First post, by NightShadowPT
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- Member
Hi,
I have recently bought a Compaq Deskpro 486/33M that I would like to transform into a dream machine. In fact, the machine it's still on the way 😀
I understand this will probably take me a long time, but this is a project I had on the drawer for far too long so I intend to finish it.
I intend to share the progress with the community, while at the same time learning from your collective experience.
The unit that I bought already comes with a few upgrades:
Processor:
Original: Intel 486DX 33
Upgraded: Cyrix cx486 DX2-66
Not sure if it is worth to further upgrade this.
I have a couple of DX4 processors lying around (a 75Mhz Intel and a 100Mhz AMD), but I am unsure if they can be used because if I remember correctly, they are 3.3v processors while the original 486 are 5v.
Memory:
Original: 4MB
Upgraded: 16MB
I know adding more will be overkill, but the expansion board still has some free slots.
Also, I am curious if it is possible to add memory that is faster - Does anyone know what are the best memory modules i can use in this computer?
Graphics Card:
Original: ??
Upgraded: Compaq QVision 1280/E (EISA)
I'm not familiar with this card, but from a quick search online seems to be one of the best I can have for such a system. Happy to hear your thoughts or if there is anything I can get above this one.
Sound Card:
Original: none
Upgraded: Creative Labs AWE32 (CT2760)
Not sure if there is any upgrade for this part as it seems to be pretty hi-end for a 486 system.
The only thing it is missing is the extra memory on the card. Anyone knows what type of memory I should procure?
Storage:
Original: Conner CP3361 (340MB) - not sure if it came with the machine or is already an upgrade
For storage I am considering adding a SCSI Controller, a Quantum Grand Prix (4301-W) 4.3GB, and a Plextor SCSI CD-Rom Drive (32x or 40x)
Also, I may add a IDE2CF for easy data exchange with my current machine
Others:
Does anyone know if it is possible to add more Cache memory to the system? (or at least replace the cache modules with higher speed ones?)
Anything else I may be overlooking?
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And that's it... I'm quite motivated for this project and looking forward to share every step of it with the community.
Happy to hear your thoughts!
Cheers,
NightShadowPT
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Compaq Deskpro M 486/66 - 64MB Ram - Compaq QVision 1MB - Orpheus II Sound
Card - 4GB SCSI HDD + 4GB CF Card - SCSI CD-ROM Plextor PX-32TSi - Adaptec WideSCSI AHA-2740W - 3COM Etherlink III Card