September 28th, 1999

[5:00 PM] Powerlogix Offers Independent Verification Of G4 ROM Block Workaround Powerlogix has had an independent test center verify that their workaround for the G4 ROM block in Blue & White G3s does indeed work. The workaround is necessary because of code included in the most recent firmware update issued by Apple that keeps an updated B&W from starting if a G4 is detected. According to Powerlogix: PowerLogix today announced the results of independent real world testing on the first (and only) B&W G4 firmware update. "I received a copy of the ROM patching utility from PowerLogix which is designed to overcome the so called ROM "block" in a B&W G3," said RobArt Morgan of Bare Feats, an independent speed test lab. "I ran it on a Blue & White G3/450 (Mac OS 8.6) which had its ROM already updated to 1.1f4. After installing the patch, I popped in a G4/400 ZIF from a G4/400. Yikes. It booted up no problem and was running at 450MHz (due to the jumper settings on the Blue & White motherboard)." Powerlogix has posted much more information on this at their web site. We recommend you check it out. Other reading on this subject: MacInTouch - G4 ROM Block on Blue G3 Upgrades The Back Page - Apple's G4 ROM Block Will Only Serve To Lose Customers The Back Page - Our Love-Hate Relationship With Apple The Mac Observer Spin: Congrats to Powerlogix for finding a workaround for this. It's too bad that Apple had to generate so much ill will for something so unnecessary. Perhaps widespread adoption of a workaround, and perhaps the release of OS 9 which reportedly eliminates the G4 block, will restore some the lost good will and we can all put this issue behind us. Apple