🚀 go-pugleaf

In <C0oxuo.Dq8@bailgate.gpsemi.com> lee_b@sn4901.oldham.gpsemi.com (Lee Burley) writes:

        [...]

>I have also seen this article and have a few questions:
>2. I see all the motherboards use 70nS RAM, how can this be??

As far as I know all modern PC's use 70ns RAM. It's the most widespread
and therefore the cheapest variety. The speed difference between the
processor and the RAM is compensated for by the cache.

>3. If the choice were between a DX33 and a DX2-50, which is the best buy

Depends on what you want to do. If you're moving around lots of data,
the DX33 is faster, because the DX2/50 works at 25MHz external. When
you're doing computations the DX2 is faster. I'd say that, unless you
want to build a server, the DX2 is the best choice overall.

>4. Would I need a chip cooler (fan) and if so where can I get one in the UK?

Intel says its chips don't need a fan (except for the power supply fan,
of course). Others say that the chips are more reliable (live longer)
with a fan. They're both right, of course. A 486 will live a respectable
time without a fan (probably far longer than its economic lifetime).
However, it's a known fact for any kind of chip that life expectancy
decreases 50% with every 10 degree Celcius increase in chip temperature.

>6. Is the 486DX2-66 a reliable part?

I believe so... but just to be sure many vendors put a fan on top of it...

Peter Herweijer
pieterh@sci.kun.nl