Mac vs PC: PowerPC G4 & G5 Specs Explained

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around comparing the specifications of PowerPC G4 and G5 processors in Macs to Intel processors. Participants explore the performance implications of these architectures, particularly in the context of gaming and application performance, as well as the impending transition of Macs to Intel processors.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on how PowerPC G4 and G5 specs compare to Intel processors, specifically in models like the Mac mini and iMac.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about making accurate comparisons due to various influencing factors and mentions the upcoming transition to Intel processors.
  • There is a question about the timeline for the transition to Intel, with some suggesting it could happen within a year.
  • A participant notes that while gaming performance may favor Intel architectures, their personal experience with Photoshop suggests that a dual 1.25 GHz G4 outperformed a Pentium 4 2.8 GHz in that specific application.
  • Another participant challenges the notion that x86 is superior for gaming by pointing out that the Xbox is moving to a PowerPC architecture, suggesting a difference in optimization for software rather than hardware capabilities.
  • One participant mentions that the Xbox 360 will utilize a triple-core PowerPC processor and questions the ease of development for PowerPC in gaming, referencing the GameCube's PowerPC architecture.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the performance comparison between PowerPC and Intel processors, particularly regarding gaming and application performance. Multiple competing views are presented regarding the implications of the architecture differences.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of comparing processor performance due to various factors, including software optimization and specific application use cases. The discussion also reflects uncertainty about the timeline for the transition to Intel processors.

mattmns
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Could someone explain how these Mac specs work. For example, what is the equivalent to a G4, G5.

For example a Mac mini: 1.42GHz PowerPC G4

Or an Imac: 2GHz PowerPC G5

What would these be in terms of an intel processor?

Thanks.
 
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It's hard to say. There are too many factors to get any accurate sense. I wouldn't worry too much anyway since macs are going to be running intel soon. Actually, from what I've heard the developer intel macs available are faster than the fastest osx running on powerpc
 
Soon? How soon is soon?
 
mattmns said:
Soon? How soon is soon?

Probably within a year
 
All the models are switching over by 2007. Whether this actually happens by then will have to be seen. Middle of 2006 I would start looking at the powermac and powerbooks to switch.

As far as specs go, it is nearly impossible to tell. In gaming ppc chips won't touch i386 chips. However, when I use photoshop (about the only application where I can talk about it on both systems) my dual 1.25 G4 out does the pentium 4 2.8 GHz machines I used it on. And when I first switched, sound editing was a breeze. However the photoshop example is the only experience of mine that could hold weight.
 
It's odd that you say x86 is better at gaming than ppc considering the Xbox is switching to a POWER based architecture.

Of course this is for consoles but i wonder why console gaming favors RISC based chips where computer games are better with PC instead of MAC.

I think it's less of a hardware issue and more of a software one. I bet it has to do with games being optimized for the PC first and then ported for the MAC.
 
Xbox 360 will have a triple-core PowerPC processor :bugeye: I think ppc is easy to develop for, no? GameCube used PowerPC "gekko" and it was very simple to create games on according to developers.
 

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