Is this an either-or situation or do I need both?
The Cache Doubler 80 is the name for SuperMac's propretary 1MB L2 cache. You'd use it instead of the 256k L2 cache that's already in the normal L2 cache slot under the floppy drive.
But as I said earlier, the special 1MB module is of an "inline" type, which means it doesn't get installed in the regular L2 slot. You put it where the CPU ZIF module now is, then remount the CPU ZIF onto the Cache Doubler 80 (and remove the 256k module under the floppy.)
Is one better than the other?
Well, sure, in the sense that having 1MB of cache is much better than having only 1/4th (254k) as much. Additionally, all L2 cache runs at a particular speed in relation to either the CPU or motherboard bus speed.
Most early L2 cache runs at whatever motherboard speed is (40MHz in the example of a C500 or C600). However since the Cache Doubler 80 is of the inline-type (i.e. it fits in between the motherboard and CPU) , it can run faster. In this case 80MHz. This means data travels in and out of faster. The only other pre-G3 Macs that have fast inline L2 cache were the 8600 or 9600 "Kansas" models.
And where would I get them and how much might I expect to pay?
Got mine via LEM's SwapList about a month or so ago, but I can't recall seeing one previously or since. However I had been tracking one or two on eBay for a few weeks prior to that. I'd say about $10-$15 + shipping. If you're fairly "in tune" to how it runs now, you should see a bit more zippiness.
OWC told me they didn't have them so maybe they're not available anymore?
Not new. You're talking about a special item that only fits two models from ONE Mac clone maker long out of business. The few that were available via Mac vendors were long gone as clearence items.
And is it worth doing any of this?
That's a tough call; depends on whether you also "need" RAM, a new HD, CDROM etc. for a machine that's worth less than $50 today and has very limited expansion. I did it because I was curious, and thought $25 spent to get it to my door would be a nice toy for it.
Would that be an internal or external drive? And if internal, is that something I could replace myself? What would I be looking for and where? And again, around how much?
I can't say if your CDROM is bad, but having a spare would be good to have so's you'd know for sure. The good news it would work in most any older Mac also. You want SCSI, not ATAPI (IDE). Pretyy much any unit from any pre-G3 model should work. Ask for one on SwapList. Pay $0-$5 for an older 2X unit (stick with tray load, not caddy-load), maybe $10-$20 for an 6X-12X unit similar to the original you have. If you get an Apple CDROM you'll have less hassles getting it to work.
If you have a phillips screwdriver you can do this. Take the cover off, and the whole front panel too. You'll see one screw down below the CDROM on the front. The CDROM slides forward.
Sorry to be so tedious...
Not at all!
-David
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