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FAQ for Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics and Gigabit Ethernet) "Sawtooth" Upgrades

Which Power Mac G4 models can be upgraded with the 550 MHz MAChSpeed G4 Sawtooth upgrade?

The two models compatible with XLR8’s “MAChSpeed G4 Sawtooth” upgrade are:
The AGP Graphics and the Gigabit Ethernet variants.


How do I know my Power Mac is one of them?

Qualifying Power Mac G4’s have the following:

  • 1 AGP slot
  • 3 PCI slots (not 4!)
  • 100 MHz system bus speed.

Luckily, the back panel provides a clue for easy identification of Sawtooth Power Mac G4. Look for the microphone input jack and speaker out jacks. Machines with these ports vertically aligned in the lower left hand corner may be upgraded.


Detailed information about Power Mac G4 can be found at: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=58418

In addition, if you are running OS X, the bus speed can be confirmed by launching Terminal and typing APPLESYSTEMPROFILER. The system information will be presented including bus speed and whether Slot A is an AGP graphic slot or not.


I did not get the XLR8 MAChSpeed Control Panel software with my order. Don't I need it?

The MAChSpeed Control Software is optional. The MAChSpeed G4 Sawtooth upgrade does not require any additional software to achieve its performance potential. You only need to install the processor upgrade card following the directions in the installation manual.


If I have a processor from an Power Mac G4, can I put it on an XLR8 Carrier and use it in a 7300/9600 (or similar) Mac?

No. The sockets on these processor cards are completely different from those on the Carrier cards, and there are no adapters to make it work.


I have a processor from an Power Mac G4. Can I put it in a Beige or B&W G3?

No. The sockets on these processor cards are completely different from those on the system boards of these Macs. There are no adapters to make it work.