Processor Upgrades

[Digibill]

I know they're not supported, but has anyone had any success with processor upgrades and HD? Any deal breaking conflicts anyone knows of? I've got a G4 733 Digital Audio that I wanted to add a Sonnet Encore/ST Dual 1.25 G4 card to. I'm running HD2 and am starting to use some RTAS software synths that could use some more horsepower. While I work primarily in OS 10.3 and 6.4 PT, I still have need to deal with OS 9 from time to time so I need a dual boot machine (ruling out a new Mac). I'd rather not go to eBay for a used Mac. It would also allow me to have some money for the Massive Pack.

In the past I've had a Mix system work just fine with a G4 upgrade card in a Power Tower Pro, and my Sonic Solutions boxes work just fine with processor upgrades as well.

Any feedback would be appreciated!

Thanks.

Bill

[sndgeek]

Hi Bill,

I've had excellent luck with processor upgrades. Generally the chips are the same you'd get in a comparable machine, just sold off to third-party vendors.

I agree with you, I don't like eBay for this sort of stuff. However, if you're in a major metropolitan area check out www.craigslist.org. I find them to be a good place for used deals. for instance..

Good luck.

/sndgeek

[Digibill]

I've had excellent luck with processor upgrades. Generally the chips are the same you'd get in a comparable machine, just sold off to third-party vendors.

Thanks for the feedback! I just want to be certain there are no serious compatibility issues here with HD.

Bill

[Tim R.]

I just installed a dual 1.33 Ghz upgrade (from Giga designs) in my digital audio dual 533 machine. I'm running a mix system. I DID have some issues initially that were resolved by changing the voltage of the processor. I guess if you have your computer loaded with cards (3 digi cards and a SCSI card in my case) the default voltage on the processor was not happy. Tech support for the card was very helpful with the fix and all is well now.

Tim

[Digibill]

Tim,

I spoke today to Sonnet tech support and they told me that Digi had tested this particular processor upgrade and did not indicate any problems. According to Sonnet, "they didn't want to give it back". BTW, they said they got the same response from MOTU.

Of course Digi does not certify upgrade cards, but on the other hand most G4's are listed as "compatible, but have not been fully qualified" and my G4 733 isn't even listed as compatible (and is not recommended for use with an Accel card). So it looks like a reasonable investment at this time since Apple is not making any new OS 9 bootable machines.

Thanks!

Bill