VOGONS


The World's Fastest 486

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Reply 120 of 755, by aries-mu

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croton64 wrote:

You could run those 5x86@120Mhz using the 3x multiplier on motherboard, 133Mhz was obtained with 2x multiplier (if i recall correctly), AMD used it to drive the CPU at 4x.
So, you can choose to run it @120/133Mhz whatever gives you better performance.

Interesting perspective, thanks!

Just a recap for new-visitors:
• No 5s in the name (5x86 and similar), just a pure 486 (aesthetically too!)
• No overclocks
• No weird adapters/Evergreen overdrives, etc., just the plain 486 CPU (but it is allowed to move between brands, Intel, AMD, Cyrix, IBM, etc.)
• Pure MS-DOS based (meaning, 6.22 at the latest), which means it has to work with apps, games, drivers, etc. So, forget very late SCSI320 and SCSI640, forget very late video cards...
Fastest pure natural real authentic 486 possible on the planet... go ahead! (then of course I'll post my proposed theoretical configuration...)

NOTE: In case of DX4-120, the motherboard would be Biostar MB-8433UUD, as it can certainly set the PCI bus @ 40 MHz

They said therefore to him: Who are you?
Jesus said to them: The beginning, who also speak unto you

Computers should be fun inside not outside! 😉 (by Joakim)

Reply 121 of 755, by feipoa

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The Am486DX4-120 WB was an interesting chip, which came out mid-1995 I believe. It should have given the Cyrix 5x86-100 some decent competition. For some reason, I didn't hear much about this AMD chip back then. Makes me wonder if AMD had yield issues at 120 MHz. Or perhaps suppliers were shying away from the 40 MHz FSB.

If the AMD X5 restriction has been lifted, then I vote for the AMD X5-160ADY

This particular chip has datecode of week 8, 1996. Makes me wonder if AMD was trying to compete with the Cyrix 5x86-133, coming out just 1 week after the stop date of production for Cyrix 5x86. Perhaps once Cyrix cut off the 5x86, AMD decided there was no marketing advantage for the 160. http://chipdb.org/img-amd-amd-x5-160ady-6552.htm

Anyway, it sounds to me like you are trying to build the most natural, but high-end, 486, while not using any 5x86, X5, or POD chip. If not overclocking, then go with the Am486DX4-120-WB. I also assume you want something fairly period correct, so perhaps a S3 Virge or Trio64 coupled with a Voodoo1 or Creative 3D Blaster VLB/PCI. Some kind of caching IDE or SCSI controller from 1996 should fit the bill.

EDIT: There is this other -160 with a P100 rating from the first week of 1996, but something just doesn't look right with it. http://chipdb.org/img-amd-amd-x5-160adz-277.htm

Plan your life wisely, you'll be dead before you know it.

Reply 122 of 755, by aries-mu

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feipoa wrote:
The Am486DX4-120 WB was an interesting chip, which came out mid-1995 I believe. It should have given the Cyrix 5x86-100 some de […]
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The Am486DX4-120 WB was an interesting chip, which came out mid-1995 I believe. It should have given the Cyrix 5x86-100 some decent competition. For some reason, I didn't hear much about this AMD chip back then. Makes me wonder if AMD had yield issues at 120 MHz. Or perhaps suppliers were shying away from the 40 MHz FSB.

If the AMD X5 restriction has been lifted, then I vote for the AMD X5-160ADY

This particular chip has datecode of week 8, 1996. Makes me wonder if AMD was trying to compete with the Cyrix 5x86-133, coming out just 1 week after the stop date of production for Cyrix 5x86. Perhaps once Cyrix cut off the 5x86, AMD decided there was no marketing advantage for the 160. http://chipdb.org/img-amd-amd-x5-160ady-6552.htm

Anyway, it sounds to me like you are trying to build the most natural, but high-end, 486, while not using any 5x86, X5, or POD chip. If not overclocking, then go with the Am486DX4-120-WB. I also assume you want something fairly period correct, so perhaps a S3 Virge or Trio64 coupled with a Voodoo1 or Creative 3D Blaster VLB/PCI. Some kind of caching IDE or SCSI controller from 1996 should fit the bill.

EDIT: There is this other -160 with a P100 rating from the first week of 1996, but something just doesn't look right with it. http://chipdb.org/img-amd-amd-x5-160adz-277.htm

Wow man! You know your stuff around CPUs!!! and thank you for the interesting info and links! Well the X5 restriction is lifted let's say only in the case there are a few chips that show 486 instead of 5x86 on them, I know, for purely aesthetic needs 🤣
You know, it doesn't COMPLETELY "feel" like a 486 if there's a 5 on that. I know it's the same thing, it's purely an emotional feeling, but it matters to me.

Wow I didn't think about the Vodoo/Creative coupling!! I don't remember them more than just vaguely the Vodoo being an addition rather than an actual standalone video card...
Yes, exactly, fairly period-correct!

And yes, caching U160 SCSI PCI (@ 40 MHz!!!) controller...

Wow 160 though!!!! If only had 486 DX5-160 on that chip!!!

They said therefore to him: Who are you?
Jesus said to them: The beginning, who also speak unto you

Computers should be fun inside not outside! 😉 (by Joakim)

Reply 123 of 755, by dirkmirk

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Dont restrict yourself, my ideal max "486" is the AM5x86-133 overclocked to 160mhz with a VLB video card.

THe max CPU on the 486 platform i'd be looking at the Cyrix 5x86-120 or IBM 5x86C over clocked to 120mhz with a PCI video card.

Reply 124 of 755, by feipoa

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Naw, I think most people here know a good amount about socket 3 CPUs. It is kind of the sweet spot for interest.

Well, if you are interested in a Voodoo 1, then I suggest using an AMD 486DXfive-160 to make the most of it. You'd be surprised at how many eary 3D games will run well on this configuration.

If you are after period correct, a U160 might be too new. I personally use an Ultra2-LVD controller, which is still probably too new. I think this was released in 1998. A PCI Ultra Wide AHA-2940UW host controller might be best.

dirkmirk wrote:

Dont restrict yourself, my ideal max "486" is the AM5x86-133 overclocked to 160mhz with a VLB video card.

THe max CPU on the 486 platform i'd be looking at the Cyrix 5x86-120 or IBM 5x86C over clocked to 120mhz with a PCI video card.

He did say he is using an MB-8433UUD, so perhaps an IBM 5x86c at 2x66 (133 MHz). What I find a little strange is that I couldn't get any of my five ceramic IBM 5x86c-100 chips to run perfectly stable at 133 MHz, while the QFP variants nearly all ran at 133 MHz.

dirkmirk is correct though, the Am5x86-160 with VLB is a very sought after setup. I currently have such a system with PS/2 mouse, 1024K cache, 64 MB RAM, VLB S3 Vision 968 w/4MB, VLB SCSI, and Am5x86-160 running in write-back mode (a rare combination with VLB SCSI). Unfortunately, I don't use the system much at all because I much prefer playing with early 3D on the IBM 5x86c-133/2x system.

Plan your life wisely, you'll be dead before you know it.

Reply 125 of 755, by aries-mu

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dirkmirk wrote:

Dont restrict yourself, my ideal max "486" is the AM5x86-133 overclocked to 160mhz with a VLB video card.

THe max CPU on the 486 platform i'd be looking at the Cyrix 5x86-120 or IBM 5x86C over clocked to 120mhz with a PCI video card.

I see, thanks dirkmirk.

Well, that's entirely up to us and what our goals are.
If the goal is to squeeze as much as possible the last tiny bit of additional bit per second ("performance" in other words), then I'd agree to not to "limit" myself.
If the goal is to have a 486, with 486 written on the chip, with 486 appearing on the screen if ANY kind of DOS/Windows benchmark or system info utility is run, with the highest performances possible, then the focus is not on the performance part but on the 486 part. In which case...

Sorry for the delay, I don't know how, I missed the email telling me of the last 2 replies, which is odd as I check all my email. Many times with long delays, but I check them all.

feipoa wrote:
Naw, I think most people here know a good amount about socket 3 CPUs. It is kind of the sweet spot for interest. […]
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Naw, I think most people here know a good amount about socket 3 CPUs. It is kind of the sweet spot for interest.

Well, if you are interested in a Voodoo 1, then I suggest using an AMD 486DXfive-160 to make the most of it. You'd be surprised at how many eary 3D games will run well on this configuration.

If you are after period correct, a U160 might be too new. I personally use an Ultra2-LVD controller, which is still probably too new. I think this was released in 1998. A PCI Ultra Wide AHA-2940UW host controller might be best.

dirkmirk wrote:

Dont restrict yourself, my ideal max "486" is the AM5x86-133 overclocked to 160mhz with a VLB video card.

THe max CPU on the 486 platform i'd be looking at the Cyrix 5x86-120 or IBM 5x86C over clocked to 120mhz with a PCI video card.

He did say he is using an MB-8433UUD, so perhaps an IBM 5x86c at 2x66 (133 MHz). What I find a little strange is that I couldn't get any of my five ceramic IBM 5x86c-100 chips to run perfectly stable at 133 MHz, while the QFP variants nearly all ran at 133 MHz.

dirkmirk is correct though, the Am5x86-160 with VLB is a very sought after setup. I currently have such a system with PS/2 mouse, 1024K cache, 64 MB RAM, VLB S3 Vision 968 w/4MB, VLB SCSI, and Am5x86-160 running in write-back mode (a rare combination with VLB SCSI). Unfortunately, I don't use the system much at all because I much prefer playing with early 3D on the IBM 5x86c-133/2x system.

Oh my beautiful goodness!!!!! You have it perfect! Even the VLB SCSI!!!??? Even the VLB S3 Vision 968!!!!! 1024 KB cache, 64 MB RAM!! Man, is that VLB (and related cards) running at 40 MHZ or what????

Wow!

What did you connect on the SCSI card? HDDs or somehow-converted Solid State Stuff?

Wow! If only it had a n Am486 DX4 120 WB, that would have been it!

Hey, if you really don't use that system, if it's bothering you so much, I wouldn't mind the sacrifice to use my room as its permanent "scrapyard" 🤣 😜 😁
Just joking.

They said therefore to him: Who are you?
Jesus said to them: The beginning, who also speak unto you

Computers should be fun inside not outside! 😉 (by Joakim)

Reply 126 of 755, by aries-mu

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feipoa wrote:
● Biostar MB8433-UUD v3.0 or 3.1 AWARD 4.51PG BIOS, 05/20/96 UMC 8881F (9633-EYT) / 8886BF (9631-FXO) Chipset Socketed Dallas […]
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● Biostar MB8433-UUD v3.0 or 3.1
AWARD 4.51PG BIOS, 05/20/96
UMC 8881F (9633-EYT) / 8886BF (9631-FXO) Chipset
Socketed Dallas DS12887+ RTC
Modified to accept 1024K external cache How would you do that?
Modified with a variable voltage regulator How would you do that?
66 MHz FSB system How would you do that?

1024 KB double-banked Cache, 10 ns TAG (W241024AK-10), 10 ns cache (8 pieces of IS61C1024-10N) How to name an eBay search to look for it?
3-2-2-2 cache wait state and 2/0 for RAM (66 MHz FSB)

2) CPU
● Cyrix 5x86-133 (4 x 33 MHz FSB)
● IBM 5x86c-133 (2 x 66 MHz FSB)
● RSTK_EN = 1
● BTB_EN = 0 (branch prediction is long-term stable in DOS; set BTB_EN = 1 and LOOP_EN=0 in DOS to improve performance)
● LOOP_EN = 1
● LSSER = 0 (optimal performance is when LSSER = 0)
● USE_WBAK = 1
● WT1 = 1 (for hardware stability)
● BWRT = 1
● LINBRST = 1
● FP_FAST = 1 (must be set to 0 with SiS 496/497 chipset)
● MEM_BYP = 1
● DTE_EN = 1
● IORT = 000
Man what's all the above crap? Is there a guide/book to learn it? Where to even modify that stuff? What's their use and would they apply to an Am486 DX4-120 WB?

3) Memory
● Samsung 128 MB (2x64) CMOS Dynamic RAM w/Fast Page Mode and Parity, 60ns w/gold contacts K4F640411C-TC60 x 8 pieces per stick
A modified BIOS is attached which allows for setting the L2 cache into write-through mode) For what motherboard? the Biostar?

4) Harddrive/Controller
● Ultra320 SCSI 146 GB Harddrive (ST3146707LW) - 320 MByte/sec (this is the boot/system/storage drive)
Adaptec 2940U2W, Ultra2-LVD, 40 MHz - 80 Mbyte/sec What do you mean 40 MHz? Can you set it? How? Thanks!

9) Other features
● Complete stability in W2K sp4 with all noted hardware
● PS/2 Mouse Port
● External IDE CF-card Reader w/16GB 200X CF Card
(connected to the internal PIO-4 port or 50-pin narrow SCSI connector via AEC7720U - used for testing differing OS's) WOOW YEEEEEEAAAAHHHH This is feeling like a bird in the air!

● Floppy Drives - NEC 3.5" and 5.25" How comes you didn't get GoTek Floppy Drive emulator with USB stick???

10) Other additions known to work well on newer UMC, PCI-based 486 systems
● ISA U.S. Robotics 5687 v.90 56K modem
● PS/2-to-USB mouse converter for modern mice
● ISA 3Com 3c515-TX, 10/100Base-TX (100Base mode non-duplex)
● PCI Intel Pro/100S 10/100Base-TX
● PCI 2-port USB Host Controller, SIIG Intek 21 (TKP2U022) OPTi 82C861
● PCI Creative DXR2 DVD/MPEG Decoder
● PCI SATA/ATA Host Controller, Promise SATA150 TX2plus (has NT4.0 drivers) WOOW MAN!!!!! (y) (y) (y)
● ACARD AEC7732U Bridge Adapter, SATA (ATAPI DVD-ROM) to 50-pin Ultra SCSI WOOW MAN!!!!! (y) (y) (y)
● ACARD AEC7720U (C1) Bridge Adapter, IDE/ATA (CD/DVD-ROM or harddrive) to 50-pin Ultra SCSI
WOOW MAN!!!!! (y) (y) (y)

[/quote]

They said therefore to him: Who are you?
Jesus said to them: The beginning, who also speak unto you

Computers should be fun inside not outside! 😉 (by Joakim)

Reply 127 of 755, by feipoa

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arias-mu, pretty much all my retro systems aren't used much. They reside in the closet until I have some idea I want to test out on them.

The VLB SCSI system could easily take an Am486 DX4-120, but I'm intersted in the fastest it can go. I am not using solid state on the VLB SCSI system, just a standard SCSI HDD. I would like to play around with SCSI2SD V6 for use in 386 and 486 systems.

I don't know how, I missed the email telling me of the last 2 replies

It seems like if Vogons sends an email update about a thread, and you don't view the updated thread, then you will not be udpated about the next several replies until you check that thread. So if you manage to miss one update to a thread, then say 5 months go by and someone posts a response, you still won't get an update. The site sort of unsubscribes you until you check the thread again. With the old Vogons website, you'd still get an email after that 5 months saying there was an update. So people, myself included, tend to miss a lot of thread updates this way.

aries-mu: I mention with photos how to modify the MB8433-UUD for 1024K in the PDF manual I provided. I've also produced a jumpered board which lets you select between 256, 512, and 1024K double-banked without needing to solder again. I've been meaning to update the manual again with these photos and the process, but haven't had the time or will power. Working on computers means I loose sleep, which in essence probably shortens my lifespan.

Aries-mu: The manual also mentions how to do 66 MHz. The mod to the VRM may also be in the manual, but it is also located here in more detail: Modifying your motherboard's voltage regulator for overclocking

Aries-mu: Those specific register settings are only for the Cyrix 5x86. They will not work on other CPUs, except for the Cyrix MediaGX. I suggest reading the two links in detail if you are interested: Cyrix 5x86 Register Enhancements Revealed and Register settings for various CPUs

Aries-mU: Yes, the Biostar

Aries-mu: 40 MHz is probably the oscillator on the card. You'll need to look up the Adaptec information for more detail.

Aries-mu: I don't use GoTek floppy emulators. I want the classic feel of suffering thru floppy drives. Also, the bezel colour of the floppy emulator is always off. The white/beige never seems to match.

Plan your life wisely, you'll be dead before you know it.

Reply 128 of 755, by Tetrium

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aries-mu wrote:
Ok derSammler, due to the relatively large request to consider the 133, but considering also the "aesthetic" requirement mention […]
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derSammler wrote:

Are you aware that this CPU was also officially sold as Am486DX5-133? It was even written on some chips. 5x86 was just a marketing name.

Ok derSammler, due to the relatively large request to consider the 133, but considering also the "aesthetic" requirement mentioned above (gotta read 486 on the chip rather than 5x86), I'll put back the AM486DX5-133 in the list of possible candidates, which now are:

• AMD Enhanced AM486 DX4-120 WB
• AMD AM486 DX5-133**
**Only specimens with written 486 on the chip, and only if the L1 cache is Write-Back

Now, given this "new entry" in the context, my questions above become even more pressing, which I propose again:

In your opinion, would the additional 13 MHz of the 5x86-133 CPU be worth the 7-MHz lowered speed on everything else (BUS, PCI cards and subsequently video card, RAM, L2 cache, EIDE, etc.) and the greater speed gap/unbalance between CPU (133) and the rest of the system (33) if compared with a seemingly more balanced 120 (CPU) / 40 (system)?
Would any difference in performances (not just purely isolated CPU benchmarks) be detectable?
Because the purpose of my context is to identify the fastest 486 possible in overall performance, not only in isolated CPU speed.

Just a recap for new-visitors:
• No 5s in the name (5x86 and similar), just a pure 486 (aesthetically too!)
• No overclocks
• No weird adapters/Evergreen overdrives, etc., just the plain 486 CPU (but it is allowed to move between brands, Intel, AMD, Cyrix, IBM, etc.)
• Pure MS-DOS based (meaning, 6.22 at the latest), which means it has to work with apps, games, drivers, etc. So, forget very late SCSI320 and SCSI640, forget very late video cards...
Fastest pure natural real authentic 486 possible on the planet... go ahead! (then of course I'll post my proposed theoretical configuration...)

NOTE: In case of DX4-120, the motherboard would be Biostar MB-8433UUD, as it can certainly set the PCI bus @ 40 MHz

Though I fully understand where you're coming from, and I do like your way of looking at it and presenting yourself with a new challenge...the naming of these CPUs was (like has been mentioned before by some Vogoners already) often largely just for marketing reasons. Kinda similar to how Katmai was officially a PIII, but in reality it would have been more fitting to name it a Pemtium II+ and start naming it PIII from the Coppermine core.

The AMD 5x86 was basically just a DX4 unit with 4x multiplier (but with the 16kb cache that only some of their 486 chips had). The Cyrix one is a bit of another story, as is the POD.

In the end I basically ended up accepting a limit of what I could put into the CPU socket and still consider it kinda native to that socket.

What's in a name?

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My retro rigs (old topic)
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Reply 129 of 755, by sunaiac

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That's funny I had the same rules and started with an idx4 as target. Now I'm going to end up with a 5x86. I can never stop hehe.

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Reply 130 of 755, by feipoa

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In the end, I realised that people will build what they want to build.

Plan your life wisely, you'll be dead before you know it.

Reply 131 of 755, by aries-mu

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feipoa wrote:
arias-mu, pretty much all my retro systems aren't used much. They reside in the closet until I have some idea I want to test ou […]
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arias-mu, pretty much all my retro systems aren't used much. They reside in the closet until I have some idea I want to test out on them.

The VLB SCSI system could easily take an Am486 DX4-120, but I'm intersted in the fastest it can go. I am not using solid state on the VLB SCSI system, just a standard SCSI HDD. I would like to play around with SCSI2SD V6 for use in 386 and 486 systems.

I don't know how, I missed the email telling me of the last 2 replies

It seems like if Vogons sends an email update about a thread, and you don't view the updated thread, then you will not be udpated about the next several replies until you check that thread. So if you manage to miss one update to a thread, then say 5 months go by and someone posts a response, you still won't get an update. The site sort of unsubscribes you until you check the thread again. With the old Vogons website, you'd still get an email after that 5 months saying there was an update. So people, myself included, tend to miss a lot of thread updates this way.

aries-mu: I mention with photos how to modify the MB8433-UUD for 1024K in the PDF manual I provided. I've also produced a jumpered board which lets you select between 256, 512, and 1024K double-banked without needing to solder again. I've been meaning to update the manual again with these photos and the process, but haven't had the time or will power. Working on computers means I loose sleep, which in essence probably shortens my lifespan.

Aries-mu: The manual also mentions how to do 66 MHz. The mod to the VRM may also be in the manual, but it is also located here in more detail: Modifying your motherboard's voltage regulator for overclocking

Aries-mu: Those specific register settings are only for the Cyrix 5x86. They will not work on other CPUs, except for the Cyrix MediaGX. I suggest reading the two links in detail if you are interested: Cyrix 5x86 Register Enhancements Revealed and Register settings for various CPUs

Aries-mU: Yes, the Biostar

Aries-mu: 40 MHz is probably the oscillator on the card. You'll need to look up the Adaptec information for more detail.

Aries-mu: I don't use GoTek floppy emulators. I want the classic feel of suffering thru floppy drives. Also, the bezel colour of the floppy emulator is always off. The white/beige never seems to match.

WOW THANKS so much for the super-thorough info!!!!

Tetrium wrote:
Though I fully understand where you're coming from, and I do like your way of looking at it and presenting yourself with a new c […]
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Though I fully understand where you're coming from, and I do like your way of looking at it and presenting yourself with a new challenge...the naming of these CPUs was (like has been mentioned before by some Vogoners already) often largely just for marketing reasons. Kinda similar to how Katmai was officially a PIII, but in reality it would have been more fitting to name it a Pemtium II+ and start naming it PIII from the Coppermine core.
The AMD 5x86 was basically just a DX4 unit with 4x multiplier (but with the 16kb cache that only some of their 486 chips had). The Cyrix one is a bit of another story, as is the POD.
In the end I basically ended up accepting a limit of what I could put into the CPU socket and still consider it kinda native to that socket.
What's in a name?

sunaiac wrote:

That's funny I had the same rules and started with an idx4 as target. Now I'm going to end up with a 5x86. I can never stop hehe.

Lol guys! sunaiac that's what always happens eh? And I maybe will keep going back... 386... 286.... 🤣! just kidding.
TETRIUM: wow, your name would be suitable for 486 chips, or maybe those advanced pseudo486 chips named 5x86 or similar...
I see your point, and, if it was merely a mechanical thing, I'd agree totally.
The problem is when emotional aspects come in the way. As a kid using the family 286 for years, and dreaming a 486 for years, as the 486 had been the top PC CPU for years... hoping to get a 386, but dreaming a 486 as forbidden dream.... dreaming and imagining to read that "486" text when turning on the PC, like the boot screen, in the various system info utils, etc..... and then... I got a 486, just a "moderate" DX-33 ISA-only PC, then the kid grew up, the market changed... got a Pentium 60 after a while... things changed... the world changed... everything got so fast..... that "486" text remained in the old memories emotions. So, the dream to have a 486 and assemble it to make it the fastest 486 computer on the planet... and then turning it on and actually READ:

80486

something like that, is unique. It's a feeling. It doesn't care that the AMD 5x86 is the same thing just renamed for marketing. It shows up as a 5x86, not as a 486. In my dreams as a kid the 486 dream got printed deeply, not the 5x86... 😁
So that's the thing....

One thing I'd totally replace, on the contrary, is the mobo: if even a super-modern current mobo (just to say an absurdity) could run the old desired components (486 CPU, FPM 60ns RAM, Diamond S3 or Cirrus Logic or even Ati Mach 32 or 64 SVGAs, etc.), I'd totally go with the super modern mobo. I have no affections whatsoever to any motherboard model or name or code in particular. As long as it had a couple of better than ISA/EISA slots (VLB and/or PCI), better than 30 pin RAM [even 168 pin DIMM ram would be okay (I know, just saying)], pre-SATA drives, and an old-fashioned beige case, it'll be great.
Ah, of course, no HDD. I learned to hate them. Only Solid State Stuff via converters on EIDE/Ultra ATA or even better (even more dreamy as a kid!!!): SCSI UW to some kind of Solid State Stuff!!! Oh man on CACHING CONTROLLER!!!!!
Man, if 486 was a dream, caching controller was a dream made while sleeping in zero gravity in a starship in an alternate universe when I was a kid 🤣

And plenty, PLENTY PLENTY of RAM in which also configure a generous RAMDRIVE!!!!!!! oh man!

I have some stuff, close to this (just no scsi), but it's a DX2 66, still GREAT!

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Jesus said to them: The beginning, who also speak unto you

Computers should be fun inside not outside! 😉 (by Joakim)

Reply 132 of 755, by feipoa

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I also remember, even as late as 1995, the 486 was considered by some as fast and being excessive for one's needs.

You may be able to edit the BIOS to read "Am5x86" as a"80486 DX5".

Plan your life wisely, you'll be dead before you know it.

Reply 133 of 755, by aries-mu

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feipoa wrote:

I also remember, even as late as 1995, the 486 was considered by some as fast and being excessive for one's needs.

You may be able to edit the BIOS to read "Am5x86" as a"80486 DX5".

Oh wow! That would be something!!!!!
Thanks!

Yeah it was true, but games were improving quickly and getting very demanding...

Also, another kid's forbidden dream I always had was.... WINDOWS NT!!!!!! 🤣

They said therefore to him: Who are you?
Jesus said to them: The beginning, who also speak unto you

Computers should be fun inside not outside! 😉 (by Joakim)

Reply 134 of 755, by Intel486dx33

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So what is the fastest CPU I could put in this motherboard ?
Gigabyte GA-486vs motherboard.
http://www.motherboards.org/files/manua ... 86vs8a.pdf

Reply 135 of 755, by Baoran

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Intel486dx33 wrote:

So what is the fastest CPU I could put in this motherboard ?
Gigabyte GA-486vs motherboard.
http://www.motherboards.org/files/manua ... 86vs8a.pdf

Oh no... -_-;

Reply 136 of 755, by amadeus777999

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Intel486dx33 wrote:

So what is the fastest CPU I could put in this motherboard ?
Gigabyte GA-486vs motherboard.
http://www.motherboards.org/files/manua ... 86vs8a.pdf

You can put in an Am5x86 - it will run fine, but won't be detected correctly... as far as I can remember.

Reply 137 of 755, by ph4nt0m

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Another world's fastest 486.

Cyrix 5x86-120GP 3.6V S1R3 (year 1995 week 41) @ 133MHz (2x 66MHz) 3.7V
LuckyStar LS-486E rev. D. with dual banked 256Kb cache (3-1-1-1 read timings)
64Mb EDO RAM (2x 32Mb Kingston Kingston KTM8X32L-70ET)
Diamond Monster Fusion 16Mb PCI (3Dfx Voodoo Banshee) or Tseng ET6000 2Mb PCI + Diamond Monster 3D II 12Mb PCI (3Dfx Voodoo2)

What makes it special is all 9 15ns 32Kx8 ISSI IS61C256AH-15J cache chips have been desoldered and replaced with 8 10ns Cypress CY7C199D-10VXI + 1 8ns EliteMT LP61256GS-8 for the tags. The 15ns chips didn't work at 66MHz. First the 8ns EliteMT chip went in and the cache started to work at 3-2-2-2. Then the 10ns Cypress chips made it work at 3-1-1-1. I have also replaced all those poor Tayeh 10uF/16V capacitors with tantalum 100uF/10V and 33uF/25V, and some 100nF MLCCs with 5uF. The power regulator was modded to do 3.7V instead of 4.1V in addition to 3.45V. A custom cooler with a dual ball bearing fan which runs off 5V instead of 12V to reduce noise.

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Last edited by ph4nt0m on 2019-05-01, 22:46. Edited 2 times in total.

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Reply 138 of 755, by treeman

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any chance of a quake score?
how come you soldered the new cache back in or was it the previous owner? No sockets that size or they are smd, can't make out on picture

very nice clean system!

Reply 139 of 755, by aries-mu

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ph4nt0m wrote:
Another world's fastest 486. […]
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Another world's fastest 486.

Cyrix 5x86-120GP 3.6V S1R3 (year 1995 week 41) @ 133MHz (2x 66MHz) 3.7V
LuckyStar LS-486E rev. D. with dual banked 256Kb cache (3-1-1-1 read timings)
64Mb EDO RAM (2x 32Mb Kingston Kingston KTM8X32L-70ET)
Diamond Monster Fusion 16Mb PCI (3Dfx Voodoo Banshee)

What makes it special is all 9 15ns 32Kx8 ISSI IS61C256AH-15J cache chips have been desoldered and replaced with 8 10ns Cypress CY7C199D-10VXI + 1 8ns EliteMT LP61256GS-8 for the tags
....

WOOOW MAN!!!

This is such a beast of 486 you've made!!!

You even altered the motherboard and components electrically almost entirely! I'm not an electronic guy, I would never have replaced capacitors with new ones having different specs!

Curious: What kind of hard (or solid state) drive have you installed? Please tell me some SD or CF...

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