CUMMINGS@S55.Prime.COM (10/04/89)
HI. I'm looking for memory upgrade options for my 386 AT-compatible.
My current set-up is a 6/16MHz 386 w/1MB 80ns RAM with a 64K cache.
I can upgrade this motherboard from 1MB to 4MB by changing from
256K chips to 1MB chips. Most UNIX systems want "at least" 4MB
and most recommend 8MB as a minimum. My motherboard is an AMI-386
version 1.1 (dated March 1987). It has no 32 bit memory bus. B^(
My vendor has offered to upgrade my memory from 1MB to 4MB for $700.
He keeps the old memory. Heck, I can buy 36-1M (80ns) chips for $550, and keep
the old 256Ks for myself. But I don't know if some of the PALs on the
motherboard need to be changed as well. The AMI USER MANUAL says to return
the motherboard to the vendor for the memory upgrade. Is this really
necessary or can I just replace the RAMs???
My vendor has also offered to sell me a new 20MHz 386 motherboard
(I forgot to ask about any memory cache, memory speed, or shadow options)
for $750. He'll move my memory and 386 processor to the new board for me.
He doesn't want the old board back because he "can't resell it". The
new board will take 1/2/4/8MB memory on the motherboard PLUS a 32 bit memory
bus. (or was that 1/2/4/8MB in one 32 bit slot, and another 1/2/4/8MB possible
in another 32 bit slot?)
I would like to minimize the grief for this upgrade, so I am not interested
in new "complete machines" or specialized motherboards with lot's of extras.
Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
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Kevin J. Cummings Prime Computer Inc.
20 Briarwood Road 500 Old Connecticut Path
Framingham, Mass. Framingham, Mass.
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Std. Disclaimer: "Mr. McKittrick, after careful consideration, I've come
to the conclusion that your new defense system SUCKS..."
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