Accelerate Your Mac! - Review of the MetaBox JoeCard G4 450MHz 2MB cache CPU upgrade

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Review: MetaBox's JoeCard^TM Z G4/450 2MB Cache
First Shipping 2MB G4 CPU Upgrade
By Mike
Published: 9/15/2000
(updated 9/18/2000 for Beige G3 comments)

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

Note: This page is for reference only and is not a replacement for the owners guide/manual. Consult both your Apple system owner's manual and the manual for the upgrade for additional instructions and safety precautions. Get qualified help if necessary.

I was pleased to see that MetaBox also includes a web page with an illustrated installation guide for the B&W G3. For those unfamiliar with installing CPU upgrades their web page will give you a good feel for the steps involved before you buy. (I've also posted detailed installation guides as previous reviews here like the XLR8 G4/400 ZIF review, which included a page with a B&W G3 install guide including the firmware update process to remove the G4 CPU block in the B&W G3's rev 1.02/1.1 firmware.) The CD included with the upgrade also has a PDF manual with installation information. Metabox's web site also has a PDF file downloadable manual that covers their upgrades if you'd like to view it before you buy.
What's Included:
The following is a list of the contents of the MetaBox JoeCard G4+ 450 upgrade package:

450MHz G4 ZIF module with 2MB of Backside Cache
Metal heatsink clip (** see notes below on clip)
CD with Control Software and manual
Metabox decal

** Metabox includes a heatsink clip with this upgrade, I suspect due to the fact the ZIF module is slightly thicker than most OEM ZIFs so they provide a taller clip to make it easier to install and remove. The pins under the MetaBox ZIF are in separate pwb layer basically, which adds a bit to the thickness (the Formac ProG3/450 ZIF had the same pin/layer sheet). The Metabox clip is a bit taller to allow for this, but I did not need to use it with my B&W G3 - the stock clip fit fine (althought it is a tighter fit and harder to remove). It was a good thing the stock heatsink clip fit, since trying to use their clip showed that it was too wide to fit the B&W G3 rev 2 heatsink (it fit the Beige G3 heatsink however). In fact, after trying to install it in the B&W G3 heatsink bound the clip up so tight that I thought I would need pliers to get it out. (Metabox asked that I send dimensions of the B&W G3 heatsink to allow future clips to be made to fit, however I used the stock clip with no problems.)
Another negative of the Metabox clip is that it has two slots in each end - and this would increase the chance someone would install it in reverse. The bend/pressure point on all Mac ZIF heatsink clips has an offcenter bend to apply pressure over the CPU which is not on center of the ZIF socket. If the clip is reversed and the bend/pressure point is not over the CPU, it runs hotter. This is a common mistake and noted in the FAQ as well as my reviews of Beige and B&W G3 ZIF upgrades.
There was no anti-static wrist strap included in my package, but that may not be typical of retail packages. If not, make sure you touch the metal chassis of the computer to discharge any static buildup you have before touching any components or circuit boards. See your owners manual for other precautions before working inside your Mac.

ZIF Switch Settings: As mentioned earlier, the JoeCard Z has switches on the ZIF to allow setting it for use in 100Mhz bus systems like the B&W G3 or 66MHz bus speed Macs like the Beige G3. The review sample came preset for the B&W G3 but the manual and this page at Metabox's site lists all the switch settings. Although the switches allow overclocking the G4 CPU, I did not test speeds high than the CPU's rating. Overclocking is risky and usually voids the warranty, although I do prefer upgrades with adjustments.

For the B&W G3 the switches would be set for a 4.5:1 ratio (100Mhz bus speed times 4.5 = 450Mhz); for the Beige G3 the switches would be set to 7:1 (closest ratio for a 466MHz CPU speed with a 66MHz bus speed). (Update: Beige G3 Tests See the intro page for comments on Beige G3 limited testing. All test results in this review were originally done in a Blue and White (B&W) G3. In the Beige G3 the backside cache runs at 187Mhz, in the B&W G3 the cache speed runs at 225MHz.)
Troubleshooting: MetaBox's web site Troubleshooting page as of the date of this review only has information related to CPU card upgrades in older Macs, so I've included some common tips should you have any problems.

Before any major upgrade (and especially when experimenting with speeds) back up your data just in case.

Double check that you have put the heatsink clip on properly. Otherwise the CPU can overheat since the Mac ZIF modules all have the CPU located off-center of the ZIF module, so the clip has an off-center bend (pressure point). The bend in the clip should be over the CPU side of the ZIF module. For Beige Macs, the original clip's two slotted end faces the nearside of the motherboard; for B&W G3 Macs, the two slotted end of the clip faces the dimm slots.

If the upgrade will not boot, double check that the switch settings are correct for your Mac model. (If they are set incorrectly, the Bus/CPU ratio could be too high resulting in a CPU speed that cannot be run.)

Once the system boots, I verify reliability by running applications that stress the CPU for hours to make sure the upgrade is reliable. Simply booting and running MacBench or a quick game is not proof of stability. If you own Unreal or Quake, letting the auto-play demos run for hours is a great way to test for problems. Running GaugePro's continuous memory test is another option. Virtual PC is also an excellent test for marginal timing/reliability.
About Overclocking: Overclocking will void the warranty, may not be reliable and could lead to data loss or premature hardware failures. I do not recommend overclocking to others and you assume all risk from doing so. No company can guarantee overclocked speeds and always buy a CPU upgrade by its rated speed, not an assumption that you can overclock it reliably or will be able to repeat other owner's speeds.

The next page of the review covers details on the JoeCard hardware.

Index of MetaBox's JoeCard ^TM Z G4/450 2MB Cache Review
Intro | Benchmarks | Appl. Tests | Software Controls | Installation | Specs/Design | Summary

- or -
Back to WWW.XLR8YOURMAC.COM

Copyright © Mike, 2000.
All Rights Reserved.
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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: MetaBox's JoeCard^TM Z G4/450 2MB Cache First Shipping 2MB G4 CPU Upgrade By Mike Published: 9/15/2000 (updated 9/18/2000 for Beige G3 comments)
Intro \| Benchmarks \| Appl. Tests \| Software Controls \| Installation \| Specs/Design \| Summary
Note: This page is for reference only and is not a replacement for the owners guide/manual. Consult both your Apple system owner's manual and the manual for the upgrade for additional instructions and safety precautions. Get qualified help if necessary.
I was pleased to see that MetaBox also includes a web page with an illustrated installation guide for the B&W G3. For those unfamiliar with installing CPU upgrades their web page will give you a good feel for the steps involved before you buy. (I've also posted detailed installation guides as previous reviews here like the XLR8 G4/400 ZIF review, which included a page with a B&W G3 install guide including the firmware update process to remove the G4 CPU block in the B&W G3's rev 1.02/1.1 firmware.) The CD included with the upgrade also has a PDF manual with installation information. Metabox's web site also has a PDF file downloadable manual that covers their upgrades if you'd like to view it before you buy. What's Included: The following is a list of the contents of the MetaBox JoeCard G4+ 450 upgrade package: 450MHz G4 ZIF module with 2MB of Backside Cache Metal heatsink clip ( see notes below on clip) CD with Control Software and manual Metabox decal Metabox includes a heatsink clip with this upgrade, I suspect due to the fact the ZIF module is slightly thicker than most OEM ZIFs so they provide a taller clip to make it easier to install and remove. The pins under the MetaBox ZIF are in separate pwb layer basically, which adds a bit to the thickness (the Formac ProG3/450 ZIF had the same pin/layer sheet). The Metabox clip is a bit taller to allow for this, but I did not need to use it with my B&W G3 - the stock clip fit fine (althought it is a tighter fit and harder to remove). It was a good thing the stock heatsink clip fit, since trying to use their clip showed that it was too wide to fit the B&W G3 rev 2 heatsink (it fit the Beige G3 heatsink however). In fact, after trying to install it in the B&W G3 heatsink bound the clip up so tight that I thought I would need pliers to get it out. (Metabox asked that I send dimensions of the B&W G3 heatsink to allow future clips to be made to fit, however I used the stock clip with no problems.) Another negative of the Metabox clip is that it has two slots in each end - and this would increase the chance someone would install it in reverse. The bend/pressure point on all Mac ZIF heatsink clips has an offcenter bend to apply pressure over the CPU which is not on center of the ZIF socket. If the clip is reversed and the bend/pressure point is not over the CPU, it runs hotter. This is a common mistake and noted in the FAQ as well as my reviews of Beige and B&W G3 ZIF upgrades. There was no anti-static wrist strap included in my package, but that may not be typical of retail packages. If not, make sure you touch the metal chassis of the computer to discharge any static buildup you have before touching any components or circuit boards. See your owners manual for other precautions before working inside your Mac. ZIF Switch Settings: As mentioned earlier, the JoeCard Z has switches on the ZIF to allow setting it for use in 100Mhz bus systems like the B&W G3 or 66MHz bus speed Macs like the Beige G3. The review sample came preset for the B&W G3 but the manual and this page at Metabox's site lists all the switch settings. Although the switches allow overclocking the G4 CPU, I did not test speeds high than the CPU's rating. Overclocking is risky and usually voids the warranty, although I do prefer upgrades with adjustments. For the B&W G3 the switches would be set for a 4.5:1 ratio (100Mhz bus speed times 4.5 = 450Mhz); for the Beige G3 the switches would be set to 7:1 (closest ratio for a 466MHz CPU speed with a 66MHz bus speed). (Update: Beige G3 Tests See the intro page for comments on Beige G3 limited testing. All test results in this review were originally done in a Blue and White (B&W) G3. In the Beige G3 the backside cache runs at 187Mhz, in the B&W G3 the cache speed runs at 225MHz.) Troubleshooting: MetaBox's web site Troubleshooting page as of the date of this review only has information related to CPU card upgrades in older Macs, so I've included some common tips should you have any problems. Before any major upgrade (and especially when experimenting with speeds) back up your data just in case. Double check that you have put the heatsink clip on properly. Otherwise the CPU can overheat since the Mac ZIF modules all have the CPU located off-center of the ZIF module, so the clip has an off-center bend (pressure point). The bend in the clip should be over the CPU side of the ZIF module. For Beige Macs, the original clip's two slotted end faces the nearside of the motherboard; for B&W G3 Macs, the two slotted end of the clip faces the dimm slots. If the upgrade will not boot, double check that the switch settings are correct for your Mac model. (If they are set incorrectly, the Bus/CPU ratio could be too high resulting in a CPU speed that cannot be run.) Once the system boots, I verify reliability by running applications that stress the CPU for hours to make sure the upgrade is reliable. Simply booting and running MacBench or a quick game is not proof of stability. If you own Unreal or Quake, letting the auto-play demos run for hours is a great way to test for problems. Running GaugePro's continuous memory test is another option. Virtual PC is also an excellent test for marginal timing/reliability. About Overclocking: Overclocking will void the warranty, may not be reliable and could lead to data loss or premature hardware failures. I do not recommend overclocking to others and you assume all risk from doing so. No company can guarantee overclocked speeds and always buy a CPU upgrade by its rated speed, not an assumption that you can overclock it reliably or will be able to repeat other owner's speeds. The next page of the review covers details on the JoeCard hardware.
Index of MetaBox's JoeCard ^TM Z G4/450 2MB Cache Review Intro \| Benchmarks \| Appl. Tests \| Software Controls \| Installation \| Specs/Design \| Summary - or - Back to WWW.XLR8YOURMAC.COM
Copyright © Mike, 2000. 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.