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Hardware Features

Here is a list of the hardware features of the Power Mac G4 computer. The major features are described more fully later in this note.

Microprocessor: PowerPC G4 microprocessor running at a clock frequency of 350, 400, or 450 MHz depending on model and configuration. For more information, see PowerPC G4 Microprocessor.
Cache: 1 MB of backside level 2 (L2) cache on the processor module. The cache runs at half the clock frequency of the microprocessor.
Processor system bus: 64-bit wide data and 32-bit wide address, 100 MHz clock, supporting MaxBus protocol. For more information, see Processor Bus.
RAM: Four DIMM slots for 168-pin PC100 DIMMs (dual inline memory modules) using SDRAM (synchronous dynamic access memory) or ESDRAM (enhanced SDRAM) devices. A minimum of 64 MB of RAM is installed in one of the slots. For more information, see RAM Expansion.
ROM: NewWorld ROM-in-RAM implementation with 1 MB of boot ROM. For information about the ROM, see Boot ROM. For information about the ROM-in-RAM implementation, see ROM in RAM.
Graphics acceleration: A graphics card in the AGP slot provides 2D and 3D hardware graphics acceleration using the ATI RAGE 128 PRO graphics controller. For more information, see AGP Graphics Card.
Sound: Supports 16 bits/channel stereo input and output on built-in 3.5 mm line-level stereo input and output jacks, one built-in speaker. For more information, see Sound System.
Hard disks: One internal Ultra DMA/66 hard disk; provision for adding either a second Ultra DMA/66 disk or an ATA-3 storage device. For more information, see Disk Drives.
Expansion bays: Three expansion bays, one of which is occupied by an Ultra DMA/66 hard disk. Two bays are available for adding one internal 3.5 x 1-inch Ultra DMA/66 or two ATA-3 devices, or other devices connected to a PCI controller card. For more information, see Disk Drives.
DVD-ROM drive: ATAPI DVD-ROM drive providing support for 24x-speed CD-ROM and 6x-speed DVD-ROM media, as well as DVD-Video playback with DVD MPEG2 decode in software.
DVD-RAM drive: Optional ATAPI DVD-RAM drive reads and writes 2.6 GB and 5.2 GB DVD-RAM media in addition to supporting 2x-speed DVD-ROM, 20x CD-ROM, and DVD-Video playback with DVD MPEG2 decode in software.
Zip drive: 100 MB ATAPI Zip drive.
USB ports: Two USB ports, described in USB Ports. The computer comes with a USB mouse and a USB keyboard that has two additional USB ports.
Ethernet: Built in Ethernet port for a 10Base-T or 100Base-TX operation with an RJ-45 connector. For more information, see Ethernet Port.
Wireless LAN: An internal wireless LAN module is available as a build-to-order option or as a user-installable upgrade. For more information, see AirPort Card Wireless LAN Module.
FireWire ports: Two external and one internal IEEE 1394a high-speed serial FireWire ports, which support transfer rates of 100, 200, and 400 Mbps. For more information, see FireWire Ports.
Modem: Slot for an optional built-in Apple 56 Kbps modem. The modem supports K56flex and V.90 modem standards. For more information, see Internal Modem.
Keyboard: Apple USB keyboard with function keys and inverted-T arrow keys. It is also a bus-powered USB hub with two USB ports. For more information, see Keyboard.
Mouse: Apple USB mouse operating as a low-speed (1.5 Mbps) USB device. For more information, see Mouse.
PCI card expansion slots: Three slots for 33 MHz, 64-bit or 32-bit, 12-inch PCI cards. For more information, see PCI Expansion Slots.
AGP-2X graphics card slot: The computer is always shipped with an accelerated graphics card installed in this slot. For more information, see AGP Graphics Card.
Startup button: Startup and sleep are controlled from the Apple USB keyboard and a front power button.
Voltage switch: Can be set to either 115 for voltages of 100-130 V or 230 for voltages of 200-250 V, depending on the voltage where the computer is installed. The voltage selection must be set manually.
Fan speed control: The speed of the fan is thermally controlled and is automatically set to the lowest possible speed to minimize noise. This is a function provided by the fan and is not under software control.
Energy saving: Sleep, startup, and shutdown scheduling can be controlled with an Energy Saver control panel.