HELP!

uofmfan4 · Thu Mar 10, 2005 4:59 am

I know only this about my motherboard:

Bios Type: Award Modular BIOS/G400 R1.11
Bios Date: 04/28/98
BIOS ID: 04/28/98-i430VX-SMC37C93-2A59GB3JC-00
OEM Sign-on: PACKARD BELL BIOS version v1.25I
Super I/O: SMC 93x rev 1 found at port 370h
Chipset: Intel Triton 430VX rev 2
OS: Microsoft Windows 98 Version: 4.10.1998

I have 32MB RAM at this time, but will upgrade to 128MB RAM in next several days. (2 64MB SDRAM modules, PC100) I would like to upgrade the hard drive within the next couple weeks, but have heard that Windows 98 has a limitation on HD size. I'd like to put in an 80GB Hard Drive, replacing my current, 1.96GB Hard Drive. Do I need to upgrade the BIOS? Will an 80GB Hard Drive Work? What do I need to do?

My computer is a Packard Bell Multimedia 705.

Thu Mar 10, 2005 7:29 am

You will run into heavy compatibility problems with your SDRAM upgrade because i430VX only supports 32MB sticks (and only special sticks, doublesided with 16 memory chips). Your only chance to get 128MB is via 4x32MB EDO.

HDD limitation is by Bios - Win98 supports up to 128GB but you may need a newer version of FDISK.

Do you already have the latest Bios ?

uofmfan4 · Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:57 pm

I don't know, I've never upgraded the BIOS to my system. It's still the original. Where can I check, and which BIOS upgrade do I need?

Fri Mar 11, 2005 7:43 am

PB 810/820 motherboard = OEM version of BCM/GVC FM530

http://www.uktsupport.co.uk/pb/mb/810.htm
04/28/98-i430VX-SMC37C93-2A59GB3JC-00

RAM has to be x16 type
64 Mb SIMM - $100+ (KMO-SM5000/64)
32 Mb SIMM - $80+ (KGW-SDRAM-32)

used in:
Multimedia M415 166MMX
MultiMedia 601
Multimedia 705

uofmfan4 · Fri Mar 11, 2005 2:36 pm

I thank you for the RAM information, but I received (and installed) the PC100 SDRAM yesterday, and the computer read all 128MB of it. I thank you for your help, I will try downloading the BIOS you provided.

BiosMan · Sat Mar 12, 2005 1:35 pm

Is it one of the ones edwin mentions above?

Could you provide some manufacturers information on the stick?

Thanks.

uofmfan4 · Tue Mar 22, 2005 3:47 am

No, it wasn't what was mentioned above. I used www.4allmemory.com to find the type I needed ( simply searched under Packard Bell, Multimedia, Multimedia 705 ) and seen the 64MB stick I needed was PC100 SDRAM. I then searched for the best price. $15 per 64MB piece, www.memorysuppliers.com go to PC100 SDRAM, Kingston Brand, 64MB

I took my computer to a CompUSA store, because I didn't know how to install a HD. The guy put in a 160GB hard drive, and I am reading 127GB of it. The tech guy said that he updated the FDISK, and I all I need to do to read all 160GB is to upgrade the BIOS. Where can I find the BIOS install, and how do I update it?

BiosMan · Tue Mar 22, 2005 2:03 pm

4allmemory shows a 64MB EDO DIMM...not an SDRAM DIMM.

memorysuppliers shows a KVR100X64C2/64 (8X64) SDRAM DIMM, which I don't think will work. Have you tried this yet in the machine?

uofmfan4 · Wed Mar 23, 2005 1:06 am

Yes, the memory is in my computer right now, 2 64MB SDRAM pieces from www.memorysuppliers.com, the computer is reading 128MB RAM and is running perfectly fine.

I'm not worried about that anymore, I just want to upgrade my BIOS.

BiosMan · Wed Mar 23, 2005 2:08 pm

Um...I am. Could you post a direct link to the part you purchased? Thanks.