DDR Models
Another generation of Apple Power Mac G4s were introduced on August 13, 2002, featuring both a new Xserve-derived DDR motherboard architecture and a new case design, known as "Mirrored Drive Doors" (MDD). All models were available in dual processor configurations running at 867 MHz, 1 GHz or 1.25 GHz. As with the Xserves, the PowerPC 7455 CPU used does not have a DDR frontside bus, meaning the CPU could only use at most 50% of the new system's theoretical memory bandwidth, providing no improvement over previous models. The rest was available to the graphics card and I/O systems. A single processor 1.25 GHz model would be the last Power Mac G4 the company offered to the public after the announcement of the new Power Mac G5, introduced in June 2003.
A limited range of serial numbers of this model was noted for a noisy fan, earning them the unofficial designation "Windtunnel G4" in some circles. Noise complaints became such a problem that Apple later replaced the machine's power supply (PSU) and primary cooling fan with quieter versions, and initiated a voluntary do-it-yourself (DIY) replacement scheme for all previously sold machines. A very common issue in the MDD models was a failing PSU. At least some MDD models also have a design flaw resulting in noise in the audio-out, picking up interference from the mouse, graphics card, hard drive and other hardware. According to Apple, this is a ground loop issue, and only occurs when used with professional balanced signal audio equipment, however some audio experts have contended it is due to shielding defects on the motherboard and affects all equipment.
The last real update to the Power Mac G4 line was on January 28, 2003 offering dual 1.42 GHz PowerPC 7455 processors, with features not seen in previous DDR models: built-in FireWire 800 connector, optional integrated Bluetooth, and optional integrated AirPort Extreme. These were also the first Power Macs that could not boot into Mac OS 9.
With the launch of the Power Mac G5 on June 23, 2003, Apple quietly re-introduced the August 2002 Power Mac G4 because of perceived demand for Mac OS 9 machines. Between that, its low price-tag, and the delayed availability of Power Mac G5s, it proved a strong seller for a relatively short time. Production stopped on June 9, 2004 and the remaining inventory was liquidated.
| Component | Power Mac G4 (Mirrored Drive Doors) | Power Mac G4 (FW 800) | Power Mac G4 (Mirrored Drive Doors 2003) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Codename | "P57" | "P58" | N/A |
| Model Number | M8570 | M8570 | M9145, M9309 |
| Processor | Dual 867 MHz, Dual 1.0, or Dual 1.25 GHz PowerPC G4 (7455) | 1.0, Dual 1.25, or Dual 1.42 GHz PowerPC G4 (7455) | 1.25 GHz PowerPC G4 (7455/7455B) |
| Cache | 64 KB L1, 256 KB L2, 1 MB or 2 MB DDR L3 | ||
| Graphics Card | nVidia GeForce4 MX with 32 MB VRAM, ATI Radeon 9000 Pro with 64 MB VRAM, or GeForce4 Ti with 128 MB VRAM | nVidia GeForce4 MX or ATI Radeon 9000 Pro with 64 Mb VRAM, GeForce4 Ti or Radeon 9700 Pro with 128 MB VRAM | ATI Radeon 9000 Pro with 64 MB VRAM or nVidia GeForce4 Ti 128 MB |
| Front side bus | 133 MHz (Dual 867 MHz) or 167 MHz (Dual 1.0 GHz+) | 133 MHz (1.0 GHz) or 167 MHz (Dual 1.25 GHz+) | 167 MHz |
| Memory | 256, 512 MB PC-2100 (dual 867), or PC-2700 (dual 1+) DDR SDRAM Expandable to 2 GB |
256, 512 MB PC-2100 (1.0 GHz), or PC-2700 (dual 1.25+) DDR SDRAM Expandable to 2 GB |
256, 512 MB PC-2700 DDR SDRAM Expandable to 2 GB |
| Hard drive | 60, 80, or 120 GB 7200-rpm Supports Hard Drives larger than 128 GB |
80 or 160 GB 7200-rpm Supports Hard Drives larger than 128 GB |
|
| AirPort Card | 802.11b | AirPort Extreme 802.11b/g | 802.11b |
| Bluetooth | N/A | Bluetooth 1.1 | N/A |
| Optical drive | 8x/16x/10x/32x DVD/CD-RW or 2x/6x/8x/4x/24x DVD-R/CD-RW (2x SuperDrive) | 12x/32x/10x/32x DVD/CD-RW or 4x/8x/16x/8x/32x DVD-R/CD-RW (4x SuperDrive) | 12x/32x/10x/32x DVD/CD-RW |
| Expansion | 4 - internal 3.5" ATA drive bays (2 - ATA/100, 2 - ATA/66), 2 - optical drive bays (ATA/33), 4 - 64-bit 33 MHz PCI Slots, 1 - 4x AGP Slot | ||
| Standard Features | 2 Built-in USB 1.1 and 2 Firewire 400 ports, Built-in mono speaker, Audio input, Audio output, Apple Pro Speakers minijack, 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet, Built-in modem, Optional Airport Card | 2 Built-in USB 1.1, 2 Firewire 400 ports, 1 Firewire 800 port, Built-in mono speaker, Audio Input, Audio Output, Apple Pro Speakers minijack, 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet, Built-modem, Optional Airport Extreme Card, Optional Bluetooth | 2 Built-in USB 1.1 and 2 Firewire 400 ports, Built-in mono speaker, Audio input, Audio output, Apple Pro Speakers minijack, 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet, Built-in modem, Optional Airport Card |
| Maximum Operating System | Mac OS X v10.5 "Leopard" Mac OS 9 supported |
Mac OS X v10.5 "Leopard" Mac OS 9 support only through Classic |
Mac OS X v10.5 "Leopard" Mac OS 9 supported |
| Weight | 19.1 kg (42 Pounds) | ||
Read more about this topic: Power Mac G4
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