Apple G3 Minitower manual Installing PCI Cards, Memory Internal Storage Devices

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C H A P T E R

3

Installing PCI Cards, Memory,

and Internal Storage Devices

This chapter provides information about peripheral component interconnect (PCI) expansion cards, memory, and internal storage devices, and explains how to install them.

Installing these items involves three procedures (detailed steps for each are provided later in this chapter):

mopening the computer

minserting the card, memory module, or storage device into a specific slot or expansion bay

mclosing the computer

Warning Apple Computer recommends that you have an Apple-certified technician install memory, PCI expansion cards, and internal storage devices. Consult the service and support information that came with your computer for instructions on how to contact an Apple-authorized service provider or Apple for service. If you install these items yourself, you risk damaging your equipment, and this damage is not covered by the limited warranty on your computer. See an Apple-authorized dealer or service provider for additional information about this or any other warranty question.

About PCI Expansion Cards

You can install printed circuit boards (called “cards”) for video and graphics applications, networking and communications, additional processing power, or other purposes. The cards fit into connectors, called “expansion slots,” inside the computer.

Your Macintosh has three expansion slots, each designed to accept a 7-inch or 12-inch long PCI card. Install only expansion cards that come with Macintosh drivers and are compliant with the PCI 2.1 standard. NuBus™ cards cannot be used in these expansion slots.

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Contents Setting Up Your Computer Sometimes built into the monitor Positioning and Plugging In the Computer Setting Up Your Computer230 Power cord socket Power cord plugTo connect the monitor, follow these steps Connecting a MonitorMonitor port Monitor power socketPlug the mouse cable into the keyboard Connecting the Mouse and the Keyboard to the ComputerChapter Optional internal modem port RJ-11 Modem port icon Connecting a ModemModem port icon Modem port Mini DIN-9 Turning the Computer On Problems Turning Your Computer On? Turning the Computer Off What’s Next?Using Your Macintosh Optional Your Computer’s Components and Front Panel ControlsWorks with high-density and double-sided 3.5 floppy disks Optional AV ports Your Computer’s Ports and ConnectorsConnects your Macintosh to a printer or LocalTalk network Press the Open/Close button next to the CD-ROM drive Using the Computer’s Built-in DrivesUsing the CD-ROM Drive To use your CD-ROM drive, follow these instructionsUsing the Floppy Disk Drive and Optional Zip Drive Connecting Audio EquipmentSound Input and Output Ports Stereo miniplug Optional Left and Right RCA-Type Audio PortsRCA plugs Left and right RCA-type ports accept this type of connectorConnecting Most Audio Equipment RCA-type plugSound Output Port Turn on the computer and the audio equipmentConnecting and Using a Microphone Video connector Connecting Video EquipmentYour Macintosh can work with two major video formats Video plug Connecting Video Equipment for Input to the ComputerVideo cable Video Input port Audio input ports Left and rightÆS-video Turn on the computer and the VCR or camera˜ Composite Video Input port Audio Connecting Video Equipment for Output From the Computer Video connection for output from the computer Video Audio Connecting a TelevisionOutput port Output ports Composite Video Output port Audio output TV Mirroring icon Resolution iconBefore You Connect a Scsi Device Connecting External Scsi DevicesScsi icon Scsi port DB-25 Scsi system cable External Scsi terminator Connecting a Scsi DevicePrinter port icon Printer port Mini DIN-9 Connecting a PrinterConnecting an ADB Input Device Connecting a Second MonitorADB port icon ADB port Mini DIN-4 Connecting to a Local Area Network LocalTalk adapter Connecting to a LocalTalk NetworkLocalTalk cable Printer port LocalTalk adapter LocalTalk cable Ethernet icon 10Base-T Ethernet port RJ-45 Connecting to a 10Base-T Ethernet Network10Base-T Connecting to Multiple Networks SimultaneouslyConfiguring Your Network Connection Ethernet port Wall plateSecurity lock port Securing Your ComputerAbout PCI Expansion Cards Installing PCI Cards, Memory Internal Storage DevicesFront of computer Expansion Card Power RequirementsAbout Memory Video memory expansion slot Dram Dimm slots ROM slotAbout Internal Storage Options Dram ConfigurationsVideo Memory Configurations Important Use only Sgram SO-DIMMSPin connector Connecting an Additional ATA DeviceConnecting an Internal Scsi Device Opening the Computer Back of computer Disconnect the power cord from the back of the computer Press the button and lift Remove the coverUse the handle to open the chassis Installing a PCI Expansion Card Connector Port access cover in place ShieldRemove the screw that holds PCI slot Disconnect itInstalling an Unusually Long PCI Card Installing PCI Cards, Memory, and Internal Storage Devices Installing Dram or Video Memory Memory Installing Dram or Video Memory, nextConnectors Notches Video memory slot ConnectorsSgram SO-DIMM Your DIMM’s shape and components may vary NotchBottom chassis Installing a Hard Disk or Other Storage DeviceRemove the plastic faceplate Carefully lift up the computer so that it sits uprightRaised catch Remove both screws Drive carrierScsi device Replace the plastic faceplate Sheet metal shield Reinstall both screwsSnap the plastic faceplate back into place Closing the Computer Lock the chassis by rotating the locking levers Replace the computer cover panel What’s Next? Page Musculoskeletal Discomfort Health-Related Information About Computer UseEye Fatigue To prevent discomfort and eye fatigueShoulders relaxed Arranging Your OfficeAvoiding Fatigue Safety InstructionsWhat About Electromagnetic Emissions? Handling Your Computer Equipment Appendix Disk behind Handling Floppy Disks125 F 52 C 50 F 10 C Do not touch Keep disks away Exposed part From magnetsDo not touch Keep disks away Handling Zip DisksTo direct sunlight On discs Do not spill liquids To avoid damage to your discs, keep these points in mindHandling CD-ROM Discs Do not expose discsCleaning the Monitor Cleaning Your EquipmentPower Supply Cleaning the Computer CaseHere on your mouse Locking and Unlocking the MouseRecessed area surrounding ring Setting Up Your Power Macintosh Apple Computer, Inc Contents About Memory Connecting to Multiple Networks SimultaneouslyInstalling PCI Cards, Memory, and Internal Storage Devices Appendix Health, Safety, and Maintenance TipsCommunications Regulation Information Vi Laser Information

G3 Minitower specifications

The Apple G3 Minitower, released in 1997, marked a significant evolution in Apple’s desktop computer lineup. As part of the G3 series, it was geared towards both professional users and creative enthusiasts, showcasing powerful performance in a compact form factor. This machine was notable for its distinctive design, featuring a sleek, gray plastic enclosure that was both stylish and practical.

At the heart of the G3 Minitower was the innovative G3 processor, which featured a 250 MHz initial speed, and eventually models offered up to 500 MHz. The G3 architecture utilized a combination of RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) technology and sophisticated software optimizations, allowing for increased performance, especially when handling multimedia applications. The system's performance was complemented by the inclusion of the latest technologies at the time, such as PCI expansion slots, enabling users to add graphics cards and other peripherals to enhance functionality.

The standard configuration came with 32 MB of RAM, which was expandable to a maximum of 1 GB. This capacity made it suitable for demanding tasks such as graphic design and video editing, common uses for the target market. Storage options were generous as well, with the G3 Minitower typically coming with a 4 GB hard drive, upgradeable to larger capacities. This component played a vital role in the machine's ability to efficiently store and manage large files associated with multimedia projects.

In terms of connectivity, the G3 Minitower included USB ports, which were becoming increasingly popular in the late 1990s, as well as a built-in modem and Ethernet port for internet connectivity. The Minitower also supported Apple's innovative FireWire technology, allowing for faster data transfer rates, which was especially advantageous for connecting external devices like digital cameras and external hard drives.

The G3 Minitower ran on the Mac OS 8 operating system, giving users access to a user-friendly, robust interface that was ideal for both new and experienced users. With support for a wide range of software applications, it appealed to educators, designers, and developers alike.

Overall, the Apple G3 Minitower represented a significant leap in desktop computing for Apple and firmly established the G3 architecture as a cornerstone of their product offerings for years to come. Its powerful performance, expandability, and design made it a beloved choice among Mac enthusiasts of the era, embodying the spirit of innovation that Apple was known for.
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