Is it worth it? PowerMac G3 B&W

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wiSezo

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- CPU: 400MHz
- Bus: 100MHz
- RAM: 128mb
- VRAM: 16mb
- Video: Video: ATI Rage 128 on 100 MHz bus, supports resolutions to 1600x1200 with 32-bit support, VGA output
- L2 cache: 1 MB 2:1 backside cache
- CD-ROM: 24x maximum throughput
- 4 PCI slots (3 are 64-bit, one is 66 MHz; 66 MHz slot used for video card)
- Internal 56k modem
- Two 400 Mbps FireWire ports
- Two 12 Mbps USB ports for keyboard, mouse, and peripherals
- One ADB port
- 10/100Base-T ethernet connector on back of computer
- Size (HxWxD): 17.0" x 8.9" x 18.4"
- Weight: 30.0 lb.
- Battery: 3.6V lithium

For, $55+

Using it for Graphics related stuff. 3D/2D animation, photo editing, photoshop, stuff like that. Would this machine be worth it?
 
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for $55, its definitely worth it. I dont think itll handle intense apps such as those for 3d animation, but if you were to add as much ram as possible, it may work fine. what os is it running? is it coming with the original discs?
 
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wiSezo

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Right now it's running OS 9 but I have OS X 10.2 on cd.

If it doesn't run smooth or atleast smooth with my 3D programs then it shall not be worth it.

Thanks for replying Macman. I say you be a Mod on the forums.
 
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wiSezo said:
Right now it's running OS 9 but I have OS X 10.2 on cd.

If it doesn't run smooth or atleast smooth with my 3D programs then it shall not be worth it.

I'm not sure the correct term would be "worth it". That computer is indeed well worth the $55 asking price (and more), regardless of whether it will meet your usage requirements. However, as Macman stated, depending upon what applications you'll be running and the performance expectations you have, it might not be adequate for you.
 
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JGO

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wiSezo said:
Right now it's running OS 9 but I have OS X 10.2 on cd.

If it doesn't run smooth or atleast smooth with my 3D programs then it shall not be worth it.

Thanks for replying Macman. I say you be a Mod on the forums.

Ok well "smooth 3d" has a different definition for everyone. Keep in mind this IS a 400 Mghz CPU ... I use a 733 G4 for some rendering in Vue 5, Cinema 4D etc... and it does OK, however it is by no means a speed demon.

However for $55 you really can't go wrong. I would buy one in a heartbeat for that kind of cash. Maybe for a future xgrid project.
 
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You could also eventually upgrade the processor, hard drive, max out the RAM, and/or upgrade the OS for a good price once you have it and see if you want to do that. But for what it currently is and only $55...DANG it's worth it!
 
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You could also eventually upgrade the processor, hard drive, max out the RAM, and/or upgrade the OS for a good price once you have it and see if you want to do that. But for what it currently is and only $55...DANG it's worth it!
this is over 3 years old, I'm sure he's already done it by now.
 
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Wow! I didn't realize that! I found a link to it somewhere and just posted and didn't see. Woops!
 

dtravis7


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this is over 3 years old, I'm sure he's already done it by now.

Done it, discovered the Intel Macs are faster and sold it on Ebay and has some new MBP or something! :D
 
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the computers worth that much but i dont think it would be able to run the software you want it to at a "workable" speed. i wouldn't like to run 3d graphics software on my g4 powermac.
 
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Right now it's running OS 9 but I have OS X 10.2 on cd.
If it doesn't run smooth or at least smooth with my 3D programs then it shall not be worth it.

See my specs. My G3 is a really good machine, and runs both disks and both OS smoothly. Not fast though.

I can't comment on 3D capability, but for US$130. you can upgrade the processor to 1 GHz with a PowerLogix processor board PowerMac G4 AGP Processor Upgrades, PowerMac G3 and G4 ZIF Processor Upgrades, Video Cards AGP PCI PCIe for Apple Macs at OtherWorldComputing.com That of course brings your original question back into play - would it be worth it? I can only answer for myself and say 'yes', but only if I had the money to spare - which I don't - so that's that.
 
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I did a 4 page program for a client on a SE 30 just to prove a point,a postscript file is a postscript file to a digital printing press. So it all comes down to what your going to do with it. Im posting on an 8600{G3} right now. :)
 

dtravis7


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I have a 7600 modded with a Sonnet G3 400Mhz CPU. It is running OSX 10.2.8 Jaguar. Runs ok but throw anything new at it like say watch a YouTube Video and it falls apart. It's a nice machine for it's time, but things have changed even on the web and to keep up one does need a more powerful machine. My iBook G4 1.33Ghz though does all of that without a problem.
 
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I know it has been said before, but the original post in this thread is from 2005!
 

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