Best PPC Mac for WoW

[ArwingCmdr]

I would really like to play World of Warcraft, but I have a few problems. Firstly, I am a die-hard Mac user. I don't want to get into a Mac VS Windows debate so lets just leave it at Windows is not an option. My other problem is my current machine is an 867 mhz G4 with 32 VRAM which isn't good enough to run WoW. The final problem is my finances. I really can't afford a new machine. On to my question. Does anyone have experience running WoW on a G4 mac? If so, what model/ specs?

[RyaNtheSlayA]

Ran great on a PowerBook G4 1.67ghz 17", 2gb DDR ram, 128mb ATI Radeon 9700m, and OS X Leopard. Sure you wont turn settings up 100% but you can keep the resolution all the way up and have the game decently pretty.

Also ran on my friends 1.5ghz 12" just fine.

[equalsign]

I know you didn't ask for Intel stuff, but just for your information it didn't run well (although not horribly) on my lower end 07 Mac mini Core 2. I think there are some older mac books with very similar settings, so they might be a no go .

Intel Core 2 Duo processors, 1.83 GHz
1 GB RAM
Intel GMA 950 graphics
OS X Tiger

An 09 mac mini would probably run it great.

[sneth]

you can get g5 towers for next to nothing now. they still have plenty of power.
i wouldnt try WoW on anything less.

Whatever you pick. High Ram and High CPU. dont forget to check the video card though. Very limited options in the PPC market.

[ArwingCmdr]

What monitors are supported by the G5 towers? Do they have a port for CRT monitors or is it DVI? Also, I have heard the G5 towers had cooling problems. Anyone have experience with this?

[Niode]

They're DVI so you just need a DVI to VGA connector. Most macs come with one so ask the person you are buying from if they still have it.

Mac Mini's are practically useless for everything but checking email and web-browsing. Complete non-option if you actually want to use your Mac.

You're going to want to get a mac with a graphics card. All the integrated graphics models are practically a no-go for WoW. So that basically leaves you with a Powerbook (last generation before they went intel), G5 (possibly a G4 depending on what GPU it has, but you're going to want to fill it with RAM), a Macbook (first generation can be had fairly cheap, around the same price as a G5) You might want to get a 2nd gen Macbook since the first generation had issues. Same goes for the Macbook Pro. However these last two options are Intel they're not going to cost you more than a G5 if you shop around and get 1st/2nd gen. My 2nd Gen 15" Macbook Pro runs WoW on max without breaking a sweat.

[ArwingCmdr]

Thanks for the tips, all. I guess it seems as though I would be well advised to just stick with my current PowerBook and just save for an intel based mac. It'll take a while, but from the sounds of things it will be worth it. I just thought the higher end G4's would still have enough kick.

[RyaNtheSlayA]

Thanks for the tips, all. I guess it seems as though I would be well advised to just stick with my current PowerBook and just save for an intel based mac. It'll take a while, but from the sounds of things it will be worth it. I just thought the higher end G4's would still have enough kick.

They do for WoW, web browsing, and some youtube. If you want to run Snow Leopard or pretty much all the new games, then you definitely need Intel. I'd recommend saving for a MacBook Pro with an nVidia 8600m. That will be decently cheaper than the brand new ones and you will be all set for any game that uses the Unreal Engine 3 and various other new titles.

[Niode]

I hate the new Unibody Macbook Pros.

No choice of screen (you better like glossy, damnit!)
No Expresscard/34 on 15" (bye bye esata )
No Firewire 400 (hello unnecessary cost for converters just so I can continue using my Firewire hard drives/audio interfaces)
No numpad (wait, I can't create unicode characters without launching an app? Gee thanks Apple)
Rejigged keyboard layout (just when you get used to one layout)
Those awful 'chiclet' keyboards (so cheap and nasty, and hurt your fingers to type on after a while)
None user replaceable battery (don't even think about bringing a spare, 4 hours and that's your lot folks)

So yeah, don't even bother with the new Macbook Pros, Not unless you want have to pay Apple to replace your battery for you 2 years down the line at £75 a shot, plus fitting (aka £120). And no, that's not covered under your Applecare warranty.

[RyaNtheSlayA]

I hate the new Unibody Macbook Pros.

No choice of screen (you better like glossy, damnit!)
No Expresscard/34 on 15" (bye bye esata )
No Firewire 400 (hello unnecessary cost for converters just so I can continue using my Firewire hard drives/audio interfaces)
No numpad (wait, I can't create unicode characters without launching an app? Gee thanks Apple)
Rejigged keyboard layout (just when you get used to one layout)
Those awful 'chiclet' keyboards (so cheap and nasty, and hurt your fingers to type on after a while)
None user replaceable battery (don't even think about bringing a spare, 4 hours and that's your lot folks)

So yeah, don't even bother with the new Macbook Pros, Not unless you want have to pay Apple to replace your battery for you 2 years down the line at £75 a shot, plus fitting (aka £120). And no, that's not covered under your Applecare warranty.

But. but! you can fry an egg on the bottom! (no vents that i know of and one of my friends MBP's keeps shutting down after about 40 minutes of UT2004 because it overheats!)