In the rapidly evolving world of personal computers, the year 2000 marked a significant milestone for Apple as it introduced the Power Mac G4 Mid 2000 also known as “Power Mac G4 with Gigabit Ethernet”. This sleek and powerful computer, part of the renowned Power Macintosh series, showcased Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and setting new standards in the industry.
The Power Mac G4 series, including the Gigabit Ethernet model, was a game-changer in 2000. Apple boldly unveiled a line that featured not just one but two processors as a standard configuration. The 450 MHz and 500 MHz Power Mac G4s were the pioneers, incorporating dual PowerPC G4 processors with Velocity Engine. This groundbreaking technology delivered a staggering 7 billion calculations per second, propelling these machines to the forefront of personal computing performance.
Imagine a world where the dual processor 500 MHz Power Mac G4 could match the speed of a 2 GHz Pentium III, a feat that was projected to be achieved a year or more in the future. Apple’s innovation was not just about keeping up with the times; it was about setting the pace for the future.
Apart from the impressive dual processors, Apple introduced another industry first with the Power Mac G4 series – Gigabit Ethernet. All three models, including the Gigabit Ethernet variant, featured 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet built into the motherboard. This marked a significant leap in networking capabilities, making the G4 an unparalleled choice for transferring large files, such as high-resolution images and digital videos, across networks.
Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO at the time, proudly declared, “Apple is the first to make dual processors a standard feature in high-performance personal computers—and we are doing it without raising prices.” This commitment to providing cutting-edge technology without a hefty price tag underscored Apple’s dedication to delivering value to its customers.
The Power Mac G4 series wasn’t just about raw power; Apple paid meticulous attention to design and user experience. The new Power Mac G4s came standard with the innovative optical Apple Pro Mouse and the Apple Pro Keyboard. The optical mouse offered precise positioning without the need for a mouse pad, while the keyboard boasted full-size function keys, navigation controls, volume control, disc eject keys, and two USB ports.
This forward-thinking approach extended to the inclusion of Apple’s iMovie 2, the next version of the world’s most popular consumer digital video editing software. With a refined user interface, enhanced audio editing capabilities, and new effects, iMovie 2 empowered users to create professional-looking videos effortlessly.
The Power Mac G4 with Gigabit Ethernet, introduced on July 19, 2000, boasted impressive specifications that were ahead of its time. Priced starting at $1,599, it featured a 400 MHz or Dual 450 MHz or Dual 500 MHz PowerPC 7400 G4 processor. Memory options ranged from 64 MB to 256 MB of RAM, providing ample space for multitasking and resource-intensive applications.
Storage wasn’t a concern either, with hard drive options of 20 GB, 30 GB, or 40 GB, catering to users with diverse storage needs. The inclusion of a 5x DVD-ROM or DVD-RAM drive allowed users to not only play CDs and DVDs but also engage in multimedia creation with ease. The base model came equipped with a 16 MB ATI Rage 128 Pro graphics card, delivering stunning visuals and graphics effects.
While some viewed the Power Mac G4 with Gigabit Ethernet as a stopgap release due to the limitations of the Motorola XPC107 “Grackle” PCI/Memory controller, it left an indelible mark on the world of personal computing. Its discontinuation on January 9, 2001, did not diminish its impact. Today, 23 years later, this iconic computer continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Apple enthusiasts.
In retrospect, the Power Mac G4 with Gigabit Ethernet was a testament to Apple’s relentless pursuit of innovation. Its dual processors, Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, and thoughtful design set the stage for the future of personal computing. As we look back, we can appreciate the strides Apple made in 2000 and the lasting impact that the Power Mac G4 series, especially the Gigabit Ethernet model, had on shaping the landscape of technology.
Power Mac G4 with Gigabit Ethernet Details
| Introduced | July 19, 2000 |
| Discontinued | January 9, 2001 |
| Model Identifier | PowerMac3,3 |
| Model Number | M5183 |
| EMC | 1864 |
| Order Number | M7891LL/A (400 MHz) M7892LL/A (dual 450 MHz) M7893LL/A (dual 500 MHz) M8250LL/A (dual 500 MHz) |
| Original Price | $1,599 $2,499 $3,199 $3,499 |
| Colors | Graphite |
| 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 Mid 2000 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 7400 G4 |
| Processor Speed | 400 MHz Dual 450 MHz Dual 500 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 100 MHz (Up to 800 Mbps data throughput) |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 1 MB backside L2 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 20 GB 5400 rpm 30 GB 7200 rpm 40 GB 7200 rpm |
| Media | 1 – 5x DVD-ROM or DVD-RAM |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 64 MB 128 MB 256 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 1.5 GB (Mac OS 9) 2 GB (Mac OS X) |
| Memory Slots | 4 – PC-100 3.3v 168-pin SDRAM |
| Minimum Speed | 8 ns (125 MHz) |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | ATI Rage 128 Pro ATI Radeon |
| Graphics Memory | 16 MB (Rage 128 Pro) 32 MB (Radeon) |
| Display Connection | 1 – VGA 1 – ADC |
| Display Modes | Single display only (Rage 128 Pro) Dual display extended and video mirroring (Radeon) |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 3 – 33 MHz 64-bit PCI 1 – 2x AGP |
| Bays | 4 – Internal 3.5″ ATA drive bays 1 – Optical drive bay 1 – Zip 100/250 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 |
| 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 | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 1 – Built-in speaker |
| Display | 1 – VGA 1 – ADC |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS 9.0.4 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.4.11 |
| Firmware | Mac OS ROM 4.9.1 |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS 9 QuickTime iMovie 2 Microsoft Internet Explorer Netscape Communicator FAXstf Palm Desktop |
Keyboard and Mouse
| Peripherals | Apple Pro Keyboard Apple Pro Mouse |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V 850 mAh Lithium (922-4028) |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 220 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 (Gigabit Ethernet): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Debuts New Power Mac G4s with Dual Processors – Apple Newsroom
- Power Mac G4 – Wikipedia
- The Power Mac G4 Line – MacStories
- Mystic Power Mac G4 – Low End Mac
- Power Mac G4 – Relatively Ambitious
- On the Power Mac G4 – 512 Pixels
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: January 21, 2024
