CompuServe Messages

Hey Guys… Here's some specs on a mobo that _might_ be a good one for building a PVR station around. I came across it a week or two ago, but I haven't pursued it any further. The board is called the "ZAPPA OEM: M505 TRITON" and it's sold by Micromax (Tel: 800-795-6299): * Intel Triton PCIset chipset. * Supports 75-133MHz Pentium P54C & P54CS CPUs w/320 pin ZIF socket. * Uses 72-Pin SIMM modules x4 auto backing in multiple configs to 128MB. * Supports both fast page mode and extended data output (EDO) DRAM modules. * High performance L2 write-back cache supports pipeline burst SRAM (256KB only) or asyncronous SRAM (256KB or 512KB). * 4 PCI slots, and 4 16-BIT ISA BUS slots (all slots support master mode). * System BIOS supports 4IDE HDD drivers up to 8.4Gb. * PCI master IDE interface on board with 2 connectors for 4 IDE devices in 2 channels, the PCI IDE controller supports PIO Mode 3 and 4 at maximum transfer rates of 16.67 MB/s and Bus master IDE DMA Mode 2 at max of 22MB/s. * On-Board "Multi-I/O" using the UMC UM8663 super Multi-I/O chip that supports 2 serial ports, 16550 Fast UART compatible, 1 parallel port with EPP and ECP capabilities, and a floppy disk drive connector that supports drives up to 2.88MB. * System BIOS supports NCR810 SCSI BIOS firmware and green feature function. * Current MO Price for the mobo w/133 MHz Pentium is $959 (+$75 for 512K cache, Syncronous Cache available Sep '95). When I talked with the MO person at Micromax, he stated that the motherboard is made under Intel license in Taiwan, and that it's about $100 cheaper than a conventional ZAPPA. The schematic he sent me shows three (3) of the four PCI slots as appearing to be 100% clear for use with full-length cards. located between the PCI slot group and the ISA slot group. There are two connectors for COM1 & COM2 in that same area. Only one PCI slot looks like it would be unuseable with a full-length PCI card. I was told that the I/O is serviced thru a conventional ISA-BUS board, so users would have to plan on giving up one ISA slot to I/O functions. I haven't seen this board in person, nor do I know if the specs are as good as other competitors boards, but I thought some of you would be interested if you intend to build your own box from the ground up. \\\. ========================= >-==<MIKE(>=– >-==*- /