The iMac Channel

Guide to iMac CPU Upgrades

Updated 2005.02.21

If you have a one of the early iMacs, the kind with a CD drawer, you now have three CPU upgrade options.

Benchmark scores are 5. For comparison purposes, the Rev. A iMac (233 MHz) has a CPU score of 696, the Rev. B iMac (266 MHz) scores 719, the Rev. C iMac (266 MHz) reaches 803, and the Rev. D iMac (333 MHz) hits 948.

Manufacturer CPU Cache
Size 		Cache
Speed 		MacBench
5.0 rating* 		Estimated
Street Price
Newer Technology iMAXpowr G3

G3/466

1 MB

155 MHz

1326

disc.

PowerLogix iForce

G3/500

1 MB

200 MHz

1539

disc.

G3/400

512 KB

200 MHz

1196

disc.

Sonnet Tech HARMONi

G3/600

256 KB

600 MHz

disc.

G3/500

256 KB

500 MHz

$400

Techno Warehouse iMAXpower

G4/433

1 MB

216 MHz

$299

G3/500

1 MB

166 MHz?

disc.

NOTE: The Sonnet HARMONi card was incompatible with early versions of Mac OS X 10.4. The FireWire port would tie up 100% of CPU resources. This problem was fixed in version 10.4.7 (if not earlier). If you have a HARMONi card that's had this issue, be aware that updating to 10.4.7 or newer should fix it.

* Processor score from MacWeek or Macworld when possible, but most ratings are from manufacturers. End user results may vary based on a number of factors including bus speed and OS used.

** Estimated value is rating divided by price. Higher numbers represent more bang for the buck.

The information is as accurate as I can find, but specifications and availability are subject to change; I suggest you check with the manufacturer to verify current models. Prices keep dropping, so these prices may be outdated. (Prices are in $US.) In fact, models are added and discontinued so often, it's impossible to keep track of which models are current.

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