Good, Bad, & Ugly hardware FAQ V1.06
What is GBU?
----
It is no secret that many people have had less than wonderful
experiences getting OS/2 to work with sub-standard computer
hardware. This document is an attempt to minimize these problems in
the future. It can be used as a shopping list, or to compare against
your machine to find if other people using the same hardware have
had similar problems.
As is the case with any document of this type, it can only be helpful
if it is supported by the potential users. This means that enough
people must send in enough messages that a representative sample of
the available hardware gets listed. Please email me new submissions.
New versions will be posted as additions are made to the list.
Feel free to upload this document to any ftp site, BBS, or online
service that does not already have it, or that has an older version of
it.
====
80 column marker - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
====
Detailed Description
----
Since many of the problems people have had with OS/2 stem from
semi-compatible PC hardware, I will maintain a live document of
computer hardware with respect to its performance with OS/2. I will
make this document available by uploading it to a local ibmNET BBS,
ftp-os2.nmsu.edu, and ftp-os2.cdrom.com. It will be distributed both as
a viewable INF file and as clear text.
Please send me messages about any hardware experiences you want
to share. In particular I am looking for information on motherboards,
video cards, multi-I/O cards, SCSI controllers, floppy drives, hard drives,
CD-ROM drives, printers, modems, mice, track balls, graphics tablets,
multi-serial port cards, and any other hardware you have had good,
bad, or ugly experiences with.
The definitions I am using are:
GOOD
hardware that caused no known problems, software drivers were
available in shrink wrap either with OS/2 or with the hardware, or
drivers were freely available on BBSs.
BAD
hardware that has proved to be incompatible with OS/2 due to
excessive numbers of trap messages, or OS/2 drivers do not exist.
The hardware might still work in DOS or Windows sessions with
appropriate drivers.
UGLY
hardware that has had problems which could be corrected only
after some serious work (changing jumpers doesn't qualify as
serious), the available drivers take advantage of only some of the
features of the hardware, only beta level (or worse) drivers exist,
or the hardware works only in a "compatibility mode". If there are
several messages with conflicting votes for a piece of hardware, it
will automatically be placed in this category.
The specific information I need includes: type of hardware (mother
board, video card, etc.), the manufacturer, model number, chip set,
serial number range (if it matters), version of OS/2 used to test the
hardware, and a vote on Good, Bad, or Ugly, with a specific problem
report or glowing recommendation, and any caveats regarding the GBU
vote.
To decide which category your submission fits in, ask yourself if you
would recommend this hardware to someone who does not have any
DOS or Windows programs. I may change the GBU designation based
on the comments or caveats if they point to a different designation
using the guidelines above.
Any script files or chunks of code supplied with a submission can be
included as a footnote. Cross references to other submissions will be
maintained as hypertext links.
If you wish to refute a previous category for a piece of hardware,
please provide adequate documentation that the hardware should
change from one category to another. It is almost impossible to
promote something from Bad to Good directly without said hardware
spending at least one release of GBU in Ugly. Likewise for the
opposite (less likely) demotion.
Please send messages directly to me via Internet or the networked IBM
BBS based in Canada. On the (Canada) IBM BBS, send messages to
John Altstadt. Private messages may be sent via the Ibm.Bbsmsg
forum or uploaded as files with a note to the sysop to forward the
file to me. On Internet, send messages to altstadt@mprgate.mpr.ca.
To reduce the time required to generate a new edition of GBU, I
prefer that messages are sent to me in IPF format, as I can just cut &
paste them into the source files, and then bang out a new version
quickly. If this is a problem for you, then send them in ASCII format
and I will do the appropriate conversion. These panels show example
text that you would be replacing highlighted this way.
Not all fields will make sense for all hardware categories.
The examples given are for hardware that does not exist.
====
IPF Source Format Example.
Select this window, press <Ctrl><Ins> to copy this text to the
clipboard, then press <Shift><Ins> to paste it into your editor.
----
Category: CD-ROM drive
GBU rating: good
:p.----
:hp8.
:dl break=all tsize=3.
:dt.:hp2.Type:ehp2.
:dd.SCSI-2 interface, octuple speed
:dt.:hp2.Manufacturer:ehp2.
:dd.Toshisonic
:dt.:hp2.Model Number:ehp2.
:dd.XJ-9/4000
:dt.:hp2.Chip Set:ehp2.
:dd.Fish &. Chips
:dt.:hp2.Comments:ehp2.
:dd.Driver included with OS/2. Uses 25 disk cartridges.
:dt.:hp2.Caveats:ehp2.
:dd.The drive will overheat and melt the CD-ROM after 50 milliseconds if
the liquid helium coolant hose is disconnected.
:edl.
:dl compact tsize=18.:dthd.:hp2.OS/2 Version:ehp2.:ddhd.:hp2.Rated by:ehp2.
:dt.Warp 5.0
:dd.altstadt@mprgate.mpr.ca - good
:edl.
:ehp8.
====
ASCII Source Format Example.
Select this window, press <Ctrl><Ins> to copy this text to the
clipboard, then press <Shift><Ins> to paste it into your editor.
----
Category: CD-ROM drive
GBU rating: good
Type: SCSI-2 interface, octuple speed
Manufacturer: Toshisonic
Model Number: XJ-9/4000
Chip Set: Fish & Chips
Comments: Driver included with OS/2. Uses 25 disk cartridges.
Caveats: The drive will overheat and melt the CD-ROM after 50 milliseconds
if the liquid helium coolant hose is disconnected.
OS/2 version: Warp 5.0
Rated by: altstadt@mprgate.mpr.ca - good
====
Other Sources of Help
----
Check for the following documents on BBSs, Internet archive sites, Usenet
news groups, and WWW sites.
PCMTAB.ZIP
IBM's list of 3rd party hardware that has passed compatibility tests
with OS/2. This is an excellent list, but each entry is limited to the
information that can be contained on a single line. Information on
equipment that has failed the standard set of tests is not included.
Much of the list covers complete systems as supplied to IBM by the
various clone manufacturers, so it would be a good resource for
people about to purchase a new system.
Patrick Duffy's PCI Lists
Patrick Duffy posts three lists to the Usenet news group
comp.os.os2.misc every Monday. These lists cover PCI bus based
motherboards, video cards, and SCSI controller cards.
FAQxxx.ZIP
The FAQ maintained by Timothy Sipples contains some tips
regarding hardware and OS/2 in general.
http://pclt.cis.yale.edu/pclt/default.htm
The PC Lube and Tune site has general information on the PC
architecture.
----
This is a list of anonymous ftp sites mentioned elsewhere in this document.
creative.creaf.com
drivers and software for Creative Labs cards
ftp-boi.external.hp.com
drivers for Hewlett-Packard printers
ftp-os2.cdrom.com, ftp.cdrom.com
collection of OS/2 shareware, freeware, and information
ftp-os2.nmsu.edu
collection of OS/2 shareware, freeware, and information
microsoft.com
Windows drivers, mscdex
====
What's New?
----
Good CD-ROM drives: NEC, Wearnes
Good Hard Disks: Seagate
Ugly Hard Disks: Quantum, Seagate
Good IDE cards: Boca Research
Good I/O cards: ZyXEL
Good Keyboards: NorthGate update
Ugly Magneto Optical drives: Fujitsu upgraded
Good Modems: US Robotics, Zoom update
Good Monitors: KFC, Panasonic, ViewSonic
Good Motherboards: Asus
Bad Motherboards: J-Bond
Good Pointers: Logitech update, Mouse Systems
Ugly Printers: Hewlett-Packard
Good Tape drives: Archive
Good Video cards: Cardex
Ugly Video cards: Diamond
====
Good Audio cards
----
Type
8-bit mono card
Manufacturer
CPS
Model Number
Soundblaster Junior
Caveats
Does work only with recent Soundblaster drivers. The CD audio
connector has to be changed from 1234 to 2143 for use with a
Mitsumi FX001D CD-ROM drive
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 marc_van-woerkom@ac3.maus.de - good
----
Type
16 bit stereo with SCSI-2 port
Manufacturer
Creative Labs
Model Number
Sound Blaster 16 SCSI-2
Chip Set
Creative CT174x
Comments
Drivers supplied on MMPM diskettes. The card comes with DOS and
Windows drivers and software. New drivers for DOS, Windows, and
OS/2 are available via anonymous ftp from Creative Labs at
creative.creaf.com. The DOS drivers will let you change the IRQ
and DMA channels, so the card can be set for IRQ10 under OS/2 and
Windows, while older DOS programs can use IRQ 2, 5, and 7 inside a
BAT file wrapper. OS/2 will allow DOS programs to change the IRQ
on the fly. See the Good SCSI Controller cards section for more
info.
Caveats
The SB16 cards are known for hiss, clicks, and pops when playing
8-bit wav files. Some of the system sounds skip the first chunk of
the file, but sound correct when using the Audio Player. The
updated drivers from Creative Labs solve these problems. OS/2 will
allow DOS programs to change the card IRQ on the fly, which has
potential for serious problems.
OS/2 Version Rated by
2.11 altstadt@mprgate.mpr.ca - good
----
Type
8-bit FM synthesis card
Manufacturer
Creative Labs
Model Number
SoundBlaster "Value Edition"
Chip Set
Creative Labs
Comments
Very minimal card, but works fine.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
----
Manufacturer
MediaVision
Model Number
Pro Audio Spectrum-16 Basic
Comments
Requires 3rd party drivers for OS/2 2.1GA. Readily available.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 jim.royer@nmebbs.org - good
====
Sound Blaster 16 BAT file
----
Save the following as the file AUD.BAT, edit to change the paths
and default IRQ as appropriate, and execute as AUD 5 (for example)
to change the SoundBlaster to use IRQ5 under DOS.
@echo off
if '2' == '%1%' goto valid
if '5' == '%1%' goto valid
if '7' == '%1%' goto valid
if '10' == '%1%' goto valid
SET BLASTER=A220 I10 D1 H5 P330 T6
goto continue
:valid
SET BLASTER=A220 I%1 D1 H5 P330 T6
:continue
SET SOUND=D:\SB16
D:\SB16\SB16SET /R /Q /M:220 /VOC:220 /CD:220 /MIDI:220 /LINE:220 /TREBLE:0
D:\SB16\SBCONFIG.EXE /S
echo BLASTER=%BLASTER%
----
Ugly Audio cards
----
Nothing supplied in this category.
====
Bad Audio cards
----
Nothing supplied in this category.
====
Good CD-ROM drives
----
Type
AT-BUS, double-speed
Manufacturer
Mitsumi
Model Number
FX 001 D
Comments
Good and cheap
Double Speed successor of the LU-Drive; driver kit available on
various BBSes (mitfx.zip; 17131 bytes). Includes MMPM/2-Support
(CD-Player). Easy to install. Can use upper interrupts (10,11) or
software polling.
Caveats
I had to change the audio connector from 1234 to 2143 to connect
to to my soundblaster clone. This may not be a problem mit other
Soundcards
No OS/2 drivers shipped with the drive, To install OS/2 from CD-ROM
you need to change the first boot disk (explained in the
mitfx.zip-archive).
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 marc_van-woerkom@ac3.maus.de - good
< 3.0 Pascal.Gienger@uni-konstanz.de - GOOD
----
Type
proprietary interface
Manufacturer
Mitsumi
Model Number
LU005
Comments
Driver available from the usual sources. Caddyless.
Caveats
Can't install OS/2 from CD-ROM unless you've modified the OS/2
installation disks to include the driver.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
----
Type
SCSI-1 interface, double speed
Manufacturer
NEC
Model Number
CDR-84
Comments
Driver included with OS/2.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
----
Type
SCSI-2, triple speed, caddy
Manufacturer
NEC (?)
Model Number
CDR 510
Comments
OEM version of NEC 3Xi. Cdthru says that the drive tops out at 401
kbytes/sec. OS/2 2.1 GA and later recognize the drive as either an
NEC Multi-Spin or as an NEC 3Xx right out of the box.
Caveats
There are rumors that NEC doesn't support OEM drives in any way,
and is even hostile to people that buy such drives.
OS/2 Version Rated by
2.10, 2.11 altstadt@mprgate.mpr.ca - good
----
Type
SCSI-II, double speed
Manufacturer
Plextor (formerly TEXEL)
Model Number
DM3028
Comments
Driver included with OS/2 (use the Texel 3024 driver). Uses caddies.
Self-cleaning lens mechanism. Software eject.
Caveats
Does not support digital transfer on audio-CD's
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 paltiel@cnj.digex.net - good
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
----
Type
proprietary interface
Manufacturer
Reveal (Panasonic)
Model Number
CD-620 (Panasonic CR-563b)
Comments
Requires SBCD2.ADD or SBCD2PAN.ADD drivers to operate in OS/2 2.1
GA. Fully supported under OS/2 2.11.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 jim.royer@nmebbs.org - good
----
Type
SCSI interface
Manufacturer
Toshiba
Model Number
3401
Comments
Driver included with OS/2. Uses caddies.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
----
Type
SCSI Interface, double speed
Manufacturer
Toshiba
Model Number
4101
Comments
Driver included with OS/2. Caddyless
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 reinhard@ifki50.informatik.fh-muenchen.de - good
----
Type
IDE interface, double speed
Manufacturer
Wearnes
Model Number
CDD-110
Chip Set
Philips
Comments
Includes interface card and DOS drivers. Caddyless
Caveats
Sony OEM drive but it doesn't work with the Sony drivers. OS/2
drivers are available at Hobbes: /2_1/drivers/wearnes.zip
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 peterpv@ice2.utwente.nl - good
====
Ugly CD-ROM drives
----
Nothing supplied in this category.
====
Bad CD-ROM drives
----
Type
Proprietary interface.
Manufacturer
Optics Storage
Model Number
Dolphin 8000AT
Comments
Includes interface card & DOS drivers. Cadyless.
Caveats
From what I can tell the drive is a Sony OEM. However, no drivers
for OS/2 can be found nor do the current Sony drivers work with
the card. However, the DOS drivers provided do load in a DOS box
if only someone can find a MSCDEX.EXE that will access the drive
from a DOS box.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 sandman@netcom.com - ugly
====
Good Flopticals
----
Nothing supplied in this category.
====
Ugly Flopticals
----
Type
SCSI-II
Manufacturer
Insite
Model Number
Unknown (Only one revision, known)
Comments
Driver support from 3rd party (Corel via CorelSCSI), reads and
writes 1.44MB, 720K, 21MB 3-1/2" floppies, reads normal floppies at
2-3 times speed of a normal 3-1/2" drive
Caveats
Software conflict with MMPM/2's system sounds, incorrectly formats
21MB flopticals, unable to format any media from OS/2 WPS, format
created by OS/2 version of CorelSCSI unrecognizable by DOS based
floptical drivers, unable to change size of floptical software cache,
accessing drive locks WPS
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 paltiel@cnj.digex.net - ugly
====
Bad Flopticals
----
Nothing supplied in this category.
====
Good Hard Disks
----
Type
513MB IDE HD
Manufacturer
Fujitsu
Model Number
M2624T
Comments
Very fast, durable, reliable, 5-year replacement warranty
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 fredng@io.org - good
----
Type
Fast SCSI-II, 340MB
Manufacturer
Seagate
Model Number
ST3390N
Comments
Audible high-pitched whine; makes loud popping noises when
powered on or off.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
----
Type
340MB IDE HD
Manufacturer
Western Digital
Model Number
Caviar 2340
Comments
Fast, reliable
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 fredng@io.org - good
====
Ugly Hard Disks
----
Type
SCSI-II (?), 540MB
Manufacturer
Quantum
Model Number
LPS540S
Comments
When used with a PCI-bus NCR chipset on a J-Bond or Asus
motherboard, OS/2 2.1 refuses to boot from the hard disk unless the
/!SN option is specified in the OS2CAM.ADD driver. OS/2 2.99 Warp
Beta II will boot, but there's a 45-second delay during boot
(operation is normal after bootup). Functions corectly when used
with an UltraStor 34F VLB SCSI controller on a Diamond FastBus
VLB motherboard with either OS/2 2.1 or OS/2 2.99 Warp Beta II.
Caveats
In above OS/2 2.1 scenario with NCR SCSI chipset, the boot partition
was occasionally WIPED OUT (OS/2 identified it as unformatted and
gave error messages when access was attempted).
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - ugly
----
Type
SCSI-2 interface, 220 Meg
Manufacturer
Seagate
Model Number
ST3283N
Comments
Overall, the performance of the drive is actually quite good. I've
had few problems with the drive itself, by itself.
Caveats
It intensely dislikes other SCSI devices. It uses weird termination,
which throws off the entire SCSI chain. You will only get three
devices working, for example, by terminating every device in the
chain. Needless to say, troubleshooting is an absolute nightmare.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 jcarmack@phoenix.sas.muohio.edu
====
Bad Hard Disks
----
Nothing supplied in this category.
====
Good IDE cards
----
Type
ISA bus, with floppy controller
Manufacturer
Boca Research, Inc.
Model Number
IDE002
Chip Set
GoldStar
Caveats
Tested for floppy controller only; IDE adapter disabled.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
----
Type
ISA IDE Controller
Manufacturer
Western Digital
Comments
Not very fast, but rock solid
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 fredng@io.org - good
====
Ugly IDE cards
----
Nothing supplied in this category.
====
Bad IDE cards
----
Nothing supplied in this category.
====
Good I/O cards
----
Type
serial/parallel/game port
Manufacturer
Kentech
Chip Set
74LS series parts
Comments
jumper selections for COM ports at 1/3 and 2/4, jumper selections to
put PRT at 1/2, one UART is socketed
OS/2 Version Rated by
2.0 - 2.11 altstadt@mprgate.mpr.ca - good
----
Type
2S/1P/1G card
Manufacturer
ZyXEL
Model Number
I/O 16550-1
Chip Set
One 16450, one 16550 UART for serial ports
Comments
In contrast to fredng@io.org's account, my card has a GoldStar 16450
and a Startech 16550. Still works fine, though.
Caveats
Game port can't be disabled.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
====
Ugly I/O cards
----
Nothing supplied in this category.
====
Bad I/O cards
----
Nothing supplied in this category.
====
Good Keyboards
----
Manufacturer
Focus
Model Number
FK6000
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
----
Manufacturer
Fujitsu
Model Number
FKB4700
Comments
full use of grey keys
Caveats
keyboard driver would trap in version 2.0 GA + SP
OS/2 Version Rated by
2.0 - 2.11 altstadt@mprgate.mpr.ca - good
----
Manufacturer
Keytronics
Model Number
E03601Q
Comments
full use of grey keys
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 jim.royer@nmebbs.org - good
----
Manufacturer
Monterey
Model Number
K104
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
----
Type
101-key
Manufacturer
NMB Technologies
Model Number
RT101+
Comments
Sold as CompUSA "generic" keyboard; above manufacturer taken
from label on keyboard, and does not appear on display shelf box.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
----
Type
101-key Enhanced
Manufacturer
NorthGate
Model Number
OmniKey/101
Comments
Great tactile feeling, persistent to my abuse (I don't type, I pound
on my keyboard hard!), even better than IBM keyboards! [fredng]
Unusual keyboard layout, especially around cursor keys. Light but
"clicky" feel. [rsmith]
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 fredng@io.org - good
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
====
Ugly Keyboards
----
Nothing supplied in this category.
====
Bad Keyboards
----
Nothing supplied in this category.
====
Good Magneto Optical drives
----
Nothing supplied in this category.
====
Ugly Magneto Optical drives
----
Type
3.5", SCSI Interface
Manufacturer
Fujitsu
Model Number
M2511A
Comments
OS/2 recognizes it's there, but thinks it's a 2.88MB floppy drive. I've
been unable to get it to work better, but haven't tried too hard,
either. [rsmith]
Tested with an Adaptec AHA1542CF SCSI adapter. OS/2 recognizes
that the M.O. drive it's there, but the WPS format utility apparently
thinks it's a 2.88MB floppy drive. However a properly FAT
formatted cartridge is obtained nonetheless.
Adaptec SCSI drivers included with OS/2. Available also at
ftp-os2.nmsu.edu. [marziani]
Caveats
Only FAT seems supported. No HPFS for 128MB cartridges. Not all
(i.e. very few) SCSI adapters and their respective OS/2 drivers seem
to support this unit. Adaptec 1542CF works fine. [marziani]
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - bad
< 3.0 marziani@vaxfe.fe.infn.it - good
====
Bad Magneto Optical drives
----
Nothing supplied in this category.
====
Good Modems
----
Type
external
Manufacturer
AT&T Paradyne
Model Number
Dataport
Chip set
AT&T
Comments
Flawless operation with both ZOC and Fax/PM
Caveats
Does not come with OS/2 software.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
----
Type
14.4k Fax Modem
Manufacturer
US Robotics
Model Number
14,400 Fax Modem
Comments
Supported by virtually all communication programs, inexpensive,
reliable, although not a screamer in performance
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 fredng@io.org - good
----
Type
internal v.32bis (14,400 bps) fax-modem
Manufacturer
US Robotics
Model Number
Sportster
Chip Set
80186 with DSPs
Comments
User should change the default settings, since it's set up for COM3
with an IRQ shared with COM1. Includes built-in 16550 UART.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
----
Type
14.4 Fax/Modem 16550UART ISA (internal)
Manufacturer
Zoom
Model Number
VFP V.32bis
Chip Set
Rockwell 14.4Kbps
Comments
20 Mhz controller and v.32bix data pump on board. 16550UART. MNP
5 and v.42bis. Group III, Class 1 and 2 Fax (V.17). Selectable port
settings at (COM/IRQ): 1/4, 2/3, 3/4, 4/3, 3/2, 4/2, 3/5, 4/5 through
jumpers.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 davmp@alumni.caltech.edu - good
----
Type
external
Manufacturer
ZyXEL
Model Number
U-1496E
Chip set
68000 cpu & TI DSPs
Comments
Flawless operation with many DOS, Windows, and OS/2 programs
Caveats
Some versions of ZyXEL's Z-Fax DOS software don't run under OS/2;
does not come with OS/2 software.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
====
Ugly Modems
----
Nothing supplied in this category.
====
Bad Modems
----
Nothing supplied in this category.
====
Good Monitors
----
Type
15" SVGA
Manufacturer
KFC
Model Number
1511
Comments
Handles 30-60KHz horizontal, 50-90Hz vertical -- enough for
1024x768 at 70Hz but not (quite) 1280x1024 at 70Hz. Manual
controls.
Caveats
First two units I received were defective; the third seems OK.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
----
Type
15" Multisync, supports up to 1280x1024
Manufacturer
MAG
Model Number
MX-15H (MX-15F in U.S.), 1992 model
Comments
Microprocessor-based Multi-freq. monitor, 100MHz bandwidth
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 fredng@io.org - good
----
Type
14" SVGA
Manufacturer
Panasonic
Model Number
C1381
Comments
Can (barely) handle 640x480, 72Hz or 800x600, 60Hz. Manual
controls. Adequate, but not recommended for a new system.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
----
Type
17" SVGA
Manufacturer
ViewSonic
Model Number
17G
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
====
Ugly Monitors
----
Nothing supplied in this category.
====
Bad Monitors
----
Nothing supplied in this category.
====
Good Motherboards
----
Type
486 (any type) EISA/VLB, 486DX2-66, DX2-50, DX-50
Manufacturer
AIR
Model Number
486EI
Chip Set
SiS, AMI BIOS
Comments
VERY solid board. Personally tested with no problems using DX50
and DX2-66. Takes nifty new 72-pin SIMMs. [greck]
Very stable from day one. No problems running OS/2 2.11, or 2.99.
Uses 72-SIMMs. Good Docs [jaycee]
Caveats
Only 5 of 8 EISA slots are master-capable. [greck]
Memory bank configurations are limited above 16M(28M). [jaycee]
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 greck@catt.ncsu.edu - good
< 3.0 jaycee@emh.osan.af.mil - good
----
Type
486DX/50, ISA
Manufacturer
Amptron
Chip Set
Opti, AMI BIOS, 08/30/91, 256K (20ns) RAM Cache
Comments
The system has been used extensively (at least 16 hours a day,
sometimes on for a week or so without resetting), and yet is still
operating with extreme stability
Caveats
Never used with more than 16MB of RAM
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 fredng@io.org - good
----
Type
486 CPU, PCI bus
Manufacturer
Asus
Model Number
SP3G; motherboard revision 1.8
Chip Set
Intel Saturn II (revision 4), 82420ZX; NCR 53c810 SCSI controller;
Award flash BIOS version 4.50G
Comments
Includes on-board SCSI, IDE, 2.88MB floppy, two 16550 UART serial,
and parallel ports. Uses 72-pin SIMMs in pairs. Has 3 PCI and 4 ISA
slots (1 shared slot). Takes 486DX, DX2, and DX4; and Pentium
Overdrive CPUs. Includes "green" features (only work with Intel
CPUs). Comes with OS/2 drivers for the SCSI port.
Caveats
This board reportedly doesn't work with AMD 486DXL-series CPUs,
but does work with AMD 486DX-series CPUs, as well as Intel and
Cyrix CPUs.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
----
Type
ISA/VLB Multi-speed Intel Chip
Manufacturer
BioStar
Model Number
1433/50AEA-V
Chip Set
AMI
Comments
2 VL Bus slots. 6 ISA. 8 32-pin SIMM slots. No ZIF socket. Came with
256K cache. I run mine with an Intel 486DX-66 and 16MB of 70ns
RAM - no problems. CMOS settings (and jumpers if I remember right)
for setting of clock speed.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 davmp@alumni.caltech.edu - good
----
Manufacturer
generic clone, Intel 386DX20
Model Number
ECS 386/32, ISA Bus
Chip Set
C&T 8230, 1991 AMI BIOS, no cache
Comments
With 8 MB RAM, 2 IDE drives on generic ctrlr, VGA Mono. Just goes
to show how primitive a system can still run OS/2 acceptably.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rwh@gov.on.ca - good
----
Model Number
EISA486P, ME009
Chip Set
HiNT, AMI BIOS, EISA/VLB
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
----
Model Number
G486HVL
Chip Set
HiNT Caesar, AMI BIOS, "Super ISA"/VLB
Caveats
"Super ISA" is a subset of EISA; most EISA boards work, but not all.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
----
Type
486DX2-66 EISA/VLB
Manufacturer
Gigabyte
Model Number
GA-486TA
Chip Set
SIS,AMI BIOS, 256K (20ns) Cache, upto 128M (standard SIMMS)
Comments
The system has been extremely stable.
Caveats
Not tested with more than 32MB.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 reinhard@ifki50.informatik.fh-muenchen.de - good
----
Manufacturer
Silicon Star, Intel 486DX33
Model Number
AV433, ISA/VL bus
Chip Set
SIS, AMI BIOS, 06/06/92, 256 K external cache
Comments
One known problem (the Pentium APAR) corrected in CSD 2.11.
Caveats
Not tested with more than 16 Meg of RAM.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 jim.royer@nmebbs.org - good
----
Manufacturer
generic Taiwan clone, Intel 486DX33
Model Number
Rev D2 486SC-P, June 1991, ISA bus
Chip Set
Symphony, AMI BIOS, 07/07/91, 128 K external cache
Comments
The system has been extremely stable.
Caveats
Not tested with more than 8 Meg of RAM.
OS/2 Version Rated by
2.0 - 2.11 altstadt@mprgate.mpr.ca - good
====
Ugly Motherboards
----
Manufacturer
Diamond
Model Number
FastBus VLB, Flash EPROM revision 1.2I
Chip Set
Chips & Technologies with Diamond-modified C&T BIOS
Comments
Problems with speed of QIC-80 backup unit when UltraStor SCSI
controller installed. Also some bugs in BIOS.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - ugly
----
Manufacturer
Unknown
Model Number
Laser 9000
Chip Set
Unichip U4800 with Ami BIOS, 256K external cache
Comments
Machine operates with AMD 486DX40 CPU run at 50MHZ, jumper
selectable CPU speed, otherwise very stable
Caveats
System hangs and occasionally reboots when Mediavision PAS-16
uses 16-bit DMA channels, sometimes displays errors about not
finding basic ROMS during 16-bit DMA induced reboot, PAS-16
sometimes works flawlessly if there is no hang on system boot-up.
Not tested with more than 16MB of ram.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 paltiel@cnj.digex.net - ugly
====
Bad Motherboards
----
Type
486 CPU, PCI bus
Manufacturer
J-Bond
Model Number
PCI400C-A
Chip Set
Intel Saturn I (revision 2), 82420TX; NCR 53c810 SCSI controller;
Phoenix BIOS
Comments
Manufacturer attempted to blame drivers for the below problem,
but changing to the IBMINT13.I13 driver doesn't help. Has 3 PCI and
5 ISA slots (1 shared). Comes with OS/2 drivers for the SCSI port.
Caveats
Board occasionally crashes when doing SCSI I/O. Disabling the
external cache seems to fix this. This is a known Saturn revision 2
bug. As of 9/27/94, J-Bond doesn't use the fixed (Saturn II, revision
4) chipsets.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - BAD
----
Type
486DX2-66, DX2-50, DX-50
Manufacturer
Micronics
Model Number
EISA-VL-Bus (Part #09-173-05 Rev A)
Chip Set
Intel / Pheonix BIOS
Comments
Very unstable from day one. Manufacturer support was poor (they
refused to call me back, said it was OS/2 and not their board,
would not provide RMA for return of Board for them to test; even
after I offered to pay for the testing and shipping to and from,
etc). Continous Trap 000D, 000E, and 0002 when I was able to even
get it to load. Used built-in controllers, even worse. Used 3
different video boards, 2 different HDD/FDD boards, 8 differnt HDD, 4
different FDD, 3 different CPUs, 8 different SIMMs (56Meg, same
manufacturer, one of their reccomeded ones and Part #), etc. The
only thing I didn't change was the MB itself (even changed the
cache). Spent 4 months on this board, over 225 reloads before
giving up (PC mag gave this board a #1 reccomendation). Fair Docs
P.S. ALL of the hardware used works fine on another MB and my
current MB! Some of the problems I am sure are also attributable
to the BIOS and not the MB.
Caveats
When, for the short time periods, it was running it ran like a champ
(Better than the AIR I currently use). Fast, clean, crisp. REALLY
wish this board worked.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 jaycee@emh.osan.af.mil - bad
====
Good Multi I/O cards
----
Type
VLBus
Manufacturer
AIR
Model Number
Q-Access
Chip Set
Adaptec
Comments
Supports 2 IDE, 2 Floppy (up to 1.44 MB), SCSI-II, 2 ser, 1 LPT.
Included disk contains required drivers (replacements for OS/2's
AHA154x.ADD). With ver 1.0 BIOS, COM ports will not work under
OS/2. Problem fixed with V1.01 BIOS.
Caveats
ASIC emulates a 16450 and cannot be replaced by 16550
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 jim.royer@nmebbs.org - good
----
Type
VESA LB IDE Controller with Multi-Functional I/O
Manufacturer
Data Technology Corporation (DTC)
Model Number
DTC 2278VL
Comments
IDE controller with 2 serial, 1 parallel and 1 game port. Jumper
configurable ports, IRQ's, addresses, enable/disable feature. OS/2 2.x
drivers available on DTC BBS and found on ftp.cdrom.com.
Caveats
16450 UART.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 gsteckma@sdcc15.UCSD.EDU - good
----
Manufacturer
GoldStar
Model Number
IDE Plus-V3, December 1991, ISA BUS
Chip Set
GoldStar
Comments
jumper selections for primary, secondary, and disabled floppy and
hard drives, jumper selection to disable game port, jumper selections
to put COM ports at 1/3 and 2/4, jumper selections to put PRT port
at 1/2, jumper selections to put COM and PRT ports at IRQ3, 4, 5, 7,
9, jumper selections to disable COM and PRT ports
Caveats
ASIC emulates a 16450 and cannot be replaced by 16550
OS/2 Version Rated by
2.0 - 2.11 altstadt@mprgate.mpr.ca - good
----
Manufacturer
StarGATE
Model Number
One Slot combination multiport board, ISA BUS
Revision
Unknown (Not first revision, known)
Comments
4 COM and 3 PRT ports, jumper selections to put COM ports at
{4,3,3,3}, {4,3,4,3,}, {4,3,12,15}, {4 AND 3 - with interrupt sharing},
PRT ports at {7,5,5} and {7,7,5}, jumper selections to disable
individual interrupts and addresses
Caveats
Unable to get PRT3 to work under OS/2 2.1GA
OS/2 Version Rated by
2.1 paltiel@cnj.digex.net - good
----
Manufacturer
ZyXEL
Model Number
I/O 16550-1, ISA Bus
Chip Set
HM82C11C, NS16550AFN (National Semiconductor 16550AFN, the real
McCoy), HM83450 (16450 clone)
Comments
Jumper selections for COM ports at 1/3 and 2/4, jumper selections to
put PRT at 1/2, both UART chips are socketed. One game port (two
can be supported through a "Y" adapter cable). Highly
recommended.
Caveats
Extremely hard to find (my friends have been trying for eight
months to no avail)
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 fredng@io.org - good
====
Ugly Multi I/O cards
----
Nothing supplied in this category.
====
Bad Multi I/O cards
----
Nothing supplied in this category.
====
Good Notebooks
----
Nothing supplied in this category.
====
Ugly Notebooks
----
Nothing supplied in this category.
====
Bad Notebooks
----
Manufacturer
Compaq
Model Number
Contura 4/25, 4/25c
Chip Set
Compaq AVGA
Comments
No drivers for AVGA display adapter (640x480x256)
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 marc@igwe1.vub.ac.be
====
Good Pointers
----
Type
mouse
Manufacturer
CompuDyne (CompUSA house brand)
Model Number
Serial 3-button mouse
Comments
OS/2 doesn't automatically identify the mouse type when set to
3-button mode, and it's inactive until installation is complete, but it
IS supported by OS/2's drivers.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
----
Type
Joystick
Manufacturer
Gravis
Model Number
GamePad
Comments
4-button game pad permits greater control in games like DOOM and
Mortal Kombat
Caveats
[Strictly speaking, this should not be listed under "good" since OS/2
does not support joysticks, but where else can it go? - ed.]
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 fredng@io.org - good
----
Type
mouse
Manufacturer
Logitech
Model Number
MouseMan, Serial-MousePort, M-CJ13-9F
Comments
the serial pointing device drivers supplied with OS/2 recognize that
it is a 3 button mouse, although the middle button is unused
OS/2 Version Rated by
2.0 - 2.11 altstadt@mprgate.mpr.ca - good
----
Type
Serial 3-button Mouse
Manufacturer
Logitech
Model Number
First Mouse
Comments
Works great with OS/2 mouse driver. Very reliable, mine is 2.5
years old and has had zero problems.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 walgate@umr.edu - good
----
Type
trackball
Manufacturer
Mouse Systems
Model Number
Trackball II, GK-T321
Comments
Full support in OS/2 2.1
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 jim.royer@nmebbs.org - good
----
Type
Optical Mouse
Manufacturer
Mouse Systems
Model Number
Optical Mouse, M411
Comments
OS/2 recognizes the mouse out of the box, never needs cleaning
Caveats
Mouse must be held perpendicular to pad or screen movement will
be jerky
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 paltiel@cnj.digex.net - good
----
Type
3-button optical mouse
Manufacturer
Mouse Systems
Model Number
PC Mouse, 403533-001
Comments
The mouse is inoperative during OS/2 installation, but becomes
active after installation is complete.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
----
Type
mouse
Manufacturer
Z-Nix
Model Number
Serial 2-button mouse
Comments
OS/2 recognizes the mouse out of the box.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
====
Ugly Pointers
----
Nothing supplied in this category.
====
Bad Pointers
----
Nothing supplied in this category.
====
Good Printers
----
Type
Bubble Jet
Manufacturer
Canon
Model Number
BJ-200
Comments
Drivers are available through BBS and Internet.
Caveats
Printing is almost as good as in MS-DOS/Windows, but not quite.
Drivers are being worked on to improve performance.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 walgate@umr.edu - good
----
Type
color ink jet
Manufacturer
Hewlett-Packard
Model Number
DeskJet 1200C
Comments
Latest HP drivers available from ftp-boi.external.hp.com; these
drivers support color printing from OS/2 applications.
Caveats
Printer may run out of memory when printing large color images.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
----
Type
laser
Manufacturer
Hewlett-Packard
Model Number
LaserJet 4L
Comments
Latest HP drivers available from ftp-boi.external.hp.com. Printer is
supported directly by OS/2 out of the box.
Caveats
Printer jams more frequently than it should. Jams intensify if
double-sided (two-pass) printing is attempted from a program which
supports this (such as DeScribe).
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
----
Type
4PPM PCL5 laser printer
Manufacturer
Hewlett Packard
Model Number
LaserJet 4P
Comments
HP quality, 600 dpi, Excellent printer drivers (4P drivers in 2.11) by
IBM
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 fredng@io.org - good
----
Type
printer switchbox: automatic 1-computer/4-printer or
4-computer/1-printer
Manufacturer
Computer Accessories (CompUSA house brand?)
Comments
Works in 4-computer/1-printer mode with no special drivers or
hardware (except for extra cables)
Caveats
Not tested in 1-computer/4-printer mode under OS/2; comes with
DOS driver software for this, so functionality for this is uncertain.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
====
Ugly Printers
----
Type
Bubble Jet, portable
Manufacturer
Canon
Model Number
BJ-10ex
Comments
Driver is not included with OS/2 nor is one available for this model.
However, it can be used in IBM Proprinter emulation of 180X180 dpi
for OS/2 apps with poor results. Dos and Windows printing works
fine for the printer in native 360X360 dpi mode.
A driver is supplied with OS/2.1 GA, you use the IBM4070IJ driver!
This gives you access to all functions and resolutions of this
printer!!
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 walgate@umr.edu - bad
< 3.0 rwalford@mogul.apana.org.au - good
----
Manufacturer
Epson
Model Number
Stylus 800
Comments
excellent resolution in printing words
Caveats
OS/2 driver does not support high resolution (360x360dpi) graphics
modes. Use a MSWindows or DOS based program with appropriate
drivers to print complex graphics or high resolution CAD art.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 mhinkle@NMSU.Edu - good
----
Type
B&W ink jet
Manufacturer
Hewlett-Packard
Model Number
DeskJet 500
Caveats
Margin problems -- depending upon the program, the top margin is
from 0" to 0.5" too small, and the bottom margin is correspondingly
too large. If it weren't for this, I'd call the printer "good," but this
problem can be very obnoxious in some situations.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - ugly
----
Type
Ink Jet
Manufacturer
Hewlett-Packard
Model Number
DeskJet 520
Comments
Successor to DeskJet 500; capable of 300x600 resolution (but see
below)
Caveats
OS/2 printer drivers don't support the 520's 300x600 resolution, only
the 500's 300x300 resolution. They also have margins problems with
many applications (see comments on DJ500).
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
----
Manufacturer
Hewlett Packard
Model Number
PaintJet
Comments
Contains instructions on cleaning, priming, and testing inside printer's
chassis on plastic coated quick-ref sheet
Caveats
OS/2 driver does a bad job at dithering color images, leaving colors
too dark, digital on/off switch does not automatically turn printer
on when power is supplied, external power supply required for use
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 paltiel@cnj.digex.net - good
====
Bad Printers
----
Nothing supplied in this category.
====
Good Scanners
----
Nothing supplied in this category.
====
Ugly Scanners
----
Nothing supplied in this category.
====
Bad Scanners
----
Type
hand
Manufacturer
Reveal (Mustek)
Model Number
HS150, 400 DPI Grayscale
Comments
Not directly supported by OS/2. Works well in OS2 DOS or Win
session. Uses it's own interface adapter which requires an IRQ.
(5-12 supported)
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 jim.royer@nmebbs.org
====
Good SCSI Controller cards
----
Manufacturer
Adaptec
Model Number
1542C, ISA BUS
Chip Set
Adaptec
Comments
Very reliable with OS/2 drivers, but not as fast as most VLB or EISA
controllers.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
----
Type
EISA bus-mastering SCSI-2 host adapter
Manufacturer
Adaptec
Model Number
2740/2742/2742T
Chip Set
Adaptec
Comments
PhaseEngine(tm) coprocessor (support scatter/gather, tagged
queueing, etc.) really speeds along IO. The T version has two SCSI
bussed (up to 14 devices). Uses new 50-pin high-density connector.
OS/2 drivers in box work great.
Caveats
No cache.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 greck@catt.ncsu.edu - good
----
Type
VLB Host Adapter
Manufacturer
Adaptec
Model Number
AHA-2842VL
Chip Set
Adaptec, PhaseEngine
Comments
OS/2 drivers included in the card's box. Seems to work fine.
[rsmith]
Very stable from day one. Worked great! Just plugged it in and it
ran. Great Docs and on OS/2. Drivers enclosed. Built-in BIOS
support for a lot of SCSI devices (too many to list), eliminating the
need for additional drivers for CDROM, HP scanners, etc. Very
configurable too!!! If all cards were this easy you wouldn't GBU!!!
[jaycee]
Caveats
Installing OS/2 from a SCSI-based CD-ROM with this controller may
require adding the drivers to the OS/2 boot disk and deleting one or
two unneeded drivers. [rsmith]
To the people and designers of this board, stupendous!!!! Cant
think of any others. [jaycee]
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
< 3.0 jaycee@emh.osan.af.mil - good
----
Type
ISA SCSI-2 with sound capabilities
Manufacturer
Creative
Model Number
Sound Blaster 16 SCSI-2
Chip Set
Adaptec AIC-6360L
Comments
OS/2 recognizes the card as an Adaptec 1510/1520 and installs the
appropriate drivers. People have reported a 1 Meg/sec transfer
rate using hard drives with this card. The card comes with DOS
and Windows drivers and software. See the Good Audio cards
section for more info.
Caveats
MSCDEX is not included on the diskettes supplied with the card, so
if you want to use a CD-ROM with the card under DOS, you will
have to obtain mscdex via anonymous ftp from microsoft.com, or
other sources.
OS/2 Version Rated by
2.11 altstadt@mprgate.mpr.ca - good
----
Manufacturer
UltraStor
Model Number
34F, VLB
Chip Set
UltraStor
Comments
Reliable and fast. OS/2 drivers come with card, but may be old;
newer drivers available from the usual sources. Does NOT include a
floppy port.
Caveats
Older cards have an outdated EPROM that causes OS/2 to crash
sporadically. This ROM has a sticker with a number ending in -005,
and should be replaced with a -006 EPROM. UltraStor will ship a
new EPROM free of charge if needed. If installing OS/2 from a
SCSI-based CD-ROM, will need to modify the OS/2 installation disks
to include the UltraStor driver.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
====
Ugly SCSI Controller cards
----
Type
Fast SCSI-II, Floppy controller, ISA Bus
Manufacturer
Future Domain
Model Number
TMC-1680 (SVP Package)
Chip Set
Bios v3.2
Comments
Driver included with OS/2. Updated drivers available from Hobbes
FTP or Future Domain. Jumpered settings for:
IRQ's 3,5(d),10,11,12,14,15
Memory Address' C800,CA00(d),CE00,DE00
I/O Address' 0140(d),0150, 0160,0170
Floppy On(d)/Off Has Micro DB50 connector (SCSI-II connector)
Caveats
Will not boot OS/2 v2.1, or Warp Beta I/II, off SCSI drive if set to
IRQ 15, yet will happily run and access these drives if booted off of
IDE drive. (Will boot DOS/Windows, Win NT, Win 95 Beta at IRQ 15.)
IRQ14 and IRQ5 both allow OS/2 to boot off SCSI drive. Others not
tested.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 davmp@alumni.caltech.edu - ugly
====
Bad SCSI Controller cards
----
Nothing supplied in this category.
====
Good Tape drives
----
Type
SCSI-based DC-6xxx drive (250MB max. capacity uncompressed)
Manufacturer
Archive
Model Number
Viper 2150S
Comments
Works fine with UltraStor 34F using ASPI driver for GTAK 2.12b. Not
tested with other software.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
----
Type
SCSI-based DC-6xxx drive (500MB uncompressed)
Manufacturer
Archive (now bought by Conner; advertized as either)
Model Number
Viper 2525S
Comments
Works fine with GTAK 2.40. Can read & write Viper 2150S tapes.
Tested with UltraStor 34F (works fine) and NCR controller on
J-Bond PCI motherboard (works fine, except for crashes due to
Saturn chipset bug on motherboard) and NCR controller on Asus
SP3G motherboard (works fine).
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
----
Type
QIC-80, floppy interface
Manufacturer
Colorado Memory System
Model Number
Jumbo 250MB
Comments
Works great with Fastback Plus for OS/2 and BackMaster, with
optional higher performance dedicated controller cards available.
Caveats
Bundled DOS and Windows software don't work under OS/2, and no
OS/2 backup program is included.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 fredng@io.org - good
----
Type
QIC-80, floppy interface
Manufacturer
Conner
Model Number
TapeStor 250
Comments
Previously sold as Archive XL-80. QIC-80 tape format. BackMaster
works with it quite well on four tested machines.
Caveats
Does not come with OS/2 backup software.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
====
Ugly Tape drives
----
Nothing supplied in this category.
====
Bad Tape drives
----
Nothing supplied in this category.
====
Good Video cards
----
Manufacturer
Cardinal
Model Number
VGA700, 1991, ISA BUS
Chip Set
Tseng ET4000, 1 Meg RAM
Comments
Completely supported by drivers supplied with OS/2, need to use
the supplied DOS support tools to set up refresh rates before
running SVGA ON.
Caveats
quite slow
OS/2 Version Rated by
2.0 - 2.11 altstadt@mprgate.mpr.ca - good
----
Type
PCI bus accelerator
Manufacturer
Cardex
Model Number
Challenger
Chip Set
ET4000/W32p
Comments
Includes drivers for OS/2 2.x; Warp beta II includes TrueColor
support for this board. Comes with 1MB of RAM upgradeable to 2MB
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
----
Manufacturer
Cirrus Logic
Model Number
CL5426
Chip Set
Cirrus Logic 5426
Comments
Drivers come with OS/2, but more recent and faster drivers are
available by ftp and from BBSes.
Caveats
More recent drivers give some people installation problems. Had to
re-install old seamless Windows drivers to get them to work on this
system.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
----
Type
VLB
Manufacturer
Diamond
Model Number
Viper VLB w/2MB
Chip Set
Weitek P9000
Comments
Stable from day one. Their driver supports all resolutions I can
think of and is available via Internet or their BBS. Zero Wait State
is dis/enable/able. Also VGA (IRQ2) is dis/enable/able. Good Docs
Caveats
Only works with 2.1, 2.11, Feringi, or Warp, not anything earlier.
Instructions on how to use it with Feringi or Warp is not included
with the VLB drivers but can be obtained from the PCI driver. Due
its built in drivers some games won't run or require special
configurations to run (SimCity 2000, Empire Deluxe)
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 jaycee@emh.osan.af.mil - good
----
Manufacturer
miro
Model Number
miroCRYSTAL 8S
Chip Set
S3 805 (VL-Bus)
Comments
Don't use the video drivers from S3 (version 2.2) as their WinOS/2
drivers don't work with this card.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 seidel3@wrcs1.urz.uni-wuppertal.de - good
----
Type
VLB
Manufacturer
Number Nine Computer Corporation
Model Number
#9GXE Level 11 and #9GXE Level 12
Chip Set
S3 928
Comments
very fast, upto 76Hz refresh rate at a resolution of 1280x1024, runs
with manifacturer drivers and IBM S3 drivers.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 reinhard@ifki50.informatik.fh-muenchen.de - good
----
Manufacturer
Orchid
Model Number
Fahrenheit 1280/VLB
Chip Set
S3-805 (?)
Comments
Drivers come with some recent OS/2 package; are available from
usual sources for other packages.
Caveats
Beta-level S3 drivers from IBM crashed one machine when installing;
final S3_16M drivers gave no problems.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
----
Manufacturer
STB
Model Number
Evolution, 1991, ISA BUS
Chip Set
Cirrus Logic GD-5428, 1 Meg RAM
Comments
Requires 3rd party drivers for use under OS/2 2.1. Directly
supported under OS/2 2.11.
Caveats
quite slow
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 jim.royer@nmebbs.org - good
----
Manufacturer
"Color Designer" (generic)
Model Number
?? VL-bus
Chip Set
Tseng ET4000, 1 Meg RAM
Comments
Completely supported by drivers supplied with OS/2, need to use
the supplied DOS support tools to set up refresh rates before
running SVGA ON.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
----
Type
VLB accelerated
Manufacturer
generic
Model Number
????
Chip Set
Tseng ET4000/W32I
Comments
OS/2 drivers included in the card's box (available on
ftp.cdrom.com, too). Installation went smoothly, but drivers not as
feature-laden as S3 drivers. Fast card (similar to Orchid S3-805
cards in this respect).
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good
====
Ugly Video cards
----
Type
Graphics accelerator
Manufacturer
ATI
Model Number
Graphics Ultra, ISA Bus, 1MB VRAM
Chip Set
ATI mach8
Comments
Although the drivers for mach32 and mach64 are pretty good, the
one for mach8 is not worth the hassle to install it. It simply screws
up the DOS sessions.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 fredng@io.org - ugly
----
Manufacturer
Diamond
Model Number
Stealth 32 VLB
Chip Set
Tseng ET4000W
Comments
These boards are prone to conflicts with other devices in your
system. In a few installations, I've had no trouble getting them to
run; in others, nothing would get them to work. They're really
hit-or-miss. OS/2 drivers are included in the box.
In talking to the guy that puts together most of our systems, he
said that the Diamond Stealth 32 seems to have the most problems
with motherboards using the SSI chipset.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 bobdehn@mprcamnl.wr.usgs.gov
====
Bad Video cards
----
Manufacturer
INFOTEL
Model Number
Ultra DS600
Chip Set
S3 801
Comments
This board is a duplicate of the STB Powergraph board, and
evidently the architecture of these boards uses an external clock
that OS/2 cannot support. 1) no seamless windows, 2) cannot start
DOS windows (but can windowize a FS DOS session), and 3) no
background processing to FS windows.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 CGaylord@vt.edu - bad
----
Manufacturer
Prostar (taiwan)
Chip Set
OTI-087 (Oak Technology)
Comments
Does not work for DOS window or MS window in super VGA - Video
sync problems.
Caveats
OK with OS/2 windows. OK in VGA mode.
OS/2 Version Rated by
< 3.0 g-fulford@adfa.edu.au - bad
====
Publication History
----
Ver Date Release Notes
1.00 94/04/25 Initial release.
1.01 94/05/10 Removed graphics characters, added notebooks, floptical
drives.
1.02 94/07/07
1.03 94/09/18 Added IDE controllers, hard disks, and monitors. Changed
rodents to pointers. Removed file sizes from history since
it was a pain to maintain.
1.04 94/09/24 Discovered the alphabet.
1.05 94/10/02
1.06 94/11/05 Changed introductory text. Added What's New section,
pointers to other sources of help, and OS/2 version numbers.
Comments
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