Upgrade Stories of Packard Bell PB 680 Owners

You are viewing a page from Ray's Packard Bell Web Site
Almost Everything You Need to Know About Your Packard Bell Computer

Upgrade Stories Archive

for PB 680 Systems

Click here to add your story

Read more upgrade stories for other systems
486 units	PB 520r	PB 540,550 &560	PB Hillary	PB 600	PB 640	PB 680
Read the most recently added upgrade stories here.

This page contains PB 680 upgrade stories from 1999 and 1997.
To read PB 680 upgrade stories from 1999 click here.

01/22/99 02:34:54

Name: Kim Philippona	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB680	Model Name: Multimedia D135	When Purchaced: 11/10/96
Original RAM: 16 MBs	Original CPU Speed: 133 MHz	Original Video memory: 1 MB

Comments:
My current system as of today has an Intel Pentium 200MHz MMX Overdrive Processor, 96 MBs EDO RAM, Diamond Stealth II Video Card / 4 MB SDRAM, Altec Lancing ACS45.1 Multimedia Speaker System.

01/18/99 02:51:27

Name: David Webb	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB680	Model Name: D-130	When Purchaced: 10/15/96
Original RAM: 16	Original CPU Speed: 133	Original Video memory: 1 mb

Comments:
I just added an ATI Xpert 98 3-D PCI Video Accelerator (8 mb) to my machine. My principal use is 2D but what the heck I may play a few games and I am just starting to do some 3D models for my classes. I set the original Video system to PCI VGA 256 color (as instructed), shut down the machine, installed the card in a PCI slot and started the machine. I followed the instructions in the manual and did not let Windows 98 look for pre-installed drivers. Aft r Windows finished loading, I installed the drivers as instructed & to my great releif and satisfaction the installation worked. I had a few minor problems however, mostly due to Windows 98. Win 98 told me that I had a new Monitor (which I did not)& it wanted to search for the proper drivers. I had a panic attack because Windows has found devices that were not part of my computer before & I have had to mess with the device manager to disable hem or releive phantom conflicts. I didn't let Windows find the driver for my "No Name" monitor, then I wasn't sure if my performance was suffering, I was suffering, of course. After a fruitless search for the manual that came with the monitor (I found it today by accident), I remembered that it was a "Plug & Play" device. Thus, I rebooted and let Win 98 install it as a PNP device, and all seemed well. However, there was a large border around the edges of the screen. I used the ATI software to streach the display, but I had to do this each time I booted. Finally, by using the built in monitor adjustment buttons and the ATI software, I reclaimed all of m precious screen area. I tested the card with my image editing programs and did not notice a striking improvement in performance,(there was some) however, I now have more resolutions at my disposal & I have 3D (I assume) when I need it. It cost $60.00 (after rebate). It came wi h 2 games which played on my kid's computer. This looks like a good deal. I will let you know about 3D performnce when I get a chance. My next step is to purchase the Power Leap K-6 333 mhz CPU. Hopefully this will speed up image editing chores. PS this site is a life-saver!!!!! Thanks to all!!!

01/16/99 04:01:09

Name: Jeffery A. Brown	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB 680	Model Name: Platinum Supreme 1665	When Purchaced: Early 1997
Original RAM: 32 MB	Original CPU Speed: 166 Mhz MMX	Original Video memory: 2 MB

Comments:
I just completed a quick jumper change to overclock my Pentium 166 MMX to 200 Mhz. After doing a lot of reading about the subject, I found it very easy to do. So far, the CPU hasn't gotten any hotter than normal and my system is running noticeably faste . I just wish this motherboard could run @75 or 83 Mhz bus speed. This upgrade follows upgrades for my RAM (+32 to 64), a new 6.4 GB WD HDD, and a new US Robotics 56K V.90 Winmodem. So far, every upgrade has gone smoothly. I had to leave the original odem/sound combo card (Sound3) in the machine. I use both the original modem and new modem. I'm now looking at upgrading my video card from the S3 to an STB Velocity 4400 PCI (16 MB) as well as replacing the sound3 card with a Sound Blaster Live! Has a yone upgraded to either of these cards? Thanks!

01/08/99 05:52:25

Name: Carl	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB680	Model Name: Legend 1540 Supreme	When Purchaced: 10/96
Original RAM: 16mb	Original CPU Speed: 133mhz	Original Video memory: 1mb

Comments:
I would first like to thank Ray and the other fine sites that have helped me. So you know, when I bought this computer I knew nothing about them. Since then I have upgraded the Ram memory from 16mb to 128mb. I then installed 2 Maxtor Hard drives (5.8gig a d 6.4gig (The price was right)) I have installed A Diamond Stealth video card with 4mb of memory, and then a Monster 3D accel. card with 12mb memory. I then found the need for better sound. I removed the sound / modem card that came with it and installed n AWE64 Gold sound card and 56k modem. I upgraded the processor to 200mhz w/MMX and overclocked it to 233. The last (latest) upgrades was to AMD K6-2 333mhz processor and Bios

01/06/99 16:55:16

Name: Dave	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB680	Model Name: Legend Supreme 1600	When Purchaced: 2-12-97
Original RAM: 24 MB	Original CPU Speed: 133 mhz	Original Video memory: 1 MB

Comments:
Added a 6.8 gig Maxtor as a Slave on the primary and a ATAPI Zip as a master on the secondary IDE. Replaced the Pentium 133 mhz with a AMD K6-2 333 mhz w/3dnow. Replaced the AMI BIOS with a Mr BIOS. Added ram for 48MB. Added a ATI 8MB XPERT98 (Rage Pr Turbo chipset) for some great 2d performance (Not bad for $50). For 3d performance I added a Diamond Monster 3D Voodoo Graphics accelerator. Upgraded to Win 98 which solve the 'Soundcard not responding problem' with a new driver.

01/06/99 11:32:39

Name: Ralph	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB680	Model Name: 1540 Legend Supr	When Purchaced: 12/96
Original RAM: 16	Original CPU Speed: 133

Comments:
added a evergreen 200mhz, ram is 128, video is 2mb & and 12mb voodoo2. Has anyone one the planet put a K6/2 333 in one of these machines. I can find nothing and AMD sent me to this site.

12/21/98 20:07:30

Name: Vincent Bost	My Email: Email Me	Motherboard #: PB680
Model Name: Platinum 2010	When Purchaced: 1997	Original RAM: 16 megs
Original CPU Speed: 166 MHz	Original Video memory: 2 Megs

Comments:
Upgraded the memory to 80 megs of RAM. Added an ATI Rage Pro 3D video card with 8 megs of video RAM. (This is a GREAT video card and is really affordable at $80 from your local Best Buy or Circuit City.) Upgraded the processor to 233 MHz. (Really easy, too!) Gonna order the 56K modem/soundcard from PB and install that in the near future. System is working great, and is a lot faster too! BTW, Win98 correctly detects the Aztech 2320 chipset in the original soundcard (which Win95 couldn't do), but the Win98 drivers are not that good. I suggest downloading the SoundIII drivers from PB webpage. Also, the generic 33.6 driver with Win98 seems to work better than the SoundIII modem driver that it automatically installs.

12/19/98 10:30:58

Name: DEMA	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: pb680	Original RAM: 16 mb	Original CPU Speed: Intel 133
Original Video memory: 1 or 2 mb

Comments:
I have a MB with the S3 Virge incorporated. I have purchased a PCI 3D Blaster BANSHEE. How can i disable the S3 Virge board to use only the 3D Blaster?(I have Windows 95) Could you send me the answer to my Email? Thanks.

11/20/98 04:08:43

Name: Gary	My URL: Visit Me	Motherboard #: PB 680 (Orlando)
Model Name: Platinum 2010	When Purchaced: 1.5 years ago ?	Original RAM: 16
Original CPU Speed: 166MMX	Original Video memory: 2MB

Comments:
I upgraded ram to 48 mb. After reading your page, I overclocked the system to 200MMX. It Ran perfect with a noticeable improvement is speed. I then ordered the Powerleap adapter, and a AMD K6/2 300 3D Now chip. I upgraded the bios with Mr Bios, instal ed the adapter & chip earlier tonight. 30 minutes total. The system benchmarks at 320 MHZ!! Best upgrade money I have ever spent on speed!

11/18/98 21:13:44

Name: Boyd Christensen	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB680	Model Name: R501	When Purchaced: "97"
Original RAM: 16	Original CPU Speed: 200 MMX	Original Video memory: 2 Meg

Comments:
By removing the jumper J1F2-D (CPU multiplier) my 200 MMX now runs at 233 Mhz. I upgraded the BIOS from PB website (1.00.12.DNOR). I upgraded to 128 meg RAM and run intense CAD programs. The machine booted right up after removing the jumpers and recognize the higher CPU speed, BIOS upgrade and RAM upgrade. The machine runs GREAT. Thanks for all the great technical advice and articles!!

11/07/98 05:51:45

Name: Carolyn Ensor	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB680	Model Name: D135	When Purchaced: 9/96
Original RAM: 16	Original CPU Speed: 133	Original Video memory: 1mb

Comments:
After reading your site I decided to try upgrade my computer. First I went to the PB site and upgraded my bios to the one endind in 12. Then I put 64more RAm on my computer for a total of 81 along with a 4.3 Western Digital Harddrive. My computer origin lly had a 1.2 on it. I also put a Intel 200MHz overdrive processor on it. I also put windows 98 on it. I am most happy to tell you that all is running well. Intel tech support advised not to change any jumper setting on my computer. My computer recognized all these changes and is like a new computer. It was worth the effort!

11/04/98 22:11:45

Name: Margaret	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: 680	Model Name: Packmate7130	When Purchaced: 96
Original RAM: 16	Original CPU Speed: 133

Comments:
Upgraded DRAM from(four 8MEG slots) and replaced slots 1 and 2 with 32 MEGS of DRAM in each and left slots 3 and 4 with the original 8 megs of RAM in each. The system only acknowledges 64 MEG and not the 16 MEGS in slots 3 and 4. Any ideas? Thanks Margaret

10/18/98 09:02:27

Name: Hobie	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: Orlando PB680	Model Name: Multimedia C115	When Purchaced: 03-97
Original RAM: 16mb	Original CPU Speed: 120mhz	Original Video memory: 2mgs

Comments:
THANK YOU RAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have saved a thousand dollars or better. I took my 120mhz up to 233MMX powerleap PRO ,added a 56K U.S.Robotics modem, and a Matrox Mystique 4mg video card ,and I am now pushing a killer 128mb o ram. With the sweetest addition f a ZIP drive ... I AM DONE......NOT ONLY DO I THANK YOU RAY....MY WIFE THANKS YOU ,I won't be splitting the computer case open on the kitchen table anymore.......

10/13/98 19:27:55

Name: Roy Conley	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB680	Model Name: Platinum 2240	When Purchaced: March 1997
Original RAM: 32 mb	Original CPU Speed: 200	Original Video memory: 2 mb

Comments:
I continue to create a monster. What was once an innocent 200 mhz Platinum 2240 has turned into: * 233 mhz Pentium MMX * 128 mb RAM * 7 GB hard drive * Matrox Mystique 220 video board with 8 mb RAM * Diamond Monster 3D II Voodoo2 with 12 mb RAM * 17" Hitachi monitor * 2GB tape backup drive * Kenwood 40x40 Multi-Beam CD * ZipPlus drive * Microsoft Sidewinder 3D Pro joystick * Logitech 3-button mouse * HP DeskJet 722C printer * Umax Astra 1200S scanner * Creative Labs AWE64 Gold sound board * Cambridge Sound Works PC Works speakers I love my P-B. It has been very forgiving of the numerous tweaks and modifications I've done. I'm running Windows 95. After running Norton Utilities 3.0, I have an extremely stable system. Highly recommend Norton Utilities after you apply all availabl upgrade patches. The P-B designer mini-tower is very nice...easy to open with lots of room. I added a huge Computer Nerd cooling fan to my processor and a Tenn Max 'Lasagna' cooling fan to my Monster 3D II. This is a fun, reliable machine.

10/09/98 01:45:51

Name: Mike	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: pb680	Model Name: Platinum 2015	When Purchaced: 97...? hmm
Original RAM: 32Mb	Original CPU Speed: 166MMX	Original Video memory: 2Mb

Comments:
Well, I'm intending to build a System from the ground up with a CeleronA 366 when they come out Q1'99, so this will be a second machine. This is my wife's PB, and I came fresh off a PowerMac 9500 that I used in my old job. First thing I did was adjust the jumpers and overclock the 166MMX to 200 Mhz, i think it posts to about 198Mhz most of the time. I'd like to see what happens when I remove those jumpers altogether, hoping that I'll get somewhere near 233Mhz. If anyone has done this with any success please post it here, or email me... thanks :)I just cannot believe that the 166MMX can't clock it to 233Mhz... hehe :) Like all overclockers out there, I wish that we could adjust our bus speed. But, hey, its a PB... a rip-off. But people still buy these things. I disabled the S3 Virge, because we all know that it is crap. At the time, all I could afford was a CL Graphics Blaster 3D (almost as crappy but with 4Mb and high refresh) to replace the video component. I couldn't see myself spending 200 bux on a better ard for this low level system. I acquired a 12Mb Voodoo2 for gaming purposes, and upgraded Ram to 80Mb. Added a WD Caviar 6.4, a 17" monitor and a scsi zip drive. Machine does the job. BUT I cant wait to build that ~500Mhz Celeron/128k Overclocking platform with a CL TNT board on a Abit BH6 with 128Mb Cas2 and U2W Scsi. W00... :)

09/20/98 23:01:12

Name: Adam C.	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB 680	Model Name: D141	When Purchaced: May 1997
Original RAM: 16 Megs	Original CPU Speed: 133 MHz	Original Video memory: 1 Meg

Comments:
Fabulous system. Memory upgrades started with 32 megs to now @ 128 megs. I also added an internal ATAPI Zip drive. The NEC 16x cd-rom proved to be a problem, so I replaced it with Mitsumi 24x and paired it with a Mitsumi CR-2801TE CD-R drive. Planned upg ades include Maxtor 8.4 gig HD and CPU to AMD K6/2 300 thanks to the helpful info on this site.

09/14/98 20:40:13

Name: H. Winterholer	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: 680	Model Name: Platinum 2250X NS	When Purchaced: Oct 97
Original RAM: 32	Original CPU Speed: 233

Comments:
Many, Many problems with PKB spt but managed to get this going with: Liton 262 DVD 16X, Quant-Fireball 6.4 gig, Sound4/T4 card, S3virge. This camed stocked and I uped mem to 64m (contemp degrading to 48m) added an Iomega Para Zip, Mitsume 8x CD-R, HP Offi e-Jet Color-printer/scanner/copier/Fax, USR SportsterX2 56k V/F. The unit came with a defective modem that PKB refuses to akmowledge and after considerable evaluations I came to the conclusion that modems(esp int)don't like the video signal being piped to them all the time by default. This is endemic to these MB's and not just PKB's.They just refuse to acknowledge it.

09/14/98 20:39:46

Name: H. Winterholer	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: 680	Model Name: Platinum 2250X NS	When Purchaced: Oct 97
Original RAM: 32	Original CPU Speed: 233

09/14/98 20:38:01

Name: H. Winterholer	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: 680	Model Name: Platinum 2250X NS	When Purchaced: Oct 97
Original RAM: 32	Original CPU Speed: 233

Comments:
Many, Many problems with PKB spt but managed to get this going with: Liton 262 DVD 16X, Quant-Fireball 6.4 gig, Sound4/T4 card, S3virge. This camed stocked and I uped mem to 64m (contemp degrading to 48m) added an Iomega Para Zip, HP Office-Jet Color-prin er/scanner/copier/Fax, USR SportsterX2 56k V/F. The unit came with a defective modem that PKB refuses to akmowledge and after considerable evaluations I came to the conclusion that modems(esp int)don't like the video signal being piped to them all the tim by default. This is endemic to these MB's and not just PKB's.They just refuse to acknowledge it.

09/08/98 00:47:28

Name: Mike	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB 680	Model Name: Platinum 55	When Purchaced: 11/96
Original RAM: 16	Original CPU Speed: 133	Original Video memory: 2meg

Comments:
Upgraded modem to Supra Express K56 flex, cpu with the powerleap and 233mmx intel, 98 megs. of ram, added a maxtor 7.2 ultra dma drive attached to a promise ultra 33 controler. Im pleased with my machine and never encountered any problems in installing an of this equipment.

09/03/98 03:53:34

Name: Gonzo	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB680	Model Name: Platinum Pro 650	When Purchaced: 12/96
Original RAM: 32	Original CPU Speed: 166	Original Video memory: 1Mb

Comments:
This comp is finally done!!! I got a 233MMX processor installed w/ help from Power Leap, a Maxtor 6GB hard drive, and an Aztech 56K flex modem for decent surfin but am doin the cable modem thing now (warp speed baby!!) As a bonus, I installed the old 166 CPU in my PB for a tad bit better speed (I have a Legend 1540 Supreme w/ PB680, 133-now 166 cpu 48 MB Ram 56k Flex modem

08/13/98 20:03:17

Name: John V. T.	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB 680	Model Name: MultiMedia C115a	When Purchaced: 1996
Original RAM: 16 MB	Original CPU Speed: 120 MHz	Original Video memory: 1 MB

Comments:
Hello, I just upgraded my Hewlett Packard & my girlfriend of course had to have similar on her Packard Bell. The wealth of information here to upgrade her computer is amazing and I really would have been lost without it. Upgraded CPU to Evergreen MXPro180 without bios or jumper switch adjustments due to the PB 680 board already set at 60 MHz. Before: Dhrystones 81327 Mediastones 10204 After: Dhrystones 115333 Mediatones 22727 Upgraded memory with additional 32 MB to total of 48 MB. Ugraded 33,600 modem to Diamond SupraMax 56k. The entire upgrade went real well due to reading the many informative posts here. My girlfriend really, really, likes her computer now. Thanks to all for sharing. JohnLVT

08/13/98 02:41:34

Name: Kim Philippona	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB680	Model Name: D135 Multimedia	When Purchaced: 11/10/96
Original RAM: 16 MBs	Original CPU Speed: 133 MHz	Original Video memory: 1 MB

Comments:
I have just started upgrading my computer, have had no reason to. Some of the stories I have read on this web site about upgrades sounds like everyone has a lot more money to throw away than me. I first added 32 MB of RAM memory and 1 MB video memory. I l cated CanTek USA (www.cantek.com) and they had EDO memory so cheap I had to buy more, so I know have 96 MB. I have recently installed a Diamond Stealth II S220 Video Card. I had some trouble with the setup but got it working great. One word of advice do n t install the drivers from the cd provided. Download the latest from www.diamondmm.com.

07/22/98 10:45:31

Name: Larry	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: pb#680	Model Name: c115	When Purchaced: 7/98
Original RAM: 16 mb edo	Original CPU Speed: 120mhz

Comments:
Evergreen 200mhz mmx upgrade. it was easy to install. two jumper changes and have had excellent results. they also have a $30 rebate.

07/11/98 03:17:36

Name: Gonzo	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB680	Model Name: Platinum Pro 650	When Purchaced: 12/96
Original RAM: 32	Original CPU Speed: 166	Original Video memory: 2MB

Comments:
This is a co-worker's machine. I recently did a major upgrade for him by maxxing his RAM to 120MB, installing a Matrox Mystique video card for awesome video and colors!! replacing his soon to crap out Seagate 2.5GB HD to a Maxtor 5.0!! This comp really auls ass now!!! Next project: Trading in the CPU for a 233 MMX job w/ the bonus Power Leap Adapter--Stay tuned!!

06/28/98 23:57:24

Name: Jef My URL: Visit Me Motherboard #: pb680/685

Model Name: platinum 2220 When Purchaced: '97 Original RAM: 16meg

Original CPU Speed: 200Mhz MMX Original Video memory: 2meg

Comments:
When I bought this computer a year ago I never thought I would be doing this stuff. After several modifications. Like memory to 64meg, secondary case fan,larger CPU fan,modem to Zoom 56Kflex,IDE Zip drive. I did the unthinkable. I reformated the hard driv and loaded Red Hat Linux 5.0. An act that I do not regret at all. After so many crashes and the "blue screen o' death" I said enough. This is not the end all OS but B.G. could take some pointers from them. In the month that I have had this OS I have not had one crash or "blue screen o' death". Others have reported uptimes of over a year. I Love PB and will buy another one for linux.

05/13/98 03:16:41

Name: Gordon Pearce My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me

Motherboard #: 680 Model Name: Platinum 200 When Purchaced: Nov 96

Original RAM: 32Mb Original CPU Speed: 200 Original Video memory: 2Mb

Comments:
My Platinum 200 (Australian Model) was getting a bit tired, and with Merced 64 bit PC's a little over 12 moths away, I decided that I would upgrade rather than buy a new PC. I had heard that AMD K6 233MMX processors run at 3.2 volt core and being so close to the 3.3 volt of the original Pentium 200 they work ok in single voltage systems….Maybe not! So I purchased a K6 and installed it and the PC was totally dead. I put the old CPU back and it worked fine. Hmmm. I take the K6 to work and put it in my PC and it flies! I must get this thing running at home! I figured that the motherboard's voltage regulator must not be up to scratch, so I did some reading and discovered the Powerleap PL-ProMMX. So I buy one and install it but the machine is still dead. Again, I try the Powerleap PL-ProMMX at work and it's fi e (although they charged me twice for postage and still have not replied to my E-mails weeks later). More reading and I discover that the 680 is an Intel Motherboard and the Intel BIOS searches for the Intel copyright string in the processor and if it is not present the BIOS will not proceed to boot the PC. (Wonderful trade practices Intel, I know who th DOJ should be going after!) So then I discover MrBIOS. I get a new BIOS and try to flash my old one and it fails, but my old BIOS still works. So I E-mail MrBIOS and they send me a new MrFlash program, this one works and says the flash is successful push any key to reboot… Dead. No icture on the screen! Panic sets in! The reset button is pressed many times… As I ponder buying a new PC I notice disk activity. Hmmm, maybe the onboard video is dead. Searching though my cupboard I find an old ISA VGA card, plug it in and it works! Phew! So I let MrBIOS know what's going on and they tell me to restore my old BIOS and run a utility (they sent me) which save the video BIOS to a disk file and send it back to them. They custom build me a new MrBIOS which I installed and all is well. Excellent service MrBIOS ( http://www.unicore.com ), I am very impressed. The net result is a Packard Bell, which performs very well indeed, and a few near heart attacks! I would estimate that with the K6 233, software that makes use of the MMX instructions is more than twice as fast. Now I can play MPEG movies at 800 x 600 wit out dropping frames even under Windows NT where as I used to drop frames at 640 x 480 even under Windows 95. And they good news is that I can drop in a K6 300 (maybe 3D) when the price drops, hopefully with no further problems…

04/22/98 05:09:30

Name: D. Gibbons	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB680	Model Name: PM7715EX	When Purchaced: 12/31/97
Original RAM: 16	Original CPU Speed: 200mmx	Original Video memory: 2mb

Comments:
Have posted earlier about problems with adding modem, have overcome this now and added a USR 56.6 X2 modem and am running it with the aztech 33.6, with a program called midpoint and two phone lines connection speeds can reach 70.0+ (for downloads) also r quires TWO dial up accounts, also added a 6.4 GB Western Digital HD very simple to install although the first one I got was faulty and died right after installation, I have not installed newest bios yet, and probably won't...have installed a Hi-val CDRW 2 6...again easy install..with firmware 2.03 which I upgraded to Ricoh 2.20 firmware with no problems, Will mention that my 2020 monitor died 3 days ago...it didnt even last 4 months and the screeen was just amber on bootup, I was worried about the stories ou hear about service from PB, imagine my suprise when 2 weeks after I called them (and spent close to a hour mind you getting them to understand it was the monitor, not my video card)to have fed ex deliver a brand new 5480 monitor with prepaid return shi ping for the defective one, even though it is refurbished not new..but replaced all the same..should I say thanks..or just be thankful

04/19/98 14:02:22

Name: Steve M.	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB680	Model Name: Legend Supreme1600	When Purchaced: March 1987
Original RAM: 24MB	Original CPU Speed: 133MHZ	Original Video memory: 1MB

Comments:
I would like to thank Ray for the vast information and great links on his site,in which I could not have done anything to my computer without. I have since added more RAM which I total 80MB now. Then I added a second Hard Drive added as a slave. I have th Seagate 2.1GB as the master, and the Western Digital as the Slave, also 2.1GB. Thanks to Ray's info, I successfully upgraded my CPU with the Pentium OverDrive 200MMX. I have A EasyPhoto Scanner, Iomega Zip, and Canon Printer all attached using SCSI Paral el Port, and switch from Zip to printer/scanner via a data switch box.A cool added feature is the CP-Vue temperature alarm and digital thermostat I have installed in the third bay, I can always see the cpu temp. I also added the 2MB of video ram on the mo herboard, and it is tricky getting the pins in, but it works ok, I can play roadrash,and other cool games with no loss of performance.Because I have the sound111 combo soundcard/modem, I added a second modem for 56k speed. I use the original modem for the Comm Central,Phone,Fax, and the Digicom 56k x2, for the internet.I had to add speakers, and a second mike for Internet phone, but they are inexpensive add-ons. I have not experienced ANY major problems with this computer, and I ignore all the PB Hater's c mments! This computer does it's job just fine, and comes with the Master Restore,to reinstall windows. Ever see a computer that dosen't? I have, and wow try to find drivers!!! Thanks again Ray, KUDOS!!! Youv'e got the best site!!!!!

04/19/98 09:04:05

Name: Jef	My URL: Visit Me	Motherboard #: PB680/685
Model Name: Platinum 2220	When Purchaced: APR '97	Original RAM: 16meg now 64meg
Original CPU Speed: 200Mhz	Original Video memory: 2meg

Comments:
Well after a couple of false starts I was able to get Red Hat Linux 5.0 to Load. The best upgrade I have done yet. This is now, as far as I can tell, a Micro$oft free machine.

03/24/98 17:45:03

Name: Nick Austin	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB680	Model Name: PB9007EE	When Purchaced: June 97
Original RAM: 16MB	Original CPU Speed: p150	Original Video memory: 2MB

Comments:
This is my list of upgrades, the machine is now quite fast enough for most things I do (except to play Jane's Fighter Anthology properly on, which is a pig) No more upgrades for me till I can afford a new case/motherboard. 1) P150 -> Overclocked to P166 -> P200MMX (3x66) with a MMX Upgrade board and I run CPU IDE to help keep it cool. 2)Additional Case Fan, helps cool the 3Dfx, S3 and CPU. 3)Generic 4MB 3Dfx Card, superb with latest drivers 4)16MB-> 48MB EDO 5) Oveclocked the S3 Virge Graphics from 50MHz to 55MHz 6)Removed ALL PB software, reinstalled Win95 OSR2 and NT4 with latest S3, Iomega, 3Dfx and Aztech Drivers for both. 7) Zip Drive on Parrallel Port shared with HP Deskjet. 8)HP Scanjet Plus (on an additional HP Parrallel port card but pig to set up) 9) Added a spare 1GB drive to my machine giving me 3GB total (ok with FAT32 and NTFS, would need more if I was using FAT16) 10) When the Sony 8x CD-Rom became unreliable I replaced it with a 24x model.

03/15/98 08:16:50

Name: Durk	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: 680 Orlando	Model Name: Multimedia 215	When Purchaced: 7-97
Original RAM: 16 mb	Original CPU Speed: Pentium 120 Mhz	Original Video memory: 1 mb

Comments:
I just did the PowerLeap upgrade to 200MMX on my NON-MMX 680 motherboard. I like it! I had a problem getting it going for a minute, I was afraid to push hard when attaching the chip to the upgrade board. I tried everything a few times then I figured it out. I wasn't sure I needed the PowerLeap because 4 out of 8 PB (US) Tecs and the PB upgrade page said I didn't. Then I saw Ray's PB Europe stuff, I took the link and checked their FAQs. They have a very good page explaining which 680 motherboards are MX compatible. So now I have that going for me and I've upgraded the video to 2 mb & ram to 80 mb. What's next?????? Later, Durk P.S. They corrected the 680 upgrade information for the 215 at their (US) site.

03/01/98 20:52:04

Name: Dick Ludowise	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: 680	Model Name: Platinum 40	When Purchaced: 3/97
Original RAM: 16	Original CPU Speed: 133	Original Video memory: S3

Comments:
I've upgraded to 48 MB ram, 200Mhz mmx processor, an Orchid Righteous 3Dfx card, a Hercules Thriller video card (2200 verite based w/ 8MB). The only problems I've had, concerned the Hercules card. My Wintune results state that I only get 20 MPS. This ca d should really get as good 2D performance as the Stealth II card.. but it doesn't (sigh..). My recomendation is now for pb680 board owners to stick with Ray's suggestion and get a Stealth II card for video upgrade. The 3Dfx card is great for any game tha supports it. I've played Quake with both the 3Dfx drivers and the Verite drivers, and if you can afford it, get a 3dfx card to supplement the Stealth II. New cards are coming out as I write this, and we may yet get a great all in one card. Installing a new video card on the 680 requires the disabling of the Windows '95 driver of the old Cirrus or S3 onboard video as per Ray's Stealth II instructions. ALSO.. Your old disabled driver SHOULD be changed (though left disabled) to your new card' driver. In other words, you should have two versions of your new driver, one disabled, and no versions of your old driver. This is because of a bug in Windows wich will insist on listing your old driver in system.ini unless you change it in Device Manage to your new card (even though it is disabled. This bug will affect windows acceleration, and all DirectX applications.

02/26/98 23:35:05

Name: Roy Conley	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB680	Model Name: Platinum 2240	When Purchaced: March 1997
Original RAM: 32 MB	Original CPU Speed: 200 mhz MMX	Original Video memory: 2 MB

Comments:
I just this minute upgraded my 200 mhz MMX Platinum 2240 with a 233 mhz MMX. I simply removed the jumpers from J1F2-D, pulled the 200, and put the 233 in place. It's working perfectly. Every little speed increase helps. I have a Platinum 2240 with a 233 mhz Pentium MMX, 132 MB RAM, 6.5 GB hard drive, Matrox Mystique video board with 8 MB RAM, Matrox m3D video 3d board, Zip drive, Iomega internal ditto 2 GB tape drive, 32x CD-ROM drive, Hitachi SuperScan Pro 600 17" monit r, Cambridge SoundWorks speaker system, SoundBlaster AWE64 Gold sound card, and a Logitech 3-button mouse. As you can see, I've really been upgrading my machine. Packard Bell computers are great...I've never had any problem with mine, even with all the weaks I've done to it. It has been very forgiving. I'd recommend PB to anyone.

02/25/98 20:59:14

Name: Bob clark	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB680	Model Name: E154	When Purchaced: 8/1997
Original RAM: 32mb	Original CPU Speed: pentium 150mhz

Comments:
Upgraded to Pentium MMX 233mhz using powerleap PL-prommx. Upgrade was very easy, and now runs much faster. The software that powerleap sent says cpu is running at 233mhz and the bus at 78mhz.

02/21/98 14:04:38

Name: Mike	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: 680	Model Name: Multilmedia D-135	When Purchaced: 11/7/96
Original RAM: 16 mb	Original CPU Speed: 133mhz	Original Video memory: 1 mb

Comments:
I think I've just about maxed out this machine! Upgraded to 96 mb ram,a total of 6 gig HDD; 1.2& 3.8 gig IDE ,1 gig SCSI. 200mhz MMX Processor,ECP printer port,Adaptec 2940 SCSI card,internal tape BU.External Zip Drive,additinal 1 meg video memory,17 inch Monitor,Yamaha sub-woofer.Flat Bed scanner,Canon Printer. Only thing Im considering now is a 3D video accelerator. Very little complaints about this machine,perhaps biggest one would be L2 cache being unupgradeable. All in all quite happy really. Nice sit Ray!

02/19/98 23:48:03

Name: Jef	My URL: Visit Me	Motherboard #: PB680/685
Model Name: Platinum 2220	When Purchaced: Feb 97	Original RAM: 16 meg-48meg-64meg
Original CPU Speed: 200Mhz MMX	Original Video memory: 2 meg

Comments:
the other night I was able to oc the video chip from 50Mhz to 59Mhz now has a video that went from 24 to 29 in wintune without artifacts so I concider it a success (the virge chip that is in the machine is pretty much at its max). The mods that i have pre ormed are, a new logitec mouse w/wheel, mem to 64 meg(using mvg and pny 60ns EDO),large heat sink/fan for cpu, case fan, scanner, Laser printer(these last few are basic mods), and software(dumping the PB frontend adding.). So far I have had no problems wi h it. other than what I have done.

02/14/98 18:39:45

Name: D. Gibbons	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: 680	Model Name: PM 7715 EX	When Purchaced: Dec.27,1998
Original RAM: 16	Original CPU Speed: 200mmx

Comments:
Disabled the S3 virge in system devices and added ATI Pro turbo PC2TV w/4mb SGram.Also added USR 33.6 but the integrated modem33.6/soundcard worked just as well so I removed the USR sportster.Added monster 3DFX card running at 57 mhz. Installed new aztec directx sound card drivers but had problems so went back to previous version.Added extra 64 megs ram total of 80.Added Winnov ISA video capture card uses no IRQ's works great with color camcorder and with tv or satelitte dish it captures at 30 FPS. Hav the media select tray and it causes some problems with external game devices...ch products Pro throttle and Thrust master Flightstick. Sometimes the programing module locks the keyboard and mouse. Have found no settings to up the bus speed. Plan on addin another fan to front of case to suck air out, the CPU stays very cool its the monster card generating all the heat.Voodoo 2 to replace 3dfx come march.

02/11/98 07:15:04

Name: Nikky Felix	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: 680	Model Name: Legend 1600	When Purchaced: Feb 1997
Original RAM: 24	Original CPU Speed: 133	Original Video memory: 2mg

Comments:
Added a 166mmx overdrive processor eight months ago. This was when the 200mmx was unavailable. Added extra ram for a totall of 96megs. I have two hard drive a western digital 2.5 gigs and a maxtor 2.1 gig both ide drives. I added the maxtor. Added a sc zy cd-rom drive 24x. I also added a Ati video card 4 megs. I added an Iomega ide zip drive. I also added and external 56 x2 modem. and finally I just recently added and Atapi ide ricoh cd recordable and rewritable drive. I no longer have any ide channe s available. That is why I went scuzy on the 24x cd-rom drive. The biggest problem I had with the upgrade was that the two hard drives were daisy to each other and the iomega and the original cd-rom were together. I spent two days trying to make it wor . The computer was not recognizing nor assigning letter when I daisy the ricoh to the iomega. I had to connect drive c to the iomega and drive d to the ricoh both hard drive as master on two different channels. Currently I am trying to figure out how t make my restore and recover disks work with the new cd-rom drive. Apparently it is unable to recognize the change. Anyone who can explain the sollution, please e-mail me, or anyone who have questions about the upgrades I have made to my system.

02/04/98 04:20:25

Name: Sharon Falkowski	My Email: Email Me	Motherboard #: 680
Model Name: Platinum 60	When Purchaced: 12/96	Original RAM: 16MB
Original CPU Speed: 166	Original Video memory: 2MB

Comments:
Upgraded to 48MB RAM. This took quite a while. Originally tried to add PNY EDO to system and Windows would not boot. Posted question to every BS imagineable. I bought another brand MGV and it installed immediately. Added a SCSI Zip Drive. Had a probl m finding an available interrupt but the PC newsgroup came back with suggestion to disable MIDI interface. Next upgrade planned is to install and second HDD (Maxtor 3.5G). Any help with the upgrade will be appreciated.

01/31/98 16:10:30

Name: Rocko	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB 680, PB640	Model Name: N/A	When Purchaced: 1996
Original RAM: 0 MB	Original CPU Speed: 200 MHZ, 166 MHZ	Original Video memory: 2 MB S3 Virge 3D

Comments:
This is a copy of an e-mail I sent to Ray - Ray, I stumbled across your page a little while ago and learned a lot. First of all I have a PB680 based system and I built a system for my little brother based on a PB640 MB. After thoroughly scouring your page and, much to my delight/surprise, PB's own upgrade page (do you believe it ?), I took the plunge and replaced my 200MHZ CPU with a brand new boxed Intel 233 MHZ MMX CPU. Naturally, I'm cynical and didn’t think it would be as easy as replacing a few jumpers, I was ready for disaster (being a veteran of PB systems). Much to my surprise, I removed the jumper pins from J1F2-D, powered the system up and Lo and Behold, the boot up screen now reads 233MHZ with MMX technology detected !! I already had a buyer for my system, but now I have a 233 MMX system and saved about 1200 - 1500 bucks. I had upgraded the BIOS to the newest revision (.12). Now my system is a legitimately current machine. I have the 256K cache soldered onto the motherboard, 128MB of EDO RAM, a Diamond 56K modem, a Creative Labs AWE 64 Gold and PC-DVD Encore DXR2 DVD Player, and a DRT LS-120 super disk drive (I upgraded to Win 95 OSR 2.1 which has native support for this drive Win 95a does not). To continue my journey, I again followed your page's instructions and replaced my little brother's 166MHZ CPU with my left over 200 MHZ CPU. Again, it was as easy as changing jumpers. I'm now seeking out my friends that have PB systems and am upgrading their systems to Max their potential. My one buddy has a PB450 486DX2-66 system and my other friend has a PB600 133MHZ MB. The PB600 had the spaces for the cache chips but they are not there, I'm going to find a re-working center that is interested and have them solder the cache chips onto the motherboard. If it works, I'll let you know. Anyway, thanks again for saving me alot of money and grief in upgrading my computer system. Dave

01/28/98 05:35:53

Name: Velix	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB 680	Model Name: Platinum 45 (Canada)	When Purchaced: Feb 1997
Original RAM: 16 MB EDO	Original CPU Speed: 133 MHz	Original Video memory: 2 MB EDO Video DRAM

Comments:
The first change made was to convert the language of this PB to french. Installed the french keyboard, Windows95 and Microsoft Works 4 provided by PB free of charge. Connected an Epson Stylus Color 500 printer without any problems. Later bought Iomega pa ralel port zip drive, installed with no problems. Found, I received an incorrect master CD when I used the fix and restore function. PB shipped the right one within two days. In dec 97,a problem occured. My pointer only went to the upper right corner of the screen, volume then opened to max. and the PBTV5 would open by itself. On warranty, a PB on-site technician replaced the motherboard (had a more recent bios), hard drive (s andisk reported two bad sectors when I tested it for errors) and graciously added the two 16 mg EDO simms I bought when putting the computer back together. Didn't solve the pointer problem. Then, they shipped another MediaSelect board and a new mouse (th new model). This solved the problem. By the way PB technicians arrived on time, with the promised parts, called back within the timeframe they said, took on average 2.5 minutes to reach and went out of their way to address the problem.THANK YOU, PB CANAD . Connected a SONY video camera in the RCA Video in port to use with Netmeeting and VDO live. Need to select video in PBTV5, close it then open the video conferencing application wanted. Cannot run PBTV5 and Netmeeting simultaneously if you want to send a v deo image. Lastly, added an Acer 310P parrallel port flatbed scanner. It needs to be connected in this order to function properly computer-scanner-zip drive-printer Standard: 133 Mhz; 8X CD Rom; 1.6 GB hard drive; 256 Kb pipelined burst cache; PBTV5

01/11/98 00:22:36

Name: Jef	My URL: Visit Me	Motherboard #: PB680
Model Name: platinum 2220	When Purchaced: APR/97	Original RAM: 16 meg
Original CPU Speed: 200Mhz	Original Video memory: 2meg

Comments:
I have owned this machine for almost a year now. Have had no real problems with it.Other than opperator induced errors. Made a few minor alterations to it. Fist a mem boost to 48meg,next a case fan(I now have the reasurance that there is enough air flow) then a cpu fan upgrade to an aoc K-6 fan. This may be a little over kill.Added a flatbed scanner, ssci. the only problem with it now is the software. It's not crashing becouse of heat.;)

01/08/98 20:37:17

Name: Roy Conley	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB680	Model Name: Platinum 2240	When Purchaced: April 1997
Original RAM: 32 mb	Original CPU Speed: 200 mhz MMX	Original Video memory: 2 mb

Comments:
I love my Platinum 2240 (200 mhz Pentium MMX). Since buying the machine in April 1997, I have upgraded the machine to the following configuration: 128 mb RAM, 6.5 GB hard drive, Matrox Mystique video board with 8 mb RAM, Matrox m3d 3D video board, Soundblaster AWE64 Gold sound card, Lansing Altec speaker system, Iomega Ditto 2GB internal tape drive, 17" Hitachi SuperScan Pro monitor, Logitech 3-butt n mouse, Microsoft Sidewinder 3D Pro joystick, and, occasionally, a Diamond Multimedia Monster 3D PCI sound board. This computer is a gem and has gone a long way toward dispelling my previous quality concerns with Packard Bell. A few minor complaints...PB's mice and keyboards are woefully cheap. I'm ditching the keyboard as soon as I can. But the mini-tower case is nicely done, giving me easy access to all the vital components.

12/30/97 13:13:37

Name: Michael	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: 680	Model Name: Platinum 1570	When Purchaced: 10/96
Original RAM: 32megs	Original CPU Speed: 200MHz	Original Video memory: 2megs

Comments:
Installed Intergraph Intense 3d Voodoo video card. No problems-other than disabling S3 through system devices in control panel.(Intergraph does'nt mention this route in instructions.)Amazing difference for Quake2,including better performance in multiplaye .Downloaded latest drivers from Intergraph site.Happy fragging!

12/28/97 03:42:22

Name: Gerald Baker	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB680	Model Name: Platinum 60	When Purchaced: Oct 1996
Original RAM: 16 MB	Original CPU Speed: 166 MHz	Original Video memory: 2 MB

Comments:
I have completed several upgrades.....RAM is now 32 MB, overclocked CPU to 200 MHz with no problems (66MHz bus x 3.0 multiplier) , recently installed a Zoom 56K Flex modem ( I have achieved 50K several times)...I now use original 33.6 modem for speaker ph ne capability. Installed Win95 REV B ( Now, THAT was tough due to Win 95's inability to recognize my PB components...Had to force it to find modem, video capture, TV board). The biggest problem I've experienced was bending a SIMM socket pin.....Thankfully it popped back into place. My system is now equipped with Zip Drive and Scanner.

Click here to read older PB 680 Stories from 1999

Name: Gordon Pearce	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: 680	Model Name: Platinum 200	When Purchaced: Nov 96
Original RAM: 32Mb	Original CPU Speed: 200	Original Video memory: 2Mb