Power Mac G4 (PCI Graphics)
The first G4 desktop, billed as a supercomputer on your desk.
Overview
Apple introduced the Power Mac G4 as a personal supercomputer, capable of over a gigaflop thanks to AltiVec, a vector engine inside the G4 processor. Fans nicknamed this first release Yikes!
The PCI Graphics model reused the Blue and White G3 motherboard, with the same lack of ADB and an ATI Rage 128 graphics card at 16 MB on the 66 MHz PCI slot. Processors ran at 350, 400 and 450 MHz with 64 MB of PC100 memory and a 10 GB hard disk.
The case was recolored graphite with a handle on the top, and the machine could run Mac OS 9 as well as, later, Mac OS X.
Why it mattered
It brought the AltiVec G4 to desktops and started a line that lasted until the G5.
At a glance
- Announced
- August 31, 1999
- Released
- August 31, 1999
- Discontinued
- December 31, 1999
- Launch price
- $1,599
- Chip / processor
- PowerPC G4, 350 to 450 MHz
- Storage
- 10 GB hard disk
- Status
- Vintage
Highlights
- First Power Mac with the PowerPC G4
- AltiVec Velocity Engine
- Graphite case with carrying handle
- ATI Rage 128 graphics, 16 MB
Tech specs
Specifications as published at launch. Some values (like battery life) are manufacturer estimates.
Chip
- Chip
- PowerPC G4, 350 to 450 MHz
Memory
- RAM
- 64 MB PC100 SDRAM, expandable to 1 GB
- Storage options
- 10 GB Ultra ATA/33 hard disk, 5400 rpm
Graphics
- GPU
- ATI Rage 128, 16 MB
Design
- Dimensions
- 43.2 x 22.6 x 46.7 cm (17 x 8.9 x 18.4 in)
- Weight
- 13 kg (28.7 lb)
Software
- Launch OS
- Mac OS 8.6
- Latest supported OS
- Mac OS X 10.4.11 and Mac OS 9.2.2
Availability
- Announced
- August 31, 1999
- Released
- August 31, 1999
- Discontinued
- December 31, 1999
- Launch price
- $1,599
Colors
- Finishes
- Graphite
How it compares
More in the Power Mac G4 family
Power Mac G4 Cube
A silent G4 suspended in a clear acrylic cube.
Power Mac G4 (Gigabit Ethernet)
Gigabit Ethernet as a standard feature, plus the first dual-G4 tower.
Power Mac G4 (Quicksilver)
A silver, restyled G4 tower with a clean new case.
Power Mac G4 (Mirrored Drive Doors)
The loud, dual-processor G4 with two drive doors on the front.