Right on the heels of its SmartControl, Virtual Firmware, and Automated Cache Technology, XLR8 introduces a new performance wave for all G3 systems. From iMacs(R), to PowerBooks, to its own MACh Speed G3 Upgrades, the new MACh G3 Control delivers compatibility and performance -- cache speeds boosted 33% faster (tested via Macbench 5) on most Apple(R) systems.
New Performance for Native G3 Apple Systems
The MACh Speed G3 Control completely tests the CPU and cache on start-up, then offers the user the option of running the cache faster than its shipped speed, when possible. Testing shows that over 75% of the standard systems are actually shipped with cache speeds faster than their promoted speed. For example, all 233 MHz iMacs with caches at 116 run successfully at 155 MHz. Users now receive the benefit of full cache (and RAM testing via the PowerPack) plus maximum speed from a simple software package. MACh Speed G3 control is fully 8.6 compatible, OS X server compliant, and supports the iMac, PowerBook G3 and Power Macintosh G3 systems.
New Compatibility for Upgraded G3 Apple Systems
For users of any branded G3 CPU upgrade, XLR8's G3 Control 1.3.2 provides new compatibility and ease of use. The new version provides automated cache and CPU testing with cache speed options not available with non-XRL8 brand G3 software. MACh Speed G3 Control delivers full compatibility with all add-in cards and software (that previously suffered G3 upgrade incompatibilities) such as Adaptec 2940, Media 100 video, and Dantz Retrospect. This new 1.3.2 version has been tested and is compatible with boards from XLR8, NewerTech, Sonnet, Mactell, Vimage, and PowerLogix on Mac OS 8.5.1 and 8.6. "We promised extreme engineering when we brought the DayStar team to XLR8," said Gary Dailey, Director of Marketing, "now everyone can benefit."
Available today, all users of XLR8 brand G3 upgrades such as the MACh Speed G3 and G3Z and its newly announced MACh Carrier, and CarrierZIF upgrades will receive the new G3 control 1.3.2 with their product, or they can download for free via www.xlr8.com. Users of native G3 systems (iMac, PowerBook G3, Power Macintosh G3) and other brands of G3 upgrades can download the software for $29, or purchase a CD version for $49 via www.star-teck.com (an XLR8 and DayStar authorized electronic reseller).
Additional G3 Control benefits include the following, per earlier release:
- Safe Cache Settings and improved user feedback - Through informative instruction dialogs and process bar during cache testing
- Automated Startup - Exclusive feature allows the user to set a selected speed from built in list of speeds available, or at the user's option -- thus automatically selecting the fastest and most compatible speed on startup
- Virtual Firmware - Exclusive software routine/technique that allows G3 Control to execute performance and compatibility routines before any hardware or software initialize
- User-Friendly Interface - No more "ratios" and "buses." G3 Control simply uses choices based on megahertz (MHz) and megabyte (MB). All the mathematical equations are calculated automatically. A "tab" based interface lets users move easily from settings to support information, to an advanced setting area that allows customization configurations.
Finally, XLR8's G3 Control includes the PowerPack - PowerControl and PowerFrax software. The PowerPack is a spin-off of DayStar's base engineering software and diagnostic tools. PowerControl provides configuration testing, RAM configuration, testing for RAM, SCSI, and full CPU load analysis with Internet updating. PowerFrax is the exclusive multi-functional fractal generator that builds 2-D and 3-D graphics and is also AltiVec and Internet ready!