Franklinstein
Well-known member
Since I started diving back into these NuBus models, I was curious if I could replace the 601 chip with faster ones. This is possible, sort of:
The original 601 was built using a single 5v power supply and ran at frequencies between 60 and 80MHz. So yes, it's entirely possible to take a 6100/60 and swap in an 80MHz processor. This isn't really worth it on the 7100, 8100, or 9150, since they already had 80MHz options available; I wouldn't bother unless I had to replace a damaged chip anyway.
The 601v was a mild redesign using a smaller manufacturing process, which allowed it to operate between 100 and 120MHz, and a dual power system: 2.5v and 5v. Unfortunately this new power system made it incompatible with the original 601, precluding its use in anything except the 8100/100 (the 601v-capable 9150 already ran at 120MHz), which could then be stepped to 120MHz if you could find the faster chip.
I haven't yet investigated but I am curious as to whether the original QFP 604 is pin compatible with the 601v. A 604-based 8100 could be an interesting machine.
The original 601 was built using a single 5v power supply and ran at frequencies between 60 and 80MHz. So yes, it's entirely possible to take a 6100/60 and swap in an 80MHz processor. This isn't really worth it on the 7100, 8100, or 9150, since they already had 80MHz options available; I wouldn't bother unless I had to replace a damaged chip anyway.
The 601v was a mild redesign using a smaller manufacturing process, which allowed it to operate between 100 and 120MHz, and a dual power system: 2.5v and 5v. Unfortunately this new power system made it incompatible with the original 601, precluding its use in anything except the 8100/100 (the 601v-capable 9150 already ran at 120MHz), which could then be stepped to 120MHz if you could find the faster chip.
I haven't yet investigated but I am curious as to whether the original QFP 604 is pin compatible with the 601v. A 604-based 8100 could be an interesting machine.