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Home Hardware Upgrade Your 486 VESA Local Bus Retro Computer!

Upgrade Your 486 VESA Local Bus Retro Computer!

Updated on Jun 21,2024

Upgrade Your 486 VESA Local Bus Retro Computer!

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • Upgrading the CPU
  • The Motherboard Upgrade
  • Graphics and Sound Upgrades
  • Network and Storage Upgrades
  • Power Supply and Case
  • Operating System and Performance
  • Conclusion

Introduction

In this video, I will be upgrading my 486 VESA local bus machine to make it better in every way. From a better motherboard to a better CPU, improved video and sound, and even a better case, I will be taking you through each step of the upgrade process. I hope you enjoy it!

Upgrading the CPU

To start off the upgrade process, I decided to replace my 80 MHz Cyrix CPU with the powerful AMD AM 586 running at 133 MHz. This CPU not only offers better performance than a 75 MHz Pentium but also includes some advanced features that are closer to the p5 architecture. With a built-in multiplier of up to 4 and requiring about 3 volts to operate, it is important to note that if you are using it on a 5-volt only motherboard, external voltage regulation is necessary.

The Motherboard Upgrade

Next on the list is upgrading the motherboard. I opted for a 1994 vintage Expert Corporation motherboard, specifically the EXP 40 45, revision 2.2. This motherboard not only provides improved performance but also supports 256 KB of level 2 cache, which can be further upgraded to 512 KB by using dancer chips. Additionally, I replaced the battery with a coin socketed one to prevent any possible future leaks. With support for up to 8 MB of RAM, this motherboard is a solid choice for my 486 upgrade.

Graphics and Sound Upgrades

In terms of graphics, I decided to stick with my previous VESA local bus build and use a graphics adapter made by Data Expert. With one additional makeup theorem, it now has two video memory banks, making it even better for graphics-intensive tasks. As for sound, I chose the classic Creative Sound Blaster 16 with an ET interface. This sound card, combined with the Mitsumi EDC ROM, offers a great audio experience for my upgraded system.

Network and Storage Upgrades

For networking, I added a 16-bit 3Com 3C509B Ethernet adapter. While the boot ROM is missing, this is not a problem as PXE is not supported anyway. With a transfer rate of over 16 Mbps, I can easily download high-quality MP3s and transfer large files. In terms of storage, I opted for a 1.2 GB Fujitsu drive with 5400 RPM. With LBA addressing support, I can utilize the full capacity of the drive without worrying about partition limitations.

Power Supply and Case

The power supply for my upgraded 486 machine is made of steel and is built like a tank. With a tidy cable management setup, the power supply ensures stable and reliable power delivery to all components. The case, which I found at a flea market, is missing the front cover, but I actually prefer it that way. It adds a hardcore aesthetic to my setup that I really love.

Operating System and Performance

For the operating system, I am running Windows 95 Plus on this upgraded 486 machine. With the exception of the SSD factor, the performance of this system feels even better than a first-generation i7 with Windows 10, thanks to the hideous Spectre and Meltdown patches from Intel. I am pleased with the overall performance and reliability of my upgraded system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the process of upgrading my 486 VESA local bus machine has been a rewarding experience. With a powerful CPU, improved motherboard, graphics and sound upgrades, networking and storage enhancements, a sturdy power supply, and a unique case, my system now performs better than ever before. It just goes to show that with a little bit of effort and the right components, even a vintage system like the 486 can be brought back to life and upgraded to perform exceptionally well in today's computing landscape.

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