tyao@uxh.cso.uiuc.edu (Tim Yao) (03/29/91)
Here is what I have (I realize that it is incredibly ancient and
obsolete and I fully intend to get a real computer (e.g., a 486-50)
within the next two years; however, I would like to upgrade this one to
the point where it can handle some word processing, database management
programs, simple financial programs, etc.):
AT&T PC 6300 (bought in 1986):
+ 8086 (8 MHz) - 16 bit processor (and 16 bit data bus)
8087 math co processor
256 K RAM on motherboard
MS-DOS v. 2.11
+ 1 360 K DS/DD floppy drive
1 ST-238 33 MB HD
+ Adaptec ACB-2070A HD controller
RAMBANK 2MB Expanded Memory Board (currently with 256 K DRAM (150ns))
1200 baud internal modem
2 unused 8 bit expansion slots |_ I think that this is the
2 unused 16 bit expansion slots | difference
+ 110 V power supply
+ I/O Ports: 1 RS-232, 1 Centronics parallel, 1 video display
Here is what I would like to do/get:
1) Buy at least 3 9-chip sets of 256 K DRAM (150 ns-200 ns) for the
RAMBANK expanded memory; if within budget, fill to 1.6 MB expanded
memory and 640K normal RAM (256 K motherboard and 384 K RAMBANK).
QUERY: Can faster DRAM chips (e.g., 120 ns) be used successfully here?
2) Add a 3 1/2 " 1.44 MB floppy drive.
a) If such a thing is bootable, then just replace the 360 K floppy
with the 1.44 MB floppy drive.
QUERY: Could this be accomplished by upgrading to MS-DOS 3.3, getting
new BIOS thingies and a new control card?
b) If the 1.44 MB cannot be used to boot from, then get an
external 3 1/2" 1.44 MB floppy drive.
QUERY: Would an external power supply also be required in this case?
3) Add an accelerator card or replace the motherboard. This is not
as important as number 1 and 2.
QUERY: Is this feasible for the AT&T 6300, since it is not 100%
compatible? Is this cost effective?
Budget constraint: I don't want to spend more than about $500+
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Plese reply by e-mail.
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= Tim Yao = e-mail: tyao@uxh.cso.uiuc.edu = gradual student :-) =
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