FM Towns:CPU Upgrade for Desktop Models
Basic information
Desktops had a slot to place CPU upgrade cards with some later models requiring the CPU upgrade card to be present as there wasn't a CPU onboard the motherboard.
There was absolutely zero retail software that required anything more powerful than a 486DX2 CPU and the majority of software was designed for the base 386 model in mind.
The white desktops with 4 expansion slots are optimal as some CPU upgrade cards were taller and designed for them.
The white desktops with 3 expansion slots are shorter and thus more limited on CPU upgrade cards.
The 486DX4 cards for the Towns MX/MA type desktops will work in a smaller desktop (EA/ME). However, you won't be able to close the top lid.
Spotting cards in auctions
Sometimes sellers on Yahoo Auctions Japan will have the lid taken off of the computer.
This is a good opportunity to see if a CPU card is present or not.
It will also generally raise the price.
MX Model with no CPU card present. Therefor it has the stock 486SX present.
A CPU Card is present in this Fresh ES. Likely a 486DX2.
