Soyo 5VA2 mainboard questions.

[Raptor]

Soyo 5V A0/A2/A5 User Guide

1. Can I install a IBM 6x86 MX PR233 (2.5x75MHz) CPU on this mainboard? The CPU claims to be 233MHz and this mainboard only seems to go as high as a Pentium 100. (MHz?)

2. I cannot seem to find the CMOS battery on the mainboard. There is nothing that looks like one of the four batteries in
this article either.

3. I donot quite understand the memory configurations for this mainboard, how do I recognize EDO, DIMM and SIMM RAM and how do I know what its Access Time is?

Any information is much obliged.

[merlin_2]

info>http://www.experts-exchange.com/Hardware/Q_20764701.html

[dl65]

Raptor..... Looking at the board specs......The cpu you have is not compatible with that board as I see it.....

I think the battery is the solder in type given the age of this board.

I think all the memory settings and options are listed ( as far as to set the jumpers )

Hope this is some help.

dl65

[Computer_Commando]

Soyo 5V A0/A2/A5 User Guide

1. Can I install a IBM 6x86 MX PR233 (2.5x75MHz) CPU on this mainboard? The CPU claims to be 233MHz and this mainboard only seems to go as high as a Pentium 100. (MHz?)

2. I cannot seem to find the CMOS battery on the mainboard. There is nothing that looks like one of the four batteries in
this article either.

3. I donot quite understand the memory configurations for this mainboard, how do I recognize EDO, DIMM and SIMM RAM and how do I know what its Access Time is?

Any information is much obliged.

1.  Look at p.8 of the manual...it shows settings for Pentium 180/200...which I think is a Pentium Pro.

2.  only mention of battery is on p.13 under Connectors.  Looks as if they forgot to include it in the manual.  

3.  http://www.crucial.com/kb/answer.asp?qid=3685
72-pin SIMMS can be EDO or non-EDO, almost impossible to tell by looking at the module.  You can't damage anything by trying any 72-pin SIMM.  Looks like a transition board, can take 4-SIMMS and 1-DIMM. Read Note under, "DIMM Voltage Setting".  Might be able to exceed the 128MB "limit".

Gee, Raptor, you sound like a newbie.

[Raptor]

info>http://www.experts-exchange.com/Hardware/Q_20764701.html

Merlin, that website requires me to sign up in order to see the solution. If you are subscriping, please quote the solution for me.

Gee, Raptor, you sound like a newbie.

Gee, Computer_Commando, you sound like a forum rat.

Thanks for the answers, but did it ever occur to you that all this older equipment is new to me? No need to taunt me for that..

[Raptor]

I have a few more questions:

1) How do I know what voltage the RAM requires?

2) I have 2x 2 pairs of 72-pin SIMM RAM installed, however, one pair is double sided and the others are single sided. What's the difference? Should I install another pair of double sided 72-PIN SIMM RAM?

3) How do I tell the specifications of the RAM installed?

4) Could someone explain the Memory Configuration on page 10 of the manual|?

5) How do I know what voltage the CPU requires? What is Dual and Single voltage?

[merlin_2]

The link a gave you ?you dont have to sign up ?load the webpage and read it ...and see if it helps..

[Computer_Commando]

I have a few more questions:

1) How do I know what voltage the RAM requires?

2) I have 2x 2 pairs of 72-pin SIMM RAM installed, however, one pair is double sided and the others are single sided. What's the difference? Should I install another pair of double sided 72-PIN SIMM RAM?

3) How do I tell the specifications of the RAM installed?

4) Could someone explain the Memory Configuration on page 10 of the manual|?

5) How do I know what voltage the CPU requires? What is Dual and Single voltage?

1)  You don't need to know, if it physically fits the slot, it won't burn up.

2)  Early RAM chips didn't contain a lot of memory and are combined with many to make a SIMM, single-sided, doubled-sided can be exactly the same.

3) Most are not marked well enough to determine.  If they fit, plug them in and see if they work.  Then mark them yourself.

4)  See Notes 1 & 2 on Page 11 of the manual.

5)  Depends are what CPU you are using.  That's what the manual says.

Gee, Computer_Commando, you sound like a forum rat.

Thanks for the answers, but did it ever occur to you that all this older equipment is new to me? No need to taunt me for that..

I don't know what a forum rat is.  You're supposed to be an expert, you offer plenty of advice.  I am just asking you to read the manual.  If I have to read it, why can't you?  If you don't want my help, say so, and I won't bother you any more.

[Raptor]

info>http://www.experts-exchange.com/Hardware/Q_20764701.html

Took another look at the website..

Sign Up to See This Solution

That's quite deceiving when all you have to do is scroll down.  

[Raptor]

1)  You don't need to know, if it physically fits the slot, it won't burn up.

2)  Early RAM chips didn't contain a lot of memory and are combined with many to make a SIMM, single-sided, doubled-sided can be exactly the same.

3) Most are not marked well enough to determine.  If they fit, plug them in and see if they work.  Then mark them yourself.

4)  See Notes 1 & 2 on Page 11 of the manual.

5)  Depends are what CPU you are using.  That's what the manual says.

1. I seem to be able to set the DIMM to 3.3V and 5V. 3.3V is standard, is that safe?

2. Understood

3. How do I find out the amount of RAM installed without using Windows?

4. The notes I understand, but the configuration schematic I donot. Apparently, there is a difference between double and single sided SIMM RAM?

5. How do I find out if I have one of those CPU's installed? Are those names? I tried checking the CPU but there was no such name printed on it.

[Computer_Commando]

1. I seem to be able to set the DIMM to 3.3V and 5V. 3.3V is standard, is that safe?

2. Understood

3. How do I find out the amount of RAM installed without using Windows?

4. The notes I understand, but the configuration schematic I donot. Apparently, there is a difference between double and single sided SIMM RAM?

5. How do I find out if I have one of those CPU's installed? Are those names? I tried checking the CPU but there was no such name printed on it.

1.  You won't burn it out at a lower voltage, but it might not work if it's a 5V DIMM.  It appears that SDRAM DIMMS are 3.3V.  FPM and EDO DIMMS appear to be 5V.  You will have to research what you have.    If you can figure it out, you ARE a computer God.  Labeling of memory modules is very bad.

2.  

3.  BIOS will tell.

4.  The difference in 1997 (manual copyrighted that year) those were the largest SIMMS available.  The "1MB x 36(32)" refers to the array size of the chips on the SIMM.  Double sided ones might not fit if the slots are too close together.

http://internal.vusd.solanocoe.k12.ca.us/Buck/pc_tech/study/memory.htm
http://www6.tomshardware.com/motherboard/19981024/index.html

Windows NT4.0 operated with 64MB and didn't need more than 128MB.

5.  CPUs are always labeled.  It might be small and faded, but it's there.  If it's already installed and jumpers are set and memory is installed, attach keyboard and monitor and power it up.  Don't need HDD, don't need boot disk; see if BIOS lights up.

[Raptor]

1.  You won't burn it out at a lower voltage, but it might not work if it's a 5V DIMM.  It appears that SDRAM DIMMS are 3.3V.  FPM and EDO DIMMS appear to be 5V.  You will have to research what you have.    If you can figure it out, you ARE a computer God.  Labeling of memory modules is very bad.

2.  

3.  BIOS will tell.

4.  The difference in 1997 (manual copyrighted that year) those were the largest SIMMS available.  The "1MB x 36(32)" refers to the array size of the chips on the SIMM.  Double sided ones might not fit if the slots are too close together.

http://internal.vusd.solanocoe.k12.ca.us/Buck/pc_tech/study/memory.htm
http://www6.tomshardware.com/motherboard/19981024/index.html

Windows NT4.0 operated with 64MB and didn't need more than 128MB.

5.  CPUs are always labeled.  It might be small and faded, but it's there.  If it's already installed and jumpers are set and memory is installed, attach keyboard and monitor and power it up.  Don't need HDD, don't need boot disk; see if BIOS lights up.

1. I really can not tell the difference between normal SDRAm and EDO/FPM SDRAM.. I checked crucial.com but according to that website 168 PINs can be either type, so how am I to find out, omni(im)potent and omniscient being?

2.

3. Do I have to look at the extended memory?

4. Double sided SIMM RAM sticks fit perfectly.

5. The CPU is labeled, but it does not have any of the names printed under the Dual and Single voltage settings. I will assume it goes at 2.7V ~ - 2.9V judging from the website Merlin posted.

The computer seems to run fine, the website Merlin gave me was very helpful with setting the jumpers. I can enter the BIOS, format the HDD installed and use floppies. I am just concerned that I will damage something if voltages aren't properly set.  

6) I ran into a strange problem (To me..) : When I was using a rather dodgy IDE cable, my keyboard would stop functioning. How is this related?

[Computer_Commando]

1. I really can not tell the difference between normal SDRAm and EDO/FPM SDRAM.. I checked crucial.com but according to that website 168 PINs can be either type, so how am I to find out, omni(im)potent and omniscient being?

2.

3. Do I have to look at the extended memory?

4. Double sided SIMM RAM sticks fit perfectly.

5. The CPU is labeled, but it does not have any of the names printed under the Dual and Single voltage settings. I will assume it goes at 2.7V ~ - 2.9V judging from the website Merlin posted.

The computer seems to run fine, the website Merlin gave me was very helpful with setting the jumpers. I can enter the BIOS, format the HDD installed and use floppies. I am just concerned that I will damage something if voltages aren't properly set.  

6) I ran into a strange problem (To me..) : When I was using a rather dodgy IDE cable, my keyboard would stop functioning. How is this related?

1)  I can't identify them either.  If they fit, I try them to see if they work.  If they work, you're okay.

2)

3)  Yes.  Also, boot to DOS disk and type:  mem
http://www.computerhope.com/memhlp.htm

4)  Don't know why they have the table in the manual.  Who cares if it's single or double sided?  Ignore it and move on.

5)  What is this mystery CPU?  Intel, AMD, Cyrix?  What number is printed on it?

Intel P54:  http://www.sandpile.org/impl/p54.htm
Intel P55:  http://www.sandpile.org/impl/p55.htm
AMD K5:  http://www.sandpile.org/impl/k5.htm
Cyrix M1:  http://www.sandpile.org/impl/m1.htm
Cyrix M2:  http://www.sandpile.org/impl/m2.htm


If it's working, jumpers are set right.  If jumpers are set wrong, it won't work at all.

6)  Probably causes "Halt" command to CPU and everything locks up.  Not abnormal at all.  IDE cable pinout:  http://www.bbdsoft.com/ide.html
http://www.bbdsoft.com/ide.html

[Raptor]

1)  I can't identify them either.  If they fit, I try them to see if they work.  If they work, you're okay.

2)

3)  Yes.  Also, boot to DOS disk and type:  mem
http://www.computerhope.com/memhlp.htm

4)  Don't know why they have the table in the manual.  Who cares if it's single or double sided?  Ignore it and move on.

5)  What is this mystery CPU?  Intel, AMD, Cyrix?  What number is printed on it?

Intel P54:  http://www.sandpile.org/impl/p54.htm
Intel P55:  http://www.sandpile.org/impl/p55.htm
AMD K5:  http://www.sandpile.org/impl/k5.htm
Cyrix M1:  http://www.sandpile.org/impl/m1.htm
Cyrix M2:  http://www.sandpile.org/impl/m2.htm


If it's working, jumpers are set right.  If jumpers are set wrong, it won't work at all.

6)  Probably causes "Halt" command to CPU and everything locks up.  Not abnormal at all.  IDE cable pinout:  http://www.bbdsoft.com/ide.html
http://www.bbdsoft.com/ide.html

1. Either the SDRAM stick is malfunctioning or the voltages aren't set properly. Donot gain any extra memory and got a memory error when running Seagate testing software.

2.  

3. Understood

4. Still curious.

5. It's Intel. However, since it works and properly reading 200MHz  I'll assume that 2.7 ~ 2.9V is the right jumper setting.

6. Understood. Dodge dodgy IDE cables or can I use the sockets again?