Graphics controller and video expansion

3 PCI slots

Audio/Video card slot

In addition, the logic board design of the Power Macintosh G3 systems exhibits the following characteristics in these vital areas:

Processor. These computers use the innovative, next-generation PowerPC G3 processor, which was designed specifically to provide increased power at affordable cost. It does so through three major innovations: a state-of-the-art 0.25-micron manufacturing process, optimization for the Mac OS, and a new, more efficient approach to level 2 cache known as backside cache. Backside cache boosts performance far above the performance of earlier systems—even those with higher clock speeds—by positioning the cache directly on the processor module and making it directly accessible through a faster, dedicated bus. This bus can run at varying speeds in proportion to the processor speed. So, for example, the Power Macintosh G3 system based on a 266-megahertz PowerPC G3 processor features a 133-megahertz dedicated backside bus—more than twice the speed of the system bus.

I/O: graphics, 2 serial,

Memory. The memory controller

and PCI bridge support the Power

Ethernet, ADB, SCSI

Macintosh G3 systems’ three memory

 

 

slots and three PCI expansion slots.

 

These systems make use of a faster,

I/O ASIC

industry-standard memory, SDRAM,

which adds to both their economy

 

Memory

and their availability.

Graphics controller. The

controller

and PCI bridge

Power Macintosh G3 series systems

 

incorporate an ATI RAGE II+ graphics

 

controller, which not only provides

 

outstanding performance, but also

 

enables far greater expandability

 

(2MB to 6MB) than was previously

 

available, so users can choose the

PowerPC G3

level of graphics performance that

meets their needs.

processor with

I/O ASIC. This component

backside cache

3 DIMM (RAM) slots

provides support for the input and

 

output of all standard Macintosh

graphics functionality and Apple Desktop Bus (ADB), serial, and SCSI connections. It also efficiently incorporates 10BASE-T Ethernet, to meet users’ growing demands for easy and immediate access to high-performance networking capabilities.

The “why”

The motivation behind this innovative product design is the same simple idea that drives all of Apple’s efforts: bringing truly outstanding computing performance to our users more and more easily and economically. So when you’re looking for the computer that’s just right for you, don’t just look at the numbers (things such as processor speed and hard disk capacity). Because today, it’s more important than ever to consider overall product design.

Apple Computer, Inc. 1 Infinite Loop Cupertino, CA 95014 (408) 996-1010 www.apple.com

© 1997 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Macintosh, and Power Macintosh are

trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S.A. and other countries. Java is a trademark or registered trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the U.S.A. and other countries. PowerPC is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation, used under license therefrom. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.

November 1997. Product specifications are subject to change without notice. Printed in the U.S.A.

L02589A

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Apple G3 manual Graphics controller
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G3 specifications

The Apple G3, introduced in 1997, marked a significant leap in Apple's computer technology and design philosophy. This series of Macintosh computers was powered by the PowerPC G3 processor, which had a clock speed ranging from 233 MHz to 750 MHz, depending on the model. The G3 chip was notable for its advanced features, including a 32 KB L1 cache and the ability to support a more complex 256 KB L2 cache. This allowed the machines to execute instructions more efficiently than their predecessors, enhancing overall performance for various computing tasks.

One of the defining characteristics of the Apple G3 line was its innovative design, which combined form and function. The desktop models featured a sleek, curving case, famously known as the "Blue and White" G3, while the all-in-one iMac G3 showcased vibrant colors and an iconic translucent design that became a hallmark of Apple devices.

The Apple G3 was notable for its extensive use of USB ports, which was a relatively new technology at the time. This foresight helped pave the way for the adoption of USB peripherals, allowing users to connect a wide range of devices, from printers to scanners, with ease. Additionally, the G3 series also provided options for expansion via PCI slots, giving users the flexibility to upgrade their systems.

In terms of graphics, the G3 models were equipped with accelerators like the ATI Rage or the NVIDIA Riva TNT, providing improved visual performance for both professional applications and gaming. This was complemented by Apple's decision to support higher screen resolutions and better color depth, enhancing the multimedia experience.

Moreover, the Apple G3 introduced the Mac OS 8 operating system, which brought improved multitasking capabilities and a more streamlined user interface. This allowed users to experience a more intuitive and productive computing environment.

Overall, the Apple G3 line represented a critical evolution in Macintosh technology. It combined powerful processing, innovative design, and new technologies that set the stage for future developments in the Apple ecosystem. The G3 series not only solidified Apple’s presence in the computing market but also laid the foundation for the modern computing experience that would follow in the ensuing years.
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