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Power Macintosh G4 Q&A - Updated May 3, 2009
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How do you upgrade the processor in the Power Mac G4 models? How are the Power Mac G4 processors mounted?
Officially, Apple does not specify whether or not the processor(s) in the Power Macintosh G4 models are upgradable. However, all of the Power Mac G4 models have the processors mounted on a removable card that is independent from the ROM, and as such, upgrading the processor is easy.
In terms of processor upgrades, the Power Macintosh G4 series can be divided into three parts -- the "PCI", "AGP", and "Mirrored Drive Doors" models.
The PCI models have the processor mounted on a ZIF socket, the AGP models -- which in terms of processor upgrades also include the Gigabit, Digital Audio, Quicksilver, and Quicksilver 2002 lines -- have the processor mounted on a custom daughtercard with a 300-pin connector, and the Mirrored Drive Doors models -- which includes the Firewire 800 systems -- have their own upgrade card options as well.
Although the lists are not entirely comprehensive, EveryMac.com has archived information on a number of upgrade cards compatible with the PCI and AGP models for your reference. Site sponsor Other World Computing has information on the options for the MDD line as well as current PCI and AGP compatible cards for sale.
Installation is straightforward regardless of model -- and instructions should be provided with the upgrade card itself -- but it involves little more than unplugging the old processor module, plugging in the new one, and perhaps setting some jumpers or switches.
This OWC video provides basic instructions for the AGP models:
OWC has a video covering the processor for the Quicksilver line, too.
In addition to helpful videos and upgrade cards, site sponsor OWC has a variety of other upgrades compatible with the Power Mac G4 PCI, AGP, and MDD models.
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