Power Mac G4

The Power Mac G4 was series of personal computers made by Apple. It used the PowerPC G4 (PPC74xx) series of microprocessors.

Original models

The original Power Mac G4 was introduced at the Seybold conference in San Francisco on 1999–08–31, with 400MHz, 450MHz and 500MHz configurations available. In October, Apple was forced to postpone the 500MHz indefinitely due to lack of supply of the 500MHz chips, and reduced the processor speed in each configuration by 50MHz, controversially without a corresponding decrease in price.

The early 400MHz (later 350MHz) PCI-based "Yikes!" version used an identical motherboard to the Power Macintosh G3 Blue & White computers (minus one ADB port), in a "graphite" colored case and with the new CPU, while the higher-speed (Sawtooth) models used a slightly modified motherboard design with AGP graphics. In December, the entire G4 line was updated to the AGP motherboard.

The 500MHz version was reintroduced on 2000–02–16, accompanied by 400MHz and 450MHz models.

The design was updated at the Macworld Expo New York on July 19 2000 and now included dual-processor 450MHz and 500MHz versions. It was also the first personal computer to include gigabit ethernet as standard.

Four-slot models

A new line with a revamped motherboard but the familiar "graphite" case debuted on 9 January 2001. New features included a fourth PCI slot, a 133MHz system bus, and a new "digital audio" sound system. The models were offered in 466MHz, 533MHz, dual 533MHz, 667MHz and 733MHz configurations, the latter two using a newer PowerPC 7450 processor. The 733MHz model was the first personal computer to include a built-in DVD-R drive, with the others being the first Macs with CD-R drives of any kind.

At Macworld Expo New York on 18 July 2001, a new line debuted featuring a cosmetically redesigned case known as "quicksilver", but only minor technical changes. It was available in 733MHz, 867MHz and dual 800MHz configurations.

The design was updated on 28 January 2002 with 800MHz, 933MHz and dual 1GHz configurations, becoming the first Mac to reach 1GHz.

DDR models

Another generation of G4s was introduced on 13 August 2002, featuring both a new Xserve-derived DDR motherboard architecture and a new case design, known as "Mirrored Drive Doors". All models were sold in dual processor configurations running at 867MHz, 1GHz or 1.25GHz. The models were noted for their noisiness.

The last real update to the Power Mac G4 line was on 28 January 2003 offered a top speed of 1.42GHz, a built-in Firewire 800 connector, optional integrated Bluetooth and optional integrated AirPort Extreme. These were also the first Power Macs that could not boot in Mac OS 9.

With the launch of the Power Mac G5 on 23 June 2003, Apple quietly re-introduced the August 2002 Power Mac G4 because of perceived demand for Mac OS 9 machines. Between that, its low price-tag, and the delayed availability of Power Mac G5s, it proved a strong seller for a short time. Production stopped on 9 June 2004 and the remaining inventory sold off.

See also

• Power Mac G4 Cube