8100 HPV PDS Graphics Card VRAM

[quicksilver]

I’m guessing the answer is going to be no since I haven’t even seen VRAM modules large enough to test this, but does anyone know if the 8100 version of the High Performance Video card (820-0509-A) can accept VRAM to take it beyond 4MB?

Would an 8100 HPV filled with VRAM fit a 6100 if a Sonnet PDS G3 upgrade is used as a right angle adapter?

I picked up a 6150 server and it looks good sitting under a big 21” CRT.

 

[killvore]

I have a 6100 with the "passthrough" G3 PDS accelerator and an HPV from a 7100 connected to that. The HPV has the extra VRAM chips and fits just fine! It's an awesome machine, the ultimate "family pizza"

I think the 8100 HPV is exactly the same dimensions, only difference is the VRAM (I no longer have one to verify, unfortunately)

 

[Phipli]

I’m guessing the answer is going to be no since I haven’t even seen VRAM modules large enough to test this, but does anyone know if the 8100 version of the High Performance Video card (820-0509-A) can accept VRAM to take it beyond 4MB?

No, the slots need to match what is onboard - so it is 2MB built in, or 4MB expanded. Two banks of 2MB.

Would an 8100 HPV filled with VRAM fit a 6100 if a Sonnet PDS G3 upgrade is used as a right angle adapter?

I think it fits, but I can't remember if it is only with no VRAM plugged in. I think with VRAM it is tight around the hard disk cables. If you have a SCSI SD adapter of some kind it is much more likely to fit, but make sure the card doesn't touch on any metal.

 

[killvore]

It should fit with the extra VRAM - there is juuust enough clearance above the crown heatsink for the PPC601. I keep the SCSI ribbon for the hard drive on top of the mounting bracket and the case seems to close ok. I have dremeled off the "hook" on the top case plastic tabs so I don't snap them

 

[quicksilver]

Well I thought I was clever enough to use my decently honed “guess what’s inside the case from the outside” skills to pick up a low profile Sonnet G3 upgrade off eBay.

I’ve got several NewerTech NuBus G3 upgrades for the 7100/8100 - one with no soldered ribbon and one with. I was going off memory and I thought the ribbon length only allowed the PDS graphics card to be installed in the first NuBus slot. With installed meaning put into its NewerTech bracket and stuck in the NuBus slot upside down.

So I saw a 7100 with a HPV card in the third slot from the left. If I was correct about the NewerTech ribbon length then that spot was too far from PDS slot for a proper installation. Either the HPV card was just stuck in the Mac and the G3 upgrade was gone or there was a Sonnet or other G3 upgrade with a longer ribbon. An upgrade that would work in my 6150!

I asked the seller for interior pics but I never expect a response from someone with thousands of items for sale. I’m impatient so I bought the Mac. Pics come today and it’s a NewerTech card. Oh well still useful! Trying to figure out the model from the DT371D on the ribbon. Also got an Audiomedia II card!

Guess I’ll still be looking for an upgrade for the 6150.