Accelerate Your Mac! - XLR8 MAChCarrier 500MHz 10X G3 Review

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Review: MAChCarrier^TM G3/500 CPU Card
10X G3 CPU Upgrade for PCI Macs
Published: 11/02/99

Review Summary and Final Comments

Intro | Benchmarks | Appl. Tests | Software Controls | Docs/Installation | Specs/Design | Summary

The Final Word

The primary audience of any upgrade that is more than 1/2 the cost of a new system (i.e. - a Yikes G4/350) is likely those with a 6 PCI slot Mac and/or a heavy investment in their existing model. The MAChCarrier G3/500 is the fastest and most stable CPU upgrade I've tested so far in a CPU card slot Mac and generally outperformed my B&W G3/400 in every real-world application and benchmark test. However any upgrade that costs near $1000 forces you to consider your options. Since the pricing of CPU upgrades change often, I rated this card on stability, features and performance alone.
The MAChCarrier G3/500 lists for the same price as the Sonnet G3/500 card that doesn't have the adjustability, the ZIF socket or G4 upgrade path of the MAChCarrier card. The PowerLogix G3/500 card lists for about $200 less, but it doesn't have a ZIF socket either and has fewer bus speed settings. XLR8's current suggested list price for their G4/400 is the same as the G3/500 ($999), although with most current applications (which lack G4/Altivec optimizations), the G3/500 is actually faster. If you're a heavy Photoshop user, the Altivec extensions should make the G4 a better performer however. As noted previously, all CarrierZIF and MAChCarrier cards can accept G4 CPU upgrades from XLR8.
It amazes me that a Mac as old as my Genesis can be upgraded to this level of performance. If it were a PC, I'd have to replace the motherboard and RAM as well as the CPU. With current RAM pricing, I cringe to think of the cost to replace the 512MB installed in my Genesis.

Owners of XLR8 G3 Cards (those that include a CPU - not bare CarrierZIF cards) are also eligible for their Trade-Up discount program, which includes G4 CPU models. See the linked page for more details.

Here are some factors that affect the cost of CPU upgrades in general and this model in particular:

10X ratio G3 CPUs cost more (25% I'm told) than 8x (standard) G3 versions. And the fastest rated CPU chips always cost more. 500MHz is currently the top of the G3 line.

XLR8 has one of the best, if not the best support and engineering staff in the Mac CPU market. That costs money, as does designing new products, updating them often, and developing/supporting software. The XLR8 cards also have far more detailed and better quality manuals. This adds to the cost as well (which is why many other companies have limited printed documentation).

XLR8, like any company, makes mistakes (some early 10X 450MHz models went out with 8X CPU modules for instance) but every time I've brought a reader problem to their attention they have handled it quickly. I wish I could say that about every vendor of upgrades. In every case I've seen if there was a problem with the card that was their fault - they threw in a free XLR8 Performance Package (USB card/Mouse/Software). They are a company I do not hesitate to recommend. Based on my first-hand experience with several of their models over the last year, they produce a consistent, quality product.

Some companies and dealers prefer not to sell adjustable cards since by nature of the many settings they have a higher support cost. However remember that adjusting speed settings is an option - this card plugged and played at the 500/250/50 factory settings in both my 9600/350 and Genesis. I do like the options for adjustments in the future, and it's key to the ability to upgrade the card in the future.

Upgrade or New System?: Anytime an upgrade costs more than 1/2 that of a new system (which often has more advanced features and faster bus speeds, interfaces like Firewire, etc.), you have to consider your options carefully. As I comment on in detail below, OS X compatibility is also a consideration, although some companies are sure to wait for some time after its release to adopt OS X in mass.

I consider my Genesis a prime example of the target system for this upgrade, as its 6 PCI slots are nearly full, it has fast hard drives and plenty of memory and has yet to disappoint me in any task I need. It will serve me well until a low cost, faster G4 system with AGP and a mature OS X is available. As with any new computer purchase, speeds and features increase and prices fall as time goes by.

I'd not sell my loaded Genesis ever, and this 500MHz G3 makes it really fly in everyday use. I also know companies that have proven, productive machines don't like to risk replacing them with new models which often bring their own set of compatibility problems. I also really like the new G4 AGP systems from Apple, but they're about $2500. A Yikes (PCI G4/350) system currently sells for about $1600. My Genesis with this G3/500 installed is faster at any non-Altivec application than the G4/350 systems however. Granted the Yikes has Firewire, an improved PCI bus and USB. As I said earlier, when upgrades approach $1000 in cost you need to consider all the options.

Other Considerations: Every company I know doesn't replace working, productive systems very often. Smart companies (and individuals) wait until all the bugs are shaken out of any new system or operating system before taking the plunge and replacing models that are proven performers.

The OS X Issue: I know many of you (and I) are wondering about the issue of OS X (coming next year) running on non-Apple G3 Macs. Many people wonder if they should invest in a G3 CPU card upgrade vs. the safer bet of getting an Apple G3 system. In some cases that's not an option, for instance those that need more than 3 PCI slots or have a large investment in their existing Mac of hardware that does not fit or work in the Apple G3s.

The latest info I've heard and read is that OS X client can run on older Macs with CPU upgrades, so there is hope despite the fact only Apple G3 and later systems with officially be 'supported' by Apple. Owner's of Mac clones (non Apple brands) or very old Macs should definitely not count on running OS X, at least with the info I have at this time.

I certainly hope Apple does not abandon the millions of existing owners of pre-G3 systems. And don't forget that OS 8.x and OS 9 will be supported by software vendors for many years to come, as that is and will continue to be the the largest Mac OS market segment for some time to come. To be honest, I'm not looking forward to replacing the small fortune in applications I have now for native OS X versions (since blue box performance would likely be less than my current OS 8.x machines).

Availability/Pricing:

Since G3 CPU upgrade prices change often, always check with XLR8 and their dealers for the latest pricing. As of Nov 1., 1999, the suggested list for the MAChCarrier G3/500 was $999. Site sponsors like Bottom Line, Other World Computing and MacGurus often sell for less than list prices however.

You may also order direct from XLR8 by calling 1-888-957-8867. If ordered direct from XLR8, the MAChCarrier G3/500 comes with a 30-day money back guarantee from XLR8 and a 2 year warranty. Most dealers offer 30 day returns as well but as policies vary be sure to check this before you order should any problems arise.

Mention this site if you order from sponsors - I'm working day and night to provide free tech support and the best product reviews for Mac owners (and have since 1997 :-). Your support is appreciated.

I hope this review has provided you with sufficient information on all aspects of the product, but if you have any further questions or comments you may contact me by email at: news@xlr8yourmac.com.
For reviews of other CPU cards at this site, see my CPU Cards page. The home page (www.xlr8yourmac.com) has links to reviews of Systems, SCSI controllers, Video cards (incl. 3Dfx), Game related articles and some of the most useful daily news on the net (updated 7 days a week). Thanks for stopping by!

Index of XLR8 MAChCarrier G3/500 Review Pages
Intro | Benchmarks | Appl. Tests | Software Controls | Docs/Installation | Specs/Design | Summary

- or -
Back to WWW.XLR8YOURMAC.COM

Copyright © Mike, 1999.
All Rights Reserved.
All brand or product names mentioned here are properties of their respective companies.

Users of the web site must read and are bound by the terms and conditions of use.

The Source for Mac Performance News and Reviews
Review: MAChCarrier^TM G3/500 CPU Card 10X G3 CPU Upgrade for PCI Macs Published: 11/02/99
Review Summary and Final Comments
Intro \| Benchmarks \| Appl. Tests \| Software Controls \| Docs/Installation \| Specs/Design \| Summary
The Final Word
The primary audience of any upgrade that is more than 1/2 the cost of a new system (i.e. - a Yikes G4/350) is likely those with a 6 PCI slot Mac and/or a heavy investment in their existing model. The MAChCarrier G3/500 is the fastest and most stable CPU upgrade I've tested so far in a CPU card slot Mac and generally outperformed my B&W G3/400 in every real-world application and benchmark test. However any upgrade that costs near $1000 forces you to consider your options. Since the pricing of CPU upgrades change often, I rated this card on stability, features and performance alone. The MAChCarrier G3/500 lists for the same price as the Sonnet G3/500 card that doesn't have the adjustability, the ZIF socket or G4 upgrade path of the MAChCarrier card. The PowerLogix G3/500 card lists for about $200 less, but it doesn't have a ZIF socket either and has fewer bus speed settings. XLR8's current suggested list price for their G4/400 is the same as the G3/500 ($999), although with most current applications (which lack G4/Altivec optimizations), the G3/500 is actually faster. If you're a heavy Photoshop user, the Altivec extensions should make the G4 a better performer however. As noted previously, all CarrierZIF and MAChCarrier cards can accept G4 CPU upgrades from XLR8. It amazes me that a Mac as old as my Genesis can be upgraded to this level of performance. If it were a PC, I'd have to replace the motherboard and RAM as well as the CPU. With current RAM pricing, I cringe to think of the cost to replace the 512MB installed in my Genesis. Owners of XLR8 G3 Cards (those that include a CPU - not bare CarrierZIF cards) are also eligible for their Trade-Up discount program, which includes G4 CPU models. See the linked page for more details. Here are some factors that affect the cost of CPU upgrades in general and this model in particular: 10X ratio G3 CPUs cost more (25% I'm told) than 8x (standard) G3 versions. And the fastest rated CPU chips always cost more. 500MHz is currently the top of the G3 line. XLR8 has one of the best, if not the best support and engineering staff in the Mac CPU market. That costs money, as does designing new products, updating them often, and developing/supporting software. The XLR8 cards also have far more detailed and better quality manuals. This adds to the cost as well (which is why many other companies have limited printed documentation). XLR8, like any company, makes mistakes (some early 10X 450MHz models went out with 8X CPU modules for instance) but every time I've brought a reader problem to their attention they have handled it quickly. I wish I could say that about every vendor of upgrades. In every case I've seen if there was a problem with the card that was their fault - they threw in a free XLR8 Performance Package (USB card/Mouse/Software). They are a company I do not hesitate to recommend. Based on my first-hand experience with several of their models over the last year, they produce a consistent, quality product. Some companies and dealers prefer not to sell adjustable cards since by nature of the many settings they have a higher support cost. However remember that adjusting speed settings is an option - this card plugged and played at the 500/250/50 factory settings in both my 9600/350 and Genesis. I do like the options for adjustments in the future, and it's key to the ability to upgrade the card in the future. Upgrade or New System?: Anytime an upgrade costs more than 1/2 that of a new system (which often has more advanced features and faster bus speeds, interfaces like Firewire, etc.), you have to consider your options carefully. As I comment on in detail below, OS X compatibility is also a consideration, although some companies are sure to wait for some time after its release to adopt OS X in mass. I consider my Genesis a prime example of the target system for this upgrade, as its 6 PCI slots are nearly full, it has fast hard drives and plenty of memory and has yet to disappoint me in any task I need. It will serve me well until a low cost, faster G4 system with AGP and a mature OS X is available. As with any new computer purchase, speeds and features increase and prices fall as time goes by. I'd not sell my loaded Genesis ever, and this 500MHz G3 makes it really fly in everyday use. I also know companies that have proven, productive machines don't like to risk replacing them with new models which often bring their own set of compatibility problems. I also really like the new G4 AGP systems from Apple, but they're about $2500. A Yikes (PCI G4/350) system currently sells for about $1600. My Genesis with this G3/500 installed is faster at any non-Altivec application than the G4/350 systems however. Granted the Yikes has Firewire, an improved PCI bus and USB. As I said earlier, when upgrades approach $1000 in cost you need to consider all the options. Other Considerations: Every company I know doesn't replace working, productive systems very often. Smart companies (and individuals) wait until all the bugs are shaken out of any new system or operating system before taking the plunge and replacing models that are proven performers. The OS X Issue: I know many of you (and I) are wondering about the issue of OS X (coming next year) running on non-Apple G3 Macs. Many people wonder if they should invest in a G3 CPU card upgrade vs. the safer bet of getting an Apple G3 system. In some cases that's not an option, for instance those that need more than 3 PCI slots or have a large investment in their existing Mac of hardware that does not fit or work in the Apple G3s. The latest info I've heard and read is that OS X client can run on older Macs with CPU upgrades, so there is hope despite the fact only Apple G3 and later systems with officially be 'supported' by Apple. Owner's of Mac clones (non Apple brands) or very old Macs should definitely not count on running OS X, at least with the info I have at this time. I certainly hope Apple does not abandon the millions of existing owners of pre-G3 systems. And don't forget that OS 8.x and OS 9 will be supported by software vendors for many years to come, as that is and will continue to be the the largest Mac OS market segment for some time to come. To be honest, I'm not looking forward to replacing the small fortune in applications I have now for native OS X versions (since blue box performance would likely be less than my current OS 8.x machines).
Availability/Pricing: Since G3 CPU upgrade prices change often, always check with XLR8 and their dealers for the latest pricing. As of Nov 1., 1999, the suggested list for the MAChCarrier G3/500 was $999. Site sponsors like Bottom Line, Other World Computing and MacGurus often sell for less than list prices however. You may also order direct from XLR8 by calling 1-888-957-8867. If ordered direct from XLR8, the MAChCarrier G3/500 comes with a 30-day money back guarantee from XLR8 and a 2 year warranty. Most dealers offer 30 day returns as well but as policies vary be sure to check this before you order should any problems arise. Mention this site if you order from sponsors - I'm working day and night to provide free tech support and the best product reviews for Mac owners (and have since 1997 :-). Your support is appreciated.
I hope this review has provided you with sufficient information on all aspects of the product, but if you have any further questions or comments you may contact me by email at: news@xlr8yourmac.com. For reviews of other CPU cards at this site, see my CPU Cards page. The home page (www.xlr8yourmac.com) has links to reviews of Systems, SCSI controllers, Video cards (incl. 3Dfx), Game related articles and some of the most useful daily news on the net (updated 7 days a week). Thanks for stopping by!

Index of XLR8 MAChCarrier G3/500 Review Pages Intro \| Benchmarks \| Appl. Tests \| Software Controls \| Docs/Installation \| Specs/Design \| Summary - or - Back to WWW.XLR8YOURMAC.COM
Copyright © Mike, 1999. All Rights Reserved. All brand or product names mentioned here are properties of their respective companies. Users of the web site must read and are bound by the terms and conditions of use.