Power Mac G4: How to Differentiate Between Models

This document helps identify features and differences between the Power Mac G4 models including the Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics), Power Mac G4 (PCI Graphics), the Power Mac G4 (Gigabit Ethernet), and the Power Mac G4 (Digital Audio). This document applies to Power Mac G4 computers released prior to 2002-01.

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This document applies to Power Mac G4 computers released prior to 2002-01. For a similar document for computers released after 2002-01 see technical document 42739 "Power Mac G4: How to Differentiate Between Models, part 2"

The arrangement of the microphone and sound output ports on the rear panel help differentiate the PCI, AGP, and Digital Audio versions of the Power Mac G4, as shown in Figure 1. Use the video connector to identify the Power Mac G4 (Gigabit Ethernet), as shown in Figure 2. In addition to the physical features, here are some functional differences:

Feature
Power Mac G4 (PCI Graphics)
Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics)
Power Mac G4 (Gigabit Ethernet)
Power Mac G4 (Digital Audio)
Graphics Card
Rage 128 PCI
Rage 128
Rage 128 Pro AGP
Rage 128 Pro AGP
ATI Radeon
Rage 128 Pro AGP
NVIDIA GeForce2 MX
ATI Radeon
Wireless Networking
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Video Connector
VGA
VGA
- or -
VGA and DVI
(see Note 1)
ADC and VGA
ADC and VGA
DVD Decoding
Hardware
Software
Software
Software
Modem
Same as Power Macintosh G3 (Blue and White)
Unique to Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics)
Unique to Power Mac G4 (Gigabit Ethernet)
Unique to Power Mac G4 (Digital Audio)
Model Numbers
M7631
M7826
M6921
M7232
M7824
M7825
M7827
M7891
M7892
M7893
M7627 M7688 M7945 M7681



Figure 1 Power Mac G4 back panels


Figure 2 Power Mac G4 Apple Display Connector (ADC)

 

Technical Features Differences

The following table compares the Power Mac G4 models.

Feature
Power Mac G4 (PCI Graphics)
Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics)
Power Mac G4 (Gigabit Ethernet)
Power Mac G4 (Digital Audio)
Microprocessor
PowerPC G4 with jumper
PowerPC G4
PowerPC G4
PowerPC G4
Microprocessor Speed (MHz)
350, 400
350, 400, 450
Single 400
Dual 450 or 500
Single 466, 533, 667,
733, Dual 533
L2 Cache
512 KB, 1 MB
1 MB
1 MB (See Note 3)
256 KB (667, 733)
1 MB (466, 533)
(See Note 3)
L3 Cache
n/a
n/a
n/a
1 MB (667, 733)
Bus speed (MHz)
100
100
100
133
Memory
PC 100 SDRAM
up to 1 GB
PC 100 SDRAM
up to 2 GB (See Note 5)
PC 100 SDRAM
up to 2 GB (See Note 5)
PC 133 SDRAM
up to 1.5 GB
Video
Rage 128 PCI
Rage 128 AGP
Rage 128 Pro AGP
Rage 128 Pro AGP
ATI Radeon
Rage 128 Pro AGP
NVIDIA GeForce2 MX
ATI Radeon
AirPort
Not compatible
Optional
Optional
Optional
USB Controller
Dual independent
(two controllers)
Dual independent
(two controllers)
Dual independent
(two controllers)
Dual Independent
(two controllers)
FireWire Controller
Auxiliary card
Built into logic board
Built into logic board
Built into logic board
PCI Slots
Four PCI slots
One AGP and three PCI slots
One AGP and three PCI slots
One AGP and four PCI slots
Hard Drive
Ultra ATA/33
Ultra ATA/66
CTO option: Ultra2 LVD SCSI
Ultra ATA/66
Optional Ultra2 LVD SCSI
Ultra ATA/66
Ultra 160 SCSI (optional)
CD/DVD Drive
32x CD (short carrier) Audio cable
DVD configurations only (short carrier) No audio cable.
DVD-ROM or DVD-RAM
CD-RW, DVD-R
DVD-Video
Hardware decoder
Software decoder
Software decoder
Software decoder
Power Management
Standard sleep
Low-power sleep
Low-power sleep
Low-power sleep
Sound Port Alignment
Sound ports horizontal
Sound ports vertical
Sound ports vertical
Sound ports vertical near top of I/O panel
Sound Input Ports
PlainTalk compatible 3.5 mm line input
PlainTalk compatible 3.5 mm line input
PlainTalk compatible 3.5 mm line input
USB (with third-party adapter)
Sound Output Ports
3.5 mm stereo
3.5 mm stereo
3.5 mm stereo
2.5 mm Apple Speaker
port, 3.5 mm stereo


Notes


    1. The Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics) may contain a card with a VGA port only or both a VGA port and a DVI port.

    2. The system software CDs are specific to each model computer. You should use the system software CD that came with your computer to make sure the appropriate software is installed.

    3. L2 or L3 cache levels stated are per processor on dual processor configurations.

    4. Wireless Internet access requires an AirPort Card, AirPort Base Station, and an Internet service provider, for which fees may apply. Some ISPs are not compatible with AirPort. For more information, see technical document 106590: "AirPort: Requirements for Wireless Internet Access."

    5. Although 2 GB can be physically installed, a maximum of 1.5 GB is recognized by Mac OS 9. Mac OS X will see the entire 2 GB.

 

Related documents

25517: "Mac OS: Versions, Builds Included With Computers Since 1998"

 

 

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