MicroMac 68030 LC550 Logic Board Upgrade

Updated: May 15, 1998
HARDWARE QUESTIONS
Q: On which Mac model can I install the LC550 logic board?
Q: Can I just replace my logic board with a LC550 logic board?
Q: How about VRAM (Video RAM)? Can I use the same VRAM I have in my current Mac?
Q: How do I identify the size of the VRAM installed in my Mac?
Q: Can I use the RAM I have installed in my old logic board?
Q: What is the maximum amount of RAM I can have with the LC550?
Q: I have 36MB installed on my LC550 logic board but the System takes over 30MB of it and there is only about 8 MB free. What is wrong?
Q: Are there other upgrades available for my MicroMac 68030 LC550 Logic Board Upgrade?
Q: I have a FPU upgrade on my Color Classic, can I use this FPU on the LC550?
Q: There used to be a PPC accelerator for the LC550, can I use it on this upgrade?

SOFTWARE QUESTIONS
Q: Can I just replace my current logic board with the LC550 logic board or do I need a certain minimum System software?
Q: Can I install Mac OS 8?
Q: Am I now able to run any software which requires a 68040 processor?
Q: What if my software requires the "CFM-68K Runtime Enabler"?
Q: Since I installed the new LC550 logic board I cannot print. What's wrong?


Q: I'm convinced, yes I want to get this upgrade, what do I have to do?

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HARDWARE QUESTIONS


Q: On which Mac model can I install the LC550 logic board?

A: The following Mac models have the same logic board factor as the LC550 and therefore the LC550 will fit in these models:
Color Classic, Color Classic II, Mac TV, Performa 275, Performa 520


Q: Can I just replace my logic board with a LC550 logic board?

A: Yes, but make sure you meet the minimum system software requirements. Otherwise you end up going back to your old logic board and install the System software for the LC550. (see software section for minimum system software).
If you upgraded from a Color Classic, you also need the new back panel. Since the ports on the CC are different then on the LC575. (e.g. the CC has 2 ADB vs. the LC550 has only one)


Q: How about VRAM (Video RAM)? Can I use the same VRAM I have in my current Mac?

A: Yes you can, however you also need a second VRAM SIMM of the same size. The LC550 requires two VRAM SIMMs. There are 2 sockets for VRAM on the right side see our logic board picture. You must install two VRAM SIMMs of the same size into the two sockets in order for the VRAM to function correctly. If you currently have a 512KB VRAM SIMM installed in your Mac, you must get a second 512KB VRAM SIMM in order for the video to work on the LC550 logic board upgrade.


Q: How do I identify the size of the VRAM installed in my Mac?

A: Find your Mac model in the Mac Specs and look for Video configuration.


Q: Can I use the RAM I have installed in my old logic board?

A: Yes. Unless you are a Color Classic owner, the CC uses 30-pin SIMMs and the LC550 uses a 72-pin SIMM.


Q: What is the maximum amount of RAM I can have with the LC550?

A: The maximum amount of RAM is 36MB.


Q: I have 36MB installed on my LC550 logic board but the System takes over 30MB of it and there is only about 8 MB free. What is wrong?

A: Verify whether you have 32-bit addressing turned ON in the Memory Control Panel. It is probably turned off since the new LC550 logic board has the default settings in PRAM. You will also probably need to reset the Date & Time, Printer, Mouse speed, etc.

Q: Are there other upgrades available for my MicroMac 68030 LC550 Logic Board Upgrade?


A: Yes. MicroMac has several upgrade options available:

• There is the LC575 logic board with and without an FPU.
• Both are available in a 66/33MHz model and a 80/40MHz version.

To receive additional information on these upgrades, please contact MicroMac by phone or view this model on our Mac Specs Data Base


Q: I have a FPU upgrade on my Color Classic, can I use this FPU on the LC550?

A: No. The FPU for the Color Classic is for a 16MHz vs. the FPU for the LC550 is 33MHz


Q: There used to be a PPC accelerator for the LC550, can I use it on this upgrade?

A: Yes, this LC550 logic board upgrade gives you a regular LC550. The problem you might have getting one of those PPC cards.



SOFTWARE QUESTIONS


Q: Can I just replace my current logic board with the LC550 logic board or do I need a certain minimum System software?


A: The LC575 needs System 7.1 with System Enabler 065. If you have 7.5 or later you should be fine. If you are using System 7.1, we recommend that you reinstall System 7.1 prior to installing the LC575 logic board. When you reinstall the software from the installer program do it as "customized" and select "for any supported Macintosh". We also supply the enabler on a floppy together with the LC575


Q: Can I install Mac OS 8?

A: No. Apple only support 68040 based Macs with OS8 and higher


Q: Am I now able to run any software which requires a 68040 processor?

A: Yes. Unlike a 68040 accelerator upgrade where not all 68040 software will install and run, the LC575 logic board upgrade provides the necessary ROM and logic board information that some 68040 software require before installing onto your system.


Q: What if my software requires the "CFM-68K Runtime Enabler"?

A: The CFM-68K RunTime Enabler is required by some applications to launch properly (an example is America Online 3.0). This extension should be made available to your System software (Mac OS 7.5 - 7.6.1) if you installed the System software as "Custom Install" (not "Easy Install") under the installation "for any supported Macintosh". (If the System software is installed correctly, the CFM-68K RunTime Enabler will be located in the Extension Folder of your System Folder) .


Q: Since I installed the new LC550 logic board I cannot print. What's wrong?

A: The new logic board does not have the printer information made available to it in its PRAM. To have the logic board identify your printer, select your printer in the Chooser again (the Chooser is located under the Apple Menu). You will probably need to also reset the Date & Time, Mouse speed and Memory Addressing settings from their respective Control Panels (located inside the Control Panels Folder inside the System Folder).


Q: I'm convinced, yes I want to get this upgrade, what do I have to do?

A: To place the order, use this form (there is also a phone number on this form to call).
At the time you place the order you will be given a RMA number for you logic board, which you send back to us after the LC550 is completely working. This RMA number also appears on your invoice. However, If you fail to return your logic board after a reasonable time, We'll charge you for your logic board. Otherwise we can not keep the lower price for this upgrade.


If you have further questions or find these FAQs need further updating, please email us at qaupdate@micromac.com or use the online form.


You my also use place your question on some mailing lists.