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SPDragoo
02-13-2001, 02:50 PM
My computer uses Biostar's M5ATB motherboard. I've never had any problems with it (aside from when it started locking up for a month, but that turned out to be due to bad ventilation and lack of cleaning on my part http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif ). However, I'm running into some upgrade issues that I'm not too sure about.

First of all, I'd like to upgrade the CPU in it (currently using the AMD K6 300 MHz, with 66 MHz FSB and 4.5 clock multiplier). However, the motherboard seems to be only able to go up to about 386 MHz on the processor using the jumpers (choice of FSB speeds of up to 85 MHz, with clock multiplier of 4.5). This kind of sucks, as my dad acquired from work an AMD K6-2 450 MHz, which would mean that it would run at a much slower speed than normal. Worse, I'm not sure if I'll be able to change the jumpers to increase the core voltage correctly or not. Any suggestions on this?

The second problem concerns memory. The computer was advertised as being able to go up to 256 MB of RAM (we're talking late 1998 here http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif ). However, in practice you can't: the memory area has 4 SIMM slots (32 MB per slot = 128 MB) and 2 DIMM slots (manual lists 64 MB per slot for 128 MB max). That works out to 256 MB, but the manual also says not to mix SIMM's and DIMM's together. My question, then, is this: is the manual correct in saying I can only put chips up to 64 MB in size in the DIMM slots (due to limitations on the mobo), or was that the listed maximum because that was the largest DIMM size manufactured in 1998?

Brangwen
02-13-2001, 06:37 PM
SPDragoo:

Good question about 64 MB sticks of SDRAM being largest made at time mobo was marketed. I doubt that is so, but am not certain. I'd check sites that sell memory, e.g., Micron, Crucial, Kingston, etc.

I'm fairly certain one cannot mix Dimm & Simm memory, i.e., cannot use both on board at same time.

I have owned two Biostar based systems in my computing "career." I have found their tech support to be helpful. Check them out at http://www.biostar-usa.com/.

Good luck. Someone here at SysOpt with much more knowldge that I will surely come along.

Brangwen http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif

SPDragoo
03-27-2001, 08:56 AM
I've been corresponding with MaryAnn Barnum (m.barnum@worldnet.att.net), who also owns a computer with the M5ATB motherboard and was looking into a RAM upgrade as well. She updated the motherboard BIOS with the patch from Biostar's website, and has been able to use high-density SDRAM on her board. Currently, she has installed 2 PC100 DIMM chips, a 256 MB and a 128 MB chip, and is running fine with 384 MB of RAM available.

pcbagley
11-30-2002, 01:44 AM
The RAM in the two DIMM slots( for m.barnum@worldnet.att.net) are now working with a total of 512MB (256MB in each slot) ):)
I am also trying to upgrade the CPU AMD-K6 to a K6-2 or higher but I don't know the limits on the MOB. I recently upgraded the bios by E.Solutions to supposedly make CPU upgrade possible.
The SiSoft Utilities is now rating the processor mainboard upgradeability supported speed(s) at 303MHz( or more) instead of 299MHz.

Peter M
11-30-2002, 09:35 AM
SPDragoo, which chipset do you have there?

Whichever, K6 family processors aren't multiplier locked, so you're free to choose a suitable one to reach your unit's core speed. Like with a 450 MHz one, you can run 4.5x 100, 5x 90, 5.5x 83 or 6x 75 depending on where your mainboard maxes out, bus speed wise.

On jumperless boards you might be limited in what multipliers BIOS offers, but since the 2x setting is there even on the oldest ones and means 6x to later K6-2 units, this shouldn't hold you back.

Watch the mainboard's maximum capabilities on CPU power draw. On older boards, you might be limited to 10 amps there, which means you should stop at 400 MHz.

regards, Peter

Geoff1
11-30-2002, 10:33 PM
I also have an older Biostar board, having found that thru the BIOS ID.
However when I go to their site for an upgrade they need the mb #.
How do I find that without tearing everything apart and looking on the solder side?

Im running a 233MMX and hopefully can get to 256MB RAM and do a bit of overclocking.