Hello, I am thinking of updating my Dual 1G G4 w/1.25MB Ram, OS X 10.4.6 to run MC 2.8 software. I understand that the G4 lacked in graphics and ram. So, if I throw $300-$400 in a new card and ram will MC run on my machine? Which card would be best? And, should I change all of the ram or add 1G as needed? Thanks, for your help. P.S. I do have OS X 10.4.11 that I will update to if I am able to make this system drive MC.

It may run but  it will be Oh so slow.

Even with the new graphics card and additional ram? ...I'm currently running XPro and it runs just fine. However, I want to upgrade to MC. Is MC that much more demanding on the processors or does the graphic card and additional ram handle much of the processing speed? Is it slow compared to what I am currently using or slow in terms of a new MacPro? I know the MacPro is the way to go. But, for me the timing is off to do a purchase. So, I would like to get started with MC on this system, if it will perform similarly to what I have now. I'm not looking at doing HD on this system. I currently use component and composite SD, DV, and probably HDV if the system would allow. Hopefully, I can then migrate up to MacPro. What is your thought?

Yep. The further along you get in the software, the more demands it places on your processor. By the time you update to the current version, you won't be happy.

Well, I would plan to use MC 2.8 until I get the MacPro. Then I would upgrade to MC 3.0 on Leopard. Would it still be crazy slow??? Perhaps I'm missing something. I thought the main difference in MC running on G5's was the faster graphics and more ram. Yes, G5's have faster processors, but I thought it was primarily the slower graphics card and ram requirement issues on the G4. I know I'm trying to keep this lame horse in the race. Just hoping to buy some time to make the next investment.

That lame horse won't be able to run the next version that's due out next month.  You're about to hit the "silicon ceiling".

Yeah, I know I'm dragging the elephant. But, I wouldn't try to run anything but MC 2.8 on it. I have plans to eventually migrate to the MacPro and do any upgrades to Leapard and MC 3.0.?? at that time. Just was hoping to squeeze all the juice I could and make it a secondary system. Wishful thinking.