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]

JakePeake, You'll see my posts on this subject 'cause I have a Mac G4 AGP graphics with a 400 MHz processer also. I've put 512 Mb in all 4 RAM slots to max it out. I've also studiied the processor upgrade for the last 18 months on xlr8yourmac. The prices have dropped dramatically in that timeframe. I decided on a Sonnet 1.8GHz. Sonnet because they've had the least complaints on all of the reviews, (and I know their company's reputation from past carreer experience), and 1.8 MHz because it was the fastest.

Problem is, I've put 2 of them in now, and can't get one to work well. I am SO hoping that it's just a case of "Murphy's Law" and something karmically wrong where I live? (I've payed my dues now karma, let me be!)

But I really MUST say that returning the 2 CPU upgrades, and Sonnet support, has been one of THE BEST, bad experiences I've had in these troubling times! I'm hoping the "3rd time's a charm" works well and that the flubs were a fluke!

If you read through all of xlr8yourmac reviews on the G4 processor upgrades, Sonnet wins out. Virtually no complaints. And this website DOES have a little info on AUDIO.

I'm gonna keep you posted on the next (3rd) install. Sonnet told me that they would not send another one without knowing exactly what was wrong with the last on, and testing the new one before they sent it.

BTW (-Cornutt, the games in OS 9 will not run in OSX. I'm not sure what you mean when you ask if they'll run in Classic?