The
original iMac was nice, but the slot-loading iMacs are even nicer.
Starting with a 100 MHz system bus (up from 66 MHz on the
original), the slot-loading iMacs shipped from Apple in speeds
ranging from 350 MHz to 700 MHz. They also started out using ATI
Rage 128 2x AGP graphics with 8 MB of video memory - a big
improvement in the video department, and by the time the G3 iMacs
were phased out, they were using ATI Rage Ultra 128 graphics with
16 MB of VRAM. (Video is built into the system board; there is no
way to replace it with a better video section.)
The "Kihei" design includes a slot for an AirPort card adapter
and runs quietly; there is no cooling fan in this design. Except
for the entry-level 350 MHz models (both the blueberry and indigo
versions), all slot-loading iMacs included FireWire as a standard
feature.
In contrast to the CD-ROM only nature of the originals,
slot-loading iMacs shipped with CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or CD-RW drives -
and SuperDrives are available from other vendors. If your iMac
doesn't have the drive you want, it should be relatively easy to
replace it.
Before investing a lot in upgrades, check our Best G3 iMac Deals to see if you might be
better off simply buying a newer iMac that has the features you
want.
Memory
The slot-loading iMacs typically shipped with 128 MB or 256 MB
of memory, and they support up to 1 GB using a pair of 512 MB
PC100 SDRAM cards.
That's adequate for the classic Mac OS, but we recommend nothing
less than 256 MB for OS X. For really good performance, you
should have at least 256 MB under the classic Mac OS and 384-512 MB
to get the most out of Mac OS X. With OS X, more is
definitely better.
We suggest you visit ramseeker for current pricing on
the PC100 SDRAM used in these iMacs. The lowest current RAM prices
(Aug. 2007) are 64 MB, $9; 128 MB, $14.99; 256 MB, $20.99; 512
MB, $54.99.
Hard Drive
The hard drives used in these iMacs were chosen because they
were inexpensive. They have very limited capacity and often have
sluggish performance (Apple often used 4400 rpm drives to keep
costs down). At the very least they should be replaced with a
larger, more modern 5400 rpm drive. If you can swing it, though, we
recommend a 7200 rpm drive with an 8 MB buffer for even better
performance, although there may be a chance of overheating with
these fanless models. (Note that the iMac doesn't support drives
over 128 GB without third-party drivers. See a href=
"/2005/how-big-hard-drive-imac-emac-power-mac-powerbook-ibook/">How Big a Hard Drive Can I Put in My
iMac, eMac, Power Mac, PowerBook, or iBook? for more details.)
A faster drive is especially helpful if you run OS X, since
virtual memory is always enabled. A faster drive can really speed
things up.
Media Drives
Slot-loading iMacs may come with a plain old CD-ROM drive, a
DVD-ROM drive, or a CD-RW drive. If the drive you have isn't the
drive you want, there's a market for new and pulled (removed from
new units but no longer factory fresh) drives.
If you want to go beyond what Apple offered, "SuperDrives" (DVD
burning) are available.
There are a lot of options for adding an external drive using
USB or FireWire. Following are internal drives we've found for the
Kihei iMacs.
Replacement CD-ROM drives
Replacement DVD-ROM drives
CD-RW Drives
SuperDrives (CD-RW/DVD-RW)
- 8x DVD/24x
CD, dual-layer DVD burner, 2 MB buffer, MCE Technologies,
$149
Processor Upgrades
Once you have enough memory and a fast hard drive, you can
really unleash your iMac with a processor upgrade. Because Apple
used two different versions of the G3 during the life of the
tray-loading iMac, there are two different types of processor
modules. At present CPU upgrades are only available for iMacs with
the standard PowerPC 750, which includes all models slower than 500
MHz and some 500 MHz iMacs.
Some 500 MHz models, especially those intended for North
American use, and all faster iMacs use the PowerPC 750CXe and
cannot be upgraded at present.
CPU upgrades
- iForce SL G3/900, uses PowerPC 750FX, PowerLogix, disc.
- iTechDV G4/500, 1 MB L2 cache, TechnoWarehouse, disc.
- FastMac G4/550, 1
MB L2 cache, $199.95 (add $29.95 for advance exchange), logic board
swap, supports 350-450 MHz and some 500 MHz models
- XLR8 550 MAChSpeed G4, 1 MB L2 cache, $199 + $50-120 for shipping,
logic board swap, factory installed, supports 350-450 MHz models,
disc.
Under the classic Mac OS, there is not much benefit from the G4
unless you're working with video, ripping sound tracks, or working
with complex Photoshop images.
On the other hand, OS X really benefits from the AltiVec
velocity engine in the G4 processor. Not only will video, graphics,
and MP3 ripping benefit, so will the Aqua interface.
Other Improvements
Most users find the Apple Pro Mouse and Pro Keyboard excellent.
There are lots of options in USB mice and keyboards if you
disagree; we suggest you go to your nearest Apple retailer and take
a look at the wide array of third-party mice and keyboards
available from Logitech and other companies if you aren't impressed
with Apple's offerings. (If you like the idea of a wireless setup,
we're huge fans of the now-discontinued Logitech Cordless Elite Duo.)
