Construction
I have procured the funds to make a high-end G3 or a low-end G4. I cannot afford Apple's new hardware and I want more than the complete system that I am able to afford. I have built numerous PC's. I own one now but I yearn to get rid of linux and back to mac.
I am slightly unclear as to how apple hardware works, but I believe that I am able to put together a system. Here is my idea:
Purchase a beige g3 case and motherboard. Get cheap ram, a nice used G4 upgrade card (I am not sure about the software necessary for this), a decent compatible video card, a USB card and a firewire card. Sound and ethernet are probably built in? I am not sure if or if not I am way off in judging the compatibility of this stuff (and perhaps over-estimating the amount of PCI slots present on the motherboard). If anyone wants to redirect me in the most basic ways, please do so.
I am slightly unclear as to how apple hardware works, but I believe that I am able to put together a system. Here is my idea:
Purchase a beige g3 case and motherboard. Get cheap ram, a nice used G4 upgrade card (I am not sure about the software necessary for this), a decent compatible video card, a USB card and a firewire card. Sound and ethernet are probably built in? I am not sure if or if not I am way off in judging the compatibility of this stuff (and perhaps over-estimating the amount of PCI slots present on the motherboard). If anyone wants to redirect me in the most basic ways, please do so.
Comments
I wouldn't bother with a beige g3 these days though ... if you are a linux head and want to start using mac os x get a cheap old B&W, or an early sawtooth AGP mobo. The reason i say stay away from a beige is threefold.
1. 'Old world' ROM on beige machines and earlier: Issues with compatability with Open firmware etc.
2. Bus speed. Make sure its 100Mhz or above or you will see bottlenecks when you u/g your processor
3. Beige G3s have problems with the latest GPUs from ATi, and if you want to have a reasonable graphics upgrade you should bear this in mind.
Good luck ... it's not easy to build a Mac but I know it can be done ... msg me if you need more info on the ATX conversion my mate did ...