Archive No. 127
PowerMac G4 Cube
1GHz Sonnet CPU Upgrade
Historical Context
Suspended in a perfect cube of clear acrylic. No fan. A touch-sensitive power button that activated with a brush of a finger. The G4 Cube was the most beautiful computer Apple ever made — and a commercial failure because consumers expected $1,299 and Apple charged $1,799. Production ran for exactly one year before Steve Jobs 'put it on ice.' Those who have one consider it among the finest objects Apple ever produced.
Specifications
Technical Blueprint
Ref: M7886
Processor
PowerPC G4 1GHz Sonnet
Memory
1.5GB PC100 SDRAM (3.3v)
Storage
128GB SSD, DVD-ROM
Graphics
ATI Radeon 7500 (RV200)
Operating System
10.4.11, 9.2.2
Hardware Notes
Original box included · PRAM battery removed · Wi-Fi enabled
Gallery
Detailed Observations
The Story
Setup with 17" Apple Studio Display in bonus room Box is in workshop attic Installed 128GB SSD and fan inside. Recapped and beefed up mosfets on VRM board, then installed 1GHz Sonnet G4 CPU.
Restoration Log
Work Done
Every repair, recap, and restoration performed on this machine — documented as the work was completed.
Recapped VRM
Also added additional mosfets and added heatsink on them.