The iMac Channel

Guide to iMac CPU Upgrades

Updated 2005.02.21

If you have a one of the early iMacs, the kind with a CD drawer, you now have three CPU upgrade options.

Benchmark scores are 5. For comparison purposes, the Rev. A iMac (233 MHz) has a CPU score of 696, the Rev. B iMac (266 MHz) scores 719, the Rev. C iMac (266 MHz) reaches 803, and the Rev. D iMac (333 MHz) hits 948.

Manufacturer CPU Cache
Size
Cache
Speed
MacBench
5.0 rating*
Estimated
Street Price
Newer Technology iMAXpowr G3

G3/466

1 MB

155 MHz

1326

disc.

PowerLogix iForce

G3/500

1 MB

200 MHz

1539

disc.

G3/400

512 KB

200 MHz

1196

disc.

Sonnet Tech HARMONi

G3/600

256 KB

600 MHz

disc.

G3/500

256 KB

500 MHz

$400

Techno Warehouse iMAXpower

G4/433

1 MB

216 MHz

$299

G3/500

1 MB

166 MHz?

disc.

NOTE: The Sonnet HARMONi card was incompatible with early versions of Mac OS X 10.4. The FireWire port would tie up 100% of CPU resources. This problem was fixed in version 10.4.7 (if not earlier). If you have a HARMONi card that's had this issue, be aware that updating to 10.4.7 or newer should fix it.

* Processor score from MacWeek or Macworld when possible, but most ratings are from manufacturers. End user results may vary based on a number of factors including bus speed and OS used.

** Estimated value is rating divided by price. Higher numbers represent more bang for the buck.

The information is as accurate as I can find, but specifications and availability are subject to change; I suggest you check with the manufacturer to verify current models. Prices keep dropping, so these prices may be outdated. (Prices are in $US.) In fact, models are added and discontinued so often, it's impossible to keep track of which models are current.

Reviews & Overviews

Follow Low End Mac on Twitter
Join Low End Mac on Facebook

Page not found | Low End Mac

Well this is somewhat embarrassing, isn’t it?

It seems we can’t find what you’re looking for. Perhaps searching, or one of the links below, can help.

Most Used Categories

Archives

Try looking in the monthly archives. :)

Page not found | Low End Mac

Well this is somewhat embarrassing, isn’t it?

It seems we can’t find what you’re looking for. Perhaps searching, or one of the links below, can help.

Most Used Categories

Archives

Try looking in the monthly archives. :)

Favorite Sites

MacSurfer
Cult of Mac
Shrine of Apple
MacInTouch
MyAppleMenu
InfoMac
The Mac Observer
Accelerate Your Mac
RetroMacCast
The Vintage Mac Museum
Deal Brothers
DealMac
Mac2Sell
Mac Driver Museum
JAG's House
System 6 Heaven
System 7 Today
the pickle's Low-End Mac FAQ

Affiliates

Amazon.com
The iTunes Store
PC Connection Express
Macgo Blu-ray Player
Parallels Desktop for Mac
eBay

Low End Mac's Amazon.com store

Advertise

Well this is somewhat embarrassing, isn’t it?

It seems we can’t find what you’re looking for. Perhaps searching, or one of the links below, can help.

Most Used Categories

Archives

Try looking in the monthly archives. :)

at BackBeat Media (646-546-5194). This number is for advertising only.

Open Link