Did some real nice upgrades today on my IBM PS/VP 433 Dx/D (model 6384):
Installed a Pentium Overdrive 83mhz processor. At first the bios gave me a "malfunction" error on the Level 1 cache and although the computer posted and detected the processor properly, it was slowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww as crap. Benchmark scored it at half the speed of my 486dx 33 and slower than a 386. Ensured that the motherboard jumpers were set properly. Worried I had a defective processor, but after scouring the internet, figured out I needed to do a BIOS update to get it to work. Once I did that, all is well. I got it brand new sealed in the box off ebay for about $150. Pricey, but I got it as a gift for myself after going through some shit. I also needed the processor upgrade to make use of my next upgrade:
CD-ROM! I remember the excitement of getting a CD-ROM for the first time in the early 90s, even though all I had to use was the copy of Encarta that it came with. I was just about as excited for this. Its a Creative Matsushita 2X CD-ROM that I got on ebay for about $55. My PC only has one IDE port, and I'm using both channels for the HD and my CF-IDE, so wanted to be able to run it through my SB 16 (CT1740). Works perfectly.
Only have a handful of dos games on CD, but what was at the top of my list was Star Trek 25th Anniversary and Star Trek Judgement Rites. Just had to have some fun in config.sys and autoexec.bat to free up enough conventional memory (needs 560k!). Have them playing music through the MT32, and thanks to the CD version can hear all the original voice actors from the series.
I really am a big fan of the PS/VP - it is so upgradable. My next upgrade should probably be a VLB video card - never had one back in the day and not super familiar with what is out there, so would take any suggestions as to what ones I should look out for in a machine like this. Wish I could use the L2 Cache slot but seems impossible to find the Cache modules for these machines. Memory can go from 16mb to 64mb, but the IBMs can be picky about what ram sticks they take.