FM Towns:CPU Upgrade for Desktop Models

From ConsoleMods Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search

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.

    MX Model with no CPU card present.

  • A CPU Card is present in this Fresh ES. Likely a 486DX2.

    A CPU Card is present in this Fresh ES. Likely a 486DX2.

Retrieved from "https://consolemods.org/wiki/index.php?title=FM_Towns:CPU_Upgrade_for_Desktop_Models&oldid=16566"