works with 8500 & G3 CPU Upgrade: According to this anonymous mail there might be hope for at least some older Macs upgraded with G3 cards:

" I was able to install and am running Mac OS X Developer Preview which they handed out at this years WWDC on my 8500. Machine configuration below. What is interesting in all of this, is that previously I was unable to get *any* version of MacOS X *Server* (either the beta's or the final release) to run on this machine, (it would hang with a kernel panic early in the boot process).

Once I selected the install on unsupported machine option, installation went pretty much as normal, and at the end I was up and running MacOS X.

One reason I suspect this is now working, is that since OS X Developer preview has switched over to the MACH 3 kernel, changes/bug fixes from the MKLinux effort might have been rolled in. In any event I can use this machine to come up to speed on Carbon development.

Machine: 8500 With BottomLine G3 upgrade running at 309/206 (Originally sold as a 250/250 Card). Adaptec 8945 FireWire/SCSI Wide Card (OS X does not see my wide drive connected to this card although to be fair this is documented since Wide SCSI support is still a work in progress).
Memory: 112 MB
Bus Speed: 41.3 (as reported by XLR8 8 1.3.2 Control panel)
Mac Bench 5 Score 1029/1032 (Under System 8.6) "

This is the OS X 'client' version I assume. This is great news. I welcome other reports - use my Anonymous Mail Form if you prefer.

Peltier Coolers and Long Term Damage: This is the 2nd report in the last week that Peltier coolers may have been a factor in damaged RAM modules:

" Hi Mike,
I'd just like to let you know that using the power supply in my G3 300 mt beige ended up screwing with the power supply regulation. This burnt out the Capacitor ( C4 )on both of my RAM boards. One of the boards was the stock 64mg, the other an after market 128mg. I've removed the peltier and would suggest that one shouldn't be used unless an external power supply is provided. It took about 7 months for the RAM to be toasted. So, it's not an immediate effect. As always, your site is the best for any Mac user!

I was running my 300 at 350 with no obvious problems. I've made a retreat to 333 with just fans. "

The Peltier I just bought (combo ZIFheatsinkk/fan/peltier cooler) specs show 2A@12Volts (24 watts). My other concern with peltiers is condensation and as noted this weekend, the fact the peltier contact patch is many times larger than the G3 CPU contact area. The G3-ZONE has an active cooling article a reader submitted last year, but it's not something I've ever suggested others try. I'm even more apprehensive now after these two reports.

Speaking of Cooling - I'm sad to say that even the low profile pentiumheatsinkk/fan I bought this weekend does allow the case to close in the B&W G3. The rolled edge of the metal ZIP bay chassis hits the fan just at the closing point. So far I've not needed any cooling even on my speed-bumped B&W G3 350 running at 400Mhz but wanted to experiment with fan cooled heatsinks. The low-profile one I tested this weekend was quiet, unlike every other model I've tried, so I wish it had worked (I might trim the metal chassis later). The others often had a combination of loud fan noise and vibration due to the ZIF module acting like a 'springboard' which amplified the effect.

This reader reports a very odd combination that he says has his Sonnet 6400 G3 (L2 cache slot model) Upgrade running reliably. I'm posting this more for curiosity sake as I suggest you wait to see if Sonnet can update their software (watch their OS 8.6Compatibility page). I don't own a Sonnet upgrade/6400 so I have not verified this procedure):

" If you want to get your Sonnet G3-L2 cache card to work under OS 8.6 [kind of :0/] Make a copy of your 8.5.1 system file, name it 'system copy', and put it in a folder on the desktop. Disable the Sonnet extension. Restart and install 8.6. Get your control panels and extension down pat and working well. Drag the OS 8.6 system file to the trash ( But don't empty it!!) Drag the OS 8.5.1 system copy to the system folder and rename the file system. Reboot and rebuild and you will have most of the 8.6 improvements running in 8.5.1. enable the Sonnet extension, reboot and rebuild and voila, 8.5.1 and a half. My Performa 6400/180 nee 300 1 Mb has been running fast and stable. So far so good. Now if Sonnet can get a 8.6 compatible extension out before I have to buy a G4! "

According to Sonnet's page above, their Nubus, CPU Card slot and ZIF G3 upgrades are compatible with OS 8.6, but the L2 cache slot models are not as of this date.

A reader suggested I add a note on 'bronze' PB G3 CPU/Video upgrade possibilities to my FAQ Powerbook section. I have now done so. Like the previous Powerbook G3s (already noted there), the new PB G3s are also not upgradable for CPU or onboard video to my knowledge. The ROMs are on the CPU module (like the prev. PB G3) I'm told and I know of no 3rd party upgrades planned (primarily due to the ROM licensing issue).

A reader asked if anyone has tried Connectix's Virtual Game Station on the Kenwood TrueXCDromm. I've not tested this and with the current backlog of reviews it may be some time before I could. If you have tested CVGS with a TrueX CDROM drive please contact me.

News.com has an article on Farallon's New home networking kit for Macs that uses phone lines.

If you don't check every day's daily news (updated several times a day normally) you might miss something valuable. Check the summary list below for highlights of the last two days news and the archives page for older new page links. For a blast from the past, read what was on the news page here exactly a year ago.

Other Net News:

• "Apple's comeback impressive but not over yet Survival test is not over yet for Apple" (SJ Mercury News)
• The Hidden Costs of Free PCs (News.com)
• Tandy Corp. Plans High-Speed Net for Homes (News.com)
• The Great Speaker Roundup (GameCenter.com)

Weekend's News Summary

• Notes on new purchases
• Using Fixed Speed ZIF CPUs w/ZIF Socket CPU Cards
• Kenwood TrueX CDROM in Beige G3
• SETI not a Good Benchmark
• Overclocked RAM Fails (peliter user)
• 3D Game News updated
• ZIF CPU Cooling Tips
• Troubleshooting Tips for IDE drives
• PowerCenter Pro/G3 Upgrade Tip
• XLR8 400 Maxes Out 9600/350! (60Mhz bus/480MHz CPU speed)
• MAJOR Performance Tip for SETI
• SETI Performance table of reader results
• OS 8.5.1/Virex Note
• Fixed ZIFs Tip (if the MB jumper settings are not working)
• Picture of PowerCC fan bracket trimming for CarrierZIF card clearance
• CarrieZIF Article updated
• 3D Game News updated
• Rate Your G3 Upgrade database updated
• Other Net News

Friday's News Summary

• Kenwood TrueX CD and Apple Audio Player clarification (good news)
• Latest Cable Modem/OS 8.6 Tips: 3 solutions
• SETI Performance Stats
• Bluenote SCSI ROM Update
• More Cable Modem/OS 8.6 Feedback
• Quake 2 Server Browser from Ruffin Bailey
• Quake 3 Test client version out for Mac OS X Server
• More on PB G3/333 DVD (PCCard Decoder works?)
• Update on CarrierZIF
• FAQ updated
• G3 CPU Upgrade Ratings database updated
• Other Net News

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

If you own a G3/300 or faster Mac, you might want to get our PPC Checker utility that will report if your CPU is copper or aluminum based.

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).