CES8@psuvm.psu.edu (06/04/91)
Intel and Aox have recently released 386SX CPU upgrade modules for some 286 based computers. Both are small modules that plug into the existing 286 socket (Aox's is 1.5"x1.5"x0.6" and Intel's is 5 sq. inches). Also, both have a 16KB cache to compensate for the slow memory access and both support the 287 math coprocessor. Intel's SnapIn claims compatibility with the PS/2 models 50 & 60, however additional support should be announced by the end of the year. The list price for the SnapIn is $495 (around $370 mail order). Their benchmarks are Norton SI of 21, 2.7 MIPS, 801.8K Whetstones and 3793 Drystones. They claim a performance boost of 1.7 to 2.0. The SnapIn uses a 386SX-20MHz. Aox's StaX claims compatibility with a fairly wide range of 286 PC's (includes the PS/2 30-286, Compaq Deskpro 286, AST Bravo & Premium, HP Vectra, IBM AT and some others). Two versions are available, a 386SX-16MHz ($279) and a 386SX-20MHz ($329 direct from Aox). Their benchmark figures are similar to the ones for the Intel SnapIn. NSTL (National Software Testing Labs) tested the StaX with a variety of software. They claim compatibility with all the major 386 memory managers (QEMM, 386MAX). Usual disclaimer applies. I am not connected with any of the above mentioned companies. CES8@psuvm.psu.edu
cyang%peruvian.utah.edu@cs.utah.edu (Cheng Yang) (06/04/91)
In article <1991Jun4.185223.22097@viewlogic.com> paulsen@viewlogic.com (Bill Paulsen) writes: >>Intel and Aox have recently released 386SX CPU upgrade modules for some 286 >>based computers. Both are small modules that plug into the existing 286 socket >>(Aox's is 1.5"x1.5"x0.6" and Intel's is 5 sq. inches). Also, both have a 16KB >>cache to compensate for the slow memory access and both support the 287 math >>coprocessor. > >Just out of curiosity, when you can buy a 386sx-16 motherboard for about $300, >who would buy these things? Well, probably I will buy that stuff. I have a 287 and 4 M RAM on my 286 motherboard, and I don't want to waste them, (those worth over $300) while 387SX is still expensive to me. I just called AOX, and the salesperson told me that they will charge 10% returning fee if the module won't work on my motherboard and I return it. I have a motherboard made by Jameco Electronics, 16 MHz 286, Chip & Technology chipset, and AMI BIOS (with Memory interleave and BIOS shadows). Is there anybody here has the similar motherboard/BIOS and tried that 386SX module? How well does it work? The person in AOX claimed that the module will let the machine run Windows 3.0 in 386 mode. By the way, I am wondering how the software can detect what kind of CPU, 286 or 386 is on the motherboard. I think if the software is asking the BIOS, then it won't run in 386 mode while the 286 BIOS is there. I know it is possible to identify 386 by running some 386 instructions. Which way are most 386 applications using? I would like to hear from you, who have experience with that module. Thanks a lot for your time in advance. ***************************************************************************** * Ho capito, signor,si!........ * * * *Cheng Yang Home Address: * *Department of Computer Science 808 East, 300 South, #3 * *University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT 84102 * *E-Mail Address:cyang@peruvian.utah.edu Tel: 801-322-1918 * *****************************************************************************
paulsen@viewlogic.com (Bill Paulsen) (06/05/91)
In article <91155.090309CES8@psuvm.psu.edu> CES8@psuvm.psu.edu writes: >Intel and Aox have recently released 386SX CPU upgrade modules for some 286 >based computers. Both are small modules that plug into the existing 286 socket >(Aox's is 1.5"x1.5"x0.6" and Intel's is 5 sq. inches). Also, both have a 16KB >cache to compensate for the slow memory access and both support the 287 math >coprocessor. > >Intel's SnapIn claims compatibility with the PS/2 models 50 & 60, however >additional support should be announced by the end of the year. The list >price for the SnapIn is $495 (around $370 mail order). Their benchmarks are >Norton SI of 21, 2.7 MIPS, 801.8K Whetstones and 3793 Drystones. They claim >a performance boost of 1.7 to 2.0. The SnapIn uses a 386SX-20MHz. > >Aox's StaX claims compatibility with a fairly wide range of 286 PC's (includes >the PS/2 30-286, Compaq Deskpro 286, AST Bravo & Premium, HP Vectra, IBM AT and >some others). Two versions are available, a 386SX-16MHz ($279) and a >386SX-20MHz ($329 direct from Aox). Their benchmark figures are similar to the >ones for the Intel SnapIn. NSTL (National Software Testing Labs) tested the >StaX with a variety of software. They claim compatibility with all the major >386 memory managers (QEMM, 386MAX). > > ... Just out of curiosity, when you can buy a 386sx-16 motherboard for about $300, who would buy these things?
phil@brahms.amd.com (Phil Ngai) (06/06/91)
paulsen@viewlogic.com (Bill Paulsen) writes: >Just out of curiosity, when you can buy a 386sx-16 motherboard for about $300, >who would buy these things? People who have micro channel based machines. -- There is no right to free speech when someone else is paying you.
bich@hpsciz.sc.hp.com (Bich Tran) (06/06/91)
No true if you don't have a clone system. Hp Vectra or IBM would not support a clone motherboard ( wont fit in) and power supply pinout is different. And not taking into account the quality an HP/IBM systems will offer. THere is a justification for the premium price offered by these manufacturers. I have both an HP Vectra and a clone 486, and the quality of the VEctra really stands out bic