From: kgermann@zeos.com (Ken Germann)
Subject: Re: ---> I Need Advice on Upgrading from 386-33DX to 486DX.  Also SEX!
Organization: Zeos International, Ltd
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1992 04:15:57 GMT

In article <1992Nov12.192244.2716@netcom.com> noring@netcom.com (Jon Noring) writes:
>Hello,
>
>Now that I've got your attention, I need some help, advice, etc.
>
>I am planning to upgrade my 386-33DX Omnitel motherboard with a 486DX.
>
>I'd like to get a much faster board, since I primarily will use the 486 for
>generating lots of fractals (using Fractint v17.2) that involve a lot of
>calculations (both integer and floating point).  I am assuming, as a
>pc-hardware-klutz (tm), that the fpu is already built into the 486DX chip -
>is this right?
>
>Anyway,  I'd like advice and answers to the following questions:
>
>
>1) Should I stick to the 33Mhz, or are the 50 and ?66 Mhz boards reliable?

The answer to this is a bit more complicated than just saying, "Yeah,
I think you should go with this." You need to consider which applications
you are planning on running and what kind of money you are willing to 
spend to get the type of computer that will meet the needs of your 
applications. You want to make sure that the system you select is as
upgradable as possible. It gets frustrating to continually have to replace
motherboards/systems every time Intel or someone else releases a new product
that is tastier than the one you currently own. Getting hardware to 
satisfy an itch that needs to be scratched can get expensive. You need
to be able to say this is what I need it for now and make sure that 
the system you select will do what you want it to later. Upgradability
and retaining the highest possible dollar value in the system you
select is very important. Price is a concern. But, don't forget 
to consider quality. Look for systems that have quality parts.
>
>2) Are there other 486DX chip manufacturers other than Intel?  And, if so,
>   should I consider them?
The issue of compatility is a concern that always needs to be addressed.
The data paths that are supported by clone processors. Is the processor
a true 32 bit processor? or is the data path from the CPU to the BUS
being split? AMD has a 386DX-40 that I have had no personal problems with.
But 386 technology is on the verge of being kicked out of the market place
as far as new systems go. The 486SX, DX, and Overdrive processors are 
being pushed heavily. It won't be before too long that the 386 processor
family meets the same fate as the 286 processor family. The "shelf life"
of a product on the PC Market is getting shorter and shorter on a daily/monthly basis. Plan for the future. Buy a 486...

>3) What brands should I consider?  Avoid?  (I'm willing to pay a little
>   more to get a board with proven reliability and compatibility, as
>   well as good customer support if something goes wrong).

Customer support is beginning to be a larger issue than it has been in the
past. Look for companies that are taking the time and effort to offer 
other means of support. Not all questions that are being asked are mission
critical. Automated or electronic means of support in most cases is more
convienent and has a potential of being very effective. The key is will
the company you are considering buying a system from be there for you
when the system is down? What is it they are willing to do for you when
your system does go down? 

There are four areas that people like to communicate by
	- Voice
	- Fax
	- Modem
	- E-mail/BBS.

What means are you most comfortable communicating with? How many
of these areas are offered by the company your are considering for
contacting the departments in the company you need to get a hold of?

The key for most of us that are reading this is: Can they be reached on 
the Internet? What information are they willing to provide or willing
to do for you when they read that message from you? 

>4) Is upgrading as simple as swapping boards, or do I also have to change
>   any other hardware?  Could system reconfiguration be a problem?

This depends on the type of motherboard you have in the system,
the size of the new motherboard and the size of the case you currently
own.
>
>5) Will the 586 be out soon that maybe I should wait?

The Pentium will be released sometime in 93. I wouldn't wait for it.
>
None of the information provided above is intended to point towards 
you buying a system from ZEOS. Anyone buying a PC has the right to
make a choice of what system they want to buy. 


-- 
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