I now have 2 StarMax computers: a 5500/200 and a recent acquisition: a 3000/180. So I guess I'm a real StarMax junkie now :-). Anyway, I've noticed several (unexpected) differences between the two.
1. The 3000 has a max refresh rate of 75Hz, where as the 5500 is 85Hz. (this is using the same monitor of course). I noticed that they use different video chips - the 5500 says "3D Rage" and the 3000 just says plain "ATI". I tried pulling the VRAM module out of the 5500 and installing it in the 3000 to see what would happen and I got more colors and higher resolutions but still only 75Hz refresh. Why is this?
The 5500 has an upgraded video chip which supports the faster refresh rates.
2. I *think* the VRAM in the 5500 is a 4MB and the one in the 3000 is a 1MB. Is there any way to identify these modules for sure - either with software or with visual identification? (I'm running 8.6 on both and the System Profiler in 8.6 doesn't list VRAM info.)
You can determine the size of the VRAM by determining the maximum resolution and bit depth (number of colors) available. AT 1024x768 and 60 Hz refresh you get the following available colors: 1MB-8 bit (hundreds), 2MB-16 bit (thousands), 4MB-32 bit (millions). If you have the StarMax Technical Information packet, there is a complete table of the various combinations.
3. What is the max VRAM for each of these machines? (I think it's 4MB for the 3000 but I don't know whether it is 4MB or 8MB for the 5500) If I want to buy a VRAM module, what specs do I need to get the right one?
All StarMax machines are limited to 4MB.
4. If I want 85Hz refresh on the 3000, do I have to install a PCI video card?
Yes. I personally prefer the older ATI cards as they seem to be more stable in the SM machines.
5. The 3000 has a 256K L2 cache installed, and the 5500 L2 slot is empty - (it has been like that since I got it). I'm wondering if I could (and should) put some L2 cache into the 5500. (I have no intention of using the L2 slot for a processor upgrade.) Will it take up to a 1MB cache? What specs do I need to get the right one?
You will see better performance with the L2 cache. The machines will accept up to a 1MB cache, but IIRC the performance difference between 512K and 1M was minimal, while the jump from 256K to 512K was more visible. I have the 512K cache from my 5500 that I replaced with a G3-L2. If you are interested, I'll test it out overnight using TechToolPro in my machine to verify it is still working (it has been sitting in a static bag) and sell it to you for $20 including shipping.
Dave
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