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PowerPCs: Power Mac G3 (300MHz - 366MHz)
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History
The first release of the Power Mac G3 had given users the option of either 233MHz or 266MHz, and either a desktop or tower case. Time marched ever onwards though and soon even the 266MHz machine was starting to look a little long in the tooth. Rather than release a new range of machines though, Apple decided to take the easy option and simply upgrade what they already had.
With the new 300MHz model released in March 1998, the series later had 333MHz and 366MHz versions added to keep power-hungry users happy. Aside from the speed bump though, nothing had changed in the machines.
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Specifications
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Machine |
Power Macintosh G3 (300MHz - 366MHz) |
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Introduced |
17/03/1998 |
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Retired |
01/01/1999 |
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Cost |
$2750-$4600 |
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System |
8.0-10.2.x |
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Code Name(s) |
Gossamer |
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CPU/Speed |
Motorola PPC 750 @ 300MHz-366MHz |
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RAM Min/Max |
32Mb/768Mb (3x168pin 100MHz DIMM slot) |
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ROM (Size) |
4Mb |
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Floppy Drive |
1xSuperDrive |
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Hard Drive |
4Gb-6Gb EIDE |
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CD Drive |
24xCD-ROM |
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Drive Bay(s) |
1x3.5" Half-height, 1x5.25" Half-height (Desktop), 1x3.5" Half-height, 3x5.25" Half-height (Tower) |
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Network |
Ethernet (RJ-45) |
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Audio |
16 bit stereo, stereo in |
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Video |
2Mb ATi 3D Rage II+ (or ATi Rage Pro) |
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Resolution(s) |
1280x1024 (24 bit) |
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Ports |
1xADB, 1xRJ-45, SCSI (25 pin), 2xDIN-8, 1xVideo, Audio (in), Audio (out) |
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Expansion Slot |
3xPCI, 1xPersonality (pre-filled) |
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Dimensions |
6.3" x 14.4" x 16.9" (Desktop), 15.2" x 9.6" x 17.8" (Tower) |
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Weight |
22 lb (Desktop), 33.1 lb (Tower) |
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From Experience...
 
The museum was already the home to a 266MHz G3 desktop but the tower version was something that we'd been after for a while, but, sadly, so had a lot of other people as the tower version typically demands a higher price. Eventually though one did come along for a very nice price: Free! What was even more impressive was that the postage was covered so this really was a free machine!
Clocking in at 300MHz with 384Mb of RAM and a 6Gb hard drive, this was a very nice piece of kit. Ok the PRAM battery had gone walkabout but the machine will happily boot without it so no complaints from me about that. Arriving in near perfect cosmetic condition there was even a ZIP drive fitted. Actually there wasn't a ZIP drive fitted but there was a faceplate for one. This was not a problem though as the 8600 had come with a ZIP drive fitted but no face plate - a quick swap and two happy machines.
Performance wise the 300MHz CPU flies and the memory really does help it to scream along. The fact that it's the tower rather than the desktop makes no difference in the performance stakes but when it comes to looks and expansion, the tower wins hands down. The motherboard is just as easy to access in both machines but the extra drive bays means that there are far more expansion options on offer. There are other advantages in having the tower over the desktop though and the 'personality' card sports a few extra connections that make life just that little bit easier.
Although it offers very little extra over the desktop version, the tower Power Mac G3 just feels 'nicer' and looks better. They're both great machines from a technology point of view but, if given the choice, go for the tower.
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Links
LowEndMac.com - Looking for Apple info? Always start here
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