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armstrong45
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Posts: 1

Upgrade a PowerBook G4 - 2008/07/21 16:57 Is it worth it(or even possible) to upgrade a PowerBook G4 to run OS X 10.3 or Leopard? I am considering a new Mac, or trying to upgrade my old ('03) one (with OS X 10.2.8. 1 GHz processor, 256 MB RAM, 40GB HD) Any help would be appreciated.

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krowmagnum
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Posts: 752

Re:Upgrade a PowerBook G4 - 2008/07/21 22:04 1GHz G4 is still plenty usable and worth spending a few bucks on. It's faster than what I'm using right now.

If you don't need a new MacBook there's no reason to get one and if you've been getting by with OS 10.3 I'm guessing you don't need more power, just a more current OS. OS 10.5 will run just fine but will probably be a little slower than 10.4.

Either way, you need more RAM. 512MB would be the minimum and 1GB or more would be preferable especially for OS 10.5. You could get by with 512MB with OS 10.4, and even 10.5 but 256 will not be enough.

The RAM is easy to install and you can find a guide on Apple's site or ifixit.com.

You will find a link to OWC (best prices on-line) on the specs page for RAM for your Powerbook:

Powerbook G4

There are different 1GHz Powerbook models so you'll have to determine which model you have. The TiBook has the white trim painted around the edge, the AlBook is all metal with no white.

Personally, I would add a 512MB RAM chip (along with the 256 already in it) and get upgrade it to OS 10.4 if you are on a budget. Otherwise get as much RAM as it will hold (AlBooks can use 2GB) and upgrade to OS 10.5 which has a lot of nice features.

Post edited by: krowmagnum, at: 2008/07/21 22:19

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Cacicedo
User

Posts: 319

Re:Upgrade a PowerBook G4 - 2008/07/22 11:06 My wife is using an iBook, running at 900 MHz, with 10.4.11--no problems at all. I've thought of upgrading it to Leopard (which I think handles memory more effectively than does Tiger) but don't dare mess with her set up ;)

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