1

PowerForce G4 Installation Instructions for PowerMac G4 CubeThis manual is for PowerForce G4 ‘47 and PowerForce G4 ‘57

CPU cards with VRM Bypass

Revision 03-29-05Note: Download the latest version of the CubeInstall Movie (for PowerForce G4 cards with VRMBypass) here. This may be a later version than theone on the included CD:

http://www.powerlogix.com/downloads/cubeVRMinstall.mov

Make sure to view the movie before attemptingthe upgrade! It will make the procedure mucheasier to follow.

For the latest up-to-date revision of this document,visit the PowerLogix Website

We wish to thank you for purchasing the PowerForce G4 upgrade card for yourPowerMac G4 Cube computer. The PowerLogix PowerForce G4 is a PowerPC™processor card that will enable your Cube to run at maximum speed with nocompromises or permanent modifications.

This manual provides all the information you need to install the card. Please read themanual completely before installation. It will speed up the installation process andprevent downtime later.

Product Registration

Visit

http://powerlogix.com/support2/registration/

to register your purchase for warranty purposes.

2

Warning! As with any hardware upgrade, back up your hard drive prior toinstallation.

The PowerForce G4 is a static-sensitive device. It is susceptible to invisible damage ifnot protected during installation. Do not remove the product from the anti-staticbag until you are ready to install it.

We recommend proper grounding by using a grounding strap. Alternatively, touchthe power supply of the computer to release any static build-up prior to installation.The computer must remain plugged into an AC outlet for this to work properly.Make sure to work in a clean and static-free area, and avoid wearing clothing thatretains static charges.

Although these instructions should provide enough detail for almost anyone toinstall the PowerForce G4, if you are not comfortable opening your Mac, you canalways have an authorized service provider install it for you.

System Requirements for PowerForce G4

PowerForce G4 CPU card (Series 100 Rev 7 or Series 333 circuit); Power Mac G4Cube

Compatible OS Versions

Mac OS 9.2.2 or Mac OS X 10.2.8 (or later) is required for 7457 CPUs.Mac OS 9.2.2 or Mac OS X 10.3.5 (or later) is required for 7447 CPUs. Mac OS X10.3.8 or later is recommended for all systems. Note: Dual CPUs require Mac OS X;the second CPU is not operational under Mac OS 9.

This package contains:PowerForce G4 upgrade card & heat sinkFan and wiring harnessFirmware Update CD-ROM with QuickTime Video

Tool RequirementsTorx T-10 driver, Phillips Screwdriver, flathead screwdriver

Before proceeding, refer to the QuickTime installation movie (included on CD) tofamiliarize yourself with the PowerForce G4 processor card and installation process.Also refer to the illustrations in this manual.

Pre-Installation Instructions

Before proceeding, refer to the illustrations in this manual to familiarize yourselfwith the PowerForce G4 processor card. The PowerForce card plugs into a socket onthe motherboard of the Cube.

Before installing your CPU card, if you plan to use OS9 (actually boot from OS 9, as

3

opposed to running Classic in OS X) you must remove the CPU Plugins file from the"/System Folder/Extensions/Multiprocessing/" folder. This requires using the originalCPU, so remove this file before installing the new CPU.

Firmware

IMPORTANT: This upgrade REQUIRES the PowerLogix 7447/7457 FirmwareUpdate provided on CD or it WILL NOT WORK.

1) Your Cube must have the latest Boot Rom version (4.1.9 at the time of thisprinting.) To determine what version your computer has, run Apple SystemProfiler and look under Hardware Overview.

2) If your computer has an earlier version, download the latest version andfollow the instructions at:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=75129

3) Insert the Powerlogix Firmware Update CD into the CD-Rom drive.4) Shut down your Cube.5) While you hold in the programmer's button, press the Power button to start

up your Cube. Continue to hold in the programmer's button until the Powerbutton light flashes rapidly, then press and hold the ‘C’ key. This will tell theCube to boot from the Powerlogix 7447/7457 Firmware Update CD.

6) The 7447/7457 Firmware Enabler CD boot screen will appear and you willsee the following:

4

--------------------------------------------------------------------Powerlogix 7447/7457 Enable ScriptCopyright © 2003-2005 by Powerlogix. All Rights Reserved--------------------------------------------------------------------

Please select one of the following options:

1. Install 7447/7457 enabler patch2. Install 7447/7457 PLL patch3. Install L3CR extended ratios4. Install all 7447/7457 patches5. Set up NVRAM for booting into Mac OS 96. Shut down7. Exit to Open Firmware

Select option 4 from the above choices. You will see a notice that verifies the flashhas burned successfully and your computer will shut down in 30 seconds.

Mac OS 9.2.2 Compatibility

If you intend to boot using Mac OS 9.2.2, start up the computer again whileholding down the “C” key. You do not need to hold down the programmer’sswitch during this step.

Press “5” to enable Mac OS 9.2.2 compatibility. Note: This step is not required tooperate Classic under OS X; it is only required if you intend to actually boot directlyinto Mac OS 9.2.2.

After a few second, the NVRAM will be updated, and your Mac will shut down in30 seconds.

Note: If you zap PRAM, the NVRAM code for OS9 compatibility is cleared, and youwill have to boot from the 7447/7457 Firmware Update CD and perform thisprocess again in order to boot into OS9.

Note: Make sure any OS 9 boot volumes have the CPU Plugins file removed fromthe System Folder/Extensions/Multiprocessing folder, or your machine will not boot.

Note: Any boot CDs must also have CPU Plugins removed. This includes anyemergency disks from Norton, Disk Warrior, etc. You will need to make backupcopies of these boot CDs with the CPU Plugins file removed from the SystemFolder/Extensions/Multiprocessing folder. If CPU Plugins is present in that location onthe CD, it will prevent the machine from booting, as CPU Plugins is not 7447/7457-aware.

Your Mac is now compatible with the Powerlogix 7447/7457 processorupgrade.

5

Mac OS Installations

Before proceeding to hardware installation, make sure your Cube has theappropriate version of Mac OS X installed (refer to page 2) and/or Mac OS 9.2.2installed.

Installing the CPU Card

Back up your hard drive first!

Clear a suitable workspace.

Power down the computer.

Ground yourself to prevent static discharge. With the power cord plugged into theCube, touch the metal frame of the Cube; this will release static charges.

Unplug the power cable from the Cube.

Turn the Cube over and remove the two screws from the bottom of the Cube.

6

These screws are next to the video connectors.

Remove Cube from the outer case. Press on the center handle, and then pull thechassis out of the case.

7

Place the computer so the power switch is facing upwards.

Remove the 4 screws securing the top plate using the Torx driver.

Remove the four screws on the sides of the Cube. Note the center post screws arelonger than the other screws.

Remove the top plate and unplug the power switch wiring.

8

Remove the two corner posts.

Place the Cube on its side so the video card is facing upwards.

Remove the two motherboard screws and the Video card screw.

Remove the small video card bracket.

9

Unplug the video card and disconnect all wiring from the card.

Release the retainer on the power supply card, and remove the card.

Remove the motherboard screw near power supply board release latch. Note thisscrew is different than the other small screws.

10

Note the small power connector on the power supply card; this is where the fanpower cable will connect.

Remove the three spring-loaded screws on the motherboard. Note one has longerthreads than the other two.

Remove the screw on the rear of the motherboard near the memory modules. Notethis screw is taller and thinner than the other screws.

11

Using the flathead screwdriver, carefully separate the aluminum plate from the largeblack finned heat sink as shown in the figure. Use the screwdriver to pry the plateoff the heat sink.

Disconnect the two ribbon cables from the motherboard.

12

Remove the motherboard with processor card and aluminum plate attached.

Disconnect the 28 volt wire from the connector next to the VRM socket as shown inthe photo below. This wire will be not be used with the Powerforce CPU card;please store it with your original Apple CPU in case you want to reinstall it.

13

Turn the motherboard over so the processor card and plate are facing upwards.

Carefully remove the processor card and plate from the motherboard.

There are three spacers in between the processor card and the motherboard; makesure to replace the three connectors before mounting the PowerForce card onto themotherboard.

Remove the protective cap from the socket on the PowerForce G4. (See figurebelow.)

14

PowerForce G4 CPU card showing the socket (with cap removed) on the upper left.

Place the PowerForce card onto the motherboard. Look through the three holes onthe PowerForce heat sink to line up the spacers. Once the card is aligned, snapconnectors together.

15

CPU card installed on motherboard. Note VRM bypass wiring.

Route the VRM bypass wire around the motherboard, and plug in the connector asshown. The remaining connector will plug into the video riser card.

16

Insert the fan into the base of the Cube. Make sure the airflow indicator on the fanis in the proper direction.

Secure the fan with the two provided screws.

Replace the motherboard. Notice the two guides on both corners of themotherboard; these guides align with the two posts in the corner of the Cubechassis. Take care not to crimp or damage the VRM bypass wiring.

17

Reconnect the ribbon cables to the motherboard.

Replace the special screw in the corner of the motherboard next to the powersupply board.

18

Replace the longer screw in the corner of the motherboard next to the memorymodules.

Replace the three spring loaded screws on the motherboard. Note that the longerthreaded screw mounts in the center of the motherboard.

19

Plug the fan wiring harness into the connector location on the power supply board.

Plug the power supply board into the socket on the motherboard. Make sure thefan wiring is routed properly so as not to become crimped when reassembling thecase.

Press the reset switch labeled ‘S1’ on the motherboard.

20

Reconnect the video card wiring and replace the video card.

Connect the remaining connector on the VRM bypass wire to the appropriateconnector on the video riser card. See photo.

21

Replace the video card bracket and screw.

Replace the corner motherboard screws.

Replace the two Cube chassis corner posts; note the proper orientation; if they areinserted upside down the top plate will not fit properly.

Reconnect the power button wiring and replace the top place. Note the guide slotson the top plate over the center posts of the chassis.

Replace the four corner screws in the top plate.

22

Replace the chassis side screws; note the longer screws go into the center post ofthe chassis.

Replace the Chassis into the Cube case.

Replace the two screws next to the Cube ports.

Reconnect cables.

23

Startup the MacYou should hear the normal startup chime when the Cube boots up. You will haveto reset the date and time and AppleTalk settings.

If the startup tone does not sound, power down the Mac and make sure theprocessor card is plugged in and making full contact.

TroubleshootingIf the machine doesn't boot (no video and/or no startup tone:)

Make sure the Apple firmware is the latest version and the Mac OS version is 9.2.x(or higher) or the correct version of Mac OS X (see page 2.) If the 7447/7457Firmware Update was not performed, the Mac will not boot.

Make sure processor card is plugged in properly.

Press the Reset switch on the motherboard and try starting up again. (Labeled ‘S1’on the motherboard; refer to the photo above.)

Reset the PRAM by holding Command-Option-P-R during boot until you hear thechime repeat several times. You will have to reset the date and time and AppleTalksettings (Ethernet or printer port) on your computer after resetting the PRAM. Note:this will also render the machine unable to boot into OS 9.2.2, you will have to setthe NVRAM again using the Firmware Update CD. See page 3 under Mac OS 9.2.2Compatibility.

Reset the date and time and AppleTalk settings (Ethernet or printer port.)

If after following the previous suggestions you still encounter problems with thePowerForce upgrade, contact Technical Support at: plxsupport@powerlogix.com

There are also Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) available on the PowerLogixwebsite. These questions cover most questions asked of our Technical Support staff.

Be sure to register your PowerLogix product. This will enable us to inform you of allproduct updates. You can use the easy online form on our website:

http://powerlogix.com/support2/registration/

24

Declaration of ConformityPowerLogix declares under sole responsibility that this product is in conformity with the following standard(s) orother normative document(s): EN 55022, Class B, Limits and methods of measurement of radio interferencecharacteristics of information technology equipment, 1992. EN 50082-1, Electromagnetic compatibility - genericimmunity í4andard - Part 1: Residential, commercial and light industry, January 1992. following the provisions ofthe Electromagnetic Compatibility Directiï%, 89/336/EEC.

PowerLogix declares under sole responsibility that this product complies with FCC Part 15. Radio FrequencyInterference Statement: Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class Bdigital device, pursuant to Part 15, Subpart B of the FCC Rules. This equipment generates, uses and can radiateradio frequency energy. If not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, it may cause interferenceto radio communications. The limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in aresidential situation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. Ifthis equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning theequipment on and off, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the followingmeasures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna of the affected radio or television. Increase the separationbetween the equipment and the affected receiver. Connect the equipment and the affected receiver to poweroutlets on separate circuits. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. Modifications:Changes or modifications not expressly approved by PowerLogix could void the user's authority to operate theequipment. Shielded cables: shielded cables must be used with this equipment to maintain compliance with FCCRegulations.Product Warranty30-Day Money-Back Guarantee. If you're not satisfied with the product within 30 days, you can send it back tothe reseller where you bought it for a refund. There may be other reseller conditions that must be met.Limited Two Year Hardware Warranty. PowerLogix warrants that this product will be free from defects inmaterial and workmanship when delivered to you, and will perform in accordance with PowerLogix'sspecifications on the date of delivery under normal usage for a period of two years from the date of purchase.PowerLogix makes no warranty or representation with respect to the quality, performance, merchantability, orfitness for a particular purpose of this product. In no event will PowerLogix be liable for direct, indirect orconsequential damages resulting form any defect in the product or manual even if they are advised of thepossibility of such damages. In particular, they shall have no liability for any program or data used with thePowerLogix product, including the costs of recovering or reproducing these programs or data. PowerLogix willpay for return shipping to the original purchaser during the first year of the warranty period.

How to Return Merchandise. If this product fails to meet the standards set out in this warranty, PowerLogix willat its discretion repair or replace it. You must contact PowerLogix with the following information: your salesinvoice number, date and place of purchase, and the description of the problem or failure. PowerLogix willprovide you with the following information: an RMA number, information regarding any applicable charges, theaddress to which the board must be sent. Products MUST be shipped in their original shipping container andpacking material. NMERCHANDISE WILL BE ACCEPTED BY POWERLOGIX FOR ANY REASON WITHOUT ANACCURATE RMA CLEARLY DISPLAYED ON THE SHIPPING LABEL OF THE RETURNED MERCHANDISE.LIMITATIONS. THE WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES SET OUT ABOVE ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHERWARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ANY OTHER WARRANTYWHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY. No PowerLogix dealer, value-added reseller, agent, or employeeis authorized to make any modification, extension or addition to this warranty. The exclusion or limitation ofimplied warranties or liability for incidental or consequential damages is not permitted in some states. So theabove exclusions may not apply to you. These warranties provide you with specific legal rights. There may beother rights that you may have which vary from State to State.

©2004-2005 PowerLogix All rights reserved.

PowerLogix, PowerForce G4, PowerForce G4 Series 100 are trademarks of PowerLogix. Macintosh, PowerMacintosh, Apple and QuickTime are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. PowerPC is a trademark ofInternational Business Machines Corporation and used under license. All other trademarks used are property ofthe respective manufacturers. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without writtenpermission of PowerLogix.

PowerLogix8701 W. Parmer Lane, Ste 1120Austin, TX 78729 USAhttp://www.powerlogix.com