powerpc CPU 300MHz W/ 1MB cache (making it a more powerful machine than the MHz suggests) 96 MB RAM (upgradable to 768 MB). The PowerMac G3 Beige was the first Mac to use the new G3 processor. It was built in both desktop and mini-tower models. This Mac was in production for a relatively long time so there is a large amount of spare parts for it out there. The G3 Beige was replaced in 1999 by the G3 Blue & White, one of the nicest Macs ever built. That said, the G3 Beige has some major advantages - legacy connections. While it uses IDE and can easilly have USB and FireWire added to it, the G3 Beige also has the old SCSI and Mac Serial connections. This makes the Beige the perfect choice for people who have an old pre-G3 PowerMac which they need to replace, but need to keep compatibility with their peripherals. This is the latest PowerMac to keep the old connections, making it obvious choice if you are in this position.