OS X 10.3 on eMac stuck at 640x480

[Matt_H]

10.5 is as high as you can go on PPC. There's a minimum clockspeed threshold, but I don't remember what it is.

On your video problem, maybe the machine shipped with 10.3.x and you're using a retail 10.3.0 CD set? So there might be some driver issues. See if you can find the last 10.3.x "Combo" update on Apple's site, which should have heaps of drivers in it. EDIT: Ah, here it is.

Not sure when they introduced the feature, but OSX can be installed over a network - maybe that will help for getting 10.4 onto the machine?

[Matt_H]

You might need to zap the PRAM or the SMC settings... can't remember what it's called. Check Apple's site. The eMac manual probably has the info, too (also chez Apple if you don't have it).

Did you try the 10.3.9 Combo update?

There are no "update discs" for OSX - just stand-alone OS discs and factory restore discs for specific models. So you should be able to pop 10.5 into your drive and it will update your system (shouldn't clobber anything, but back up to be safe)