Newer Technology has updated its NUpowr 500MHz G4 processor upgrade with a new PowerPC G4 processor that runs up less heat and uses less juice as its predecessor. The new chip operates at up to 20 degrees Celsius less than the G4 chip that was being used in these upgrades before now, and also extends battery life by up to an extra 20 minutes, according to Newer. The NUpowr upgrade is designed for PowerBook G3 “Pismo” models.
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The US$300 upgrade works in 400MHz and 500MHz “Pismo” model PowerBook G3s — the FireWire-equipped systems that marked the end of the line for the PowerBook G3 before Apple replaced it with the PowerBook G4 model. The upgrade operates at 500MHz and offers the same amount of backside Level 2 cache and the same bus speed as the stock units, but replaces the processor with a 500MHz G4 model. It works with Altivec-enhanced applications and Mac OS X.
In order to upgrade, you need to send your PowerBook to Newer for installation — their technicians replace the stock G3 CPU with the new G4, test it, then return it to you. It takes about two weeks to do, and Newer is even willing to provide you with progress e-mails if you provide them with an e-mail address. The update is available from Newer Technology’s distributor and reseller, Other World Computing.