> Date: Sat, 6 Mar 1999 12:10:10 -0600
> From: "Chad A. Fernandez" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Subject: Re: new box?
> On 1999-03-05 [EMAIL PROTECTED] said:
>> One thing I've
>> always wanted to try was putting an 8086 chip in place of the 8088
>> on an original PC - IIRC they have the same pin-out.
> I have heard the exact opposite.....that the pin-outs were not compatible at
> all. That is a processor I wouldn't mind having, Though.
I found my copy of "The WINN L. ROSCH HARDWARE BIBLE, Third Edition"
(1994). (I should study it <G!> - wish I had more time!) Quoting from
pages 68 and 69:
"The 8086 is potentially twice as fast and almost completely compatable
with the 8088. Consequently, manufactorers intent on selling
performance engaged in the extra effort to design around the 8086.
Even IBM chose the older yet more powerful 8086 to power its low-end
PS/2s.
"As compatable as they are the 8088 and 8086 are not interchangeable.
The need for eight additional data bits going into the chip requires
eight more data lines or leads. The connections made to each of the two
chips are thus different. The 8088 and 8086 are not indentical
pin-for-pin and are not plug compatable. Computers must be designed for
one chip or the other."
I had a PS/2 Model 30 (8086 - there was also a 286 Model 30) which ran
circles around an 8088 machine I also had. It used IBM DOS 5.0, which is
also very good, had a 20 MEG HD and 720 floppy drive. I never did
figure out how to upgrade its MCA components. On the other hand, I am
writing this on a 486 DX 66 which is so much faster than the older box
that it's like comparing Mite hockey to the NHL. Much of this older
equipment has significant limitations. They simply cannot do many of the
functions we take for granted on more recent machines. Still they are
not as worthless as IT managers and Microsoft would have one believe.
End
Peace
Dale Hoogeveen Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Home site: http://www.net-info.com/~dutch
To unsubscribe from SURVPC send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with
unsubscribe SURVPC in the body of the message.
Also, trim this footer from any quoted replies.
