In the ever-evolving landscape of personal computing, few moments stand out as significantly as Apple’s introduction of the Power Mac G4 with PCI Graphics in 1999. This groundbreaking device, part of the Power Macintosh series, marked a pivotal moment in the history of personal computers, revolutionizing the market with its innovative features and performance capabilities.
On August 31, 1999, Apple showcased the Power Mac G4 at the Seybold conference in San Francisco. Two variants, officially known as Power Macintosh G4 Mid 1999, were introduced, featuring configurations of 350 MHz and 400 MHz. Colloquially dubbed “Graphite” due to its distinctive color scheme, this first-generation Power Mac G4 boasted a sleek and modern design that set it apart from its predecessors.
The early 400 MHz (later 350 MHz) PCI-based version shared similarities with the Power Macintosh G3 in Blue and White but showcased advancements such as the Motorola PowerPC 7400 G4 CPU. Meanwhile, the higher-speed “Sawtooth” models featured a modified motherboard design with AGP 2x graphics, replacing the traditional 66 MHz PCI slot.
The Power Mac G4 series introduced several groundbreaking features, including DVD-ROM drives as standard, 100 MB Zip drives in select models, and a robust system configuration with a 100 MHz system bus. With four PC100 SDRAM slots, users could expand their RAM to a remarkable 2 GB, a substantial capability during that time. These machines were also the first to incorporate an AirPort slot and a DVI video port, showcasing Apple’s commitment to staying ahead in the technological curve.
The device could accommodate up to three hard drives, offering users flexibility in storage solutions. This included two 128 GB ATA hard drives and an optional 20 GB SCSI hard drive with the installation of a SCSI card, catering to the diverse needs of users.
Unveiled at a starting price of $1,599, the Power Mac G4 with PCI Graphics quickly gained popularity for its impressive specifications. The base model featured a 350 MHz or 400 MHz PowerPC 7400 G4 processor, 64 MB of RAM, a 10 GB hard drive, and a 32x CD-ROM drive. The inclusion of a 16 MB ATI Rage 128 graphics card ensured a seamless visual experience, further solidifying its appeal.
However, just two weeks after its introduction, due to supply constraints from Motorola, Apple had to make quick adjustments to the lineup. This resulted in the discontinuation of the initial model and the introduction of the 350 MHz Power Macintosh G4 with PCI Graphics, the 400 MHz Power Macintosh G4 with AGP Graphics, and a revised 450 MHz Power Macintosh G4 with AGP Graphics.
Despite its initial success, the Power Mac G4 Mid 1999 had a relatively short lifespan, being discontinued on December 2, 1999. The fast-paced nature of the technology market and the constant need for innovation likely played a role in this decision.
Even after 25 years, the Power Mac G4 continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Apple enthusiasts and tech aficionados. Its short-lived presence on the market underscores Apple’s commitment to pushing technological boundaries and delivering cutting-edge solutions. The legacy of the Power Mac G4 lives on as a testament to Apple’s innovation and its pivotal role in shaping the history of personal computing.
Power Mac G4 with PCI Graphics Details
| Introduced | August 31, 1999 (400 Mhz) October 13, 1999 (350 Mhz) |
| Discontinued | October 13, 1999 (400 Mhz) December 2, 1999 (350 Mhz) |
| Model Identifier | PowerMac1,2 |
| Model Number | M7631 M7826 |
| Order Number | M7826LL/A (350 MHz) M7631LL/A (400 MHz) |
| Original Price | $1,599 |
| Colors | Graphite |
| Weight | 28.7 Ibs. 13.018 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 Mid 1999 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 7400 G4 |
| Processor Speed | 350 MHz 400 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 100 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 512 KB or 1 MB backside L2 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 10 GB |
| Media | 1 – 32x CD-ROM |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 64 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 1 GB |
| 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 |
| Graphics Memory | 16 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – VGA |
| Display Modes | Single display only |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 3 – 33 MHz PCI 1 – 66 MHz PCI |
| Bays | 4 – Internal 3.5″ ATA drive bays 1 – Optical drive bay 1 – Zip 100 bay |
| Hard Drive Interface | Ultra ATA/33 (ATA-4) |
| Optical Drive Interface | EIDE (ATA-3) |
Connections
| Ethernet | 10/100BASE-T (RJ-45) |
| Modem | 56k (Optional) |
| Wi-Fi | None |
| Bluetooth | None |
| ADB | 1 |
| 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 |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS 8.6 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.4.11 |
| Firmware | Mac OS ROM 1.7.1 |
Keyboard and Mouse
| Peripherals | Apple USB Keyboard Apple USB Mouse |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V Lithium (922-1262) |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 200 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 (PCI Graphics): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Power Mac G4 – Wikipedia
- The Power Mac G4 Line – MacStories
- Power Mac G4 Index – Low End Mac
- Apple Power Macintosh G4 400 – The Centre for Computing History
- Power Mac G4 – Relatively Ambitious
- PowerMac G4 – MacMuzeum
- Apple Unveils Power Mac G4 – Tech Insider
- The 400 MHz Power Mac Reviewed – The Mac Observer
- 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: January 14, 2024
