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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: stopthegop on August 27, 2006, 04:29:58 PM
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Hi,
I'm trying to upgrade a Z3 Fastlane to 256M RAM. If successful, that will give me almost 400M total counting the 16M on the MoBo and 128M on the cstorm -- an insane amount for an Amiga... but why the heck not?? Has anyone actually done this or know the exact procedure? I have the Z3 and I know where to get sixteen 30-pin single-sided 16M simms. I have heard that one (or more?) of the socketed chips on the Z3 board must be replaced. Is this true? If so, which ones? And most importantly what do they need to be replaced with?
Thanks, David
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is the Z3 fastlane-based ram as fast as the one on the cstorm?
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keropi wrote:
is the Z3 fastlane-based ram as fast as the one on the cstorm?
No, any memory not on the CyberStorm will be slower.
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obviously the mem access will be much slower due the Zorro bus. (FastLane RAM bus is still a 32 bit)
Here the problem is to find 16MB 30 pins SIMMS, at a "human" price!
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Regarding memory speed, if I have memory on my CSPPC and on the motherboard, which gets used up first?
In other words, does the 16mb motherboard ram get used up before or after the mem I have on my Cyberstorm?
Curiosity. :-)
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@Framiga:
You're right, this hobby of ours is not a cheap one. Credit (or blame) ebay for this...
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CSPPC memory have an higher proirity hence will be used first.
CSPPC= pri 40
mem om mobo= pri 30
pri -10 for ChipRAM
and IIRC Zorro2 is -30 or so. (i'm on MOS for PowerUP now...i'll check on AmigaOS)
Note- under MOS for PowerUP, 16Bit Z2 mem is not seen at all
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oh, so it is a good idea to have the 16MB added too, in case they are needed right?
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IMHO yes.... someone says that slows down the system but is a BS seen that have a lower pri.
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Fastlane mem is Z3, not Z2 (>8 MB possible and quite a bit faster, though not as fast as CS local mem, of course).
For upgrading the Fastlane you'd need to exchange a GAL - if you can't get it (I wouldn't know where) and don't have the code to program it with, there's no way to get the 16 Meg SIMMs running, sorry.
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Zac i was speaking about MY config, where i have a Z2 card with mem on it
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Sorry, haven't read your post thoroughly...
Z2 mem has higher prio than chip mem, so it's gets allocated earlier - should be 0 or +5 or something. Z3 mem is above that and local turbo board memory is highest.
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Zac: How do I tell what version the ROM is on the Fastlane?
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yes Zac you are right: (Z2 mem have pri 0)
CSPPC pri 40
MOBO pri 30
Z2 mem pri 0
ChipRam pri -10
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I've been looking for a Z3 Fastlane for a while too, (only if supports 256mb). At the moment I have 272mb RAM on my A4000T but I can't see why my miggy doesn't deserve another 256 ;)
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wow! how the speed compared with the mobo one? (about... no needs of benchmarks)
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Type Available In-Use Maximum Largest
fast 1014775884 12070836 1026846720 1009540088
Okay, okay, I cheat a bit with a Pegasos ;-)
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@Framiga:
According to http://www.amiga-hardware.com/showhardware.cgi?HARDID=1231 the Z3 memory is "95% as fast" as A4000 mainboard memory. I'm sure this assumes 60ns SIMMs.
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You better forget about upgrading the Fastlane from 64 to 256 MB. The knowlage to do the upgrade is lost somewhere in time. Not even DCE or some ex P5 workers know how to do it anymore or have the needed code to programm the GALs that need to be exchanged.
In the end there are only a hand full of "golden" Fastlanes out there (less then 50 maybe even less then 20) that had the upgrade made.
I have been searching for many years. It was much easyer to get the DKB3128 I use instead and that defenitely tells a story.
Anyway if you find a way to do .the upgrade let me know it as I want to break some barriers too (currently 128 MB on MKII, 128 MB on DKB3128, 64 MB on Fastlane and 16 MB on Mobo on miy A3000T adding up to 336 MB FastRAM)
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Since you've got quite a 'bouquet' of memory:
Have you ever benchmarked the various regions?
What are the priorities assigned by the OS?
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Funny! "'Bouquet' of memory" ... :)
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@Lemmink:
I share your frustration and I appreciate the information. I was not aware of those things you mentioned. Would it be possible, in your opinion, to somehow obtain the source code to program the GAL chips?? I know someone who is qualified and has the hw to do this type of work (programming ROMs, microsoldering, etc..), but he would obviously need the source files for the chips that need to be upgraded. Do any of your former P5 contacts take bribes?? :)
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@ Lemmink
I say we go on a memory crusade, my friend. I say we seek far and wide, plunder and loot if necessary, and make our Amigas bust the 500mb RAM mark :-D