Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does this upgrade program work?
2. What is the standard upgrade process?
3. What is the advance exchange option?
4. Why do you charge a security deposit?
5. If I choose the standard upgrade process can I send it in to you directly to save time?
6. What should I do if I’m an International Customer?
7. Will this upgrade allow me to run programs that I couldn’t run before?
8. I noticed you also sell optical drives (Combo or Super) for Slot-Loading iMacs as well as RAM. Can I get a deal if I buy one or both with the processor upgrade?
9. After the upgrade will anything be different?
10. What about compatibility issues, should I be worried? Can I run Tiger?
11. Will this upgrade overheat my computer? Doesn’t it need a fan?
12. Is there anything special I need to do once I’ve removed the Logic Board from the computer?
13. Why does the Level 2 Cache for my iMac Slot Load upgrade still show up as 512K in the System Profiler?
14. Will my newly upgraded G4 iMac take full advantage of AltiVec?
15. Do I need any software once the upgrade is installed in order for it to function correctly?
16. Does the upgrade allow me to increase the amount of RAM I can install?
17. How difficult is it to install/reinstall the logic board back in my computer?
18. Can I send in a defective logic board and upgrade it to fix the problem?
19. When do I get my deposit back after returning a logic board under the Advance Exchange program?
20. I don't see my model listed. Why not?
21. I have a question that is not listed. Who should I contact?

How does this upgrade program work?

We offer two options. The standard upgrade process and the advance exchange option:

What is the standard upgrade process?

Under the standard upgrade, once the order is placed, we ship out an empty pre-paid 3-way box. When the box arrives, place the main logic board from the iMac in and send it back to us. Upon receiving your board, we will pre-test it to make sure the board can handle the upgrade. After it has been upgraded we will perform a rigorous series of tests before sending it back to you. The turnaround time once we receive the board to the time we ship it back is between 7-9 business days.

What is the advance exchange option?

With advance exchange, once the order is placed, we ship out a board that has already been upgraded. After you receive and install the upgraded board, you send the original back to FastMac.
There is a $200 Security Deposit. Once we receive your original working board, the security deposit will be refunded.

Why do you charge a security deposit?

The security deposit is there to ensure that your original board will be returned. Remember, it must be a working logic board. Contact us if you have any questions regarding your board's viability.

If I choose the standard upgrade process can I send it in to you directly to save time? (top)

Yes, however please contact us prior to placing your order. If you have already placed an order please make sure that you include your name and contact info when you ship in your main logic board so that your order can be processed promptly.

What should I do if I’m an International Customer? (top)

Both upgrade programs are available for international customers. The only difference is that with the standard upgrade option we do not ship a prepaid 3-way box since this is not cost effective. We request that international customers who opt for the standard upgrade process send their board to us using whichever carrier you chose. This saves both time and shipping expense.

Will this upgrade allow me to run programs that I couldn’t run before? (top)

Yes. After your iMac has been upgraded you will be able to run many programs that could previously not run on your system.

I noticed you also sell optical drives (Combo or Super) for Slot-Loading iMacs as well as RAM. Can I get a deal if I buy one or both with the processor upgrade? (top)

Of course. Please contact our sales department and we will be happy to work with you.

After the upgrade will anything be different? (top)

Everything will look and feel the same, it will just be faster.

What about compatibility issues? Should I be worried? Can I run Tiger? (top)

This upgrade is 100% compatible with OS 9 and X up to and including Tiger 10.4.

Will this upgrade overheat my computer? Doesn’t it need a fan? (top)

The heat dissipation technology built into the slot-loading iMac is rather ingenious. The aluminum separator panel acts as a large heat sink, requiring no fan. The CPU we use, the Motorola 7410, runs significantly cooler than the 7400. In lab tests, the upgrade has been shown to run cooler than the original G3 CPUs.

Is there anything special I need to do once I’ve removed the Logic Board from the computer? (top)

Yes. You must remove the I/O panel from the unit along with your RAM, PRAM battery and Airport card (if installed). Please see our instructions at www.fastmac.com/support for further details on how to do this.

Why does the Level 2 Cache for my iMac Slot Load upgrade still show up as 512K in the System Profiler? (top)

Unfortunately, the Apple System Profiler was not designed to show anything other than what computers Apple shipped. Rest assured, your new 1MB of cache has been installed and is operating correctly. There is 3rd party software that actually will read back the correct amount of cache.

Will my newly upgraded G4 iMac take full advantage of AltiVec? (top)

Yes. With the FastMac CPU upgrade, the Velocity Engine becomes an integral part of your computer. Whether using Photoshop, OS X, or Final Cut Pro, your system will take full advantage of this remarkable technology.

Do I need any software once the upgrade is installed in order for it to function correctly? (top)

No. Your upgrade is recognized by the operating system by default and no software is required.
However, if you are running OS X, we do recommend reinstalling your OS. During the installation process certain files and libraries specifically made to take advantage of the G4 chip are installed upon detection of a G4 processor. If OS X was installed on a G3 processor then these files were not installed and to get the full benefit of the G4 chip reinstallation is needed.

Does the upgrade allow me to increase the amount of RAM I can install? (top)

Our upgrade neither increases nor decreases the capacity of RAM.

How difficult is it to install/reinstall the logic board back in my computer? (top)

Even if you have never taken your computer apart, don't worry. The instruction manual we provide gives clear, concise steps for removing the logic board. Most people can achieve this goal in 30 minutes or less.

Can I send in a defective logic board and upgrade it to fix the problem? (top)

No. We run your logic board through a series of tests to determine if there are any problems. If we determine that the logic board fails these tests, the board is rejected and sent back to the customer without completing the upgrade.

When do I get my deposit back after returning a logic board under the Advance Exchange program? (top)

Your deposit will be refunded within 5-7 days of receiving your returned board. Please make sure you send a working logic board and pack it correctly. If the logic board fails to pass the basic tests, the deposit cannot be refunded.

I don't see my model listed. Why not? (top)

Slot-loading iMac Flower Power or Blue Dalmatian, and any model 600MHz or above, used an IBM CPU rather than a Motorola CPU. IBM never made a G4 chip. The connectors are not compatible and therefore cannot be upgraded.

I have a question that is not listed. Who should I contact? (top)

First look in the FAQs for the specific product (choose from the product list above). If your question is still not answered, please contact Sales & Customer Service or give us a call at 408-850-6232.