Mac Daniel #5

Performa 6300, 5200 Questions

28 October 1998

How can I speed up a Performa 6300?
I want to upgrade my 5200
Reader feedback

How can I speed up a Performa 6300?

VR sent this letter: My father owns a (European) Performa 6300, 48 Meg RAM, 1.2 Gig HD only half occupied. The only problem is performance. Could something not too expensive be done for such a computer?

Mac Daniel writes: According to Performa and Power Mac 5200, 5300, 6200, 6300 Issues by Scott L. Barber, the design of the 6300 (1) was seriously compromised by Apple's desire to cut costs and (2) was slightly different in Europe than in North America.

I have heard that the best upgrade for the Performa 6300 is Mac OS 8.1. This apparently improves stability and addresses some of the hardware issues which had hobbled the 6300 and its siblings. I suspect going to Mac OS 8.5 would further improve things.

Beyond that, my advice would be to look into a faster computer, perhaps a used Power Mac 7500 that can accept an inexpensive G3 card. But first give OS 8.1 a try -- it might make all the difference in the world to your father's computer.

feedback from VR

I want to upgrade my 5200

JS sent this letter: I read your article about the Color Classic and was hoping that you could advise me about upgrading my beloved Performa 5200.

In the past I have upgrade the RAM to 48MB, the hard disk to 2GB, and added a video/TV tuner card.

I was thinking about buying a new G3, but I really love being about to watch tele on my Mac!

Mac Daniel writes: Your 5200 suffers some of the same design limitations noted in my response to VR (above). My first advice is to upgrade to Mac OS 8.1 or 8.5, if you haven't already done so. Users report it makes these models much smoother, more reliable performers.

Frankly, I haven't paid any attention to TV tuners for the Macintosh. I use my computer as a tool, my TV for entertainment. (Admission: I do like the occasional game of SimCity 2000.) But just my luck, the November 1998 issue of Mac Addict has a review of the ixTV card from IXMicro. They also mention that they reviewed ATI's Xclaim TV card in the October issue. That gives you two options to look into.

Reader feedback

Recent Mac Daniel & Friends columns

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6100 value, Voodoo3, Charlie Ruggiero, 11/4/1999
Getting an old Mac running, Julie Fugett, 10/26/1999
What can I do with a Mac Plus, SE, or Classic?, Manuel Mejia, 10/22/1999
Mac On? Mac Off?, Charlie Ruggiero, 10/20/1999
Mac Connectivity, Julie Fugett, 10/14/1999
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more on the Mac Daniel index

Not sure if you should upgrade your old Mac or replace it? Check the index to see if we've already addressed your problem recently -- and look in the archive if it's not in the recent columns. If not, visit our staff page for the names of several people who may be able to help you.

Dan Knight, webmaster, Low End Mac

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