Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!ncar!gatech!prism!ccastms
From: ccastms@prism.gatech.EDU (Michael Todd Smith)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware
Subject: Re: Installing a 386SX into an AT Motherboad????
Summary: Don't think so...
Message-ID: <24890@hydra.gatech.EDU>
Date: 22 Mar 91 19:17:47 GMT
References: <1991Mar22.182606.549@cbnewsc.att.com>
Distribution: usa
Organization: Georgia Institute of Technology
Lines: 31

In article <1991Mar22.182606.549@cbnewsc.att.com>, santol@cbnewsc.att.com (shawn.r.antol) writes:
> Recently I had read somewhere that it was possible to install an
> 80386SX cpu into an AT style motherboard and virtually have a low
> end SX machine.  Is this possible?  What are the caveats?
> 
> My hardware is:
>     10M Hz  80286  Hyundai
>      1M     RAM
>     90Meg   1:1 Interleave Hard disk

The only way possible to install a 386sx into an AT ( 286) system is in  an
expansion slot thru some kind cpu expansion board.

	Reasons why the 386sx and 286 aren't interchangable:

- 	They are not the same size. The 386sx has 100 pins ( See Intel
	Microprocessor and Peripheral Handbook Volume I page 4-355) and
	the 286 has 68 pins ( See page 3-2 ).

-	The clock would not provide the type of performance you would 
	probably be looking for in an upgrade.

Most CPU expansion boards will have a clock on board(16 MHz, I have not heard of
any 20 MHz models yet), but I think it would be a lot less hassle to just buy a new 386sx motherboard and stick it in your AT case.  I think you will be a lot
happier a year or so down the road if you ever wanted to sell it and upgrade
again.
-- 
Michael Smith	    Internet: ccastms@prism.gatech.edu      

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