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Mac OS X: System requirements

Requirements for Mac OS X 10.4

For the latest information on Mac OS X 10.4, check out the System Requirements web page .

Requirements for Mac OS X 10.3

Mac OS X 10.3 works with these Macintosh computers:

  • Power Mac G5--all models except Power Mac G5 (Early 2005), Power Mac G5 (Late 2005) which use Mac OS X 10.4
  • Power Mac G4 or Macintosh Server G4--all models
  • Power Macintosh G3 or Macintosh Server G3 that have built-in USB ports
  • iMac--all models released in 2004 or earlier
  • iBook--all models except iBook G4 (Mid 2005) which uses Mac OS X 10.4
  • PowerBook G4--all models except PowerBook G4 (Double-Layer SD) which uses Mac OS X 10.4
  • PowerBook G3--Bronze Keyboard models only

Notes

  1. Usually, the earliest version of Mac OS X that a Mac works with is the version it ships with.
  2. Computers with processor upgrade cards are not supported with Mac OS X. Although Mac OS X may install and appear to work normally on some computers with third-party microprocessor upgrade cards, Apple does not provide technical support or assistance for Mac OS X when used in this way. Contact the manufacturer of your microprocessor upgrade card for support information.
  3. If your Power Macintosh G3 or Macintosh Server G3 computer has a build-to-order (BTO) 128-Bit 2D/3D Professional Graphics Accelerator Card, see also "Mac OS X 10.0: 128-Bit 2D/3D Professional Graphics Card Causes Kernel Panic".

Additionally, the computer should have:

  • 128 MB RAM (memory) or more for Mac OS X 10.3.9 or earlier.
  • At least 1.5 GB free hard disk space. Note: For Mac OS X 10.2 or later, 3.0 GB is the recommended minimum. The exact amount required depends on your computer and how you install Mac OS X (default versus custom installation, for example).
  • Mac OS 9.1 or later for Classic applications.
You should also read the Before You Install document included on your Mac OS X installation disc.
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Keywords: kmosx3 kmosx2 kmosX specsht kibook kimac kpmg5 kpbg4 kpbg3 kemac ktech kmosx4
Article ID: 106163 Date Created: March 09, 2001 Date Modified: May 02, 2007