COMPUTERCRAFT - PS/2 FAQ Version 5.4

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PS/2 FAQ

Version 5.4

PS/2 FAQ Version 5.4 Previously-modified: 11/12/1998 Last-modified: 12/15/1998 Version: 5.4 Author: Christopher Feeny Email: alkemyst@shadow.net Ver 5.2 11/01/98 Updated PS/2 PC chart. Ver 5.3 11/11/98 Updated PS/2 UNIX information 11/11/98 Added part number and example price of Type 4 Processor card for Model 90/95, 300/500. 11/11/98 Virtual Keyboard and Mouse for PS/2 systems designated as non-local input (servers and the like). 11/11/98 Web support URL's added 11/11/98 Added solution to problem of Model 77 w/ XGA/2 running Win95 and blank screen at shutdown. Under section 8.5. 11/12/98 Added link for Snooper under MCA card id section from Louis Ohland. 11/12/98 Added some notes on the max memory for PS/2's. 11/12/98 Added info on entering CMOS for type 4 complexes. 11/12/98 Added info on detecting speed of SIMM's installed for type 3/4 complexes. 11/12/98 Added info on support for basic transfer speeds beyond 200ns. Under section 2.9. 11/12/98 More SVGA info. 11/12/98 Discovered cache can be added to the type 1 complex. 11/12/98 Updated Section 7.2, Cables. 11/12/98 Added notes that Win98 is not a good choice for PS/2 systems. Ver 5.4 12/15/98 Updated UART info, any PS/2 with 16550A (16550AF) can support higher modem speeds. 12/15/98 Added information about 180 and 200MHz chips on the Pentium 90 Type 4 processor complex. /--------------------------- alkemyst@shadow.net ---------------------------\ | Christopher Feeny : online : Web Page and Graphics Design | | 97 Volkswagen GTI VR6 : since 83 :GA586ATM/P,32MB,2.1GB,4MB Video | | Candy White & Black Leather : lutz,qsd : Eclipse 5332, JL Audio 6CS3, | | Spax with Carrera Coilovers -==(UDIC)==- Eclipse 3121...more soon | | Konig GT-R's w/ 205/40ZR17 Nitto 501's, no suitcase, TT chip, short shift | \------------------------------ 561-798-5126 -------------------------------/ Table of Contents: S) 1.0 Introduction Q) Foreword Q) 1.1 What does this FAQ cover and how do I use this FAQ? Q) 1.2 What are the different PS/2s and their features? Q) 1.3 What are the IBM brand MCA cards? Q) 1.4 Where do I get a Reference Disk for my PS/2? Q) 1.5 Which file is my Reference Disk? They are all cryptically written. Q) 1.6 What does the Reference Disk do? Q) 1.7 I hear there is more diagnostics hidden on the Reference Disk, where are they? Q) 1.8 Why can't I copy my Reference Disk, I want to make a backup? Q) 1.9 I got the Reference Disk, but now it is saying I need an Option Diskette/or giving me a 165 error at POST...What are Option Diskettes and Where do I get them? Q) 1.10 I got the Option Diskette, but the Reference Diskette is tellin g me no option files can be found, What am I doing wrong? Q) 1.11 I bought my PS/2 second hand who can I get technical support fr om? Q) 1.12 IBM tech. support says they do not know my answer now what? Q) 1.13 Where can I find support on the internet? Q) 1.14 I got an IBM MCA card with no labeling, How do I tell what it i s? S) 2.0 Motherboards Q) 2.1 Where can I find a PS/2 motherboard? Q) 2.2 Instead of a 'stock' motherboard can I get a more advanced boar d? Q) 2.3 Will a standard motherboard work in a PS/2? Q) 2.4 What motherboards come with a cache and are more up-to-date wit h today's standards? Q) 2.5 Which motherboards allow/prohibit additional on-board memory? Q) 2.6 Can I use normal 72-pin SIMMs? 30-pin SIMMs? Q) 2.7 How do I tell the speed of the PS/2 SIMMs I have now on my motherboard? Q) 2.8 What speed SIMMs do I need? Q) 2.9 How good is MCA and what does it offer? Q) 2.10 Which is better, ISA/EISA/VLB/PCI/etc? Q) 2.11 Will an ISA card work in an MCA (PS/2) machine? Q) 2.12 How do I enter the CMOS configuration menu? Q) 2.13 What is bus mastering anyway? S) 3.0 IO controllers/interfaces Q) 3.1 How do IDE/MFM/RLL/ESDI/SCSI interfaces work? Q) 3.2 How can I tell if I have MFM/RLL/ESDI/IDE/SCSI? Q) 3.3 Why won't my two hard drives work together? Q) 3.4 How do I install a second controller? Q) 3.5 Which is better, SCSI or IDE or ESDI? Q) 3.6 Can MFM/RLL/ESDI/IDE and SCSI coexist? Q) 3.7 What's the difference between SCSI and SCSI-2? Are they compatible? Q) 3.8 Can I use a non-IBM ESDI in a PS/2? Q) 3.9 Do I need a reference disk for my SCSI drive? Q) 3.10 What is a 16550UART and do I need one? Does my PS/2 have it? Q) 3.11 Should I buy an internal or external modem? Q) 3.12 What kinds of sound cards are available? Q) 3.13 Can I run both a SoundBlaster and the Audiovation/A? Q) 3.14 Can I fake a keyboard so my computer will boot without it? S) 4.0 Upgrading Processor/Coprocessor/Disks/Video/CDROM Q) 4.1 I don't have the money for a new computer or motherboard, what can I do? Q) 4.2 What are the Benchmarks for the Processor Upgrades? Q) 4.3 Which Math Co-Processor do I use? Q) 4.4 How can get rid of my slow stock Hard Drive and get a faster an d larger capacity version? Q) 4.5 How can I add a second floppy drive and what type will work wit h my PS/2? Q) 4.6 Is there an SVGA option for PS/2s? Q) 4.7 How can I add a CD-ROM to my PS/2? Q) 4.8 How can I build a Multimedia PS/2? Q) 4.9 How can I get sound effects in DOOM? Q) 4.10 How can I make my PS/2 Model 90/95 a Pentium 180/200MMX machine ? S) 5.0 Adding System and Cache memory Q) 5.1 How do I add memory to my PS/2 off the motherboard? Q) 5.2 How do I add cache memory to my PS/2? Q) 5.3 Can I use the 4MB Modules in a machine that only calls for 1 or 2MB modules? Q) 5.4 Who has memory the cheapest? Q) 5.5 Is there a way to identify a PS/2 RAM card or SIMM? Q) 5.6 What is the ECC memory options on some of the newer PS/2s? Q) 5.7 What cache size do I have/can upgrade to? S) 6.0 Diagnostics Q) 6.1 What do the POST beeps mean? Q) 6.2 What do the POST codes mean? Q) 6.3 Why when my system boots fine sometimes the reference disk repor ts errors? Q) 6.4 How can I *REALLY* find out if these errors are just bogus? Q) 6.5 OK I got a problem, who can I get to fix it? Q) 6.6 What are the wrap plugs the reference disk sometimes refers too? S) 7.0 Misc Q) 7.1 What is the pin out for ...? Q) 7.2 What is the special SCSI connector by IBM? Q) 7.3 Where are benchmark programs located. What do they mean? S) 8.0 Operating Systems (OS) Q) 8.1 Can I run UNIX on my PS/2? Which UNIX variety works? Q) 8.2 Why won't certain UNIXs run on my PS/2? Q) 8.3 What is better for the PS/2, MSDOS or PCDOS? Q) 8.4 Can I run Windows? What would I need? Q) 8.5 Can I run Win95/98? What would I need? Q) 8.6 Can I run Linux now? S) 9.0 References Q) 9.1 Who makes upgrades for a PS/2 computer (company phone #'s) Q) 9.2 Is there automated FAX help available? Appendix A MCA Brand Card and Part Listing Appendix B IBM Reference Diskette Listing Appendix C .ADF Modification for dual SB and Audiovation/A use Appendix D POST Code Listing Appendix E Pinouts Appendix F PS/2 Sound Cards S) 1.0 Introduction Foreword Thanks to: Louis Ohland for all the parts he sent me and the FA Q submissions he still does. Charles Lasitter , President of NC Direct Marketing, 919-286-0100. He sent me a working PS/2 95 with monitor. The merchandis e was extremely clean and in great condition, keep in mind this was a donation. ..I am sure paying customers will recieve better equipment still (if that is possible). He truly was very generous and is knowledgible in PS/2's. If anyone needs anything I would contact him first. There is no cost for this document. Also anyone is free to reprint and reformat it, including the conversion to HTML, as long as the content doe s not change. I only ask that those who can send me something...sort of like shareware. I am now a Computer Science degree-seeing college student and to maintain this document and answer the emails I recieve daily is a sacrifi ce. I try to get in a two hour workout every other day and run 5 miles every other day, as well as try to keep girlfriends happy, to work, attend class and study somewhere in there also, oh and eat and sleep. Things I need right now are: o Pentium 200MMX chip for my aging main system, even a 166MMX or somethin g comparable and faster than my P133. It needs to be 3.3 volts. My motherboard supports 50,60,66MHz speeds and 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 multiplers. o Drive rails for the PS/2 95. I need 3 sets. o SCSI CD-ROM Drive, any speed. o 256k Cache module for the Model 95 for my Type 1 processor card. o Larger than 4MB SIMMS for my Model 95. I currently have 4MBx8 for 32MB total, I would like 8MBx8 for 64MB. This will be a LINUX setup for my education. o Of course cash donations are always accepted. My address will be 3702 Old Lighthouse Circle, Wellington, Florida 33414. Q) 1.1 What does this FAQ cover and how do I use this FAQ? This FAQ is for the PS/2's and most other MCA machines. There may be som e information that is inaccurate for non-IBM machines and this information should be gathered from the appropriate manufacturer. Also this is meant as a supplement to the comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware FAQ, although one could possib ly use only this document for probably 90%+ of PS/2 issues. The c.s.i.p.h F AQ is full of information (over 300k I believe) that any PC-compatible owner ca n use almost everyday. The PS2 FAQ (almost 300k by itself), therefore, tries t o avoid repeating what can be obtained via this FAQ or other FAQ documents which are easily available. To use this FAQ easily, import it into any standard word processor and us e a global text search to find what you want. For instance, on WordPerfect h it F2 and enter the text you want to find and hit enter. The section numbers f rom the table of contents make good search headings. There are web-based ver sions (www.computercraft.com) of this document and although nicer for most, the idea behind this FAQ is to give those with minimum ability access to the file. If there are deficiencies, errors, and/or missing information you would l ike to see email me at: alkemyst@shadow.net Q) 1.2 What are the different PS/2s and their features? Note: a very good reference can be found at ftp://ftp.simtel.com, in /.3/simtelnet/msdos/info/ps2-ref.zip (#25,30,50,55,60,70,73,80). (Thanks: dharding@saucer.cc.umr.edu) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------------ | ####-xxx | | Factory |KB L2 | Bus | # of | Drive |Intro| Min. Model | Model | Processor | set MHz |Cache | Type | Slot s | Bays |Date | Price ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------------ Model 25 |8525-001/G01/+ | 8086 | 8 0W | 0 | ISA8 | 2 | 2 |08/87|$ 2095 Model 25-286 |8525-G06/H06 | 80286 | 10 1W | 0 | ISA16| 2 | 2 |10/90|$ 2215 Model 25LS |8525 | 80286 | 10 | 0 | ISA | | | | Model 30 |8530-001/2/21 | 8086 | 8 0W | 0 | ISA8 | 3 | 2 |04/87|$ 2595 Model 30-286 |8530-E01/E21 | 80286 | 10 1W | 0 | ISA16| 3 | 2 |09/88|$ 2965 Model 35SX |8535-040/43/24X| 80386SX | 20 0-2W| 0 | ISA16| 3 | 2 |06/91| Model 35SLC |8535-050/55 | 80386SLC | 20 0W | 0 | ISA16| 3 | 2 |04/92| Model 35LS |8535-14X/24X | 386SX | 20 | 0 | ISA | | |01/91| Model 40SX |8540-040/43/45 | 80386SX | 20 0-2W| 0 | ISA16| 5 | 4 |06/91| Model 40SLC |8540-050/55 | 386SLC | 20 0W | 0 | ISA16| 5 | 4 |04/92| Model 50 |8550-021 | 80286 | 10 1W | 0 | MCA16| 4 | 3 |04/87| Model 50Z |8550-031/61 | 80286 | 10 0W | 0 | MCA16| 4 | 3 |08/88| Model 53SLC2 |9553-0BB | 80486SLC2 | 25/50 | | MCA | | | | Model 53LS |9553-1BX/2BX | 80486SLC2 | 25/50 | | MCA | | | | Model 55SX |8555-031/61/L?#| 80386SX | 16 0-2W| 0 | MCA16| 3 | 2 |05/89|$ 5545 Model 55LS |8555 | 80386SX | 16 0-2W| 0 | MCA16| 3 | 2 |10/90| Model 56SX/LS |8556-043/5/9/+ | 80386SX | 20 | 0 | MCA16| 3 | 2 |10/91|$ 3560 Model 56SLC |8556-055/9/+ | 80386SLC | 20 | 0 | MCA16| 3 | 2 |02/92|$ 3615 Model 56SLC2 |9556-DB6/A | 80486SLC2 | 25/50 | 0 | MCA16| 3 | 2 |10/92|$ 2727 Model 57SX |8557-045/9 | 80386SX | 20 | 0 | MCA16| 5 | 4 |06/91|$ 4165 Model 57SLC |8557-055/9/05F | 80386SLC | 20 | 0 | MCA16| 5 | 4 |02/92|$ 4850 Model 57SLC2 |9557-DB6/A | 80486SLC2 | 25/50 | | MCA16| 5 | 4 | | Model 57SLC3 |9557- | 80486SLC3 | | | MCA16| 5 | 4 | | Model 57 Ult. |9557-1BA/2BA | 80486SLC2 | 25/50 | | MCA | | | | Model 60 |8560-041/71 | 80286 | 10 1W | 0 | MCA16| 8 | 4 |04/87|$ 8245 Model 65SX |8565-061/121 | 80386SX | 16 | 0 | MCA16| 8 | 4 |06/90|$ 7495 Model 70-Exx |8570-E61 | 80386DX | 16 | 0 | MCA32| 3 | 3 |06/88|$ 8845 Model 70-xxx |8570-061/121 | 80386DX | 20 | 0 | MCA32| 3 | 3 |06/88|$11795 Model 70-Axx |8570-A21/61 | 80386DX | 25 | 64 | MCA32| 3 | 3 | |$ Model 70-Bxx |8570-B21/61 | 80486DX | 25 | 0 | MCA32| 3 | 3 |01/90|$17520 Model 70 |modification | 80486DX2 | 16|20/33| 0 | MCA32| 3 | 3 |10/93| Model P70-386 |8570 | 80386DX | 20 | | MCA | | | | Model P75-486 |8570 | 80486DX | 33 | | MCA | | | | Model 76 |9576-DU6/DUA | 80486SX | 33 | 0 | MCA32| 3 | 3 |10/92|$ 3434 Model 76 |9576-OPTION | 80486DX2 | 33/66 | 0 | MCA32| 3 | 3 |10/92| Model 77 0Ux |9577-0UF/UA | 80486SX | 33 | 0 | MCA32| 5 | 4 |10/92|$ 4153 Model 77 0Nx |9577-0NA/0NF | 80486DX2 | 33/66 | 0 | MCA32| 5 | 4 |10/92|$ 4920 Model 77 Ult. |9577-1UA/1NA | 80486DX2 | 33/66 | 0 | MCA32| 5 | 4 |10/92|$ Model 80-0xx |8580-041/071 | 80386DX | 16 | 0 | MCA32| 8 | 5/6 |04/87|$10895 Model 80-xxx |8580-111/21/321| 80386DX | 20 | 0 | MCA32| 8 | 5/6 |04/87| Model 80-Axx |8580-A16/21/31 | 80386DX | 25 | 64 | MCA32| 8 | 5/6 |06/90| Model 80 |modification | 80486DX | 25 | | MCA32| 8 | 5/6 | | Model 80 |modification | 80486DX2 | 16|20/33| | MCA32| 8 | 5/6 |10/93| Model 85-0Xx |9585-0X6/A/G/T | 80486SX | 33 | 0 | MCA32| 8 | 7 |10/92|$ 5415 Model 85-0Kx |9585-0KG/T | 80486DX | 33 | 128 | MCA32| 8 | 7 |10/92| Model 85-xNx |9585-0NT/G/NNT | 80486DX2 | 33/66 | 256 | MCA32| 8 | 7 |10/92| Model 90 XP 486|8590-0G5/H5/+ | 80486SX | 20/25 | 0 | MCA32| 4 | 4 |10/90|$10555 Model 90 XP 486|8590-OPTION | 80486DX | 33 | 0 | MCA32| 4 | 4 |10/90| Model 90 XP 486|9590-DLA/LG/+ | 80486DX2 | 25/50 | 0 | MCA32| 4 | 4 |03/93|$ 5300 Model 95 XP 486|8595-0G9/F | 80486SX | 20 |256opt| MCA32| 8 | 7 |10/90|$12640 Model 95 XP 486|8595-0H9/F | 80486SX | 25 |256opt| MCA32| 8 | 7 |10/90| Model 95 XP 486|8595-0J9/D/F | 80486DX | 20 |256opt| MCA32| 8 | 7 |10/90| Model 95 XP 486|8595-0KD/F | 80486DX | 33 |256opt| MCA32| 8 | 7 |10/90| Model 95 XP 486|8595-0LF | 80486DX | 50 |256opt| MCA32| 8 | 7 |10/90| Model 95 XP 486|8595-0MG/T | 80486DX | 50 | 256 | MCA32| 8 | 7 |10/90| Model 95 XP 486|9595-0LF/G | 80486DX2 | 25/50 | 0 | MCA32| 8 | 7 |10/92|$ 8865 Model 95 XP 486|9595-0MF/G/T | 80486DX | 50 | 256 | MCA32| 8 | 7 |06/91| Model 95 Server|9595-1NG/T/V | 80486DX2 | 33/66 |256opt| MCA32| 8 | 7 |08/92| Model 95 Server|9595-0PT/V/0PTF| Pentium | 60 | 256 | MCA32| 8 | 7 |08/93| Model 95 Server|9595-0QG/V/+ | Pentium | 66 | 256 | MCA32| 8 | 7 |09/93| Model 95 Array |9595-3NG/T | 80486DX2 | 33/66 |256opt| MCA32| 8 | 9 |08/92| Model 95 Array |9595-3PG/T | Pentium | 60 | 256 | MCA32| 8 | 9 |08/93| Model 95 Array |9595-3QG/T | Pentium | 66 | 256 | MCA32| 8 | 9 |09/93| The -xxx suffix can usually be broken down to -ABC where, A3Dnumber of hard drives usually, if A, B, or E rules below don't apply B3Dprocessor: A3D386DX25 B3D486SLC2/50 G3D486SX20 H3D486SX25 J3D 486DX25 K3D486DX33 L3D486DX2/50 M3D486DX50 N3D486DX2/66 P3D58 6/60 Q3D586/66 U/X3D486SX/33 Y3D586/90 03D<286-10 23D28 6-10 43D386DX20 53D386SLC20 C3Dhard drive type: 63D104 A3D208/212 B3D250 F3D400 G3D540 T3D1GB V3D2GB X3Dnone Fourth letter is county/language identifier, F3DCanadian French All 85xx models are XGA or VGA, 95xx models are XGA-2 or SVGA. LS models are usually identical to the SX counterparts but are diskless. Model 90/95 special info follows below: (Thanks Louis Ohland ) Stumbled across a reference document with a good overall description of t he four different complex types and their capabilities. I will get the link so people can find the *.pdf also.. Some errata seemed to have snuck in- the DMA speed goes from 20 to 25MHz then back again to 20MHz.. Original compiled by Roger Dodson, IBM. May 1996 The IBM Model 90, and Model 95, and PC Server 500 are unique in providing a Processor Complex (adapter) that integrates the (1) processor, (2) memory cache controller and L2 cache, (3) memory controller, (4) DMA controller, and (5) I/O bus controller. This provides the capability to upgrade to new technology by only replacing the Processor Complex. Upgrading a processor along with the memory and I/O controller have a significant effect on performance via a balanced, tuned system. Vendors t hat do NOT change memory and I/O controllers run the risk of having an unbala nced system that is not as efficient. There are four types of Processor Comple xes for these systems: Base or Type 1, 2, 3, and 4. o Processor Complexes are interchangeable among Model 90's, Model 95's, and the PC Server 500. * Any existing Model 90, Model 95, or PC Server 500 can be upgraded to a new Processor Complex. For example, Base 1 to Base 2 or Base 3 or Base 4; Bas e 2 to Base 4, etc. If "Upgrade" is listed above, then an upgrade option is available. All Processor Complexes withdrawn as of June 1996 Base 1 "G" 486SX 20 MHz (announced Oct 1990) Type 1 "J" 486DX 25 MHz (announced Oct 1990) 64F 0201 "K" 486DX 33 MHz (announced Oct 1990) Upgrade 486DX 50 MHz (announced June 1991) Upgrade 486DX2 66/33 (announced Aug 1992) 64F 0198 * Level 2 memory cache socket for optional 256K write-through memory cach e (256 KB write-thru standard with 486DX 50 MHz). * No math coprocessor socket ("J", "K", and "Upgrade" models already have a math coprocessor as part of 486DX). * 24 bit DMA; 10-12 MHz. * Dual path memory design (Dual Bus Interleave). Allows both the processo r and busmasters to access memory concurrently though two paths. * 20 MB per second data transfer support (for MCA bus). Base 2 "H" / Upgrade 486SX 25 MHz (announced Oct 1991) 92F 0079 Type 2 "L" / Upgrade 486DX2 50/25 (announced April 1992)92F 0161 * No Level 2 cache socket on complex. * Math coprocessor socket on "H" model only to add 80487 math coprocessor or to add a 486DX2 50/25 MHz upgrade chip which has an integrated math coprocessor. * High speed 25 MHz DMA so that it is now synchronous with the 486; 24 bi t DMA. * Faster bus arbitration (than Base 1) for busmasters to increase performance. * Memory controller to support both interleaved (higher performance -pair s of SIMMs) and non-interleaved memory (allows single SIMMs). * 20 MB per second data transfer support (for MCA bus). Base 3 "M"/ Upgrade 486DX 50 MHz (announced April 1992) 57F1579 Type 3 * 40 MB per second streaming data transfer support. This is an advanced Micro Channel I/O controller that provides faster data transfer rates t o increase performance. * Error Checking and Correcting (ECC) memory controller which will automatically correct any single bit errors on the fly (98% of memory errors are single bit); all 2 bit errors are found which halt system; some 3 and 4 bit errors are found which halt system; single bit errors are logged with optional software (NetFinity?) and multiple bit errors are logged in NVRAM. * 256KB Level 2 memory cache (write-through) is standard. * High speed 20 MHz DMA; 32 bit DMA so it can use DMA to directly address all memory; DMA supports Subsystem Control Block. * Faster bus arbitration (than Base 1) for busmaster performance. * Enhanced dual path memory design (Dual Bus Interleave). Although Base 1 allows both the processor and busmasters to access memo ry concurrently through two paths, the Base 3 and 4 has buffers at both paths to provide better performance. Also the buffer on the adapter sid e (I/O buffer) uses packet data transfers for writes. This means 16 bytes are collected and this packet is written in one cycle to memory as opposed to writing for every 4 bytes received (as with unbuffered systems). * Subsystem Control Block enabled (see definition). * Vital Product Data support. Allows software (LAN Network Manager, LAN Mgmt Utilities/2) to obtain a unique serial number (identifier) on the processor complex which is in ROM. * Synchronous Channel Check support (see definition). * Data bus parity support (see definition). * A logging facility is provided (for ECC or system errors). All trademarks are the property of their respective owners (listed on Trademark sheet) No warranties are expressed or implied in this summary Base 4 "N" / Upgrade 486DX2 66/33 MHz (announced Sept 1993) 61G2343 $772.00! Type 4 "P" / Upgrade Pentium 60 MHz (announced Aug 1993) 52G9362 "Q" / Upgrade Pentium 66 MHz (announced Sept 1993) 92F0120 "Y" / Upgrade Pentium 90/60 MHz (announced Oct 1994) 06H3739 / 19H1027 * SynchroStream(TM)controller which uses IBM's most advanced technology packaging to integrate 5 major chips (memory, I/O, DMA controllers, FIF O buffers, ECC logic) into one chip. This technology allows the high-spee d interconnects and large streaming pipes that form the SynchroStream engine to provide state-of-the-art performance. The SynchroSteam controller synchronizes data traveling between major subsystems and allows it to stream in parallel, at full bandwidth, to each subsystem concurrently. * 40 MB per second streaming data transfer support. * Error Checking and Correcting (ECC) memory controller which will automatically correct any single bit errors on the fly (98% of memory errors are single bit); all 2 bit errors are found which halt system; some 3 and 4 bit errors are found which halt system; single bit errors are logged with optional software (NetFinity?) and multiple bit errors are logged in NVRAM. * 256 MB memory addressability (Base 1, 2, and 3 is 64 MB memory addressability). * 256 KB Level 2 memory cache (write-back) is standard on Pentium models. 256 KB Level 2 memory cache (write-back) is standard on 486DX2 models. * High speed 20 MHz DMA; 32 bit DMA so it can use DMA to directly address all memory; DMA supports Subsystem Control Block. * Faster bus arbitration (than Base 1) for busmaster performance. Enhanced dual path memory design (Dual Bus Interleave). * Although Base 1 allows both the processor and busmasters to access memo ry concurrently through two paths, the Base 3 and 4 has buffers at both paths to provide better performance. Also the buffer on the adapter sid e (I/O buffer) uses packet data transfers for writes. This means 16 Bytes are collected and this packet is written in one cycle to memory as opposed to writing for every 4 bytes received (as with unbuffered systems). * Subsystem Control Block enabled (see definition) * Enhanced Vital Product Data support. Allows software (LAN Network Manager, LAN Mgmt Utilities/2) to obtain a unique serial number (identifier) on the processor complex which is in ROM (like Base 3). Al so provides unique ID (model/submodel), type/model/ serial number, manufacturing ID, planar FRU number, and planar part number. * Synchronous Channel Check support (see definition). * Data bus parity support (definition below). * A logging facility is provided (for ECC or system errors). DEFINITIONS Subsystem Control Block provides for the enhanced transfer of command, da ta, and status information between busmasters (and between busmasters and the system processor) to give increased performance. Capabilities such as com mand chaining, data chaining, and block data moves frees the processor from wa iting for command completion before issuing the next command and frees the proc essor for other tasks while a busmaster operates in parallel. Adapters and devi ce drivers must support this feature (many do today). Synchronous Channel Check support provides for the signaling of errors synchronously with the transfer in progress. Adapters and device drivers must be designed to support this feature (none do today). Data bus parity support provides for the verification of correct data as it is transferred between the processor and memory and over the Micro Channel. All data moved between individual components on the Processor Complex use thi s feature (processor, memory controller DMA, Micro Channel controller). IBM 's Token-Ring LANStreamer MC 32, Auto LANStreamer MC 32, Dual LANStreamer MC 32, EtherStreamer MC 32, Dual EtherStreamer MC 32, SCSI-2 Fast/Wide Adapter/A , SCSI-2 RAID Controller, SCSI-2 RAID Adapter/A, and TURBOWAYS 100 ATM Adap ter support this feature. IBM 32 bit MCA busmasters that support 40 MB/sec streaming: +Token-Ring LANStreamer MC 32, Auto LANStreamer MC 32, Dual LANStreamer M C 32 +EtherStreamer MC 32, Dual EtherStreamer MC 32 +SCSI-2 Fast/Wide Adapter/A +SCSI-2 RAID Controller (in 95 A), SCSI-2 F/W Strm RAID Adapter/A +All FDDI Micro Channel adapters +3515 Adapter/A (actually supports 80 MB/sec if bus supports it) +3514 Array Adapter (for external 3514 RAID 5 Array) +ARTIC960 Co-processor Adapter (actually supports 80 MB/sec) +TURBOWAYS 100 ATM Adapter +Ethernet Quad PeerMaster Server Adapters (80 MB/sec) Q) 1.3 What are the IBM brand MCA cards? These are usually denoted with a /A suffix. Here is a list of what is current. See Appendix A for full list. Q) 1.4 Where do I get a Reference Disk for my PS/2? [Rewrite by Aron Eisenpress ] Reference Disks can be downloaded from two IBM sources, via ftp to ftp.pc.ibm.com or by dialing the IBM PC Co. BBS at 1-919-517-0001. The s ame reference disk files are available from both sources, but the BBS also ha s many other files, such as product announcements, reference and configurat ion information, some shareware and employee written programs, and many OS/2 related files. Via ftp, follow these steps: o Ftp to ftp.pc.ibm.com and log in as "anonymous" with your e-mail addres s as the password. o Select the "pub" directory, type: cd pub [enter] o Select the "pccbbs" directory, type: cd pccbbs [enter] o If you don't know which file you need, look in allfiles.txt in the pub directory; which includes short descriptions (also in this FAQ). o The Reference Disk files are in the refdisks directory, type cd refdisk s. o Set transfer mode to binary, type bin [enter] o Get the file you need, type get RFxxxxxxx.DSK (or whatever filename) o If the Filename ends in .DSK you will need LDF.COM and if it ends in .T G0 you will need TGSFX.COM. o Get back to the pub directory, type: cd .. [enter], cd .. [enter] o Go to the UTILS directory, type cd UTILS [enter] o Type: bin press return and then type: get LDF.COM or get TGSFX.COM [ent er] Via the BBS, follow these steps: o Log on to the IBM PC Co. BBS at 1-919-517-0001. Follow instructions unt il you get to the main menu. Type REF DISKS, read the agreement and answe r it. Now you have access to directories 27 (ref disks) and 32 assuming you agreed. o Type D to download then enter the filename. Also LDF.COM or TGSFX.COM as outlined in the ftp directions. After the files are obtained: For .DSK files: o Run LDF.COM so that the files LOADDSKF.EXE and PRODAID.TXT are extracted. LOADDSKF.EXE is what you need, PRODAID.TXT is the IBM agreement. o Insert a blank disk and type LOADDSKF filename.DSK A: (or B:) [/F to fo rmat and /C to convert a 720KB image to a 1.44MB disk.] o Ensure the proper disk is inserted and answer: "Y". o Your reference disk is ready to go. For .TG0 files: o Run TGSFX.COM so that the files TELEGET.EXE and TGCONFIG.EXE are extracted. o Run TGCONFIG and follow the prompts. For more information on this procedure: o On ftp, cd to UTILS and get DSK.HLP. o On BBS, type HELP and read the instructions. One other common source from dealers or IBM is the IBM "Technical Connect ion Personal Systems" CDROM. Some offices also have one (a good sign is if t here are a lot of PS/2s in your office). It also includes some files unavaila ble from the on-line sources. Also check http://www3.ncr.com/support/pc/pcdesc/library/adfs.shtml Also QBMCA on http://members.aol.com/mcapage0/mcaindex.htm can tell you w hat ADF you need. Q) 1.5 Which file is my Reference Disk? They are all cryptically writte n. See Appendix B. Q) 1.6 What does the Reference Disk do? The Reference Disk is your access to the internals of the PS/2, much like accessing CMOS on other computers. From the Reference Disk you can add options, change the time and date, set up a configuration, check SCSI dev ice, change the settings of the options you added and test your system for problems. Once you have the Reference Disk running go to the Main Menu a nd Backup the Reference Disk and take one copy BEFORE you add options to it and put it in a safe place. Q) 1.7 I hear there is more diagnostics hidden on the Reference Disk, where are they? This little known command allows one to test the system one test at a tim e. This is useful if the system hangs or gets an error early in the full-tes t. To access the Advanced Diagnostics press -A from the Reference Disk Ma in Menu and it will allow you to select which test to perform after verifyin g the present configuration. Also these are more through tests and also offer hard drive formatting options and some wrap plug port tests (see Q6.6 for deta ils). Q) 1.8 Why can't I copy my Reference Disk, I want to make a backup? You can by selecting the option to backup the Reference Disk from the Reference Disk Main Menu. The files are written in a special way to the disk and only the Reference Disk and LOADDSKF can create new/backup Reference Disks unless a total disk copy program is used to copy the hidden files, DISKCO PY works. Q) 1.9 I got the Reference Disk, but now it is saying I need an Option Diskette/or giving me a 165 error at POST...What are Option Diske ttes and Where do I get them? Option Diskettes are the .ADF files that allow the PS/2 to communicate properly with installed options and the 165 error code is also saying tha t the proper .ADF file was not used to configure the system. The BBS and ftp.pc.ibm.com both have all the IBM option diskettes and some common thi rd party ones. A file index of all the files on the ftp site can be obtaine d by getting the FILES.TXT file which has 100k of disk name and descriptions o f every disk IBM included with option, computers, and devices as well as so me third party software. When you get the right one go to Copy an Option Diskette in the Reference Disk Main Menu and it should do the work for yo u. Now just configure the system and you should be set. Q) 1.10 I got the Option Diskette, but the Reference Diskette is telling me no option files can be found, What am I doing wrong? Nothing usually. Sometimes the Reference Disk can not copy the proper fi les, so look in the manual for the device and see what file(s) must be copied manually over to the Reference Disk. As always use a backup copy of the Ref Disk. Q) 1.11 I bought my PS/2 second hand who can I get technical support fro m? IBM. The 800-772-2227 (1-800-PS2-2227) is open 24 hours a day for warran tied systems; however; there is no PS/2 models still under warranty so you wil l have to use the 1-900-555-2582 number. They bill at $1.99 per minute the last time I called (10/27/98). Usually the staff is dead accurate and only ra rely is misinformation handed out. However, the chances of misinformation is greatly increased when calling during non-standard EST business hours as I have experienced at 3am calls from the East Coast. It seems lately I have been getting emails for people who have called the 900 number, but could not get there questions answered. This is not to fault IBM, it simply is not practical to train your people on every machine released , but do I get to collect the 900 charges you the questions I answer? :). Q) 1.12 IBM tech. support says they do not know my answer now what? Well if they didn't connect you to the premium support section ask to be connected there. The Premium (I think that is what they call it) support techs are usually a lot more adept at in-depth tech help, but sometimes t he normal tech does not connect you to them when you have a more advanced problem so ask for them if you feel the person helping you is lost (usual ly symbolized by a lot of being put on hold 'while I find out the answer' ty pe responses). Also it is a good idea to always call back later to double check on things that you are not totally comfortable with the given answe r. Since these calls are no longer free it may not be practical to call back . Also I am not sure the still have normal and Premium support since the ph one support has changed to the 900 number system, but of course, you can alwa ys email me. Q) 1.13 Where can I find support on the internet? 9595 http://www.inwave.com/~ohlandl/ Adapter Description Files (ADFs) http://www3.ncr.com/support/pc/pcdesc/library/adfs.shtml THE COMPUTERCRAFT PS2 Resource Center http://www.computercraft.com/docs/ps2sect.html IBM Canada Ltd - Vintage PCs http://www.can.ibm.com/helpware/vintage.html IBM PCs Tech Library http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/cdt/hmm.html IBM Link (last time I was there I could not find the PS/2 Info) http://www.ibmlink.ibm.com/ MICROCHANNEL ENTHUSIASTS PAGE / INDEX http://members.aol.com/mcapage0/mcaindex.htm NeoInteractive MotherBoard Upgrades http://www.neointeractive.com/ PS/2 Page | Main http://members.tripod.com/~ps2page/ PSINFO http://www.co.umist.ac.uk/~ch/psinfo/psinfo.1.toc.html Q) 1.14 I got an IBM MCA card with no labeling, How do I tell what it is ? This is a big problem with IBM cards. Most card manufacturers get label crazy silk-screening their name and the card's name all over the card's breadboard,yet IBM being the marketing giant doesn't need the extra produ ction step and goes with bare breadboards. The first thing to do is to ground yourself (by touching the power supply of a turned OFF computer is a good way) and try to set the card on an anti-sta tic bag or surface and try not to move around to much because one static char ge to a key area and it won't matter what the card is for. Then try and find o ut what IBM part numbers (IBMPN) and FRU (Field Replacement Unit)(IBMFRU) ar e listed on the front and back of the card. Contrary to popular belief you cannot tell what the card does by these numbers as a class, i.e. not all 87Xxxxx cards are disk controllers and made in 1987. With all the number s written down place the card in a anti-static bag and store it carefully. Call IBM at 1-800-772-2227 (or 900-555-2582 at $1.99/min) and ask them first. Chances are if the card is over two years old it is going to be a gamble at best. If they could not help, it is time to post your problem to comp.sys.ibm.ps2.hardware for answers. Try to render an ASCII image of t he card to give people an idea of what it is and this might also help someon e identify it on the spot. Also the FCC# could be used as it almost never changes and is unique for each card. The FCC website is www.fcc.gov/oet/fccid. There is also SBS Direc t's FCC ID Look-up at www.sbsdirect.com/fccenter.html. Lately these have pro ven excellent resorts though sometimes the descriptions given are vague you a t least will know the manufacturer and purpose of the card. Another method though I believe you need to have it installed and configu red is a program on PC-DOS 6.3 which takes the 'electronic name' (POSID, a fo ur digit number) of the MCA card and gives the description. And of course, QBMCA on http://members.aol.com/mcapage0/mcaindex.htm. Another utility that reports on the POSID from MS-DOS is Snooper on http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/jvias/snoop344.zip. S) 2.0 Motherboards Q) 2.1 Where can I find a PS/2 motherboard? PS/2 last a long time, but sometimes due to mother nature, the user or ju st age the motherboards (planar boards in IBM-speak) fail. These can be obt ained in many places both new and used. Beware that the price of a new motherb oard is steep from IBM. Some third-party dealers have them much cheaper than i n the past. DakTech carries them still in either new or as good as new form wi th a warranty, the Model 80-Axx series 25MHz motherboard with cache was only $ 99 (10/27/98), there number is 800-325-3238. Used motherboards could be obt ained from Page Computers 800-886-0055 for a reasonable price ($139.00 for a Mo del 80-Axx w/ 90 day warranty). I have bought two boards from them and have had no problems with either. The people working there are normally ex-IBM PS /2 people who know a lot more than your average computer salvage types. Tru e Blue Parts 508-833-2225 (trueblueparts@mindspring.com) formally Micro Mar t has the Model 80-Axx board for only $60. Your best bet in general is to pick up a Computer Shopper and scan the pages for PS/2 stuff and put the numbers in a easy to find database (and also send new numbers found to me for FAQ additions) so that whenever a problem arises you can look up the company that sells what you need. Q) 2.2 Instead of a 'stock' motherboard can I get a more advanced board? Reply Technologies sold new PS/2-type motherboards much cheaper than the IBM versions. These were high priced compared to normal PC-Clone motherboard s, but if you have cash in memory and PS/2 proprietary items it is cheaper t han replacing everything with new ISA/VLB/PCI based equipment. Also they offe red Pentium processors, the ability to use standard SIMMs, and even VLB. The se are still available used and new from certain vendors, www.neointeractive .com is one such dealer. The types of motherboards available from IBM are the 486DX2/66 and 486BL2/66, and almost every 486 type from Reply Technologie s. The IBM motherboards are only available from the Boulder Surplus Parts division and are limited as they are no longer being made. Also they wer e made only for the 60, 65SX, 70 and 80. There is a model 50/50Z and 55SX/LS planar board upgrade to 486SLC2/50 available currently from IBM. Note: these were discontinued in Sept 94 s o they are limited, if IBM Direct doesn't have them call Boulder. There are two versions of Reply's motherboards: the TurboBoard (for model s 30, 50/50Z, 55SX, and 70) and the PowerBoard (for models 25/25-286, 30-28 6, 50/50Z, 55SX, 56 and 57, and 70). Using the model 70 as the example, the TurboBoard ($25.00) offers a 486SLC2 25/50 CPU, 387SX FPU socket, 16MB ma x using 3 70ns parity SIMMs, on board 1MB DRAM video, and 3 16 bit slots (o ne with video extension). The PowerBoard ($95 with 486DX2/66) offers 486DX2 /66, 486DX4/100, or 586/100 with Intel Overdrive socket, 64MB max using 3 70ns parity SIMMs, on-board 1MB (2MB+$25) 64 bit local bus video, two 32 bit a nd one 16 bit (with video extension) slots. This is not a bad way to go. Processor upgrades are $25 for 486DX4/100 and $50 for 586/100. The latest prices are as of 10/27/98 from Neointeractive (www.neointeractive.com). Q) 2.3 Will a standard motherboard work in a PS/2? No...unless you are VERY lucky(and probably the only one in the world). Most times the screw holes will not even come close, then the slots will be wa y off. Even if you got it fastened into your case you would need a new pow er supply (which you would have to screw in some how) and then new floppy dr ives etc. You are better off selling the system and starting from scratch. Q) 2.4 What motherboards come with a cache and are more up-to-date with today's standards? Well I am not going to be able to complete this section but the model 70 and 80s with a 25MHz processor (8570/8580-Axx) come with a 64k L2 cache which is very helpful. Benchmarks on a 20MHz model 80 and 25MHz model 80 with the cache showed Dhrystones at 4k for the 20MHz and at 7.7k for the 25MHz whi ch is a bigger difference than the 5MHz should give by itself. As a matter of fact a Cyrix DRx2-40 processor in a 20MHz machine gave only 8k Dhrystones, a c ache of some sort should always be obtained when purchasing a motherboard. Q) 2.5 Which motherboards allow/prohibit additional on-board memory? The following list shows what memory can be added. The difference of the Max System and Max Mother is what must be installed in the form of an expansi on card. Factory Max Max Model Installed Mother System ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- 16 BIT 35/40-all 2 16 16 50-021 1 2 16 50Z-031 1 8 16 50Z-061 2 8 16 53 55LS-LE0 4 8 16 55LS-LT0 4 8 16 55SX-031 4 8 16 55SX-041 4 8 16 55SX-061 4 8 16 55SX-081 4 8 16 56 57SX-045 4 16 16 57SX-049 4 16 16 60-041 1 1 16 60-071 1 1 16 65SX-061 2 8 16 65SX-121 2 8 16 65SX-321 2 8 16 32 BIT 70-061 2 6 16 70-081 4 6 16 70-121 2 6 16 70-161 4 6 16 70-A16 4 8 16 70-A21 2 6 16 70-A61 2 8 16 70-A81 4 8 16 70-E61 2 8 16 70 486-B21 2 8 16 70 486-B61 2 8 16 76 77 80-041 1 2 16 80-071 2 2 16 80-081 4 4 16 80-111 2 4 16 80-121 2 4 16 80-161 4 4 16 80-311 2 4 16 80-321 2 4 16 80-A16 4 8 16 80-A21 4 8 16 80-A31 4 8 16 90 XP 486-0J5 8 64 64 90 XP 486-0J9 8 64 64 90 XP 486-0KD 8 64 64 90 XP 486-0J5 8 64 64 90 XP 486SX-0G5 4 64 64 90 XP 486SX-0G9 4 64 64 90 XP 486SX-0H5 8 64 64 90 XP 486SX-0H9 8 64 64 90 XP 486SX-0K9 8 64 64 90 XP 486SX-0KF 8 64 64 95 XP 486-0G9 4 64 64 95 XP 486-0GF 4 64 64 95 XP 486-0J9 8 64 64 95 XP 486-0JD 8 64 64 95 XP 486-0JF 8 64 64 95 XP 486-0KD 8 64 64 95 XP 486SX-0H9 8 64 64 95 XP 486SX-0HD 8 64 64 PORTABLE P70 386-031 2 8 16 P70 386-061 4 8 16 P70 386-121 4 8 16 P75 486-161 8 16 16 P75 486-401 8 16 16 According to Louis Ohland Max mother is what can be physically added to the motherboard. Max system is what can be added in the form of memory cards. Max system is also the maximum memory of the mother and expansion card combined. To make it easier- The 90 / 95 machines do not support MME (Matched Memory Extension) and therefor cannot accept add-on memory cards. With the advent of the type 4 complex, you have either 64MB max with parity, or 256MB max with ECC (my 9595-OYT has 128MB..)(Maybe someone can send me a Type 4 complex too :)). Q) 2.6 Can I use normal 72-pin SIMMs? 30-pin SIMMs? Nope, neither. There are reports of some using non-PS/2 72-pin SIMMs, bu t these have not been verified by myself and also I suspect that they are actually third party PS/2 SIMMs the user was unknowingly using. Q) 2.7 How do I tell the speed of the PS/2 SIMMs I have now on my motherboard? Most of the times unless labeled it will be hard. IBM's numbering system changes all the time and many times the cross-reference can not be made. I got a SIMM here that has a nice label stating IBM 2M 85NS P/N 68X6127 FRU 92F0104. Now if that label were removed I would only have 89X8922 IB M9314 L46056PE on the 18 chips that are attached to the SIMM, now if someone ca n make 2M or 85NS out of those three numbers I would be impressed as a call to IBM showed it as not identifiable. In OS/2 WARP there is a program that tells what is installed and the spe ed of the SIMMs. This program is the system information utility. Although it would be impractical for a large amount of unlabeled SIMMs, a few can be ID'ed this way. According to Louis Ohland : The 9595 Type 4 (possibly type 3) can report in setup on the speed and architecture (parity or ECC) of each chip by slot... Q) 2.8 What speed SIMMs do I need? Unlike buying clone motherboards, the speed of the SIMMs you should need will usually be easily found out. For standard IBM, call IBM and for all othe r motherboard makers they should include it in their motherboard docs. Mos t of the time the 80ns memory is the most common on the newer machines. 120ns was used on the older PS/2s (i.e. 50's and 60's) and most 386s at or less tha n 25MHz can get by with 85ns. If you upgrade to one of the new 486 replace ment 386 CPUs you will probably need 80ns memory unless stated that it will wo rk with normal system memory, 70ns and faster is probably a good idea and sh ould be used as 80ns and slower memory is becoming obsolete. From Louis Ohland : The 9595 Type 4 (possibly type 3) can report in setup on the speed and architecture (parity or ECC) of each chip by slot... Q) 2.9 How good is MCA and what does it offer? IBM is pushing the MCA bus again. It is possible to make it as fast as V LB, it comes close now. The new 700 machines will offer a dual bus, MCA/PCI which will give the best of both worlds. The *BEST* thing about MCA is i t usually offers the PLUG-and-PLAY everyone wants, at least in most cases. You simply copy the .ADF files onto your reference disk then plug the new car d in and turn on your system. The computer will figure out where the card is and configure it and for once you don't have to set 10 banks of 8 dipswitchs with a pen :). Also it offers the best bus mastering out there. A MCA card c an totally take over all functions of the CPU and FPU and cause no interfere nce with the rest of the machine, also a MCA board can have its own CPU to do the work of the peripheral it is attached. For example lets say you had a MC A Video Toaster type card...it could be set up to allow you to configure ce rtain options, enter data, then have it process the data no matter how complex and return to your normal machine and witness no slowdown at ALL. MCA allows card functions to be totally independent and self-controlled. A problem faced by ISA was device addresses, and ISA bus is only capable of 1024 device addresses while MCA can address 65,280. Also, MCA has far mo re grounds along the bus preventing radio emission. Lastly, MCA can share interrupts while ISA can not. The speed of MCA is something underestimated by non-PS/2 users. It is a very fast and quiet (as far as RF interference goes). Some specs are: The maximum transfer rates on a 10 MHz MCA bus: 16 bit MCA 32 bit MCA Normal transfers 10MBytes/sec 20 MBytes/sec (adr/data) Short Burst and Long Streaming transfers 20MBytes/sec 40 MBytes/sec (adr/data data data ..) Multiplex Streaming (not available) 80 MBytes/sec (as above and uses the `idle' adr lines to transfer data as well, for a 64 bit transfer) Matched Memory Cycle 21.3 MBytes/sec (matched memory cycle changes the timing of (32 MBytes/sec w/o the MCA bus to 62.5 added wait state nanosec. for a 187.5 at 62.5 Nanosec. 4 byte adr-wait-data and 40 MBytes/sec transfer cycle. This with 50 nanosec is on a 16MHz model timing) 80 as an example.) [Originator: benker@hp-8.cae.wisc.edu] Since there have been so many discussions about all of this, I'm posting the OFFICIAL MCA specs. These are direct from IBM. MCA, as you will notice, has the capability to be faster than even the local bus technologies with a transfer rate of up to 160MB/sec. Hope all of this helps. The basic transfer cycle on the Micro Channel is a minimum of 200ns (100n s for the address and 100ns for the data which results in five million basi c transfer cycles per second for a device running in burst mode. As shown in Figure "Basic Data Transfer Mode", a data transfer operation is done in t wo steps. First the address for the transfer (either I/O adapter or memory location) is selected, then up to four bytes of data is moved across the data buffer. Depending of the width of the data path (8, 16, or 32 bits) the instantan eous data transfer rate on the channel would be 5, 10, or 20MB per second. Th e matched-memory extension is a modification to the basic data transfer mod e, which can improve the data transfer capabilities between the system maste r and channel-attached memory. When supported, it allows the basic transfer cy cle of 200ns to be reduced. The DMA controller on the system board requires two basic transfer cycles to move either 8 bits or 16 bits of data. It moves the data from the origin ator to a buffer in the DMA controller and then to the target device or memory location. Because two cycles are used per 8 or 16 bits of data, the data transfer rate for DMA controllers is 2.5MB or 5MB per second. For blocks of sequential data transferred over the Micro Channel, it should not be nece ssary to specify the address information more than once. Both the source and destination devices should update the address for each cycle by the size of the transferred data. This technique is supported by the Micro Channel a nd is known as streaming data mode (or streaming data procedure). Using stream ing data mode with 32 bit transfer, the effective transfer rate is 40MB per second. The usage of the address and data buses during a data transfer u sing streaming data procedure is shown in Figure "Streaming Data Mode". When the Micro Channel is running in streaming data mode, the 32 address lines are only used during the first cycle of the transfer. These address line s are therefore available for transfer of an additional four bytes during each following cycle. This mode is called multiplexed streaming data mode and gives an effective width of 64 bits (8 bytes) for each cycle. The result ing effective data rate is 80MB per second. This is shown in Figure "Multipl exed Streaming Data Mode". PS/2 Model 9595 (and possibly the 8595) can support the 100ns basic trans fer cycle with the SCSI Fast/Wide adapterrather than the current 200ns. With the current cycle the Micro Channel is able to transfer sequential blocks of data with transfer rates of 20, 40, and 80MB per second. Systems implementing the faster transfer cycle would be able to reach tra nsfer speeds of up to 160MB per second. These rates are essential for advanced function bus masters, which must move large blocks of sequential data. Q) 2.10 Which is better, ISA/EISA/VLB/PCI/etc? [From: ralf@wpi.wpi.edu (Ralph Valentino)] [updated: alkemyst@shadow.net 10/23/94] Here is a quick overview of the various bus architectures available for t he PC and some of the strengths and weaknesses of each. Some terms are describ ed in more detail at the bottom. XT bus: Bus originally used in the IBM XT. 8 data bits, 20 address bits 4.77 MHz Comments: Obsolete, very similar to ISA bus, many XT cards will work i n ISA slots. ISA bus: Industry Standard Architecture bus (a.k.a. AT bus) 8/16 data bits, 24 address bits (16Meg addressable) 8-8.33MHz, asynchronous 5.55M/s burst bus master support edge triggered TTL interrupts (IRQs) - no sharing low cost Comments: Ideal for low to mid bandwidth cards, though lack of IRQs ca n quickly become annoying. MCA bus: Micro Channel Architecture bus 16/32 data bit, 32 address bits 10-20MHz, up to 40MHz could be possible, asynchronous 80M/s burst, synchronous full bus master capability good bus arbitration auto configurable IBM proprietary (not ISA/EISA/VLB compatible) Comments: Since MCA was proprietary, EISA was formed to compete with i t. EISA gained much more acceptance; MCA is all but dead. EISA bus: Enhanced Industry Standard Architecture bus 32 data bits, 32 address bits 8-8.33MHz, synchronous 32M/s burst (sustained) full bus master capability good bus arbitration auto configurable sharable IRQs, DMA channels backward compatible with ISA some acceptance outside of the PC architecture high cost Comments: EISA is great for high bandwidth bus mastering cards such as SCSI host adapters, but its high cost limits its usefulness for Other types of cards. Very commonly used in servers. VLB: VESA Local Bus 32 data bits, 32 address bits 25-40MHz, asynchronous 130M/s burst (sustained is closer to 32M/s) bus master capability will coexist with ISA/EISA slot limited to 2 or 3 cards typical backward compatible with ISA moderate cost Comments: VLB is great for video cards, but its lack of a good bus arb iter limits its usefulness for bus mastering cards and its modera te cost limits its usefulness for low to mid bandwidth cards. Since it can coexist with EISA/ISA, a combination of all thr ee types of cards usually works best. PCI: Peripheral Component Interconnect 32 data bits (64 bit option), 32 address bits (64 bit option) up to 33MHz, synchronous 120M/s burst (sustained) (240M/s with 64 bit option) full bus master capability good bus arbitration up to 6 peripherals auto configurable will coexist with ISA/EISA/MCA as well as another PCI bus strong acceptance outside of the PC architecture moderate cost Comments: Combines the speed of VLB with the advanced arbitration of E ISA. Great for both video cards and bus mastering SCSI/network ca rds. VL 2.0: Video Local Bus version 2.0 64 data bits, multiplexing and data buffering up to 50MHz est. 400M/s burst full bus mastering good bus arbitration specification not completed yet 3DTerms3D Auto configurable: Allows software to identify the board's requirements and resolve any potential resource conflicts (IRQ/DMA/add ress /BIOS/etc). Bus master support: Capable of First Party DMA transfers. Full bus master capability: Can support any First Party cycle from any device, including another CPU. Good bus arbitration: Fair bus access during conflicts, no need to back off unless another device needs the bus. This prevent s CPU starvation while allowing a single device to u se 100% of the available bandwidth. Other buses let a card hold the bus until it decides to release it a nd attempts to prevent starvation by having an active card voluntarily release the bus periodically ("bu s on time") and remain off the bus for a period of time ("bus off time") to give other devices, including the CPU, a chance even if they don't want it. 16Meg addressable: This limits first party DMA transfers to the lower 16 Meg of address space. There are various software methods to overcome this problem when more than 16 Megs of main memory are available. This has no effect on the abil ity of the processor to reach all of main memory. Backward compatible with ISA: Allows you to place an ISA card in the slo t of a more advanced bus. Note, however, that the ISA card does not get any benefit from bei ng In an advanced slot, instead, the slot rev erts To an ISA slot. Other slots are unaffecte d. The MCA specs at 10MHz show sustained throughput very close to VLB and 20 MHz MCA specs should be equal or superior to VLB, however, usually MCA cards do not operate at these faster speeds of 20MHz. TIME LINE 8088 8086 286 386 486 586 ** VL2 *** PCI2 ********* PCI1 *********** VL1 ********************************* EISA *************************************** MCA ********************************************************* AT bus ***************** PC bus 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 Q) 2.11 Will an ISA card work in an MCA (PS/2) machine? No, they will not. MCA, unlike EISA and VLB, is not backward compatible with ISA. Q) 2.12 How do I enter the CMOS configuration menu? If it is possible on your machine it is Ctrl-Alt-Ins after Ctrl-Alt-Del. If nothing happens when you hit Ctrl-Alt-Ins at the prompt then you must use the reference disk to change CMOS values. From Louis Ohland : With the type 4 complex, you can hit Escape for quick boot (bypass memory check) and/or hit F1 to run setup. Q) 2.13 What is bus mastering anyway? Bus mastering is the ability of the MCA card to directly read and write t o main memory. This allows the CPU do delegate I/O work out to the cards, freeing it to do other things. If you want a bus mastering card, you sho uld specifically request it and expect to pay more. Also not all cards are available in bus mastering form due to the fact that they do not have to be independent to the rest of the system, and some because they can't be independent. S) 3.0 IO controllers/interfaces Q) 3.1 How do FM/IDE/MFM/RLL/ESDI/SCSI interfaces work? Ok, first FM, MFM, and RLL refer to the data encoding. Almost all drives today are RLL. IDE, ESDI, and SCSI are types of interfaces and the drive s that run on them. The descriptions below will contain a lot of techno-ba bble to most, but the purpose of this is to give an idea how they work and in that capacity the text below should suffice. UPGRADING AND REPAIRING PC'S by Scott Mueller describes this much better as that is the purpose of his book, no t this FAQ. FM, or Frequency Modulation, was the earliest scheme. Known as Single De nsity by many because of the floppies it was originally used on. This was popu lar in the 1970's, but with a limit of about 80k it quickly died out. It is the simplest way to encode zeros and ones. Also to prevent sync er rors in long streams of zeros or ones, two transition cells are used per bit. A data cell representing the zero or one and a clock cell representing what amounts to the position or record. In a data transition cell, either a o ne bit is recorded to indicate a flux reversal or a zero bit to indicate non e. The clock cell is used for each bit also. So each time you change bits, the clock cell reverses flux. This works great except for the fact that you lose half your storage capability since each data bit requires two flux revers als, one for the data and one for the clock. Example of FM Data to Flux Transitions Data Bit Flux encoding 1 TT 0 TN T3Dflux transition N3Dno flux transition MFM, or Modified Frequency Modulation was created to reduce this overhead and compact more data into the same space. This was done by reducing clock transition cells. A clock transition cell is only recorded if a zero bit is preceded by a zero bit. This amounts to twice the efficiency and is why MFM became known as Double Density (as did the disks which were originally formatted this way). It is still used in almost all PC floppy drives tod ay. MFM is also twice as fast as FM. Example of MFM Data to Flux Transitions Data Bit Flux encoding 1 NT (no clock cell encoding) 0 preceded by 0 TN (clock cell encoded) 0 preceded by 1 NN (no clock cell encoded) RLL, or Run Length Limited, is today's method of choice. RLL stores 50% more data than MFM and three times the data of FM. In RLL, groups of bits are taken as a whole and combined to generate a pattern of flux reversals. B y combining the clock and data cells into these patterns, the clock rate ca n be increase while keeping the same distance of transitions on the disk. RLL was invented by IBM first for mainframes, but by the 80's this techno logy flowed into the desktop PC's of the day and is still a viable encoded sch eme. RLL gets its name from the two main functions of the patterns stored. On e is the minimum number (the run length) and maximum number (the run limit) of transition cells allowed between two actual flux transitions. There are several schemes to this, but RLL 2,7 and RLL 1,7 are the most popular wit h 1,7 used almost exclusively in all large drives. Using RLL 2,7 as the example, the numbering scheme is based on the fact t hat there can be as few as 2 and as many as 7 transition cells separating two flux transitions. Also, FM and MFM can be referred by RLL naming conventions a s RLL 0,1 and RLL 1,3, respectively, however when they are discussed it is stil l by there original FM and MFM names. Example of RLL 2,7 Data to Flux transitions (Using IBM's ENDEC (ENcode/DECode) table only as there can be unlimited variations to this encoding scheme) Data Flux encoding 10 NTNN 11 TNNN 000 NNNTNN 010 TNNTNN 011 NNTNNN 0010 NNTNNTNN 0011 NNNNTNNN Example of the character "X" (01011000 in binary) showing the actual way it is encoded on disk. FM: Bit .0.1.0.1.1.0.0.0 Flux TNTTTNTTTTTNTNTN 11 transitions MFM: Bit .0.1.0.1.1.0.0.0 Flux TNNTNNNTNTNNTNTN 6 transitions (50% of FM) RLL 2,7: Bit .0.1.0.1.1.0.0.0 Flux TNNTNNTNNNNNNTNN 4 transitions (30% of FM) T3DTransition flux, N3DNo Transition flux, and .3Ddata bit boundary. Also there is a new encoding scheme called PRML, Partial-Response, Maximum-Likelihood that compacts data a further 40%. This uses DSP techn ology to clean the signal of noise and allow data to be stored closer together, whereas the other three still have the same density of flux transitions. Now on to interfaces. There are a few: ST-506/412, ESDI, IDE, and SCSI as well as the variations of each (SCSI-2, ATA-2, etc). The interface trans mits and receives data to and from the drive. Only the ST-506/412 and ESDI ar e true disk-controller to drive interfaces. SCSI and IDE are system level interfaces usually containing ST-506/412 or ESDI internally. SCSI adds a n extra level of interface that attaches directly to the system bus whereas IDE is a direct bus interface. ST-506/412 - developed by Seagate back around the beginning of the 80's a nd is named after the 5MB ST-506 drive and 10MB ST-412 drive originally attache d to this interface. This was the interface of choice for almost all drive manufacturers during this time period. Also interestingly enough all dri ves using this interface were plug-and-play as long as the BIOS on the system board supported the drive (when the IBM AT was introduced IBM removed the BIOS off the ST-506/412 interface and included it into the IBM AT system BIOS) . This interface is obsolete by today's standards, though it endured a long time for an interface designed around a 5MB drive which at the end of its life was connected to drives as large as 233MB! Using two Drive Select (DS) chann els you could have up to two drives attached to this controller, DS1 was the C drive and DS2 was D. ESDI, Enhanced Small Device Interface - developed in the early 80's by Ma xtor to succeed the ST-506/412 standard and provide more performance and later adopted by ANSI. Offered enhanced reliability by incorporating a ENDEC i nto the drive. Capable of 24 megabits/sec, though limited to 10-15 megabits/ sec by almost all drives. ESDI drives were not always compatible with other ESDI drives due to implementation deviations between manufacturers and this op ened the way for the IDE standard which though slower was much cheaper to prod uce. ESDI also allowed for automatic drive configuration and defect mapping (sometimes). Also mostly compatible with the ST-506/412 interface in tha t if the system supported one, it usually would the other. Sometimes addition al software would need to be run (for auto defect mapping as an example). IDE, Integrated Drive Electronics - a generic term for any drive with bui lt-in controller electronics. Though more often applied to ATA (AT Attachment) drives and is an ANSI standard. These were originally exclusively Hardca rds where a small 3.5" ST-506/412 or ESDI drive was mounted directly to the controller card. More reliability due to the lack of ribbon cables and reduced noise. Although the IDE cable ports are on the motherboards of today's computers , the actual controller is still in the drive. The port is only used to connec t the controller to the bus and is actually a 40 pin subset of a 98 pin ISA slo t. Having the controller built-in to each drive is why many times IDE drives don't work together. Both controllers compete to be the Master despite assigning it a Slave status sometimes. The usual workaround is to use ID E drives by the same manufacturer and also of the same specification. PS/2 content: in 1987 IBM offered IDE drives for MCA machines called MCA IDE (a 16 bit device like ATA IDE). These were connected to the bus thorough an interposer card and needed only a few buffer chips and almost no circuitr y which is why they are referred to as paddle boards by many (game paddle/joystick boards have very little circuitry also). An 8 bit variat ion made it into the non-Microchannel Model 30 similar to XT IDE. IDE drives offer the highest performance at any cost for a single user, s ingle tasking operating system. ATA-1 was introduced in 1989 and ATA-2 (EIDE by Western Digital and Fast- ATA and Fast-ATA-2 by Seagate and Quantum) in 1995. ATA-2 allows for drives larger than 504MB by translation (basically alter ing the perceived geometry of a drive to other programs which cannot handle m ore than 1024 cylinders. A 2000 cylinder drive with 16 heads would be transl ated as a 1000 cylinder drive with 32 heads). Translation methods rely on an enhanced BIOS and are known as Standard CHS (Cylinder Head Sector), Exten ded CHS or Large, LBA (Logical Block Addressing). It also allows faster data transfers with PIO (programmed Input Output) m odes. Mode 0 has a 600ns cycle time and limits transfers to 3.3MB/sec. At its best ATA-1 had a 240ns cycle time and transfer rate of 8.3MB/sec. With ATA-2 in PIO mode 3 with its 180ns cycle time, transfer rates go to 11.1 and with mode 4 and a 120ns cycle the rate is 16.6MB/sec. This implementation requires the port to be a local bus port (VLB or PCI). Also despite support for two d rives usually only the primary can support up to mode 4, the secondary is actua lly connected through the ISA bus and is limited to mode 2. DMA (direct memory access) can also be used to exclude the CPU from the d rive to bus transfers using the system boards DMA controller to handle the transactions. Busmastering DMA controllers use their own DMA controller to handle this and because of the extra complexity it drives up the cost. D MA is never used efficiently with an ISA bus, but with today's PCI boards speed s of 33MB/sec are now common. SCSI, Small Computer System Interface - not really a disk interface, but a system-level interface. SCSI is a bus that supports up to eight devices. One of these is the host adapter and the gateway between the SCSI and PC buse s. The SCSI bus does not talk directly to the devices either, but to each de vices controller built into it (Most SCSI drives are actually IDE drives with S CSI bus adapter circuits added. Each device is given a SCSI ID. Up to 4 hos t adapters can be supported by most systems and with each able to control 7 other peripherals that gives a total of 28 devices. Some newer SCSI implementations can support 15 devices per bus. The SCSI standard like ESDI is a hardware standard. It does not specify how communication is to be handled and as a result some SCSI devices are not compatible with others. Scanners and some CD-ROMS fall into these catego ry as they do not include the BIOS for self-booting hard drives. There are several implementations of SCSI. SCSI-1 included many features and commands, but listed them as optional s o many were not used causing incompatibility galore. SCSI-1 was limited to 5MB/sec transfers. SCSI-1 devices were 8 bit. SCSI-2 fixed this by requiring 18 commands to be coded, a Common Command Set (CCS). SCSI-2 also brought support for CD-ROMS, tape drives, and other devices. There was Fast SCSI-2 and a 16 bit version called Wide SCSI-2. Fast synchronous SCSI and Wide SCSI were an optional specifications and r aised the transfer rate to 10MB/sec when each was used by itself. However, fas t and wide can be combined and raise transfer rates to 20MB/sec. There was als o a 32 bit specification defined, but was not implemented as being too expens ive. Q) 3.2 How can I tell if I have MFM/RLL/ESDI/IDE/SCSI? Open the computer and check the model number of the drive and contact the manufacturer is the only way to be 100% certain in many cases. That aside, the first thing to check is the number of pins on the drive's connector(s) and how many cables you have. The second thing to check is t he CMOS setup, assuming, of course, that it is in a working system. ST-506/412 3D two or three cables (1 drive or 2 drives): two 20 pin, and one 34 pin if two drives are connected (do not attempt to connec t an ESDI drive to these cables, although it will attach the sign als are different). 17 (MFM) or 26 (RLL) sectors per track. One 34 pin cable is daisy-chained between up to two drives m uch like floppies, though due to different twist in the cable th ey are not interchangeable. Many of these interfaces include a provision for connecting floppies though. A terminating resistor is used if only one drive is connecte d. ESDI 3D 2 cables: 34 pin and a 20 pin (as stated in the ST-506/412 secti on both the 34 and 20 pin are identical in looks to the cables that are us ed with the ST-506/412 interface, but do not connect a MFM or RLL drive to this interface). usually set up as type #1 in the CMOS and auto-configured at boot time 32 sectors per track or more and almost always 1:1 interleave givi ng up to 1MB/sec transfer capability. IDE 3D 1 cable: 40 pins with three pin-header style connectors on it. O ne plugs into the IDE interface connector and the other far end into t he primary drive (usually...sometimes this is the secondary), followed by the secondary being connected in the middle (again it is possible t he primary is in the middle). Sectors, heads and tracks are variable. CMOS does not determine accurately. SCSI-1 3D 1 cable: 50 pins SCSI-2 3D 1 cable: 68 pins PS/2 uses 60 pins so I am not sure if there is a way to tell bet ween SCSI-1 and SCSI-2 on a PS/2 Aftermarket controllers use the standard 50 pin and some use the Apple SCSI connector for external drives. usually set up as "not installed" in the CMOS Q) 3.3 Why won't my two hard drives work together? IDE: (Assuming the user has determined that the Master/Slave arrangement s are correct). IDE drives of different makes may just be incompatible, likewi se occasionally different models of the same manufacturer are. Try two iden tical drives, swapping master and slave, or trying a combination of a third dri ve with any of the other two and the problem should usually cease. SCSI: (Again assuming the user understands how to configure a SCSI adapt er). If using SCSI-1 spec drives, there just may be incompatibilities between them, try another drive preferably of the same manufacturer or better yet an identical drive. With later SCSI specifications, chances are something i s not terminated or ID'd properly. Try changing the order. Q) 3.4 How do I install a second controller? Simply pull it in and boot with the reference disk and viola. Of course i t is never this easy. Occasionally some controllers are incompatible with one another and it is impossible to get them to work together. For this reas on try to keep controllers identical (use the same manufacturer at the very least). Q) 3.5 Which is better, SCSI or IDE or ESDI? Again like the MCA versus ISA/EISA/VLB/PCI debate. There is what is bett er in theory and what is better in real life. ESDI is a dead standard with muc h faster and larger capacity, cheaper IDE drives out there, though it had t he possibility of being the fastest. Unfortunately in the PS/2 arena you us ually can't chose IDE which with the newer versions offers almost all of the sp eed of the best SCSI drives and still is the fastest single user, single task OS drive there is. SCSI, however, with multitasking operating systems shine s, especially the later Fast/Wide standards. Though I do not know of any PS /2 controller capable of the 40MB/sec and 80MB/sec of today's top SCSI drive s the 10-20MB/sec performance is more than enough for many desktops. Q) 3.6 Can MFM/RLL/ESDI/IDE and SCSI coexist? The PC is limited to two drive controllers total. SCSI, however, is a "h ost adapter" and not a drive controller. To the rest of your system, it appe ars more like an Ethernet card than a drive controller. For this reason, SCSI will always be able to coexist with any type dive controller. The main drawba ck here is that on most systems, you must boot off a disk on the primary dri ve controller, if you have one. That means if you have SCSI and IDE in your system, for example, you can not directly boot from the SCSI drive. Ther e are various ways to get around this limitation, including the use of a boot manager. MFM and RLL are the methods of writing the data to the disk and as such a lmost always exist together (MFM for the floppy drives and RLL for the fixed di sks). Q) 3.7 What's the difference between SCSI and SCSI-2? Are they compatibl e? The main difference between SCSI and SCSI-2 are some new minor features t hat the average person will never notice. Both run at a maximum 5MB/s. Thou gh Fast and Wide SCSI-2 double this speed and can be combined to quadruple i t. All versions of SCSI will work together (SCSI-1 in compatible with SCSI-1 only in theory as there was no set command set, however, I have never experien ced such an incompatibility). On power up, the SCSI host adapter and each device(separately) determine the best command set and the speed that each is capable of. For more information on this, refer to the comp.periphs.scsi FAQ. Q) 3.8 Can I use a non-IBM ESDI in a PS/2? [From: helling@uwindsor.ca ] FORMATTING A NON_IBM ESDI DRIVE FOR A PS/2 80. Well, it might have been impossible for me to put a simple MFM hard drive into my model 80 PS/2, 4M, model 8580-111, but I did get a NON-IBM ESDI drive installed, using a PS/2 ESDI controller, and the following patched version of LLFORMAT.COM, usually found on the 7080 reference disk.... First: a rumor that the following PS/2 80's LIKE MFM and ESDI: 041,071,111,311 and the following, which supposedly came with SCSI don't... 121, 161, possibly AXX... This is unconfirmed, and mine is a 111, so it worked.... 1) In dos, go to your ref disk, make a directory called SPARE, copy LLFORMAT.COM to it (nice safe backup copy) 1a) Copy the dos DEBUG.EXE program onto the ref disk... Now follow this, paying attention to my comments... >>>> comment O mine.... ---------------------------- QUOTING --------------------------- : >3. This DEBUG procedure has been documented by Tillman Schmidt of : > Koeln, Germany following the translation of an article in the : > German c't Magazin fr Computertechnik, issue 5/1991, page 272f. The reference-disk comes with a program to low-level-format a hard disk: LLFORMAT.COM; boot from the reference-disk and press CTRL-A in the main m enu to get a menu for extended diagnose. To low-level-format a non-IBM-disk, you have to patch llformat.com with debug as described below. LLFORMAT.COM doesn't format a non-IBM-hard disk, because there is a defect-map (info about defect blocks) on the cylinder before the last on IBM-disks. But llformat.com only calls a BIOS-routine via INT 13h, where one can set a flag to ignore the defect-map (set bits 0,1 in CL-register) Here is the reference for the BIOS-low-level-formatting-routine: ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- >>>> No idea what this means, but it's impressive as heck... read on...... ESDI-Formatter: 3D3D3D3D3D3D3D3D3D3D3D3D3D3D3D INT 13h, function 1Ah register-settings: AH3D1Ah ; format ESDI AL3Dnumber of additional given defect-blocks; when AL3D0 the address in ES:BX is ignored ES:BX3Daddress of the table with the additional defect-blocks CL3Dsome options: bits 7-5: must be 0 bit 4: when set an interrupt (int 15h with AH3D0Fh, AL3Dsome status) is triggered after formatting one cylinder The interrupt-handler must clear the carry-flag CF, otherwise (or when an interrupt isn't handled) formatting is aborted bit 3: when set the hard disk's surface is analyzed in detail; may be set only when the disk was formatted successfully with bit 33D0 before bit 2: a second defect map is written to disk, when this bit is 1; this defect-map contains the already known defects plus the ones given at address ES:BX and that found during detailed analysis (bit 33D1) bit 1: when this bit is set, the second defect-map is ignored bit 0: when this bit is set, the first defect-map is also ignored (this is normally written by the manufacturer) DL3Dnumber of hd; 80h for the first drive, 81h for the second ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- To ignore the defect-maps, you have to patch llformat.com as follows: ------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- >>>>>> Here comes the good part..... PATCH FOR LLFORMAT.COM: 3D3D3D3D3D3D3D3D3D3D3D3D3D3D3D3D3D3D3D3D3D3D3D >debug llformat.com -r AX3D0000 BX3D0000 CX3D8195 DX3D0000 SP3DFFFE BP3D0000 SI3D0000 DI3D 0000 DS3D2B78 ES3D2B78 SS3D2B78 CS3D2B78 IP3D0100 NV UP EI PL NZ NA PO NC 2B78:0100 E9C50D JMP 0EC8 >>>>> See that CX3D number? I am a complete newbie at DEBUG, but it has something to do with file length and position on the floppy. Write yours down.... -s100 8295 b4 1a b0 00 8a ; search formatting-routine >>>>> See how it appears, again, incremented a bit (8195 3D> >>>>> 8295)? do this to your number in its place. Use HEX! so an E >>>>> 3D>F etc.... >>>>> Lord! I am debug clueless eh! 2B78:8272 ; the byte sequence is found twice 2B78:8284 >>>>> You, of course got different numbers... write em down... -u8272 ; ^^^^ this is the first of the two found addresses >>>>>> do this with your first number, the second part, of >>>>>> course... Your XXXX:XXXX numbers will be different, but >>>>>> the rest will make sense, note that the screen will line up >>>>>> the numbers in nice columns, not exactly as shown below... ; now debug shows this: 2B78:8272 B41A MOV AH,1A ; select "FORMAT"-function 2B78:8274 B000 MOV AL,00 ; no additional defect map 2B78:8276 8A160473 MOV DL,[7304] 2B78:827A b114 MOV CL,14 ; <--- change 14 to 15! 2B78:827C 0A0E7377 OR CL,[7773] 2B78:8280 CD13 INT 13 ; BIOS-call 2B78:8282 7210 JB 8294 ; error -> return 2B78:8284 B41A MOV AH,1A 2B78:8286 B000 MOV AL,00 2B78:8288 8A160473 MOV DL,[7304] 2B78:828C B11C MOV CL,1C ; <--- change 1c to 1d! 2B78:828E 0A0E7377 OR CL,[7773] -u >>>>>> Don't get antsy! just look, the -u means show next >>>>>> page... NOW: see the lines to be changed above? >>>>>> WRITE DOWN THEIR ADDRESS NUMBERS!!! 2B78:8292 CD13 INT 13 2B78:8294 C3 RET 2B78:8295 0000 ADD [BX+SI],AL ; and so on... >>>>>> Now the scary part: -e for edit... unless you -w >>>>>> something you can always -q then try again... -e827B ; <---- insert address of the first byte that must be changed 2B78:827B 14.15 >>>>>> USE your first change address number. The screen is >>>>>> different from above. tap the space bar to get 14. then put 15 >>>>>> right after it. use the -u command to list it. did it change >>>>>> correctly? Note the number right after the address changed >>>>>> too, as well as the endmost... Actually, everything past the >>>>>> first column is interpretation of it, but if it changed right, >>>>>> you got it... If it didn't, -q and try again... -e828D ; <---- insert address of the second byte that must be changed 2B78:828D 1C.1D >>>>>> One more time! Use -u to check both, then: -w ; save the patched program Writing 08195 bytes >>>>> Your mileage may vary... -q ; that's it I hope this will help you! Martin. (schmidm@informatik.tu-muenchen.de) ------------------------- END QUOTE ---------------------- >>>>>> The above person posted the XLATION, and might have developed this. I found it with DEJANEWS, thanks to a tip from Aron Eisenpress, who has been invaluable with his help and suggestions, etc... Of course, I floundered through DEBUG (1st time) but it seemed to go ok... 2) Install ESDI drive. Drive was previously set up to work with an ISA card, a DTC, I think... Cabling is similar to an MFM drive, drive 0 gets the middle, no twist wide cable plug, and the skinny cable from the middle connector. Plug in the IBM card in the top-most slot, (cables are SHORT), hook up power and ground, cables to drive, insert REF disk, turn on.... Run auto-configuration, restart, computer sez to test the drive...DON'T BOTHER. 3) Press CTRL-A instead, choose format the drive, DO IT. 3A) You get an error message, it wants to do a FACTORY REFORMAT, LET IT, it will take a while: 45 min for a CDC 94216-106, (1024x5x34spt) 86M. When finished, reboot with a dos disk, run FDISK and FORMAT C:/U/S. Run a few surface tests using NDD or PCTOOLS, or whatever if you feel like it. OH yeh: I'm using dos 5.... 4) CROW! Yehawwww! Now, to try and get a second ESDI drive set up as D: Hope this can help some others, Just trying to get the info out where it can keep the old beasts going... Q) 3.9 Do I need a reference disk for my SCSI drive? No, only for the controller. This question has come up a lot lately. If you are having problems getting a new drive to work with a existing working S CSI setup, call the drive manufacturer and try not to tell them it is a PS/2. Also refer to some of the earlier SCSI questions about problems that aris e (switching drives around works many times). Most tech support people hav e heard rumors that PS/2's need reference disks for everything and that the y are incompatible with everything. So they either tell you to get the referen ce disk (usually from IBM as if they support third parties ever) or that the ir drive is not compatible with PS/2 computers. I would also call the SCSI adapter manufacturer (assuming they are still around and supporting it) f or clues. Remember setting up SCSI drives can have a lot of variables, keep checking for proper ID, proper termination, and the like. When shopping for a SCSI controller card, I would recommend either the Ad aptec 1640 or the Future Domain MCS-700 (or the MCS-600 which is the same excep t uses an Apple type DB-25 external SCSI connector instead of the standard 50 pin. Both use the 50 pin connector for the internal drives). Q) 3.10 What is a 16550UART and do I need one? Does my PS/2 have it? The 16550 is a UART with two 16 byte FIFOs. A UART is the part of a seri al port that takes byte-wide (characters) data and converts it to bit-wide (serial) data, and visa versa. The FIFO is a buffer which can hold chara cters until the CPU is ready to remove it or until the serial line is ready to transmit it. The 'normal' UART in the PC (the 8250 or 16450) only has 1- byte FIFOs. The additional 15 bytes can be useful when the CPU is busy doing other things - if the CPU isn't able to remove data fast enough, it will be los t. The OS or program has to explicitly support 16550 to make full use of its advantages. A very important thing to note is that under DOS, the CPU doesn't have anything else to do, so the 16550 is wasted. Only under multitasking operating systems does it really become useful. The 16550 will *not* mak e your file transfers any faster, it will only prevent data from being lost and relieve your CPU of some overhead. If you notice system performance drop ping like a rock when file transfers are occurring, a 16550 may be helpful. I f you see re-transmissions (bad packets) or "FIFO overrun's" during file transfers under a multitasking OS, try the same thing under DOS - if the errors go away, then chances are a 16550 will be useful. If they remain, then your problem is likely to be elsewhere. PS/2s without the more modern 16550A UART are usually limited to lower da ta rates (not because of the 16550 UART but because the other UARTs are slow ). Usually 14.4k max with no compression. The PS/2 models and type of UART are listed below. From: Aron Eisenpress : The following information is taken directly from the PS/2 Hardware Interface Technical References. Four types of serial port controllers have been used on the system boards of PS/2's. To programs, the Type 1 controller appears to be identical to the serial port on the IBM Personal Computer AT IBM Personal Computer Serial/Parallel Adapter. The Type 2 controller incorporates all functions of the Type 1 and also provides support of the first-in-first-out (FIFO) mode. The Type 3 controller incorporates all functions of the Type 2 controller and provides the Direct Memory Access (DMA) mode. The Type 4 controller incorporates all the functions of the Type 3 contro ller and provides additional I/O addresses. For type 1 and type 2 controllers data speed should not exceed 19.2kbaud. Type 3 and type 4 controllers support up to 345.6 Kbaud. Below is a list of the type of serial controller used in each model in th e Micro Channel PS/2 line: (Note, these are IBM's published times. I have been advised by Mark Seecof that any PS/2 with the 16550A (including the 16550AF) is capable of over 19.2 Kbaud as long as the software supports it). Model Type of Serial Port Max Speed ----- ------------------- ----------- 8550 1,2 19.2 Kbaud 8551 (N51) 2 19.2 Kbaud 8554 (CL57) 2 19.2 Kbaud 8555 2 19.2 Kbaud 8556 4 345.6 Kbaud 8557 4 345.6 Kbaud 8560 1,2 19.2 Kbaud 8565 2 19.2 Kbaud 8570 2 19.2 Kbaud 8573 (P70) 2 19.2 Kbaud 8580 1,2 19.2 Kbaud 8590 3 345.6 Kbaud 8595 3 345.6 Kbaud IBM uses a proprietary chip instead of the 16550 UART in PS/2's. The ser ial port controller in all of the above PS/2 models (except the PS/2 models 55 and 65) is compatible with the National Semiconductor NS16450 serial port. The serial port controller in the PS/2 models 55 and 65 is generally compatible with the NS16550A serial-communications controller. PS/2's with Type 2, Type 3, or Type 4 serial port controllers support the first-in-first-out (FIFO) mode. The exception is the PS/2 model 50 with a Type 2 serial port controller. According to the PS/2 Hardware Interface Technical Reference - System Specific Information, model 60's and 80's wi th Type 2 serial port controllers do support FIFO mode. [incomplete please help me obtain the UART data on the other PS/2s. A goo d program is Snooper v3.30 by Vias and Associates for $39 available as shar eware on most BBSs and internet ftp sites, please register if you decide to kee p it] Q) 3.11 Should I buy an internal or external modem? In general, it is better to go with an external modem for two reasons. F irst MCA slots are valuable commodities in most systems (i.e. Model 50s with o nly 3 slots) and secondly, an MCA card modem will be a lot more money when a standard external modem will work fine. Also an external modem provides visual clues to tell you what is going on with the data. Sometimes internal is the only way to go though. The Windsurfer Adapter with its 14.4k data modem, 9600 FAX and telephone answering/voice mail is only available internally, however, this is not such a waste of a MCA slo t as you are getting several products on one card. I believe in its last incarnation (it has been discountinued) some versions were 33.6k capable which is still ok for many. Q) 3.12 What kinds of sound cards are available? There are a few believe it or not. Though new they cost around $150 whic h is a little steep these days for a sound card with SoundBlasters selling for $30. Kahlon computers at www.kahlon.com and 800-317-9989 offers one for $125 (though I am not sure who actually makes it). The original was the SoundBlaster MCV which is an 8 bit card and probably should be avoided du e to the problems it has with compatibility. The SoundBlaster Pro MCV is a 8 bit card which supposedly works better, yet both SoundBlasters are no longer made. The next option is the Audiovation/A ($249) which is a 16 bit card capab le of 44.1KHz sampling rates is SoundBlaster compatible and is currently being revised for better support. Another option is the M-Audio Capture/A whic h is said to be more of a sound editor than one for games. Another option is the WindSurfer Card. This is probably overkill as solely a soundcard for its $400 low price, but it does offer a 14.4k modem (some up to 33.6k), 9600 FAX a nd telephone answering/voice mail on one card. This card is probably not as compatible as the Audiovation is, but maybe worth a test to see if it doe s what you would like. The Chipchat is currently available in both 16 bit ($129) and 32 bit ($159 with wavetable)go to www.chipchat.com or call the m at (313)565-4000. Reply Technologies has a card out using the chipset from Creative Labs, the Vibra 16, which is SoundBlaster 16 compatible and it i s also available linked up to a Future Domain SCSI-2 controller. One more option comes from Piper Research at www.piper-research.com and 612-459-2 770, this is a SoundBlaster compatible card. They used to only make a 16 bit card ($129.95), but now they have a 32 bit version ($159.95) and a 32 bit with 3D sound ($179.95). Here is the specs to the Piper Card: (From: ejfluhr@wc101.residence.gatech.edu (Eric J. Fluhr) and corykim@vnet.ibm.com (Cory Kim)) Piper Research, Inc. Attn: Sales PO Box 241 Newport, MN 55055 Voice/Orders: (612) 459-2770 (Mastercard/Visa/AmEx) Fax: (612) 458-1978 16 bit stereo sound card. Records, compresses and plays back voice, sound and music with computer controlled mixer settings and Yamaha OPL- 3 based FM synthesis. In addition, connections are provided for CD-audio , line-in, dual joystick, MIDI and speakers. Other key features include: o Micro Channel Architecture compatible o 4 Watt Stereo Amplifie r o Half-Size Adapter o Compatible with all Ma jor o Auto-configures like all MC cards Software Programs o Multimedia PC Compatible o Stereo Mixer & Amplifi er o Integrated 16 bit A/D and D/A Converters o Patented ESPCM Compres sion o Programmable Digital Volume Control o Windows compatible and o Programmable Sample Rates to 44.1 kHz OLE Compliant inc. Win 95 o DOS-register compatible with SoundBlaster o Several bundled Applet s and drivers 32 bit stereo sound card. Records, compresses and plays back voice, sound and music with computer controlled mixer settings and Yamaha OPL- 3 based FM synthesis. In addition, connections are provided for CD-audio , line-in, dual joystick, MIDI and speakers. Other key features include: o Micro Channel Architecture compatible o 4 Watt Stereo Amplifie r o Half-Size Adapter o Compatible with all Ma jor o Auto-configures like all MC cards Software Programs o Multimedia PC Compatible o Stereo Mixer & Amplifi er o Integrated 16 bit A/D and D/A Converters o Patented ESPCM Compres sion o Programmable Digital Volume Control o Windows compatible and o Programmable Sample Rates to 44.1 kHz OLE Compliant inc. Win 95 o DOS-register compatible with SoundBlaster o Several bundled Applet s o Daugthercard connector for 3D sound option and drivers (however this is useless as it must be purchased with the card). 3D Sound for SoundPiper 32. Adds Spatializer(TM) two speaker surround ef fect with three levels, independent bass and treble, MUST BE ORDERED WITH SoundPiper 32 as it cannot be bought separately. The SoundBlaster and Piper Cards are industry standards and thus offer th e most compatibility in most games Piper uses the SoundBlaster Pro Chip fro m ESS. Most these cards may cause problems in the Windows environment as t hey were developed before Windows was around, however for DOS games the SoundBlaster Pro is THE card to have. The Audiovation/A and the others o nly emulate a SoundBlaster using Mwave technology which is THE thing for WIND OWS. So depending on what you do most choose a card, also two cards can be use d if the reference disk is patched. From thedean@ibm.net: There has been much discussion regarding PS/2 Micro Channel - MCA - sound cards. Here is a quick comparison. This comparison addresses both hardwa re and driver capabilities. It is important to consider both, since if ther e is no driver to support a hardware capability then the capability is not use able. A perfect example is OS/2 drivers. Although each sound card in this comparison has "16 bit" record/playback hardware, some cards use the "SoundBlaster Pro MCV" driver shipped with OS/2 Warp. This driver only supports "8 bit", not allowing "16 bit" files to be recorded or played. MicroChannel CARD -> ChipChat-16 ChipChat-32 Piper-16/32 Reply HARDWARE: 16 bit rec/play YES YES YES YES MPU-401 MIDI YES YES NO YES WaveTable upgrade YES NO upgrad e FM YES YES YES YES Stereo Mixer 6 Channel 6 Channel 5 Channel 5 Chan nel SoundBlaster YES YES YES YES CD audio connectors YES,4 YES,4 YES,1 YES,1 IBM Front Panel conn. YES YES YES NO SOFTWARE DRIVERS: 16 bit rec/play WIN 3.1 YES YES YES YES WIN 95 YES YES YES NO WIN NT YES YES YES ? OS/2 YES YES YES NO WIN-OS/2 YES YES YES ? AIX YES YES NO NO WaveTable support DOS upgrade YES NO upgrad e WIN 3.1 upgrade YES NO upgrad e WIN 95 upgrade YES NO NO WIN NT upgrade YES NO ? OS/2 upgrade YES NO NO AIX upgrade YES NO NO General Midi upgrade YES NO YES Roland MPU-401 DOS YES YES NO YES WIN 3.1 YES YES NO YES WIN 95 YES YES NO NO WIN NT YES YES NO ? OS/2 YES YES NO NO AIX YES YES NO NO SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY: DOS GAMES - Out of the box play no problem DOOM YES YES Problems Proble ms HERETIC YES YES NO ? DESCENT YES YES NO ? Game with WaveTable YES YES NO someti mes AGENCY APPROVALS - YES means can sell and ship to those countries World Wide Approvals YES YES NO NO CE-MARK (Europe,UK..) YES YES NO NO FCC-B (USA) YES YES YES YES CSA (Canadian) YES YES ? ? VCCI (JAPAN) YES YES NO NO Also see Appendix F for a full listing of PS/2 Sound Cards. Q) 3.13 Can I run both a SoundBlaster and the Audiovation/A? [Jacques@cpmc.ucl.ac.be (Alain Jacques)] Yes, it works ... after patching the ADF file. What's conflicting is the addresses of the game port, defined in both ADF's as fixed resources and therefore the conflict cannot be managed by the POS itself. If you choose to keep the game port on the SBPro, just as I did, your Audiovation ADF file @8FD6.ADF should look like the end of this message. If you have difficulties, don't hesitate to email to me. BTW, there are new Audiovation Windows drivers on IBM PC Co BBS (i.e. version 2.1 3D av211. dsk, av212.dsk, av213.dsk, av21util.dsk). See Appendix C for Program listing. Q) 3.14 Can I fake a keyboard so my computer will boot without it? Well unlike the standard IBMs and clones, PS/2s perform a keyboard test a t boot. Some have the option of canceling the keyboard test through a sett ing in the reference disk. If you do not have this option you must leave the keyboard attached (or if you have the engineering experience doctor up a small board that sends the proper reponses to the test back and can plug into the keyboard port :)). Or use this device below reported by Louis Ohland http://www.raritan.com/newsite/guardian.htm. Picture is at http://www.raritan.com/newsite/images/pgrdian.gif. Blurb: Each Guardian for PC, Mac, and Sun computers plugs into the keyboard port and mouse port, and appears to the computer as its physical keyboard and mouse. Since Guardian behaves like a keyboard and mouse, the computer wil l boot and run flawlessly. Guardian is powered by the computer and provides ports so you can "hot" connect a keyboard and mouse anytime to operate the system. Using Guardia n with PCs connected to a mechanical A/B switch will eliminate PC booting and keyboard locking problems. With Guardian in line, you can hot connect or disconnect MasterConsole cable or a physical keyboard and mouse. For mission-critical servers connected to Raritan's MasterConsole, Guardian provides a "fail-safe" service port. Guardian for Mac and Guardian for Sun also convert the keyboard, mouse, a nd video signals to PS/2 and VGA standards. This enables any number of Mac o r Sun computers equipped with Guardian, as well as PCs, to be connected to MasterConsole and controlled with a single PS/2 keyboard, PS/2 mouse, and VGA monitor. Guardian for PS/2 -- APKME S) 4.0 Upgrading Processor/Coprocessor/Disks/Video/CDROM Q) 4.1 I don't have the money for a new computer or motherboard, what ca n I do? [PC Magazine 11-08-94, alkemyst@shadow.net) Kingston Technology makes upgrades to raise the level of all chips (i.e. 286 to 386, 386 to 486, 486 to 586). Some are CPU replacements, others are daughterboard cards, and the granddaddy is the MCMaster. The CPU replace ments offer very little performance gain if your system is strapped with slow peripherals and memory, but can get you running 386 or 486 software. The daughterboard 486/NOW! replaces both the CPU and math coprocessor, but performance-wise it is a disappointment. The MCMaster is MCA architectur e in action. Using busmastering it allows the card to take over CPU functions and make the computer run a lot faster using its own 128k L2 cache and up to 32MB of memory. This card shows promise and in most cases performs better tha n the daughterboards and CPU plug-ins, however it lags slightly in DOS video performance and video in general as it must 'cross' the bus on to the motherboard. Still the MCMaster is probably the fastest in this list and the only upgrade that can add L2 cache to computers without the option. [For mats: 486/NOW!: models 70/80 to 33PD3 or 33PS3 (don't know what the PD3 or PS3 maybe D3DDX and S3DSX.); MCMaster: for models 55, 56, 5 7, 65, 70, and 80: to 33MHz or 50MHz...note only 50MHz with 8MB+ boosted perfor mance and so it did significantly. The price for this level is $1000-1400.][ND P: built in to the 486 chip.] Intel has a SnapIn 386 module for PS/2 models 50, 50Z and 60. It features a 20MHz 80386SX, 16K cache and it can utilize an existing 80287 math coprocessor. I have one in a model 60 and have had no problems with it. IBM offers for the 386 PS/2 Model 70 and 80 with 16 or 20MHz processors a Power Platform upgrade with a 486DX33 on it. See above IBM PARTS LIST fo r features and part numbers. These are expensive ($500-700) and are no lon ger made, but can still be obtained esp. from the Boulder Parts Surplus Plant 800-388-7080. IBM re-released the Blue Lightning chip for PS/2's again. This time it i s for the 25MHz machines also. It offers 16K internal cache, enhanced 386/486 instruction set, and 33/66MHz performance (though the 33 will be replaced with whatever your system runs at). Also you can add a math coprocessor. The L1 cache design is supposed to be what sets this chip o ff from the rest (Hypertec). I talked to a IBM tech who actually had the Cy rix DRx2-50 and was asked to help test out this new chip. He stated he saw t he same performance jump from going to a Cx486DRx2-50 from his 386DX25 as go ing to the BL2 from the Cyrix. I would call that an upgrade worth considerin g, esp. at the mere $345 IBM is asking. IBMPN#13H6698 $345. IBM also has a SLC2-66 chip out for 55SX offering up to 10x the performance. Features 16K L1 cache, enhanced instruction set, and allows existing 387SX usage providing it is a 33MHz chip. IBMPN#13H6694 $259. Cyrix offers very good options for the 386 to 486 conversion if you are o n a tight budget. Their DRx2 line offers clock doubled performance at a lo w price. The chips perform very well and just require removal of the 386 a nd popping in the new chip. Pricewise they can't be beat and though not off ering the performance of their $500+ cousins they come close enough for most pe ople at half the cost or more (This is due to their tiny 1k L.1 caches). [Form ats: 386 to 486 only: DX16MHz to 16/32MHZ, DX20MHz to 20/40MHz, 25MHz to 25/50MHz, DX33MHz to 33/66MHz, none for 40MHz yet. DX16MHz and 20MHz sys tems can use the 25MHz chip if available. Some versions for SX models.][NDP: 387, Cyrix 83D87 rec.] Evergreen's Rev to DX4 and 486 chips are more expensive and generally fas ter than most others at a lower prices. One problem is compatibility, many computers can not run at the clock tripled and quadrupled rates and must fall back to clock doubled rate negating the extra cost of the upgrade. Another note is the processor board cards will not work with all systems due to space constraints, it is best to measure and make sure you got at leas t 1" or more room above the processor and can afford to give up peripheral car d space if it is in the way. A processor card may be worth it if it works due to the fact of a larger L1 cache and the usage of an IBM Blue Lightning C PU in some formats. [Formats: 386 to 486: DX16/DX20MHz to TI 486SXL2 or Bl ue Lightning 16/48 or 20/60, DX25MHz to TI 486SXL2 or Blue Lightning 25/75, DX33MHz to Blue Lightning 33/66 or 33/99; 486 to 486: SX/DX25MHz to 25/7 5MHz, SX/DX33MHz to 33/99MHz, SX/DX50MHz to 50/100MHz. Note the DX4 only clock triples or doubles not quadruples like a DX4 seems it should.][NDP: vario us.] H.Co is offering many chips now from 286 to 486 all the way to a 386 to DX4/100. I am interested to see how these perform as I have no info othe r than formats available. [Formats: 286 to 486: 6-16MHz to IBM50MHz; 386 to 486: SX/DX16/20MHz to TI40MHz, DX25MHz to TI50MHz, DX25MHz to IBM50MH z, SX/DX33MHz to IBM66MHz, SX16MHz to IBM48MHz, SX20MHz to IBM60MHz, DX16/20 MHz to IBM 60MHz, DX25MHz to IBM75MHz, DX33 to IBM99MHz; 486 to 486: 25MHz to 75MHz, 33MHz to 100MHz, 40MHz to 100MHz.][NDP: ?] A small company called MicroModules System also offers CPU upgrades. The y are at 10500-A Ridgeview Court, Cupertino, CA 95014-0736. 408-864-7437. Then there are AOX Inc.'s MicroMASTER busmaster boards. From 386-20 to 486/33 with up to 8MB of RAM on board. This is what the Kingston is now. Kingston bought the rights to manufacture the MicroMaster. The early 286 to 386 versions can utilize 132PGA chips and usually 486DLC and DRx2 chip s will work, but these are no longer made and must be found used or in surp lus warehouses. [Formats: 286 to 386: to 20MHz, 25MHz, 33Mhz][NDP: 387.] In summary the MCMaster fully configured, i.e. 486/50 with 8 to 16MB of R AM offered the best performance, followed closely by Evergreen's DX4, Cyrix and finally Kingston. H.Co, IBM, Intel, and AOX were not tested. Also note that adding 8MB of RAM will usually add as much performance as the CPU upgrades do and add a lot more performance if combined with the CPU upgrade. The addition of RAM, a Video card, faster hard drive, and a new CPU will make the most improvement and if done over a period of time makes se nse, however if these are going to be bought 'lump sum' it is probably better to buy a 486 clone if you are looking for speed. If reliability is a big fa ctor and speed not as important as being able to run the new 386+ software the n with PS/2's usually there are no problems as there are with most clones. Update as of 10/28/98, there are no processor cards (AOX MicroMaster or MCMaster) available for the PS/2's anymore. Evergreen and Kingston are s till selling their processor upgrades and prices have fallen dramatically. Fo r the 486/33 systems you can get the AMD 586/133 (equivalent to a Pentium 75) f or about $70 from CompUSA, Fry's, or Circuit City (list is about $129 for Evergreen's and $99 for Kingston). Q) 4.2 What are the Benchmarks for these Processor Upgrades? Benchmarks are meaningless to give as it would not be the same machine no r the same variables but below are some 'averages'. Benchmarks are only go od to compare the same settings to the same settings so if you have a machin e listed and have different marks don't post to USENET asking why, as it is simply because you have a different configuration. The basic outline discussed above gives you the breakdown in percent a CPU upgrade is worth 36-134%, a daugtherboard is worth 137-681%(681% percent seems high and wa s not supported by PC Magazine's data. The 137% seems more real world as th ese are very close to direct CPU replacements for the most part), and an MCA processor card 263% which offered the largest increase, but at a very hig h cost. Also note that a 486 is just an enhanced 386 with L1 cache. This L1 cach e is responsible for up to a 500% performance increase. L2 caches can offe r at most a 50% performance increase. Try disabling all caching on a 33MHz 48 6 and compare the marks to a 33MHz 386 you will be surprised how close they are. Winstones are the most quoted benchmark today, so a table of average Wins tones was computed. Keep in mind that this benchmark is a benchmark which rate s the execution of certain popular sequences, scripts, in about ten or so of th e most popular window programs. With this in mind this should give a *very * real world figure. Also keep in mind that when the processor upgrades we re done, the systems below remained stock which is very crippling especially with a 486 trying to pull files from a 20ms access hard drive. The processor quoted benchmarks came from a database of at least 50 diffe rent platforms each for the 25, 33, 2/50, 2/66 with the 33 and 66 MHz numbers being taken as an average of no less than 50 machines for each. This should gi ve a good average number as there was no price range or brand criteria only wh at was available to the home user (i.e. no FCC class A or non-FCC tested dynamos). The 50MHz numbers were for 5 tested machines. The AM40, CxS40, and SLC2 numbers are for two or less machines each and may be bad examples of the capability of the chips being either superior or inferior to average numb ers. The Pentium numbers came from an average by PC Magazine and should be a g ood average figure. Processor Winstone Value -------------------------------------------------- 386/25MHz Winstone base w/4MB 10.20 386/25MHz Winstone base w/8MB 13.60 486/25MHz 26.32 CxS40 29.95* 486/33MHz 34.32 SLC2/50 36.70* SLC2/66 37.80* AMD40 40.30* 486DX2/50MHz 43.50 486/50MHz 47.94 486DX2/66MHz 50.68 Pentium 73.30 CX486DRx2/50 14.20 -- Rev to 486 2/50 15.40 \ Rev to 486 3/75 18.00 Keep in mind these could vary a lot 486/Now! 11.20 / depending what system the upgra de MCMaster 50PD/8 15.00 -- is going into (i.e. MCMaster wa s only tested on a 386SX16 machin e and the rest a Compaq 386DX/25e with only 4MB and with 8MB the Rev to 486 2/50 did 23 Winstone s and the 486/33 did 36. So with more memory and better peripher als the upgrades should give truer 486 performance despite PC Magazine s slams against them in general. Q) 4.3 Which Math Co-Processor should I use? For 286 systems a 287, 386 systems a 387 and for processor upgrades usual ly the same unless they perform NDP functions on chip. It may be wise to purchase an enhanced NDP, such as the 83D87 from Cyrix which is much fast er (5-15% in applications, up to 20% on certain benchmarks) than the Intel p art. Q) 4.4 How can get rid of my slow stock Hard Drive and get a faster and larger capacity version? PS/2's are notorious for slow, low capacity hard drives. The Model 50's 20MB drive has 80ms access! The easiest way to go is to add a SCSI or ES DI card. SCSI in general offers better performance, the ability to add up t o 7 peripherals and easy to find drives. ESDI offers more UNIX compatibility (though with new drivers this will change) and was stock on some PS/2's, most now use SCSI. If you have SCSI or ESDI already you can add at least one more drive no problem. It is a bad idea in general to try and replace th e MFM type ST-506 drives on early PS/2s as buying a SCSI card and new hard drive is a cheaper, faster and more reliable solution. Keep in mind that if you add a SCSI drive and controller make sure the controller has boot ability in the BIOS or else you will have to boot off of the original PS/2 drive. Q) 4.5 How can I add a second floppy drive and what type will work with my PS/2? Kits for mounting these drives can be obtained from PS Solutions 214-783- 6997. They sell high quality, complete kits for almost every possible internal drive mounting option. 3.5" internal for: 25/30, 50Z/70, 50(front bay 50Z/70) 60/65/80 (via a 5.25" internal mount and allow for two half- high 3.5"/5.25" mounts) 3.5" 'H'-skid type for: 35/40/56/57/76/77(via the 5.25" int. option) 5.25" internal for: 35/40/56/57/76/77(all with 3.5" mount options available) 60/65/80 (vertical mount, also with dual half-high 3.5"/5.25 " options) 90 (for removable media in the 5.25" bay w/ 3.5"HD opt .) 85/95 (for removable media and rails for fixed media) For systems with 'slide-it-right-in' options the necessary bezels can be obtained from DakTech 800-325-3238 very cheaply for a high quality produc t. (Also for bezels with missing clear plastic 'windows' which make it hard to see the drive lights.) First, we will discuss the 3.5" addition as it is a more common event. The first thing you need to do is to determine the MB capacity of what yo u want to add. There is 720K/1.44MB/2.88MB and they can all read/write at their level or lower (i.e. a 2.88MB can read/write 1.44MB and 720K). Not all systems can use all 3.5" drives. [I would like to include a list of whic h systems CAN'T use the 1.44MB drives and which systems CAN use the 2.88MB drive]. After determining what you need/want to add you can start the installation. *ADDING A 720K DRIVE: *INTERNAL OPTION: *EXTERNAL OPTION: ADDING A 1.44MB DRIVE: INTERNAL OPTION: There are two types of 1.44MB drives and though they do the same thing th ey are not interchangeable on the internal level. One has the disk light ab ove the media slot and the other has it below the media slot (there are other ways to tell but this is the easiest method). Once you determine this it is s imply a matter of either popping off the faceplate bezel blank sliding in the d isk drive until it 'clicks' and popping on the new bezel. Sometimes the exte rnal case needs to be opened like a model 50 for example, but then the procedu re is the same. *EXTERNAL OPTION: *ADDING A 2.88MB DRIVE: *INTERNAL OPTIONS: *EXTERNAL OPTIONS: Now we will discuss the addition of a 1.2MB 5.25" drive. These can be both adding internally or externally. External is the commo n way as most PS/2s do not provide a 5.25" floppy bay and those that do usually require a vertical mounting arrangement. *The models supporting a direct 5.25" mount internally are: All other's need to either buy the kits listed above or need to use an external mounting option. *INTERNAL MOUNTING: *The internal 5.25" drive is installed by sliding it into the bay [someone please contact me with the directions for the direct installs ..do they click into place like the 3.5" drives or do they require screws/or combination.] The kit-type installations are completed by following the manufacturers guidelines for the kit then going to the drive hookup section below. *Hooking up the drive to the drive card: EXTERNAL MOUNTING: Find a place on you desk or area where the likelihood of the drive being knocked down is low. Then set the drive down and detach the cable if pos sible from the drive to prevent it being dragged around in the installation procedures. Now you are ready to set it up: IBM: Open the case of the computer, find an empty MCA slot. Plug in the floppy controller card and run the cable to it. Now close up the computer and p lug in the 5.25" external drive and you should be all set. Cristie drive (available only in the UK?): The drive connects to the B-3.5" floppy connector. The cable then goes in side the computer, through the slot in the back and finally to the drive. It doesn't actually use a slot, but looks neater than having a cable run out the front B: drive bay to the 5.25" drive. Radio Shack/Tandy's 5.25": This drive will give you 360 and 1.2mb formats via the parallel port, and allows you to plug your printer in too -- so you lose neither a drive bay , an expansion slot, or much money. The drive can be temperamental, usually requiring a print job before the drive is acknowledged (maybe initializat ion of the parallel port is what is required). The print job can be empty als o. This drive is an ideal solution which lets you keep your tape backup and expansion cards in place, even if requiring an extra step to use the driv e. Sysgen unit: Its not a very awkward installation. Just pop off the cover. Unplug the floppy connector. Snap a small board in on supplied post, and re-instal l the floppy connector and route the other out the box to the external unit. It works as drive B in 1.2 meg mode. The IBM's I saw mapped above the la st hard drive, so that floppy came in as D or E. Works fine with SCO Xenix t oo. [I have been informed that the IBM drives also require the usage of one o f the 3.5" floppy bays for a second drive card, is this the case for all 5 1/4" drives?] Q) 4.6 Is there a SVGA option for my PS/2? There's XGA and XGA/2 from IBM and the Reply Video Adapter from Reply Technologies. Both of these have 1MB of unexpandable VRAM and can display 256 colors at 1024x768 non-interlaced and go to 1280x1024x16. The IBM card u ses a IBM chip and the Reply the Cirrus Logic CD-GL 5426 chipset which is VESA compatible. IBM also has a SVGA card for servers. As such, it maxes out at 256 color s. A note about XGA/2, it is not VESA compatible at the hardware level...the re are drivers that allow it to be VESA compliant but these drivers freak ou t many pieces of commercial software...be advised. Also on the high end, I know of Matrox making some in the $1k + range tha t have 1MB+ of VRAM but I have yet to hear of the performance or to run int o someone who has purchased one. Also RasterOps Colorboard 1024MC can disp lay 1024x768x16.7M (no modes above 1024x768) with the 3MB of VRAM it has, but it is slow compared to other video cards and expensive. Also I am curious as to the specs of the IBM Image I Adapter which is about $2.7k with 3MB VRAM f or 1280x1024x256 color support. ATI has the Ultra Pro 2MB a 2MB VRAM card with a 32 bit accelerator. Thi s card had be found for as low as $250 (retails for ~$500)[prices as of 199 6]. I am curious to its performance as the 64 bit versions are top in their c lass, but for just the ability to get greater color depth the 2MB card is worth it. Be advised that ATI has the habit of constantly changing its drivers so compatibility issues may arise and a downtime for new drivers may be upon you. It uses the Mach32 chipset so is widely supported, NT 4.0 supports this also. Q) 4.7 How can I add a CD-ROM drive to my PS/2? Most of the time an external CD-ROM can be added if you have a SCSI card with no problem. Internal CD-ROMs can be added to any PS/2 with a 5 1/4" bay, some that have internal 5 1/4" bays (60/65SX/80) can use special bezels to vertically mount a CD-ROM. In these cases caddy-type drive are mandatory. The drivers needed are usually dependant on which SCSI card you use so co ntact the manufacturer if CD drivers were not supplied. Q) 4.8 How can I build a Multimedia PS/2? You can build a multimedia PS/2 the same way as a normal PC. The excepti ons are sound cards. As it stands now you must use the SB-pro or clone for D OS and the Audiovation/A or equivalent for windows. Any SCSI CD-ROM should work with a SCSI card and any big monitor will work. Reply Technologies, Matrox, and ATI all make video cards for SVGA, some have up to 3MB of RAM. Also any speaker setup will work with the soundcards providing they have they same connectors (usu. RCA or mini RCA). Other than that you will want a fast hard drive and probably a 33MHz or faster machine. Here is an example: PS/2 Model 80-A21 Cyrix Cx486DRx2-50 Processor upgrade with 33D87 NDP. Mag DX15F Monitor Reply Technology Video Adapter Plextor 4x CD-ROM (internal mounted) Piper or ChipChat SB-Pro sound card Audiovation/A sound card Seagate ST-3600N SCSI hard drive Future Domain MCS-600 SCSI controller. Sony Speakers CH Game Card III Generic PC joystick Q) 4.9 How can I get sound effects in DOOM? [From: cousinad@aol.com (Cousin AD)] Option #1: Choose all the WRONG settings for the DMA, IRQ and I/O address. Save settings and play... You may still need to re-boot one time before this works. Option #2: Choose the wrong setting for the I/O Address (use the correct settings fo r the IRQ & DMA). The above worked for me, but I found problems setting-up for modem play... I figured, hey, you can't have it all... Then I got another suggestion that really solved the problem... Option #3: Choose all the CORRECT settings for the DMA, IRQ and I/O Address. Exit set-up and choose yes to "Save settings before exit." Then, before starting DOOM, open the file DEFAULT.CFG in an ASCI