GVP '030 Combo questions

[quarkx]

Hi all,
I got in a GVP '030 Combo card with my VT stuff (the main reason I got it all was for this one card). I am getting the upgraded ROMS, but how far can I expand this card?
If I am reading the numbers correctly, this card is only running at 25 Mhz.

http://i526.photobucket.com/albums/cc341/quarkx/gvp1.jpg


Now, what is involved in making it faster? is it just a matter of replacing the CPU, MMU and crystal? or is there more jumper settings?

[save2600]

I'm fairly certain jumper settings need to be changed on this board. I hope you can find the right settings though. I had a helluva time when I had that board getting straight answers out of BBOAH or amiga.resource.cx. Although the latter was a lot more accurate and/or correct. I forget. That was many beers ago ;-)

Linky to combo info (http://amiga.resource.cx/exp/search.pl?product=combo&company=gvp)

[quarkx]

Thanks Save,
There is really nothing in the manual on "upgrading" a base board.

[amiga1260]

I think you only have to replace the CPU, FPU and Crystal. I have a GVP 1230 II card and replaced the CPU, FPU and Crystal with a 68030@50 MHz, 68882@50 MHz and Crystal at 50 MHz.

On your board you also have to change jumpers as written on the Linky from the answer of save2600.

[doctorq]

And as a side node, does anyone know if SIMM sizes can be mixed, or only 4 MB modules are useable? I have problems with getting my cards to see a 1 MB stick, it's being reported to be 4 MB no matter how I set the jumpers.

A scan of the manual would be nice as well :-)

[terminator4]

hi,
I have several copies of manuals (gvp 030) make me an offer, for those interested in manuals.
As far as the RAM, depending on your board and revision, its either 1mb or 4mb on board. then 3 sockets that will take 4mb of RAM, or 16mb RAM.

I do not recommend any upgrades (without contacting gvp to confirm). I think there were 2 models (one with 1mb RAM, one with 4mb soldered on board) of this card:
- 25 MHz: 1 MB on board + three SIMM sockets gives 13 MB max
- 40 / 50 MHz: 4 MB on board + three SIMM sockets gives 16 MB max
Any crystal clock upgrades, mean you must confirm all things on the card (jumpers etc).

All these boards use GVP simm RAM, not just any simm ram.

[terminator4]

I believe thats correct (CPU, FPU & Crystal) with same ratings. If anyone needs any parts, I can inquire from local cpu broker if these can be sourced here.


amiga1260 wrote:
I think you only have to replace the CPU, FPU and Crystal. I have a GVP 1230 II card and replaced the CPU, FPU and Crystal with a 68030@50 MHz, 68882@50 MHz and Crystal at 50 MHz.

On your board you also have to change jumpers as written on the Linky from the answer of save2600.

[doctorq]

@terminator4

All I need to know is if memory sizes can be mixed; if a 1 MB simm can be installed together with a 4 MB modules, so depending on the board it either has 6 or 9 MB of fast ram.

[countzero]

no, you can't mix different size RAM with GVP hardware AFAIK.
Also I think you can't use 1 mb SIMMs with Combo boards. You should use either 4 or 16 mb SIMMs. Or was this only for Combo 040 ?

Hmm, there must be a SIMM size jumper. For 030 boards this maybe 1mb/4mb (max 16 mb) and for 040 4mb/16mb (max 64 mb) The problem with GVP hardware is the RAM size is not auto detected, and RAM controller simply believes what you set it to be, that's why you can't mix match them.

[quarkx]

countzero wrote:
no, you can't mix different size RAM with GVP hardware AFAIK.
Also I think you can't use 1 mb SIMMs with Combo boards. You should use either 4 or 16 mb SIMMs. Or was this only for Combo 040 ?

Hmm, there must be a SIMM size jumper. For 030 boards this maybe 1mb/4mb (max 16 mb) and for 040 4mb/16mb (max 64 mb) The problem with GVP hardware is the RAM size is not auto detected, and RAM controller simply believes what you set it to be, that's why you can't mix match them.

Hopefully I can shed some light her with the following 2 scans:

http://i526.photobucket.com/albums/cc341/quarkx/ram1.jpg
http://i526.photobucket.com/albums/cc341/quarkx/ram2.jpg

[motrucker]

doctorq wrote:
@terminator4

All I need to know is if memory sizes can be mixed; if a 1 MB simm can be installed together with a 4 MB modules, so depending on the board it either has 6 or 9 MB of fast ram.

In a word - no