[Ham-Computers] RE: What ISP for an Old Computer

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

Jim,

There's still a small bit of conflicting information...Pentium-II's weren't
available in 166MHz - they started at 233MHz.  But, with the other info you
supplied, it sounds like it's an original Pentium @ 166MHz.  72-pin SIMMs is
the giveaway - Most Pentium-II's used DIMMs.

The age of 72-pin SIMMs was a little tricky.  Two different types of RAM
were available at the time - Fast Page Mode (FPM) and Extended Data Out
(EDO).  EDO is newer and faster than FPM.  However, most chipsets knew how
to handle both types, but not necessarily "mixed".  The other concern is the
plating on the module contacts.  Tin plating and gold plating were the norm.
You want to use SIMMS with gold plating on systems with gold plated sockets.
Likewise, you'll want to use tin plated SIMMs in tin plated sockets.  Mixing
them would cause problems as gold and tin are electro-chemically
incompatible - one causes the other to oxidize and corrode faster leading to
contact failure.

Speed is a minor issue as most 66MHz FSB Pentium based systems used 60ns
RAM.

I've seen 72-pin EDO SIMMs at the local HAM fest for about a buck a stick
(untested).  Tested ones are about $5 a stick.  I doubt the Acer uses any
"special" memory as ACER was also a generic supplier.

Your best bet is to find the following:
Four 16MB 60ns 72-pin SIMMs or two 32MB 60ns 72-pin SIMMs.  FPM or EDO
depends on your system.

On Kingston's website, they have standard 16MB 72-pin EDO SIMMS (tin-plated)
for $11.00 each.  The 32MB SIMMs are $21.00 each.  Can't beat that for
manufacturer direct, lifetime warranty memory!  Go here,
http://www.kingston.com/products/default.asp, and search by "Memory Type".
Select "EDO" and click "Go".  You'll see the various options available.  You
can also try searching by Manufacturer and model number.

73 & GL,

  - Aaron Hsu, NN6O