G4 powermac upgrade sequence question

M

Martin02

Registered
Hi,

First time posting here. I'm pretty new to macs and really looking forward to running OS X.

I was recently given a G4 AGP (sawtooth) powermac. It has OS 9.2.2 and 4.2.8 firmware. I have purchased a Sonnet 1.2 ghz processor and 1 gig of ram, and I want to install OS X Tiger. I don't need to keep any of the present software or data on this computer, so I'd prefer to do a clean OS X install.

My basic question: what is the best upgrade sequence?

The Sonnet software has to be installed under 9.2.2. If I install the Sonnet software first, then upgrade the processor, I won't be able to do a clean OS X install. Should I abandon the idea of a clean OS X install and do the processor upgrade first? Should I do a clean OS X install first and use a work-around to install the Sonnet software?

Any suggesstions are much appreciated!
Thanks!
Martin
 
according to sonnet's webpage, the os 9.2 software is a firmware updater. firmware in the mac's built in instruction set that is completely independent of what ever os your are running. so while you still have os 9.2 installed, run sonnet's software to update your frimware. follow ALL the instructions to do so. now your mac has 'learned' how to use the sonnet cpu when it gets it. after the firmware is completely installed, you can turn off your mac and install the cpu and ram. turn it on and run in os 9 to make sure its working. once you know it is, you can boot from the os x install cd and do a clean install. you shouldn't have any problem from here on out. good luck and have fun with your new super speed.
 
Now I get it. I didn't fully understand what the Sonnet software was doing. I was worried the clean install would disable the processor, or something like that.

peace,
Martin
 
no prob, just post when its all together and let us know just how much faster it seems. i'm looking at getting the same cpu for my mac sometime, and would like to hear from someone that has it, and how much it has helped.
 
It went smoothly and the 'ol G4 is running like a champ on on OS X (10.4.3). Since I never really had the chance to excercise this machine before the upgrade it's hard to say exactly how much the new processor helped. There are plenty of reviews and benchmarks available on the web, however.

I am quite pleased, the computer seems very responsive. There seems to be a lot of life left in this six-year-old mac.

Cheers,
Martin
 
i'm planning to get a Sonnet chip too. i'm running a Power Mac G4 "Digital Audio" 2x533Mhz. The only thing holding me up is whether i should stay dual proc, or just go all out and get the 1.8Ghz G4 ship. thanks for a wonderful site
 
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