Doh! I meant to write "G4" processor upgrade, not "G5" - Newer Technology 1.8Ghz upgrade. With the upgrade I wouldn't have to get latest gen software, can keep using PowerMac versions, if I understand that situation correctly. Reviews say the single 1.8Ghz in a Quicksilver handles Flash video just fine, and Photoshop is almost 3 times faster than with my 800mz processor.

The money is very, very tight so Mac Mini + the software + memory upgrade + the adapter is over $1200. The single 1.8Ghz processor upgrade is $350 + shipping. That's it. I might not be state of the art, but I can eat lunch. If it handles Hulu.com, I'm happy. I think I've talked myself into it, unless I've not considered something crucial...

I had a 1.2 GHz CPU upgrade in my 450-G4. Worked great until the G4 died.

Thanks MacBozo (Michael), you're saying Flash played fine on the 1.2GHz? That's my only real gripe with my Quicksilver g4. I check emails, do some Quark Xpress layouts, and create art in Photoshop at 12"x 16" max, so I'm not a power user. If this G4 doesn't crap out in 1-2 years, I'm ok. The school that I bought it from used it once a week to update files and do clerical work. Lightly used. Like I said before, Hulu.com is my objective. Comedy Central, Family Guy and anyone getting kicked in the nuts...

It worked fairly well. I did have a Radeon 8500Pro vid card installed, too.

OK, I appreciate the input. Have I mentioned that I just picked up this G4 this past summer because my previous unit, a 1996 PowerComputing 180 PowerBase couldn't handle OS 10.4, but was working fine. 13 years I had it and laugh at the idea of trading up every 2-3 years. Anyway, if my G4 conks in less than a year I can probably sell the upgrade card to another cheapskate nut.
Thanks again, Ed

LOL, understand.

Is that .2 Ghz worth the $140 though, the 1.6 is cheaper, and it's a dual also.

If you're talking about the 1.6 GHz Newer Tech card, it's got a 7447A chip whereas the the 1.8 GHz has a newer generation 7448 chip that is perhaps 30% faster. The 1.8 has 1MB L2 1:1 on-chip cache, the 1.6 has 512K. Apparently improved cache makes throughput much faster, so I'm assuming that's what I need for Flash video performance. Other posters on other sites have claimed their 1.2 or 1.4 GHZ upgrades, with smaller L2 caches, worked OK, but that was a while ago and it seems Flash keeps getting more demanding. The duo 1.6 GHZ upgrade costs $460. The single 1.6 is $210. I can't get a direct answer on this question from Newer Technology, or Other World Computing who owns them. Maybe a meeting with my chiropractor...

My G4 ran for nearly 10 years.

That gives me approx. 2 more years on mine, if your solemn, professional, rock solid promise holds. Ha! I paid $75 for the tower with a nice Apple 17" flat screen, and a couple 80g drives. If I complain about not getting even 6 more months, I'm just greedy. I got tech help online from Newer Tech, OWC, and was told the 1.6 Ghz single for $210 should solve Flash problem. Should. He wasn't positive. I can return it, and try the $350 1.8 GHz single that has double the on chip cache, at 1mb. So that solves that for now.
Thanks Again.

Let us know how it turns out, hope the cheaper card works.