> If you attach a Mac-to-VGA converter, the > type that has adjustable settings for resolution, to the onboard > monitor output, it will create a "phantom" monitor and the Wings card > will be enabled for input/output
Thanks for the suggestion. That's a good idea, especially given how I don't really have the desk space to accommodate another Multiple Scan 15. Would something like this do the job? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=220607466243&Category=41999&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26its%3DI%26otn%3D2 > 2. You can put just about any IDE DVD drive in the beige, I have a > Pioneer DVR-109 in mine. > It doesn't matter, these don't require a special Mac ROM to boot, and > any modern DVD-RW is a million times better than any optical unit that > shipped with the Beige, they were all flakey back then. Use the most > modern optical drive you can get. I can understand the reliability concerns, and you can call me purist if you want for this, but I'm looking to trick out my machine in a relatively factory-spec way, like some auto enthusiasts do with their classic cars. While I can bend a little by using a new drive, I want this thing to at least *look* like it came out of the factory this way. I.e. no black faceplates (looking for beige), no bold in-your- face branding, no strange faceplate designs. The other concern I've heard coming up with beige DVD upgrades is the drive door dimensions not matching those of the front bezel, causing problems. Thus, to me, it would seem like using an apple drive from around that time period for the upgrade would go the most smoothly. But, again, if reliability is an issue, feel free to point me in a direction that at least somewhat matches what I'm looking for. > Yes, but AFAIK every DVD card will be mounted in a video card already, > there won't be any loose decoders floating around, and since EVERY > Radeon card supports hardware DVD decoding, you're MUCH better off > ditching the Rage 128 and getting a Radeon 7000. I see where you're coming from here, but having just spent the money on a graphics card that handles everything I'd ever want to throw at it, I really can't seem to justify getting another one just to play back DVDs. > If you're using the Wings, > since it shares VRAM with the onboard video, it's a really good idea > to have the optional 4MB VRAM chip installed. Interesting that you mention that. In the Apple System Profile I noticed that the computer reports 4MB of VRAM. Working with the motherboard, I also noticed that the VRAM chip is labled as a 4MB module. I remember reading somewhere that the Rage II+ built into the Rev-A G3s comes with 2MB VRAM built-in, for a maximum of 6MB. Is the Apple System Profiler only reporting the additional VRAM installed? Can I add an additional 2MB chip somehow? > Thus, could I add a DVD decoder card to > the Rage 128 while it's in my Beige G3 for hardware-decoded DVD > playback? Out of sheer curiosity, though, has anyone on the list ever attempted this? > It might be worth using the > built-in ethernet to free up a slot for a controller card, I've been having nothing but problems with that 10/100 Apple card I picked up. If I'm not able sort things out in the next couple of weeks, I may do just that. Thanks for all of the suggestions so far, everyone. I really appreciate the help. --James Chapel -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
