GigaDesigns 1.4GHz Processor Update

Here ya go folks! This one is only available on YourMacStore.com...heck, it's not even on the manufacturer's website! Check it out...

GigaDesigns G4/1.4GHz/2MB 5B-1400C

Upgrade w/256KB L2 Cache and 2MB L3 cache. Quiet cooling fan kit is Included. Compatible with PowerMac G4 Cube. The 7455B G4 Processors were tested & guaranteed by GigaDesigns for 1.4GHz Operation. This item is new, with a GigaDesigns 3 Year Warranty. It also supports Mac OS 9.2.2 and Mac OS X 10.1.5 or later. No Firmware patch is required.

This CPU upgrade can work with Apple standard VRM. But if it is too old to have original capacity, it results in trouble. We recommend to use this upgrade with C-VRM or VRM heatsink.

This item is only $299.95 on our online store!

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Now the meat of the subject...the 7455 vs the 7447

The 7455B CPU works a heck of a lot faster than it's predecessor (the 7447) thanks to the L3 cache, if their clock speed is the same. Also, while the Cube supports the 7455, it doesn't natively support the 7447, and would require a patch to even use it. To add to that, the 7447 isn't natively supported by OS 9 either, and would need yet another patch to get it to work. However, on the flip side, the 7455 consumes a LOT of power when running at 1.4 GHz. (At 1.2, it's not as high as 1.4) The power consumption at that point surpasses the Cube's safe levels and would cause fatal damage...nothing any computer owner really wants to have happen. Gigadesigns did fix this issue with a lower voltage and lower power consumption, making it useable.

So...

7447 = Higher Clock & Lower Cache
7455 = Lower Clock & Higher Cache

Would seem to be a tie, right? Actually they're both surpassed by the 7448. I'm sure you're holding your head and saying, "The 7448? Another one?" Yup. In the 7448, it's the best of both the 7447 & the 7455! Higher Clock Speed, and a Higher Cache (L2 cache), make for a better processor overall. You see, the rumor is that back in October 2005, Apple was going to put the then brand new 7448 into the Powerbook G4, but decided against it at the last minute...placing the reliable 7447 into the model. Sadly, because the 7448 wasn't put into the Powerbook G4, it wasn't natively supported by OS X...but then like many things, that's been fixed by a patch. ;)

Who says I'm not full of information? :D