CPU Upgrade - 1.4 GHZ vs 1.7 GHZ ?????

[glennsan]

I am in a quandry, I am probably going to update my DA 533 with either of the above mentioned cards. They are the same price at OWC ($299). The two big differences that I see are that the 1.4 has the 2MB L3 cache and the 1.7 uses lower voltage so it might be quieter. I don't really use my computer for much besides the usual email/internet/itunes/iphoto with imovie/idvd every now and then.

Any opinions from those who have upgraded or are also thinking of doing so? Thanks.

 

[IJ Reilly]

I am in a quandry, I am probably going to update my DA 533 with either of the above mentioned cards. They are the same price at OWC ($299). The two big differences that I see are that the 1.4 has the 2MB L3 cache and the 1.7 uses lower voltage so it might be quieter. I don't really use my computer for much besides the usual email/internet/itunes/iphoto with imovie/idvd every now and then.

Any opinions from those who have upgraded or are also thinking of doing so? Thanks.

Based on my experience with Cube upgrades, the performance on both is going to be similar. The L3 cache is a big help but they're having trouble pushing these processors (the 7457) much beyond 1.3 Ghz. Stability would my big concern with these processors.

 

[dukeblue91]

I am in a quandry, I am probably going to update my DA 533 with either of the above mentioned cards. They are the same price at OWC ($299). The two big differences that I see are that the 1.4 has the 2MB L3 cache and the 1.7 uses lower voltage so it might be quieter. I don't really use my computer for much besides the usual email/internet/itunes/iphoto with imovie/idvd every now and then.

Any opinions from those who have upgraded or are also thinking of doing so? Thanks.

Hi
I just went through the same thing and had similar questions too, when I decided to upgrade my 400 Graphics
After research I concluded and was advised by many people to go with the L3 Cache card as it will be faster in many intensive tasks.
I ended up buying the 1.4 Ghz Powerlogix from OWC for $250.00 and am glad that I did, as this computer will rock my Mini hands down due to the Mini not having an L3 Cache.
I also added bunches of ram and an Sata card and drive and a better video card as well.

Anyway get the one with the L3 Cache.

 

[alex_ant]

The memory bus in that Mac is so slow that there will barely be any difference in performance between the 1.4 and 1.7, all things being equal. Get the one with the L3

 

[doucy2]

yea def go with the L3 cache
i have a 1ghz one in my agp and it is sweet runs all my games and apps quite well

 

[glennsan]

All,

Thanks for the help, I will go with the 1.4 and hope it does run stable at that speed. Now, one more thing, I am also thinking of upgrading my Geoforce 2mx video card. As I mentioned earlier I don't really use my computer for anything graphic intensive so I wondering if it's worth getting anything new. I saw that an ATI 9000 pro is now $90, that is also in my price range but I am wondering if anyone knows of a better one to get. I have an ADC 15" monitor so I am thinking of one with ADC but I see the new LCD's that use DVI and drool. Ideas or suggestions anyone?

 

[dukeblue91]

All,

Thanks for the help, I will go with the 1.4 and hope it does run stable at that speed. Now, one more thing, I am also thinking of upgrading my Geoforce 2mx video card. As I mentioned earlier I don't really use my computer for anything graphic intensive so I wondering if it's worth getting anything new. I saw that an ATI 9000 pro is now $90, that is also in my price range but I am wondering if anyone knows of a better one to get. I have an ADC 15" monitor so I am thinking of one with ADC but I see the new LCD's that use DVI and drool. Ideas or suggestions anyone?

Have a look at ebay, there are quite a few cards at real good prices.
But do your research before you buy, there are quite a few flashed PC cards out there, and most are very good but may have some limitations.

However your ADC connector will be very limiting to your choice of card unless you buy a converter which are about $100.00
Personally I would sell the ADC and buy me a 17" or 19" DVI monitor.

As far as the CPU card, don't worry to much about stability the 7455 is a great chip and been clocked and stable up to 1.5 Ghz for quite some time.
Do make sure that you have the latest firmware update on your computer that will save you all the hassle for when you upgrade your processor.