In the fast-paced world of technology, some moments stand out as pivotal, marking significant advancements and shaping the course of innovation. One such milestone was the introduction of the Apple Power Mac G4 QuickSilver Early 2002. Released in 2002, this personal computer revolutionized the landscape of creative computing, setting new standards of performance and functionality.
In January 2002, Apple unveiled the Power Mac G4 QuickSilver Early 2002, a formidable addition to the Power Mac G4 series. Boasting cutting-edge specifications and a sleek design, this powerhouse of a computer captured the imagination of creative professionals and tech enthusiasts alike. With a starting price of $1,599, it promised unparalleled performance and versatility for a wide range of tasks.
At the heart of the Power Mac G4 QuickSilver Early 2002 were its dual 1-GHz PowerPC G4 processors, a groundbreaking feat in computing at the time. Paired with the industry’s first NVIDIA GeForce4 graphics card and a DVD/CD burning SuperDrive, this machine delivered an astonishing 15 gigaflops of processing power. Whether tackling resource-intensive applications like Adobe Photoshop or encoding DVD videos, it outpaced its competitors with ease, boasting performance gains of up to 72 percent over 2 GHz Pentium 4-based PCs.
Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, hailed the Power Mac G4 QuickSilver Early 2002 as the fastest Mac ever built, setting a new standard for creative professionals worldwide. Its cutting-edge hardware, including the NVIDIA GeForce4 graphics card, pushed the boundaries of what was possible in personal computing, cementing its status as a true digital powerhouse.
Alongside the flagship dual 1-GHz model, Apple introduced two additional configurations to cater to varying needs and budgets. The 933 MHz and 800 MHz models offered compelling performance at more accessible price points, starting at just $1,599. All models featured the Velocity Engine for enhanced multimedia processing and next-generation graphics technologies from NVIDIA and ATI, ensuring a seamless and immersive computing experience.
The Power Mac G4 QuickSilver Early 2002 wasn’t just about raw processing power; it also offered a comprehensive suite of software tailored to the needs of creative professionals. From digital music with iTunes 2 to video editing with iMovie 2 and DVD authoring with iDVD 2, it provided a robust ecosystem for unleashing creativity. Additionally, with Mac OS X as the startup operating system, users could harness the power of symmetric multiprocessing for unprecedented performance gains.
Despite its relatively brief lifespan, the Power Mac G4 QuickSilver Early 2002 left an indelible mark on the world of personal computing. Its sleek design, unmatched performance, and innovative features set a new standard for creative professionals, inspiring a generation of users to push the boundaries of what was possible. Even today, 22 years after its release, its legacy lives on, serving as a testament to Apple’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
In the annals of personal computing history, the Apple Power Mac G4 QuickSilver Early 2002 stands out as a beacon of innovation and ingenuity. From its groundbreaking hardware to its comprehensive software suite, it embodied the spirit of creativity and exploration that defines the Apple brand. As we celebrate its legacy, let us remember the impact it had on shaping the future of technology and inspiring generations of users to dream big and think differently.
Power Mac G4 QuickSilver Early 2002 Details
| Introduced | January 28, 2002 |
| Discontinued | August 13, 2002 |
| Model Identifier | PowerMac3,5 |
| Model Number | M8493 |
| EMC | 1896 |
| Order Number | M8705LL/A (800 MHz) M8666LL/A (933 MHz) M8667LL/A (dual 1 GHz) |
| Original Price | $1,599 $2,299 $2,999 |
| Colors | QuickSilver |
| Weight | 30 Ibs. 13.607 KG |
| Dimensions | 17” H x 8.9” W x 18.4” D 43.18 cm H x 22.6 cm W x 46.73 cm D |
Power Mac G4 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 7450 G4 PowerPC 7555 G4 |
| Processor Speed | 800 MHz 933 MHz Dual 1 GHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 or 2 |
| System Bus | 133 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 256 KB backside L2 2 MB L3 (933 and Dual 1 GHz) |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 40 GB 7200 rpm 60 GB 7200 rpm 80 GB 7200 rpm |
| Media | 1 – 32x CD-RW or 24x DVD-R/CD-RW SuperDrive |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 256 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 1.5 GB |
| Memory Slots | 3 – PC-133 3.3v 168-pin SDRAM |
| Minimum Speed | 10 ns |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | ATI Radeon 7500 NVIDIA GeForce4 MX NVIDIA GeForce4 Ti |
| Graphics Memory | 32 MB (Radeon 7500) 64 MB (GeForce4 MX) 128 MB (GeForce4 Ti) |
| Display Connection | 1 – VGA (Radeon 7500 & GeForce4 MX) 1 – ADC 1 – DVI (GeForce4 Ti) |
| Display Modes | Dual display extended and video mirroring |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 4 – 33 MHz 64-bit PCI 1 – 4x AGP |
| Bays | 4 – Internal 3.5″ ATA drive bays 1 – Optical drive bay 1 – Zip 250 bay |
| Hard Drive Interface | Ultra ATA/66 (ATA-5) |
| Optical Drive Interface | EIDE (ATA-3) |
Connections
| Ethernet | 10/100/1000BASE-T (RJ-45) |
| Modem | 56k (Optional) |
| Wi-Fi | AirPort Card 802.11b (Optional) |
| Bluetooth | None |
| ADB | None |
| USB | 2 – 12 Mbps |
| Serial | None |
| SCSI | None |
| FireWire | 2 – 400 Mbps (15W total power) |
| Audio In | None |
| Audio Out | 1 – 2.5-mm Apple Pro Speaker minijack 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 1 – Built-in speaker |
| Display | 1 – VGA or 1 – DVI 1 – ADC |
Keyboard and Mouse
| Peripherals | Apple Pro Keyboard Apple Pro Mouse |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS 9.2.2 Mac OS X 10.1.2 |
| Later OS | Mac OS X 10.1.3 Mac OS X 10.1.5 Mac OS X 10.2 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.4.11 (800 MHz) Mac OS X 10.5.8 (933 MHz & Dual 1 GHz) |
| Firmware | Mac OS ROM 9.0.1 |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS X 10.1 or Mac OS 9.2 QuickTime iMovie 2 iDVD 2 (requires SuperDrive) iPhoto iTunes 2 DVD Player Mac OS X Mail Microsoft Internet Explorer EarthLink Acrobat Reader 5.0 Art Director’s Toolkit FAXstf 10.0 Preview FileMaker Pro 5.5 Trial Graphic Converter OmniGraffle OmniOutliner PCalc PixelNhance Snapz Pro X Apple Hardware Test CD |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V 850 mAh Lithium (922-4028) |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 360 W |
| Line Voltage | 115 V AC (90-132 V AC) or 230 V AC (180-264 V AC) |
Further Reading and References
- Power Mac G4 (QuickSilver 2002): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Unveils Dual 1-GHz Power Mac G4 – Apple Newsroom
- Apple Announces NVIDIA GeForce4 Titanium for Power Mac G4 Line – Apple Newsroom
- Power Mac G4 – Wikipedia
- Quicksilver 2002 Power Mac G4 – Low End Mac
- On the Power Mac G4 – 512 Pixels
- Power Mac G4 Quicksilver – Old Computer Info
- Power Mac G4 (1.0 GHz, “Quicksilver,” 2002) – MattFuller
- Power Mac G4 / Macintosh Server G4 Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
Disclaimer: The data presented in this article is under continuous development and has been manually collected from various sources based on their availability. The author of this article may revise this dataset as additional research is conducted and reviewed. Please note that the information is provided “as is” and “as available” without express or implied warranties. The author cannot be held responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies, or errors in the published information. Any warranties relating to this information are hereby disclaimed.
Last updated: February 6, 2024
