Macintosh IIci: daystar turbo 040 33 mhz vs stock.

[Macbuk]

Today i've received a daystar turbo 040 card with 16.6 oscillator (33 mhz).

http://img395.imageshack.us/my.php?image=acce1yq8.jpg

http://img225.imageshack.us/my.php?image=acce2ld1.jpg

http://img225.imageshack.us/my.php?image=acce3qr0.jpg

It works perfectly, i percieve the same difference i had noticed between IIci and Quadra 650. Framerates on 3D games significantly improved but i've some concerns about daystar plug and play capabilities. Shall i use Daystar control panel? does it help in order to improve performance?

This is my video capture inheriting "pathways into darkness" demo on a stock IIci and the same 040 upgraded IICI. A big difference but not a revolution on 3D rendering.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDqDphSapV8

Regards

 

[TylerEss]

Yes, if you install the DayStar control panel, it will let you enable the cache on the board, which improves the performance dramatically in a lot of situations.

The cache may be on by default, but it's so easy to install the control panel, why not?

 

[Macbuk]

Right! Thanks TylerEss.

I guess the files i need are these on the bottom link

http://lowendmac.com/daystar/download/software/upgrades_68040/

I'll try as soon as possible [] ]'>

 

[TylerEss]

Also, the Turbo040s overclock really well. If you're moderately good at soldering, it's easy to put in an oscillator socket and shoot for 50MHz.

I've got mine (with a 40MHz-rated chip) stable at 48MHz and I think it's limited mostly by the available cooling inside the SE/30 case.

 

[Temetka]

Sweet upgrade!

That looks like a fun game to play.

Might have to get me a NuBUS Mac now and get and 040 for it. Sadly all of my Mac's are PPC at the moment and I would love to rock the 68k as well.

Now that I have more time on my hands for such projects, who knows?

 

[CtlClick]

Awesome!

I've got a 40MHz Daystar upgrade and a Tornado 3MB video board. It totally rocks out playing Marathon 2, even on multiplayer \m/[(>.&lt]\m/

 

[Unknown_K]

There has to be a limit in the bus speed where the cache starts acting funny (if your 040 has cache anyway).

 

[Macbuk]

Here in italy we use to say: Said... done!

http://img98.imageshack.us/my.php?image=quadcon1cn7.jpg

http://img234.imageshack.us/my.php?image=quadcon12wi3.jpg

http://img80.imageshack.us/my.php?image=quadcon2fp7.jpg

Rom version is 4.01. I've to sincerely say that it doesn't change anything.

Perhaps i dislike a lot the "powered by daystar" signature.

I'm not completely sure but i guess 128 cache already activated, even before quad control panel installation.

Also, the Turbo040s overclock really well. If you're moderately good at soldering, it's easy to put in an oscillator socket and shoot for 50MHz.I've got mine (with a 40MHz-rated chip) stable at 48MHz and I think it's limited mostly by the available cooling inside the SE/30 case.

Yeaahh, it wouln't be a matter at all... i mean to solder a new oscillator.

I've a 33 mhz 68040 on a Q650 mb i could use in order to overclock the daystar card over 40 mhz but i've some concerns about the real utility. My aim is purely collecting old machine, card will be modified and i couldn't be sure about its long term reliability. It would be bad for me to discover the card suddenly no more functioning. Anyway in the future... who knows.

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