Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!uunet!crdgw1!ge-dab!peora!joel
From: joel@peora.ccur.com (Joel Upchurch)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc
Subject: Want Info on 386sx Motherboards
Keywords: 386sx Replacement Motherboards
Message-ID: <4087@peora.ccur.com>
Date: 9 Feb 90 21:23:38 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: Concurrent Computer Corp, Orlando FL
Lines: 41

I'm looking to replace the 16 MHz 286 motherboard in my current system
with a 386sx motherboard. I want to run large-frame EMS to enhance the
performance of Windows among other reasons. From what I see it
appears that Windows would run better if it could re-map all of the
memory, not just the 64kb window. The NEAT chipset on my current
motherboard only seems to support small frame EMS. I would be
interested if anyone knows if this is a problem inherent in the NEAT
chipset or just in the AMI BIOS I'm using.

Anyway, I would like any first hand or even second hand information
about the 386sx motherboards being sold. Dozens of places seem to be
selling them and I don't have way to judge between them. The features
I'm interested in are:

- A well built board with a decent warranty.

- Be able to put at least 8MB of memory on the motherboard using 1
  megabit DIP chips or 1 megabyte SIMMs.

- Baby AT form factor. I want it to fit in my existing case.

- No major software or hardware incompatibilities (Run Windows/386,
  OS/2 etc.)

- Reasonable price. (less than $400 with 0kb)

Other plus factors:

- Comes with BIOS and/or drivers for shadow memory and large frame EMS
  4.0 support.

- Memory interleaving support so I can run at 0 wait states with
  cheaper RAMS.

- Good documentation.

If anyone knows a true 386 board that meet these criteria and is less
than $600 I would also be interested in hearing about it.
-- 
Joel Upchurch/Upchurch Computer Consulting/718 Galsworthy/Orlando, FL 32809
joel@peora.ccur.com {uiucuxc,hoptoad,petsd,ucf-cs}!peora!joel (407) 859-0982