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This article details the external differences between the Power Mac G4 models including the Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics), Power Mac G4 (PCI Graphics), and the Power Mac G4 (Gigabit Ethernet).
DISCUSSION
The arrangement of the microphone and speaker jacks on the rear panel help diffeentiate the AGP and PCI versions of the Power Mac G4, as shown in Figure 1. Use the video connector to identify the Power Mac G4 (Gigabit Ethernet) model, as shown in Figure 2.
In addition to these physical features, here are some additional functional differences:
| Feature | Power Mac G4 (PCI Graphics) | Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics) | Power Mac G4 (Gigabit Ethernet) |
| Graphics Card | Rage 128 PCI | Rage128, Rage128 Pro AGP | Rage128 Pro AGP |
| Wireless Networking | No | Yes | Yes |
| Video Connector | VGA | DVI and VGA* | ADC and VGA |
| DVD Decoding | Hardware | Software | Software |
| Modem | Same as Power Macintosh G3 (Blue and White) | Unique to Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics) | Unique to Power Mac G4 (Gigabit Ethernet) |
| Model Numbers | M7631, M7826 | M6921, M7232, M7824, M7825, M7827 | M7891, M7892, M7893 |
| System Software CD Part Number | 691-2404-A | 691-2460-A |
* Early Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics) models had a VGA only video card. An upgrade to the DVI card is available on the Apple Store at http://www.apple.com/store/ .
Note: The system software CDs are specific to each model computer. You should use the system software CD that came with your computer to ensure the appropriate software is installed.
Figure 1 Power Mac G4 Back Panels
Figure 2 Power Mac G4 (Gigabit Ethernet) ADC Connector
Technical Features Differences
The following table compares the Power Mac G4 models to the Power Macintosh G3 (Blue and White).
| Feature | Power Mac G4 (PCI Graphics) | Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics) | Power Mac G4 (Gigabit Ethernet) |
| Processor | G4 w/ jumper (350, 400) | G4 w/o jumper (350, 400, 450) | Single 400 MHz G4, Dual 450 or 500 MHz |
| Logic Board | Similar to Blue & White, no ADB connector. Diagnostic LEDs on board | New design. No diagnostic LEDs on board | Similar to Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics) |
| Bus | 100 MHZ, 60x bus | 100 MHz | 100 MHz |
| Memory | PC 100 SDRAM, up to 1 GB | PC 100 SDRAM, up to 1.5 GB | PC 100 SDRAM, up to 1.5 GB |
| Video | Rage128 PCI | Rage128 AGP, Rage128 Pro AGP | Rage128 Pro AGP |
| AirPort | Not compatible | Optional | Optional |
| USB | Same as Blue & White | Dual independent (2 controllers) | Dual independent (2 controllers) |
| FireWire | Similar to Blue & White | Built into logic board | Built into logic board |
| Ethernet | Same as Blue & White | New (DEC 21143 Enet controller) or custom IC. | Custom IC |
| Modem | Same as Blue & White | New (requires modem filter board) | New |
| PCI Slots | Same as Blue & White | One AGP slot and three PCI slots | One AGP slot and three PCI slots |
| Hard Drive | Ultra ATA/33 |
Ultra ATA/66
CTO option: Ultra2 LVD SCSI |
Ultra ATA/66
Optional Ultra2 LVD SCSI |
| CD/DVD Drive | 32x CD (new short carrier) Audio cable | DVD configs only (new short carrier) No audio cable. | DVD-ROM or DVD-RAM |
| DVD Video | Hardware decoder | Software decoder | Software decoder |
| Power Management | Same as Blue & White | Low power sleep | Low power sleep |
| Rear I/O Panel | Sound ports horizontal | Sound ports vertical | Sound ports vertical |