Great speed uprade but would install a fan to be safe!

My PowerMac G4 400MHZ was in dire need of an upgrade. My applications were becoming far too demanding, so instead of purchasing a new G5 (too expensive for my budget right now), I decided to upgrade my G4.

I started by upgrading the hard drive to a Western Digital Special Edition 120GB, 7200RPM 8MB Cache. (see my review ). I needed it for capturing video through iMovie.

Then I upgraded the processor. The installation can be fast and simple but you must be very careful installing the card. First you have to be careful not to use magnetized tools and not to touch the processor card with the needle-nose plier or screwdriver. Also, be sure not to touch or smear the thermal compound on the card. This will definitely cause your card to overheat and burn the card and perhaps the motherboard.

In addition, this card gets hotter because it runs much faster than the stock, so I played it safe and installed a PCI Slot Fan. This specific PCI slot twin-fan is designed to circulate airflow. It pushes hot air from the heatsink out while bringing cool air into the card.

I called Sonnet to see if a fan was necessary to help keep the card cool, but they said it was not. I decided to install the fan anyway just to play it safe. If anything it helps the card. My G4 rarely locks up and I think the fans are really helping the card stay cooler and operate more efficiently.

The card works with the existing heatsink and provides a significant speed increase. The installation instructions are thorough but simple to follow.

Overall, I am very pleased with this card. Websites are loaded instantly via Cable connection and PhotoShop applications run very fast. Computer start up is also noticeably fast.

Nice job Sonnet! I highly recommend getting this card if you notice that your G4 seems sluggish.



**Note: Before upgrading, update your firmware to 4.25f1. Go to Apple System Profiler. System Profile Tab. At the very bottom go to Product Information. Check Boot ROM version. If you are anything lower, you may have trouble with the card. Updating your firmware will make your system more stable.