Got a G4/400, Where can I go from this? Options

[jce44]

That's it

Max the RAM to 2 GB, and you're flying
Note it'll be noisy by today's standards

The only point I strongly advise you is to use it either in OS 9 or in OS X only, not both and switching. That's the thing that makes them behave crazily.

You'll be able to upgrade the processor later if need be, but by this time, you'll be on macintels. On the drives, it can be made better, but you'll be up and running with this.

There's not very many posts nor much info in MM about processor upgrades (G4) and making music.

One post (replied to by "Newbies", such as myself) says to stay away from a processor upgrade and save up for a new or used G5.... Another, recent post explains that certain Audio Interfaces aren't supported with processor upgrades.

I've got a G4 AGP Graphics Sawtooth, 400 MHz, 1 GB RAM (can add more), original 10GB HD + added 110GB HD. Use (but not often) 9.2.2 OS on the first HD & OS 10.3.9 on the second HD. Added a PCI card w/ 3 USB 2.0 & 1 FW port

My budget is limited. My recording needs are small and mostly personal/ non-professional. But I've got music that needs to be done. 3 piece band w/ guitar, lead & bass, digital piano, vocals. I've been reading these posts for a few months now and trying to figure out-

1. what Audio Interface to buy? < $500.00 (seems that Cubase software is preferred?)
2. and which processor upgrade to go for? (limited 100MHz bus speed)

I changed my mind from the processor upgrade to the Mac Mini last year. That way I'd get the external HD (firewire to my G4) AND a CD burner AND a faster processor, but now they're onto Intel processors... ??

I understand that I also need to add external HD? and I need to get a decent CD (DVD too) burner.

Please, some help here? Can I upgrade my (beloved) G4 and make music?

Thank you.

[jce44]

Thank you very much for your informative reply. I'll study every option carefully.

I've been evaluating G4 processor upgrades on XLR8yourmac for over a year now. (They were priceyer then, that's why I flipped to getting a MacMini, and then now back to an upgrade). And somewhere in that time frame I decided to record my music on my Mac.

XLR8yourmac is a great resource, but a little weak on the audio recording specifics. I was not happy to understand that "no editors nor manufacturers will claim support...", BUT, now I know for sure. And I understand that "not claiming support", doesn't mean that it won't work. I'm way too reluctant to pay my money, before I know for sure.

I can't upgrade to a dual processor because my ASIC revision=3

I'd like more info on the dual boot issue? My OS 9.2.2 is dedicated to the initial, 1st HD. And OS 10.3.9 used on the 2nd, added, larger internal HD.

My intention is to use OSX exclusively for recording music. I don't use OS 9.2.2 for much besides old games/software...

I'm checking on the Gigadesign upgrade. Until now, I was swayed to the Sonnets. I don't understand the L2 & L3 cache thing? How does this affect recording ability?

I appreciate your patience and thank you very much for your expertise and reply.