Crescendo/PCI G3 & G4
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Driver (1)
Firmware (0)
Manual (2)
FAQ (12)
IDArticle TitlePost Date
72 The Crescendo/Encore installer hangs, or crashes the system; occurs most often when run from the Sonnet installer CD.May-12-09
73 What are the known incompatibilities with the Crescendo/PCI G4 700 and 800?May-12-09
74 Why can't I run Mac OS 9.2 on my computer upgraded with a Crescendo/PCI G4 800 (or 700)?May-12-09
169 May I discard my original CPU after installing Sonnet's upgrade cards? May-07-09
171 The speed indicated on the G3 or G4 chip on my Sonnet processor upgrade doesn't seem to match the speed of the upgrade I purchased. What's the story?May-07-09
175 The Crescendo/Encore installer hangs, or crashes the system; occurs most often when run from the Sonnet installer CD while using Mac OS 9.May-07-09
218 The computer's standard startup process takes noticeably longer after upgrading to any Mac OS 9.x system from Mac OS 8.6 or earlier.May-12-09
228 System will not finish start-up process. Hang or crash occurs before desktop appears.Jun-23-09
The computer's original Level 2 (L2) cache conflicts with that on the Crescendo/PCI card.

To fix this issue, remove the computer's L2 cache card. Since the Crescendo/PCI has its own L2 cache, the computer's L2 cache is deactivated once the processor upgrade is installed. There is no loss of performance or any other benefits when the original L2 cache card is removed.

Important Note: Be sure to take all precautions against static discharge during this process, or you may inflict permanent damage to part, or all of your computer.

In most Mac and Mac clone models, the L2 cache card is similar in appearance to a DIMM, and is usually located amongst or near the memory (DIMM) sockets. In most cases, it is clearly identified by markings on the motherboard, and its socket is offset from the others. In these configurations, there are no clips holding the card in place, so it should lift straight up and out of the machine. If the card has been in place for years, it may be difficult to extract, and care should be used to gently work the card out.

There are some models where the L2 cache card is inconveniently located, and in some cases, it is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be removed. Consult your computer's documentation for the location of the L2 cache. If it is soldered on, contact Sonnet's customer service at 1-949-472-2772 for further instructions.
 
229 After installing my new Crescendo/PCI processor upgrade in a Power Tower Pro, I can hear the boot chime when I turn the computer on, but the video display never comes up.May-12-09
Some PowerTower Pros have a second, very different motherboard design. The problematic version of the motherboard appears to be very rare, based on Sonnet's sales history and the number of related calls.

You can identify the problematic motherboard by the part number. The part number is "silkscreened" onto the motherboard in white ink, like all the other markings on the board, and is located along the edge of the motherboard when you open the case and look directly at it (see below). The part number on the problematic system is PCC-5000-0141-01.

Sonnet has been unable to resolve this issue; Crescendo/PCI processor upgrade cards are incompatible in this one, specific instance. If you already purchased a Crescendo/PCI card and your computer has the motherboard described, return the product to the place you purchased the card and request a refund.

PowerTower Logic Board
 
230 After installing a Crescendo/ PCI G4 700 or 800 MHz upgrade, I opened Apple System Profiler and it is reporting the processor type as unknown and the speed as 450 MHz.May-12-09
231 After following the instructions and installing both the Crescendo/PCI G4 700 or 800 MHz upgrade card and its included software into my computer, the video is distorted and my cursor is a rectangular block that cannot move more than halfway down the screen.Jun-23-09
Some Mac clones andPower Macintosh computers do not have onboard video, but instead use a separate video card (ATI XClaim 3D, ATI Mach 64, IX Micro Twin Turbo, or IX Micro Ultimate Rez) installed in a PCI slot. These cards are anywhere from 4-6 years old and have not had software or firmware updates in several years. The lack of updated firmware and software, when combined with the G4 chips used on these high-speed upgrades, result in this instability.

Solution 1: If your system is running Mac OS 9.x, turn off the video card's extensions in the Extensions Manager Control Panel.

Solution 2: Replace the video card with one that has current software/firmware or with an older video card compatible with these systems such as the ATI Radeon Mac edition and the ATI Radeon 7000 Mac edition.
 
233 G4 performance drops following Mac OS 9.x system software update.May-12-09