Will the G5s end Mac processor upgradeability?

[zodraz]

I know, I know, the G5s aren't even in the stores yet.

But looking to the future....

Will IBM sell G5 chips in small enough quantites for 3rd party companies like Sonnet, OWC, PowerLogix etc. to purchase them?

What about that special Apple System Controller chip? Will it support a faster G5 than what was originally installed?

And will the yet-to-be G5 single processor system not be upgradeable to a dual?

I've looked around a bit and only found a satirical page about that.

     

[kelly]

Z. I doubt that there will be G5 Upgrades for G4s.

Just too different a technology.

What makes them what they are is the integration of Processor

and chips on the Motherboard.

I expect that we will see faster G4s for a while.

These will Upgrade G4s.

Dual Upgrades for G5s?

That seems a little more doable someday.

All just my opinions.

[()]

Darn! I was hoping that i would be able to upgrade my G4 iMac FP.  Now I am bumbed out...  


Oh well, still love my Mac!

[ljocampo]

I was reading today (I can't remember where) that PowerLogix is already working on G5 upgrade cards.  I am sure they'll find a way to put these G5 chips on a G4 card.  

[giantmike]

They found a way to put G3 CPUs on 601 machines, I bet they can find a way to put G5s in a G4 (or maybe even G3). If it's economical, I don't know, but that doesn't mean they can't do it

As for upgrading G5s to faster G5, I would expect nothing less out thse talented CPU upgrade makers.

[zodraz]

What got me thinking about this was the article I read in Mac world, as well as the "infomercial" I saw at the mac store about the G5s.

The new towers are sooooo intergrated! This is great for performance - as it exists. However, it does raise the question if this makes it too "rigid" a system to modify.

The MacWorld article only had pictures of the dual. IF the single uses the exact board, then it will probably be upgradeable to a dual. I could envision Apple using the same board, but not soldering in the socket for the second processor card though (saves a them few ¢ and "entices" you to "move up").

I doubt a G5 chip will ever find it's way into anything other than an AGP tower. Which makes sense since those where the premium machines that the owners would like to extend the life on.
But, if Moto (and IBM) continue speeding up the G3s and G4s that may not even be needed.

     

[zodraz]

They BIG difference as I see it between the G5s and G4-G3s is that darned Apple System Controller Chip.

Could it be that the older chips run "native" while the G5 must be run through the Apple System Controller Chip?

I'd like to find out more about that piece of proprietory hardware(+ firmware?).

If that chip is a must, then there's no way Apple will let others use it.

But maybe Apple WILL go back into the processor upgrade business. Especially with the promise that the G5s are going to go to 3Ghz in less than a year (I think that's what i read).

If Apple was the only source for upgrades, it might be worth their while.

And it would allay fears for new purchasers.

     

[zodraz]

Just got back from the Apple Store on Michigan Ave.

Saw the single G5.

Nice.

And it's BIG. Looks about 2-3" taller than a G4.

I got an Apple person to pull the door off. Boy is it work of art! Really. Looks just as good as the pictures.

He didn't open it up enough for me to see if there was only one processor socket  

I'll try towmorrow with another person.  

     

[kelly]

Ask these folks Z.

There are usually plenty of opinions there.

http://forums.dealmac.com/read.html?f=1&i=...08600&t=1308463

http://forums.dealmac.com/read.html?f=1&i=...33853&t=1333853

http://forums.dealmac.com/list.html?f=1

Did you see?

http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/G5/powermac_g5_...s.html#storytop

[zodraz]

Thanks Kelly

Excellent Links!

Also found some info on PBs there (my other post)! Double Bonus!

The G5 is mounted on a daughter card, and the single does not have another socket.

It does seem the G5 has once again raised the debate of upgrade or replace!