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From: ntaib@silver.ucs.indiana.edu (Nur Iskandar Taib)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware
Subject: Re: PS/2 Model 30 upgradable? ISA/MCA?  Slots? -- Info needed
Message-ID: <1991Mar5.012624.13654@bronze.ucs.indiana.edu>
Date: 5 Mar 91 01:26:24 GMT
References: <1991Mar3.183031.14311@menudo.uh.edu>
Sender: news@bronze.ucs.indiana.edu (USENET News System)
Distribution: comp
Organization: Indiana University, Bloomington
Lines: 34

>I need some info on the PS/2 Model 30.  A friend has one but the
>machine is about 1400 miles away so I can't go look to get some simple
>information.  Any answers would be greatly appreciated!

>Is it a 80286-based machine?
>ISA or MCA (or no) slots?
>Can an external hard disk be added to existing controller(s) or is a
>new HD controller card required?

>The friend has a Model 30 bought about 4 years ago, with two floppy
>drives and now wants to upgrade it to a hard disk version.  If you've
>done this or know how I would be very grateful.

The PS/2 Model 30 (not the 30-286) is an 8086-based
machine, and has the old XT 8 bit bus. I suppose you
could fit an 8 bit MFM or RLL controller ion one of 
its three slots, but getting a drive into the case
might be a problem. I think the IBM-supplied drives
had an edge connector that slides into a receptacle 
at the back of the drive bay, and the controller 
may very well be built in. This would lock you into
buying an IBM drive ($$$). You'd also have to give
up one of the floppies. I don't have any model 30s
to disassemble any more (hhehehehehe) so I can't 
tell you for certain.



--
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Iskandar Taib                        | The only thing worse than Peach ala
Internet: NTAIB@AQUA.UCS.INDIANA.EDU |    Frog is Frog ala Peach
Bitnet:   NTAIB@IUBACS               !
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