L2 Cache: Problem/Do I need it? |
January, 17, 2003 12:31 PM |
loucasa |
I have been happily running OS X 10.2.3 on my 7300 upgraded with a PowerLogix 350 MHz G3. When I first installed the G3 card, I found that I had to remove my L2 Cache to prevent random system (OS 9.x) crashes. Recently I tried to re-install the chip (256K), but could only get to the gray apple screen during startup, then it seemed to freeze (although the circle of lines continued to animate). Could it be that I have a bad chip? If I replace it, is 256K enough, or should I spring for more? I saw that PowerLogix used to make a 1M RapidCache chip, but I can't seem to find any online retailers who still sell it, and I can't find any L2 Cache chips for the 7300 larger than 256K. Thanks, Lou |
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RE: L2 Cache: Problem/Do I need it? |
January, 17, 2003 7:20 PM |
gordner |
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I never tried to run my upgraded 8500/120 with the original 256 K motherboard cache. But I did run various cards (G3 + G4) with the PowerLogix Rapid Cache still installed. The XLR8 control panel gives you the option of enabling / disabling the motherboard cache. I found enabling it gave my XLR8 G3 500/250 running at 560/280 a 1% boost in MacBench scores. So my advice - never use the original 256 K cache. It will only do harm. If you happen to have a PowerLogix Rapid Cache, you may not need to remove it. But going out and buying one certainly makes no sense. |
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NO! |
January, 17, 2003 1:25 PM |
naturist |
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The L2 cache card on a 7300 should, no, MUST be removed to run a G3 or G4 upgrade card. I know of now way to make the 7300 behave with the original cache card. You should, however, use one of the L2 cache enabler softwares available. Both G3 and G4 processors come with the L2 cache on the processor chip, which is why the original card is no longer useful. Both G3 and G4 caches, however, default to off unless enabled in software. The most obvious difference, I have found, in having that cache enabled is in machine responsiveness to typing/mouse movements. The system responds much quicker with the cache on than off. |
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