Other World Computing (OWC) has introduced a new Mercury Extreme G4 CPU upgrade for users of Apple Power Mac G4 systems. The new CPU operates at 1.3GHz – 1.33GHz depending on the original capabilities of the computer, and costs $259.
The Mercury Extreme G4 upgrade replaces the existing CPU in Power Mac G4 “Sawtooth” systems, Gigabit Ethernet, Digital Audio and Quicksilver models with a Freescale 7455B processor equipped with 256KB of Level 2 Cache operating at the same speed as the processor and 2MB of Level 3 Cache. A heatsink and fan are pre-attached.
The device automatically senses the speed of your Power Mac’s system bus and adapts accordingly. It’s 100 percent compatible with existing hardware and software and does not require an “enabling” utility to work, according to OWC. It’s compatible with Mac OS 9.2.1 and later.
The final speed of the upgrade is determined by the speed of your Mac’s motherboard. “Sawtooth” and “Gigabit Ethernet” Power Mac G4s both sported motherboards clocked at 100MHz — for those systems, the upgrade runs at 1.3GHz. For “Digital Audio” and “Quicksilver” G4 systems clocked at 133MHz, the upgrade runs at 1.33GHz.