MicroMac PowerMac 7500/8500 Logic Board Upgrade

Updated: September 14, 1998
HARDWARE QUESTIONS
Q: On which Mac model can I install this logic board?
Q: What's the difference between the 7500 and the 8500 upgrade?
Q: Is the 8500 not a tower and the 7500 a desktop model?
Q: I have a processor card left over from a previous upgrade, do I have to order one from you?
Q: What other upgrades are available after I have installed this logic board?
Q: How about VRAM (Video RAM)? Can I use the same VRAM I have in my PowerMac 7200?

SOFTWARE QUESTIONS
Q: Can I just replace my current logic board with the new logic board or do I need a certain minimum System software?


Q: I'm convinced, yes I want to get this upgrade, what do I have to do?

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HARDWARE QUESTIONS


Q: On which Mac model can I install this logic board ?

A: The following Mac models have the same logic board factor as the PM7500/7800 and therefore this logic board will fit in these models:
Power Macintosh 7200, Power Macintosh 8200, Power Macintosh 7500 and Power Macintosh 8500

Q: What's the difference between the 7500 and the 8500 upgrade ?

A: Even though the 8500 originally is in a tower and the 7500 in a desktop chassis, both have the same logic board. The only real different is the video-out circuitry on the 8500. This circuitry is missing on the 7500 logic board. Therefore the 7500 does not support video out, but is does support video in and audio in/out like the 8500.
However, the additional AV-card is needed for both logic boards to connect e.g. a Camcorder.

Q: Is the 8500 not a tower and the 7500 a desktop model?

A: see answer above.

Q: I have a processor card left over from a previous upgrade, do I have to order one from you?

A: No, you can order the logic board without the processor card. The base price however includes the 601@100MHz processor card, but the card itself has no value and and therefor will not effect the price of the upgrade if you do not take it.

Q: What other upgrades are available after I have installed this logic board?

A: Since the processor is on a separate card you can use any processor card available for the 7500 or 8500, including G3 based cards.

Q: How about VRAM (Video RAM)? Can I use the same VRAM-DIMM I have in my PowerMac 7200?

A: Yes you can, however you must have at least 2MB installed on the 7500/8500 logic board. If you do not have any VRAM DIMM on the 7200, you need to get 2 VRAM DIMMs for the 7500/8500. The 7200 has 1MB VRAM soldered on the logic board and works fine with just this 1MB. However the 7500/8500 needs at least 2MB to start up.
They need to be installed in the sockets labeled "VRAM Bank 1" or "VRAM Bank 2", these sockets are NOT next to each other (if you only install 2MB you'll end up having an empty socket in between).


SOFTWARE QUESTIONS


Q: Can I just replace my current logic board with the new logic board or do I need a certain minimum System software?

A: The minimum software fort the 7200 will work on the 7500/8500 as well. We recommend if you also upgrade the processor (like to a PPC604) that you reinstall your System software.


Q: I'm convinced, yes I want to get this upgrade, what do I have to do?

A: To place the order, use this form (there is also a phone number on this form to call).
At the time you place the order you will be given a RMA number for your logic board, which you send back to us after the 7500/8500 is completely working. This RMA number also appears on your invoice. However, If you fail to return your logic board after a reasonable time, we'll not credit back the deposit for you 7200 logic board. Otherwise we can not keep the lower price for this upgrade.


If you have further questions or find these FAQs need further updating, please email us at qaupdate@micromac.com or use the online form.

You my also use place your question on some mailing lists.