MicroMac ThunderCachePro Upgrade

Updated: August 12, 1998

HARDWARE QUESTIONS
Q: On which Mac model can I install the TCP?
Q: Are there any hardware incompatibilities?
Q: Does the TCP have an FPU?
Q: Are there other upgrades available for the TCP?
Q: Where can I find more technical information?
Q: How can I tell that the speed did increase?
Q: I currently have a FPU installed, can I still use this FPU once I installed the Accelerator?
Q: Can I install memory onto the accelerator?

SOFTWARE QUESTIONS
Q: Can I just install the XL or do I need a certain minimum System software?
Q: The System beeps, but there is no screen?
Q: Can I run OS8?


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


DID YOU MISS YOUR QUESTION??
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HARDWARE QUESTIONS


Q: On which Mac model can I install the TCP?

A: The TCP is available for the LC, LCII, Performa 400, 405, 410 and 430.

Q: Are there any hardware incompatibilities?

A: Yes, since the TCP plugs into the PDS slot, it is therefore not compatible with any other PDS-card.

Q: Does the TCP have an FPU?

A: The TCP not only comes in different speeds, but also the choice of with or withour FPU. You can use Speedometer's Hardware Information window to see whether you have the FPU.

Q: Are there other upgrades available for the TCP?

A: Yes. There is the FPU you can add on later and there is the PowerWorkStation.

Q: Where can I find more technical information?

A: Use our on-line Mac Specs data base.

Q: How can I tell that the speed did increase?

A: If you cannot tell by the application you are using, you have to use Benchmark programs. We provide "Speedometer", a shareware program which tests (among others) the CPU and gives you a relative number based on a Mac Classic (vers.3) or based on a Q605 (vers.4).
You'd need to run this program before and after installing the upgrade.

Q: I currently have a FPU installed, can I still use this FPU once I installed the Accelerator?

A: No, once the Accelerator is active, it will disable the CPU and the FPU you have on your logic board.

Q: Can I install memory onto the accelerator? ?

A: Yes, the TCP has in total 4 SIMM sockets for 30pin SIMMs. SIMMs need to be installed in pair of two and it takes 1MB, 2MB and 4MB SIMMs 80ns or faster.
However it requires that you have 10MB on the logic board and 32-bit addressing turned on. This all means that you actually can have up to 26MB of RAM in the LC. (10MB + 4x4MB)


SOFTWARE QUESTIONS


Q: Can I just install the XL or do I need a certain minimum System software?

A: The XL needs at least System 7.0 We recommend you install this System prior installing the upgrade. DO NOT USE "easy install", instead use "customize" for any Mac.
On top of it you need to turn 32bit addressing ON, you find it in the Memory Control Panel
Of course you also need the TCP Extension in the Extensions Folder for the L2 cache on the XL to function correctly.

Q: The System beeps, but there is no screen?

A: You are prpbably back in 24-bit addressing mode. Start up with the XL removed and change your addressing mode to 32-bit ON. If this keeps changing back to OFF (which is 24-bit addressing) you want to check you battery.

Q: Can I run OS8

A: Apple does not support OS8 on non 040 Mac's. And does not support System 7.6 on non 32-bit clean Macs any more (like IIcx or IIx). However there are some sofware solution. One is Pseus040.


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 new logic board is completely working. This RMA number also appears on your invoice. There is also a deposit on the invoice for you old logic board, which we'll refund you upon receipt of your logic board.

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.