| iMAXpowr G3/466 MHz Reviewed by: Michael Flaminio Review Date: 2.1.00 Update Date: 2.8.00 Manufacturer: Newer Technology MSRP: $499 (US) (w/processor exchange) Part 1 - The iMAXpower G3 466 Part 2 - Performance/Benchmarks Part 3 - Visual Installation Guide Part 4 - Newer Tech Interview |
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Benchmarks
I tested the iMAXpowr on numerous applications. For the review, I've provided MacBench
5.0 scores to give a relative comparison across the various iMac machines. All iMacs
had 96 MB or more RAM installed with Mac OS 9. The iMAXpowr upgrade was tested in
a 333 MHz iMac.
The iMAXpowr
performed as expected with each machine. On CPU and FPU scores, the iMAXpowr
upgrade was significantly higher than all machines, including the highest-end iMac
DV Special Edition. On the low-end, the iMAXpowr doubled the CPU performance of the
original iMac.
For disk scores, the results were a little different. Here, we find different technologies
at work within each iMac system. As a result, I did not find the iMAXpowr to significantly
improve disk performance on its own. In this category, the higher-end iMacs will
be faster, mainly due to their updated designs.
I also tested the upgrade with other applications, such as Photoshop and QuickTime.
These application tests results were consistence with the MacBench scores.
Performance
I tested the iMAXpowr heavily for about a week and it performed very well. In application
use, it was noticeably faster than the stock configuration. The machine did crash
on me a couple times while trying to play some games, but I think that may have been
more due to QuickTime and OpenGL issues. I only had to sacrifice a paper clip on
these occasions, as otherwise it ran very well.
Perhaps assisting in its stability, the iMAXpowr does not require additional software.
Once upgraded, the iMac will run just the same as a regular iMac. I'd suggest however
that you double check the backside cache setting to ensure it is enabled.
The backside cache is of course a critical part of the G3 processor. The iMAXpowr
ships with a 1 MB cache, where as all other iMacs ship with a 512K cache. Newer decided
to ship a cache running at a 3:1 ratio to the CPU, rather than a faster solution
as a cost-saving measure. As a test, I boosted the cache to a 2:1 ratio (233 MHz)
and the processor did run well. It didn't crash on me, and I reached a MacBench CPU
score of 1535. While Newer does not recommend changing the processor's specifications,
those with adventurous hearts may be able to add an additional 10-percent or so onto
their iMacs.
Finally, when I started working with the upgrade, I was a little concerned about
heat. Since the iMac was so compact, I wondered if adding additional MHz would significantly
raise CPU heat. I found the iMAXpowr to run at 104 degrees, 109 degrees 
when the cache was at a 1:2 ratio.
As it turned out, the upgrade actually ran at the same temperature as the iMac's
stock 333 MHz CPU. As comparison, the iMac DV Special Edition's CPU ran at 129 degrees.
Availability
Newer Technology will be shipping this card in the middle of February. It will be
available only via its online store for $699, $499 with the exchange rebate. Newer
didn't comment to IGM about future development, but it is certainly possible to ship
faster G3 and G4 processor with this upgrade. Clearly Newer has aimed to provide
the most performance for a consumer price. After all, the iMac is a consumer machine.
As prices fall on G4 and faster G3 processors, new iMAXpowr family members could
be expected to hit the market.
Conclusion
The iMAXpowr is a pretty exciting upgrade. There are over 2 million iMacs out there
that can be upgraded with the product. But the question is, who will want to upgrade?
While the upgrade is not too difficult to install, it's not for the technologically
meek, which is for whom the iMac is typically marketed. Also, the upgrade needs to
make financial sense, as you may want to sell your old iMac and apply the $500 towards
a new machine instead of an upgrade.
The simple fact is, however, not everyone can sell their iMac and/or afford a new
system In the end, the iMAXpowr G3 466 can be a cost-effective way to update your
current machine for those MHz-hungry applications.
Pros: Fastest iMac on the planet. Found to be very stable, even while pushing
cache into the red. Upgrade without having to purchase a new iMac.
Cons: More difficult upgrade than other CPU upgrades. Based on used parts
with CPU trade-in program.
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