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Tech Specs

iMac G3 (Summer 2001)

LEM Staff - 2001.07.18

The last revision of G3 iMacs was released in July 2001 in speeds of 500, 600, and 700 MHz – the fastest G3 iMac Apple ever shipped. All of the models introduced in July 2001 include an 8x CD-RW drive, the same Rage 128 Ultra graphics (with 16 MB of RAM) used in the previous generation, at least 128 MB of RAM, and the PowerPC 750CXe CPU with its built-in 256 KB cache.

graphite iMacThe 500 MHz iMac sold for US$999, the 600 MHz iMac for $1,299, and the 700 MHz iMac for $1,499 (the 700, which included 256 MB of RAM, wasn’t available until August). Apple introduced a 500 MHz CD-ROM version in January 2002, which only included 64 MB of RAM.

Each CD-RW version was available in snow (white). The 500 MHz model was available in indigo, and the faster two models were available in graphite.

Mac OS 9

  • If you are running Mac OS 9.1 or later, iMac Firmware Update 4.1.9 should be installed. If you are using Mac OS X, you must boot from a Mac OS 9.1-9.2.2 writeable partition (not a CD or network disk) prior to updating. You cannot update to OS X 10.3 or later unless you first install Firmware Update 4.1.9.
  • For more information on firmware updates, see iMac: When to Install Available Updaters.

Mac OS X

Non-Apple upgrades and peripherals (such as unsupported USB devices, replacement drives, and third-party memory) may cause problems when installing or booting into Mac OS X.

Be sure to read and follow Apple’s “Read Before You Install” install instructions to increase the likelihood of getting OS X installed and running on the first try.

Details

  • introduced 2001.07.18; CD-ROM version introduced 2001.09.29
  • Requires Mac OS 9.1-9.2.2, OS X 10.0.4 to OS X 10.4.11 Tiger
  • CPU: 500/600/700 MHz PPC 750CXe (a.k.a. G3e)
  • Bus: 100 MHz
  • Performance: unknown
  • RAM: 64/128/128 MB (256 MB on 700 MHz model), expandable to 1,024 MB using two PC100 SDRAM (3.3 V, 64-bit, 168-pin, 100 MHz)
  • VRAM: 16 MB SGRAM
  • Video: supports resolutions of 640 x 480 at 117 Hz, 800 x 600 at 95 Hz, and 1024 x 768 at 75 Hz using ATI RAGE Ultra 128 chip set
  • Display: 15″ CRT (13.8″ viewable) multiscan to 1024 x 768
  • L2 cache: 256 KB on-chip cache running at full CPU speed
  • Hard drive: 20/40/60 GB Ultra ATA drive. Maximum IDE drive size is 128 GB without third-party support. See How Big a Hard Drive Can I Put in My iMac, eMac, Power Mac, PowerBook, or iBook? for your options.
  • CD-ROM: 24x (500 MHz only)
  • CD-RW: 8x/4x/24x maximum throughput
  • USB: 2 separate USB 1.1 ports and controllers
  • FireWire 400: 2 ports
  • Modem: built-in v.90 56k modem
  • Ethernet: 10/100Base-T
  • WiFi: 802.11b AirPort Card, requires AirPort Card Adapter
  • Microphone: internal
  • Power supply: 150W
  • PRAM battery: 3.6V half-AA
  • Height: 15.0 in/38.1 cm
  • Width: 15.0 in/38.1 cm
  • Depth: 17.1 in/43.5 cm
  • Weight: 34.7 lb/15.8 kg
  • family numbers: M5521
  • Model identifier: PowerMac4,1

Online Resources

Cautions

  • You cannot plug the iPod shuffle directly into the iMac’s USB port – it will not fit. It will not charge if plugged into a keyboard USB port or an unpowered USB hub. To charge it while using it with your iMac, you must us a USB extension cable, powered USB hub, iPod shuffle dock, or a USB power adapter.
  • iMacs released in February 2001 and July 2001 should have iMac Power Management Update 1.1 installed to solve a problem with losing PRAM settings when the computer is disconnected from power for an extended period of time. See Knowledge Base article 120048 for full details.
  • You must have the keyboard plugged directly into an iMac USB port to boot with the power key (Eject on the Apple Pro Keyboard); it will not work if the keyboard is attached to a hub.
  • The iMac loads the MacOS Toolbox into RAM, unlike earlier Macs which use it from ROM. You lose the use of 3 MB of memory but gain faster performance.