[comp.sys.mac.hardware] buying an SE/30

bohus@math.rutgers.edu (Geza Bohus) (09/17/90)

Hi folks,

I am considering buying an SE/30 w/ a 40M hard disk. I have a
question:

If I expand the memory to 4Megs, can I still use color later on if I
want to? For what I know, these both need expansion slots and I don't
know how many there are or are necessary. (How about an external b&w
monitor?) Also, any suggestions on what memory I should get?

Any suggestions and comments are welcome, not only those related to
the question. Please send email. Thanks,

gb

bohus@math.rutgers.edu

omalley@mace.cc.purdue.edu (John O'Malley) (09/18/90)

In article <Sep.17.12.50.19.1990.6327@math.rutgers.edu>
bohus@math.rutgers.edu (Geza Bohus) writes:
>I am considering buying an SE/30 w/ a 40M hard disk.
>
>If I expand the memory to 4Megs, can I still use color later on if I
>want to? For what I know, these both need expansion slots and I don't
>know how many there are or are necessary. 

True, but you've got all the slots you need.  The Mac SE/30 has eight
SIMM (Single In-line Memory Module) slots and one PDS slot (Processor
Direct Slot).  

The SIMM slots are for RAM chips and the PDS is for a single add-on card
such as a color video card for an external monitor, an ethernet card, etc.

Here's a rundown of how you could configure your Mac SE/30 memory-wise:

# of 256K SIMMs   # of 1-meg SIMMs    # of SIMM slots used    Total RAM
      4                                        4                 1 meg
      8                                        8                 2 megs
                         4                     4                 4 megs
      4                  4                     8                 5 megs
                         8                     8                 8 megs

As you can see, there are two types of SIMMs:  256K and 1-meg.  They can
be used together, but a technical rule says that you gotta fill those
SIMM slots four at a time.  All possible combinations are listed above.

You should also be aware of the speed rating of the SIMMs you need.  The
SE/30 needs SIMMs that are rated at 120 nanoseconds or faster ... the
smaller the number, the faster the SIMM, i.e. 80ns is faster.

>Also, any suggestions on what memory I should get?

We often buy from Technology Works.  80ns 1-meg SIMMs are currently
selling for around $50 each.  (800) 688-7466.  [Standard disclaimers ...
this isn't an endorsement ... etc.]

-John
---
John O'Malley               / Macintosh  / Purdue University / (317)
omalley@mace.cc.purdue.edu / Specialist / Computing Center  / 494-1787

minich@d.cs.okstate.edu (Robert Minich) (09/18/90)

| I am considering buying an SE/30 w/ a 40M hard disk. I have a
| question:
| 
| If I expand the memory to 4Megs, can I still use color later on if I
| want to? For what I know, these both need expansion slots and I don't
| know how many there are or are necessary. (How about an external b&w
| monitor?) Also, any suggestions on what memory I should get?

  All Macs (well, Plus and beyond) have special slots just for memory
expansion. The SE/30 is unique among the "compact" macs in that it has
two banks of four slots, just like the II family. To add a card for use
with a color monitor (or ethernet, or ...) you use the 030 Direct Slot,
which is completely different and seperate from the memory slots.
  To add memory to the SE/30, you have to go with four SIMMs at a time, so
expanding to 4MB involves removing the 1MB already in there (4 x 256K).
A better idea is to _add_ 4MB for a totoal of 5MB. 

Hope this helps,

-- 
|_    /| | Robert Minich            |"If, one day, all arguments were
|\'o.O'  | Oklahoma State University|suddenly resolved, a new topic
|=(___)= | minich@a.cs.okstate.edu  |would soon arise on which to
|   U    | - Ackphtth               |to disagree." "No it wouldn't."

bohus@math.rutgers.edu (Geza Bohus) (09/19/90)

In article <Sep.17.12.50.19.1990.6327@math.rutgers.edu>, bohus@math.rutgers.edu (Geza Bohus) writes:

> I am considering buying an SE/30 w/ a 40M hard disk. I have a
> question:
> 
> If I expand the memory to 4Megs, can I still use color later on if I
> want to? For what I know, these both need expansion slots and I don't
> know how many there are or are necessary. (How about an external b&w
> monitor?) Also, any suggestions on what memory I should get?

Thanks to all who answered. As someone has put it, I had my slots
mixed up. Now I am much better informed. Thanks again,

gb