XLR8, manufacturer of CPU upgrade cards, sent us the following
press release yesterday covering the update of their MACh Speed
G3 Control software which allows you to set a faster cache speed
than the default speed that is set on your G3 upgrade card or
machine. New features include compatibility with other manufacturer's
G3 upgrade cards and with Apple's G3 Machines. We plan to do
a full review of the cache utility shortly, with complete benchmarks.
After the press release below you will find some preliminary
MacBench 5.0 processor, fpu and graphics results
carried out on a revision "B" iMac.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 1999
XLR8® RELEASES "CACHE BLASTING" SUPER
COMPATIBLE SOFTWARE FOR
UPGRADED AND NATIVE G3 SYSTEMS INCLUDING iMACS®
Version 1.3.2 is 8.6 Compatible for All
G3 Systems
ATLANTA, GA - - XLR8, a leading developer and marketer of
performance
Enhancement products for Mac OS based computers announced
yet another enhanced version --1.3.2 -- of its MACh Speed
G3 Control w/ PowerPack Software.
Right on the heels of its SmartControl, Virtual Firmware,
and Automated Cache Technology, XLR8 introduces a new performance
wave for all G3 systems. From iMacs, to PowerBooks, to its
own MACh Speed G3 Upgrades, the new MACh G3 Control delivers
compatibility and performance -- cache speeds boosted 33%
faster (tested via Macbench 5) on most Apple® systems.
New Performance for Native G3 Apple Systems
The MACh Speed G3 Control completely tests the CPU and cache
on start-up, then offers the user the option of running the
cache faster than its shipped speed, when possible. Testing
shows that over 75% of the standard systems are actually shipped
with cache speeds faster than their promoted speed. For example,
all 233 MHz iMacs with caches at 116 run successfully at 155
MHz. Users now receive the benefit of full cache (and RAM
testing via the PowerPack) plus maximum speed from a simple
software package. MACh Speed G3 control is fully 8.6 compatible,
OS X server compliant, and supports the iMac, PowerBook G3
and Power Macintosh G3 systems.
New Compatibility for Upgraded G3 Apple Systems
For users of any branded G3 CPU upgrade, XLR8's G3 Control
1.3.2 provides new compatibility and ease of use. The new
version provides automated cache and CPU testing with cache
speed options not available with non-XRL8 brand G3 software.
MACh Speed G3 Control delivers full compatibility with all
add-in cards and software (that previously suffered G3 upgrade
incompatibilities) such as Adaptec 2940, Media 100 video,
and Dantz Retrospect. This new 1.3.2 version has been tested
and is compatible with boards from XLR8, NewerTech, Sonnet,
Mactell, Vimage, and PowerLogix on Mac OS 8.5.1 and 8.6. "We
promised extreme engineering when we brought the DayStar team
to XLR8", said Gary Dailey, Director of Marketing, "now everyone
can benefit."
Available today, all users of XLR8 brand G3 upgrades such
as the MACh Speed G3 and G3Z and its newly announced MACh
Carrier, and CarrierZIF upgrades will receive the new G3 control
1.3.2 with their product, or they can download for free via
www.xlr8.com. Users of native G3 systems (iMac, PowerBook
G3, Power Macintosh G3) and other brands of G3 upgrades can
download the software for $29, or purchase a CD version for
$49 via www.star-teck.com (an XLR8 and DayStar authorized
electronic reseller).
Additional G3 Control benefits include the following, per
earlier release:
Safe Cache Settings and improved user feedback - through
informative instruction dialogs and process bar during
cache testing
Automated Startup - Exclusive feature allows the user
to set a selected speed from built in list of speeds available,
or at the user's option - - thus automatically selecting
the fastest and most compatible speed on startup
Virtual Firmware - Exclusive software routine/technique
that allows G3 Control to execute performance and compatibility
routines before any hardware or software initialize
User-Friendly Interface - No more "ratios" and "buses".
G3 Control simply uses choices based on megahertz (MHz)
and megabyte (MB). All the mathematical equations are
calculated automatically. A "tab" based interface lets
users move easily from settings to support information,
to an advanced setting area that allows customization
configurations.
Finally, XLR8's G3 Control includes the PowerPack - PowerControl
and PowerFrax software. The PowerPack is a spin-off of DayStar's
base engineering software and diagnostic tools. PowerControl
provides configuration testing, RAM configuration, testing
for RAM, SCSI, and full CPU load analysis with Internet updating.
PowerFrax is the exclusive multi-functional fractal generator
that builds 2-D and 3-D graphics and is also AltiVec and Internet
ready!
For more information on XLR8's entire line of performance
tools, you can reach them at 316-636-5544, or via the website
at www.XLR8.com.
About XLR8
XLR8 is the Macintosh focused division of Interex, a 17-year
leader in the connectivity and power protection industry.
XLR8 products lead the industry with engineering, compatibility
and performance. Product offerings include: the MACh Speed
G3 upgrade series, MACh Carrier G3, CarrierZIF, MACh Speed
G3 Control w/ PowerPack, InterView USB, DualPort USB, the
USB Performance Package, Point&Scroll Mouse, and additional
accessories for all Mac OS based systems. XLR8 products are
available in more than 16,000 computer superstores, mass merchants,
wholesale clubs, computer electronic superstores, wholesale
distributors, resellers and online catalogs worldwide. XLR8
maintains a full information resource center on the Internet
at www.xlr8.com. All products are backed by toll-free tech
support at 800-513-9744, ext. 333, a full two-year limited
warranty and a 30-day money back guarantee through authorized
dealers.
XLR8. . .tools to perform and create . . . on your Mac!
Media Contact: Lori Vierthaler, 316-636-5544, ext. 229
lav@interexinc.com
Technical Contact: Gary Dailey, 770-564-5679
gcd@interexinc.com
Below is how the Mach Speed G3
control panel performed in preliminary MacBench 5.0 tests
when performed in an iMac 233Mhz Revision "B". Cache
speed was set at 155.4Mhz the suggested highest rating possible.
We will have real world results shortly to see how this plays
out with actual applications.
Copyright 1996-2007 by Cider Press Publishing LLC all rights reserved.
MacSpeedZone is not authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Apple
Computer. Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh, iPod, iBook, iMac, eMac, and
PowerBook are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Additional
company
and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks and are hereby
acknowledged.
For Great Prices On Upgrades 