The iMac Channel

Guide to iMac CPU Upgrades

Updated 2005.02.21

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If you have a one of the early iMacs, the kind with a CD drawer, you now have three CPU upgrade options.

Benchmark scores are 5. For comparison purposes, the Rev. A iMac (233 MHz) has a CPU score of 696, the Rev. B iMac (266 MHz) scores 719, the Rev. C iMac (266 MHz) reaches 803, and the Rev. D iMac (333 MHz) hits 948.

Manufacturer	CPU	Cache Size	Cache Speed	MacBench 5.0 rating*	Estimated Street Price
Newer Technology iMAXpowr G3
	G3/466	1 MB	155 MHz	1326	disc.
PowerLogix iForce
	G3/500	1 MB	200 MHz	1539	disc.
	G3/400	512 KB	200 MHz	1196	disc.
Sonnet Tech HARMONi
	G3/600	256 KB	600 MHz		disc.
	G3/500	256 KB	500 MHz		$400
Techno Warehouse iMAXpower
	G4/433	1 MB	216 MHz		$299
	G3/500	1 MB	166 MHz?		disc.

NOTE: The Sonnet HARMONi card was incompatible with early versions of Mac OS X 10.4. The FireWire port would tie up 100% of CPU resources. This problem was fixed in version 10.4.7 (if not earlier). If you have a HARMONi card that's had this issue, be aware that updating to 10.4.7 or newer should fix it.

* Processor score from MacWeek or Macworld when possible, but most ratings are from manufacturers. End user results may vary based on a number of factors including bus speed and OS used.

** Estimated value is rating divided by price. Higher numbers represent more bang for the buck.

The information is as accurate as I can find, but specifications and availability are subject to change; I suggest you check with the manufacturer to verify current models. Prices keep dropping, so these prices may be outdated. (Prices are in $US.) In fact, models are added and discontinued so often, it's impossible to keep track of which models are current.

Reviews & Overviews

Review: iForce, The Review, MacNN, 2000.06.21. iForce 500 scores 1626 on 5.

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