10 Apr
2008
10 Apr
'08
11:10 p.m.
jpero at sympatico.ca wrote:
Card is 32 bit, but also works in 16-bit slots (according to the manual
and my experiences). The model 80 is specifically listed in the manual
as being compatible, so I'd hope that it is :). The card takes up to 8
30-pin simms, and came populated with 4 1mb simms.
Title says it
all... I picked up a "new" (still in shrink-wrap)
AboveBoard MC with the intent of using it in my PS/2 model 80 and I'm
having serious issues getting it to function properly.
I've read that the Model 80 has trouble (not sure precisely /what/
trouble) with more than 16mb of memory, but even limiting the AboveBoard
to 4mb is problematic.
Anyone have any ideas? Similar/different experiences?
Thanks,
Josh
1. The card is 32 bit not 16 bit MCA? Have to be 32 bits for
stablity and speed in your 386 (model 80 are.), on this reason I went
with 32 bit MCA memory card in my 70-Axx. You need to get a memory
card of 32bit MCA using 72 pin SIMMs. This ram card model you got is
specifically made for 8088 and 286 models.
2. The simms have to be 9 chips ONLY and speed 80ns or
less for this
aboveboard/MC. Nothing else will work right on these models. If you
get 32bit MCA ram cards using 72 pin simms, if you got quality
generic ones, modify them to IBM specs by arranging the presence
sense lines via 0 ohm SMD resistors. Info are out there on 'net.
The manual says it'll work with 100ns or 85/80ns (or less) simms;
selectable in setup. I've tried mostly 9-chip simms, but I have a few
3-chip ones that yield similar results. Additionally, I get the same
results with the RAM that shipped in-box with the board, so I don't
think the simms are the problem.
3. That card is good as expanded ram card in 386
machines.
The manual says it'll work as either extended or expanded memory.
4. You are correct that these older machines have
hard 16MB
limitations due to DMA limited to 24bits I think (same as 286) that
as far as I know.
Yeah, that's what I read. I don't know what issues that will cause for
operating systems running with more than 16mb installed. I guess I'll
find out if I can get this to run at all :).
Linky:
http://ps-2.kev009.com:8081/ohlandl/misc/Intel_Aboveboard-MC.html
Cheers, Wizard
Thanks for the link and the suggestions; the link indicates that the ROM
is software-updatable, I'll see if any updates were released (mine has
rom 1.00, so maybe it's a bit buggy.)
Thanks,
Josh