Construct your personal RAM: Upgrading an historical 386 PC to 64MB RAM utilizing custom-built reminiscence
WTF?! In the event you’re a classic laptop fanatic caught within the period of 30-pin SIMMs, your reminiscence improve choices are relatively restricted. However one enterprising YouTube channel has now proven super-size historical 386 methods to a ‘jaw-dropping’ 64 megabytes of RAM.
YouTuber Bits and Bolts has created a step-by-step information for constructing {custom} 16MB 30-pin SIMM modules from off-the-shelf elements. Whereas that won’t sound earth-shattering in 2024, it is a game-changer for a 386DX machine from the ’80s.
Let’s rewind to the 386 period when 30-pin SIMMs reigned supreme because the reminiscence normal. A typical Home windows 3.1 setup wanted simply 1MB to skate by, usually reached utilizing 4 256KB sticks. As computing calls for elevated, 1MB modules grew to become the norm.
Quick ahead to Bits and Bolts’ formidable undertaking. After beforehand modding 30-pin SIMMs to hit 32MB utilizing a intelligent hack, the maker wished to blow previous that ceiling. The objective was to create 16MB SIMMs, which was the utmost supported by the 30-pin normal, to considerably increase the 386’s reminiscence capability.
Pulling this off required fairly some engineering expertise. Bits and Bolts first needed to confirm his particular 386 motherboard might truly deal with that a lot RAM when maxed out. He discovered that he might however provided that 4 of the board’s eight slots had been used. He had hoped to the touch the 128MB mark, however 64MB must do for now.
The method wasn’t with out its hurdles. The largest was sourcing reasonably priced, dependable 16MB 30-pin SIMMs, that are both extraordinarily dear classic elements or sketchy used modules of unknown high quality. Bits and Bolts additionally needed to rigorously hack the modules to permit switching between older Quick Web page Mode (FPM) and newer Prolonged Information Out (EDO) RAM modes for compatibility.
After assembling the modules and putting in them on the 386 motherboard, the system efficiently booted with 64MB of reminiscence. The writer examined the reminiscence utilizing Memtest86+, which took 10 hours to finish one move. A thermal digital camera and oscilloscope had been used to observe the temperature and voltages of the modules, confirming their stability and security.
It is all fairly exceptional for a virtually four-decade-old system. However Bits and Bolts is not achieved but and has already set his sights on the following goal, which is upgrading newer 486 methods past their typical ceilings.
