Performa 6400 - new GPU and network

[Pixel]

Since it is my first post, here short introduction. I really like old "classic" computers and it started with Amiga 600 long time ago (when they were not classics, actually I got it new ). So, I keep my Amigas well mentioned and use them once in a while. However, recently I got a chance to get Performa 6400 in nearly new condition and word of Classic Mac become available for me

I do not have previous experience with Macs!

It is nice computer, but I would like to use it for few things like: email, light writing etc. maybe play SimCity2000 . Right now I fight with few things.

I would like to add two things to this computer: network card and gpu. I got some random PCI network card (Realtek 8139) and ATI Rage 128 Pro 16Mb. Here is my problem. I have no idea how or where to find drivers for both of this card. I found drivers for Realtek website for this network card (I installed them, but I don't even know how to set up network on my MacOS8.6? I unable to install any drivers I found that suppose to work with Rage Pro...(proper card not detected by driver). (Rage was detected under OS7.5.5 and after reinstalling MacOS8.5... it is not there any more). I tried to search for various forums, but I'm unable to configure it properly or find proper stuff. Sorry!

I would TRULLY appreciate help.

Thank you!

 

[Nathan]

Setting up the network should be easy as there should be a control panel (TCP/IP I think) that controls that. The best way to get connected is probably either internet sharing with another computer directly (which will probably require a crossover cable) or hooking it directly to your router. You might have some trouble getting DHCP to work (i.e. auto assignment of IP addresses), but it's worth a go since it's a lot less painful than having to manually put in the right addresses. Otherwise you should assign it a static IP address in the same range as the dynamically assigned ones and disable that address for auto-assign (if the router supports that). For the most success you should probably connect the cables before the computer is started and check for lights on the card if it has any to see if there is any activity/action.

As for the graphics card... I assume it's PCI and, hopefully, a macintosh version? You should make sure it's seated properly and maybe clean the connectors (rubbing alcohol or a clean white eraser maybe). If it's not detected, then it's no surprise the installer won't run. You might try testing with other versions of the mac os such as 8.0, 8.6, 9.1, etc.

 

[Pixel]

I connected it to router. I see, maybe this is a problem with assignment of IP adress. There is light on network card. Is there any way to see if network card is properly installed, some sort of test?

Yes, it is PCI and SUPPOSE to be be mac version (It worked under System 7.5.5). After installing OS 8.5 (that suppose to have driver for it) there is no possibility to select secondary monitor .

Thank you for help! I really would like to make this computer more "useful"

 

[rsolberg]

I have a Performa 6360 which is basically a 6400 in a desktop case. I've used both a Rage 128 8MB and a Rage 128 Pro 16MB graphics cards in it without too much trouble. I have not tried a dual monitor configuration. The only issue I encountered was that the machine would chime and boot with no video whatsoever with the monitor plugged into the ATI card. I still had my Mac DA-19 to VGA adapter plugged in to the onboard video port- many of these adapters will make the Mac behave as if a monitor is connected. I unplugged it from the Mac and I immediately had video on boot through the ATI card.

 

[Pixel]

Thank you for advice. There is some progress (I think!). I disconnected VGA adapter and now I can use ATI card (new resolutions etc.). Unfortunately, when I installed drivers for ATI (I can see there is driver for Rage 128, I still can access configuration menu. I'm getting information that "No ATI product detected". Do you think my card is not "mac" card or if this would be the case it would not work at all??

 

[rsolberg]

If the system boots up using the card, it's a Mac compatible version. "No ATI product detected" might be caused by an Apple OEM version of the card or it might be that the driver you have supports the Rage 128, but not the Pro version. If you have an Apple OEM vs an ATI retail card, the ATI configuration program usually isn't compatible.

 

[Bunsen]

Moved to PCI PowerMac forum

 

[Pixel]

If the system boots up using the card, it's a Mac compatible version. "No ATI product detected" might be caused by an Apple OEM version of the card or it might be that the driver you have supports the Rage 128, but not the Pro version. If you have an Apple OEM vs an ATI retail card, the ATI configuration program usually isn't compatible.

Most likely is Apple OEM card.

I hope I can use, OpenGL with my card... just to see Quake 1 in OpenGL . My other question, can I configure "monitors"? Problem is that "Recommended" monitor have to large refresh rates and only few actually will work with my current monitor AND some software is trying to use some of this unsupported but recommended refresh rates (like 120Hz...).

Soon I will try to fight my network card, I hope I can connect this Mac to internet!

BTW. Thank you for moving my question to right place.

 

[Pixel]

OK. Internet works well. I did not I need to plug Ethernet cable and then restart/turn on computer. TCP/IP now can see Ethernet connection and now I can "browse" internet .

I'm not sure what is wrong with my ATI card, I can use it but it is soooooooo slow I can see how windows are drawn... super slow.