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 Almost Everything You Need to Know About Your Packard Bell Computer


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Ray's Packard Bell Web Site
Updated November 25, 1999

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Date
What is New and News
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November 25, 1999 Packard Bell to close it's doors.  NEC is getting rid of the Packard Bell brand name, it will continue to sell NEC units but PB will be no more.  For more read the link to the right.

Well I have a new Upgrade page, it is on the Accelera PCI 466 MHz upgrade, part one is posted right now and I will post part 2 soon.  Part 2 will be posted once I am done my tests, I am finished testing it on my PB 640 system, but I want to test it on a PB 680 system before I write part 2.  if you subscribe to my newsletter you will be notified when Part 2 is posted. 

Well I also purchased a HP 8210 CD Writer, if I find some time I may write about this upgrade as well.  Basically the installation was real easy and if you are thinking of adding a CD writer, I would recommend the HP units.

C-Net Article about PB
 

Accelera PCI 466 MHz

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HP Cd-Writters

Oct 22, 199 Well we have a new PB related Web Site on the Web, Simon's Packard Bell Web Site.  I don't know where he gets his info, but he has some newr stuff i don't have.  i would recommend everyone check it out and see what it has to offer.

Unfortunatly my PB is aging and I have upgraded it about as far as I can go for now, atleast until some new products come out.  they are on the way folks.  If you have not checked out the new products from PowerLeap you should.  however, the price of systems is comming down and it may be best to simply buy a new one.  Or build one.

I am hoping to build one, this may acctually be cheaper in the long run.  A new case and motherboard are reasonable.  Any way I ordered a CD-writter, should be here any day.

Have you all seen E-bay yet, great place.   Check out what deals you can find.  But watch out, you don’t want to pay too much for anything.  Do your home work before you bid and make sure you are getting a good deal.  Try searching for Packard Bell Computers or Evergreen Spectra to find some good deals.

Sept 25, 1999 Today I read the following post in my Upgrade Stories "I have just used the PowerLeap PL-K6-III/98 adapter to install the AMD K6 III 400 Mhz CPU on my Packard Bell 810 motherboard. Here is how to do it: Upgrade your original PB bios with the latest PB bios upgrade v1.25I (download free from PB website). Use the following line in your c:\config.sys file: DEVICE=C:\WINDOWS\HIMEM.SYS /M:1 The above switch /M:1 is essential to success.  Delete any lines that install EMM386 such as DEVICE=C:\WINDOWS\EMM386 from c:\config.sys file. Install the PowerLeap PL-K6-III/98 adapter with AMD K6 III 400 Mhz processor. It should boot right up and run at 400 Mhz. You'll love the results." This could be great news if it works for PB 810 owners, I can not test it since I don't own this sytme, so please email me if you try it.  For those of you following this subject you know adding a AMD K6-2 Processor to a PB 810 motherboard has yeilded mixed results.
Aug 30, 1999 I was able to try an Evergreen Accellara PCI, unfortunately I could not get it to work an either a PB 640 (with Mr. BIOS installed) or on a PB 680.  This was disappointing, however PowerLeap is coming out with a couple of great products in September.  I am sure one of these new products should be able to take our systems to higher speeds.

Well the PBCnet is no more, I don't know why.   I had to delete the web ring from my front page.  This also brings up the question as to what is happening to PBUser?  time will tell.

Well I am just enjoying the summer, not a lot of updates in the good weather.  I am sick right now which forces me to sit and not be active.  For those of you that are Styx fans out there, they have a new album "Brave New World".  This is the first album in 16 years, since "Killroy Was Here", that Tommy Shaw, James Young and Dennis DeYoung have worked on together.  If you are a Styx fan like me you will like this album.

July 2, 1999 Well I got a chance to review the Evergreen Spectra, click on the link to the right.

My July newsletter will be out soon, click to the right to subscribe.  Why keep watching this page, sign up and you will be updated on the latest news and new pages on my web site about once a month.  The newsletter also delivers news about Packard Bell and computers that can not be found on my web site.  when you join you will also have access to the archive of all the past newsletters, so you can read what you missed.

Review of Evergreen Spectra
 

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June 6, 1999 My PL-K6-III review is now compleated, check this new web page out by clicking on the link to the right. PL-K6-III
June 3, 1999 Another isse of my newsletter went out, if you sign up today you can read it int he archive area of Listbot, please use the link to the right.

I am currently writing the PL-K6-III review right now, it should be online sometime this weekend.

After this review is written I will write reviews on Check it 98, LBA Pro and LBA Millennium.  So please come back soon to read all the new stuff.

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May 30, 
1999
Now that my AMD K6-2 Vs. K6-III review is out word is getting around. My site was listed in the news section of AMDZONE.com a nice site about AMD Processors that you should check out.

I have also added a link to BOOTDISK.com on my Drivers and Downloads page.  This page has the boot disks and instrauction on how to use them for various versions of windows.  It has assorted information that is related, overall a real nice site.

AMDZONE.com
 
 
 
 

Drivers and Downlaods

 

May 29, 1999 Two of my new pages are complete.  The first page tells how the AMD K6 - III can add L2 cache to your system. The other page is a review of the AMD K6-2 and AMD K6-3 400 Mhz.  Read them both by using the link to the right. A Solution for Computers without L2 cache

AMD K6-2 vs. AMD K6-III

May 27, 1999 I received my new BIOS update and installed it in seconds. The BIOS did not have any of the issues that I had in the initial installation.  I was amazed at how easy the BIOs flash was, considering I had to reconfigure my system the last time.

Once the BIOS was installed I finished bench marking the system, and boy do the results look nice.  They look good enough for me to favor the AMD K-6 3 over the AMD K6-2.  It looks like the onboard cache makes a difference.  Wait until you see the results, I will post the first page on line as soon as I am finished, all I really have left is to get the page and graphics to look a little nicer and then I will tell you all the URL, I will send it out via my newsletter first. Subscribe today
 

The first page on the AMD K6-3 will be titled "A Solution for Packard Bell Computers with No L2 cache".  Because of the 256 K L2 cache on the processor your system can receive the benefits of the L2 cache without having any cache on the motherboard.  A more complete and though review of the PowerLeap AMD K6-3 adapter will follow (sometime this weekend or early next week it should be completed).
Also after the AMD K6-3 reviews are written I am trying to arrange to review the following products:  LBA/Pro, Millennium/Pro, DUAL/Pro and CheckIt 98.  The first three products can help with Y2K issues and large hard drive support.  Check it 98 is a diagnostics package that can help identify problems with your system.  I also hope to review the LPX motherboard upgrade by PowerLeap and also the Evergreen Accelara once they are both ready for release.  So please keep coming back to read these reviews once written or subscribe to my newsletter and I will tell you when they are done.
May 25, 1999 Well I am awaiting my Mr. BIOS update so I can finish benchmarking the systems and begin writting the review of the PowerLeap AMD K6-3 processors.  
May 22, 1999 Well I received a Powerleap 400 MHz K6-II and K6-III today, I have been testing them today and they work great.  I am working on the review now.  I have identified one problem with the Mr. BIOS, it appears the version of Mr. BIOS that I have does not recognize the onboard cache, so I need to obtain an update for the Mr. BIOS. 

I also update my "Upgrade Stories" page today, have you added your upgrade stories (Good or Bad) to my site?  This section is ideal to see what other have done to upgrade their system and it is conveniently divided by motherboard.


 
 
 
 
 
 

PB Upgrade Stories

May 21, 1999 Well I got word today that I will be reciving a K6-3 PowerLeap adpater to test out and try, it should arrive over the weekend and look for news shortly after.  I hope by mid week I can have a review posted for all to read.  The big question is will my Mr. BIOS handle the K6-3, most people I have discussed it with speculate that it should.  So we will see.  Anyway for those that want the news as soon as it is avaliable I would sugest you subscribe to my newsletter since that is where I will post information first.  The K6-3 PowerLeap adapter will be avalible for sale May 28. Subscribe today
 
 
 
 

PowerLeap

May 20, 1999 Netscape has released Netscape Communicator 4.6, I find it is much more stable then 4.5.  I had many crases as soon as I loaded up 4.5, but two days of running and not a single crash.  Check it out in the link to the right. Netscape Download
May 19, 1999 PB-Europe has a wole new look to it's web site.  It appears to be all the same information, but it might be simpler to navigate. PB Europe
May 18, 1999 Tonight I updated my Video upgrade project, there is about 40 more data points on the page now.  It is not the best format in the world, but I hope to improve that in a future update.  Atleast the raw data is there for you to view.

So what reviews do i have in the works, well as soon as I recive an Evergreen Spectra and Accelara PCI I will write reviews on them.  Aso I will test out a K6-3 and a PowerLeap adapter once availiable along with the LPX motherboard.  I may even try a 400 MHZ PowerLeap to see how much improvement it has over the 333.  Of couse it all depends on what I can get my hands on, subscribe to my newsletter and I will make sure you are one of the first to knwo about any new review I post.

Video Upgrade project
 
 
 
 

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May 7, 1999 My May Newsletter went out with all kinds of good information, if you missed it you can sign up today and read the archive.

I also updated the compleate Packard Bell motherboard list with direct links to Packard Bells technical pages for each system.

Newsletter
 

PB Motherboards

May 6, 1999 Well I am still here, I am enjoying spring and I hope you all are enjoying it as well.

Stay tuned to my web site as I have a few things in the works that you will not want to miss.  Subscribe to my news letter so you won't miss all the new information, including some reviews of some interesting software.

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April 10, 1999 Today I added banners and links to egghead.com.  For all purchaces made through these links I will earn 3%, which I can then use this money to expand this web site.  I would ask you all to help support this web site by using these links if you are going to buy stuff from egghead.com. Egghead.com Home Page
March 18, 1999 Well today I have linked a new page to my site, "New products from Powerleap".  This page shows a few of the items that Powerleap is developing and hopes to sell in the next few months.  Check it out with the link to the right.

Internet Explorer 5.0 is now avaliable for free, click on the link to the right to get your copy today.  You can also visit ZDNet to find out more about IE 5.0 just click on the link to the right.

New Products from Powerleap
 
 
 

Downlaod IE 5.0

More info on IE 5.0

March 17, 1999 I added some info to my PB 680 web page.  The new segment states that some individuals have had luck overclocking the core voltage on MMX processors with PB 680 systems that do not have volatge rugulators. PB 680 System Type
March 16, 1999 I had to remove the link to Sinotech.  Apparently this company has gone out of business or change phone numbers and their address. Great Links Page
March 13, 1999 Today I did an other issue of my newsletter, it has some great info not found on my web site, so if you missed it sign up today so you don't miss another issue.  There is also a link to a new web page that I wrote.  I will not link this page to my site for a few days. Join Ray's 
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March 7, 1999 Today I added information on batteries and how to enter set up on my PB Pentium System Chart Page.

"Microsoft admits that a feature of its Windows 98 operating system can be used to trace the identity of authors of electronic documents, and vows to modify the feature." - CNet

This story is similar to the controversy Intel is involved in.  I think these companies think it's customers are the enemy and need to be watched, I am just glad there is outrage over these issues.

Click on the link to the right to read about "The Pentium III processor can be hacked, revealing the chip's unique identifying serial number. Intel's response: Hackers can do far worse things than this."  - CNet

PB Systems Chart
 

Microsoft admits privacy problem, plans fix
 
 
 
 
 

Intel downplays chip hack report 

March 6, 1999 Packard Bell has reworked their support site, they have added features such as a message board and a chat room, just like I have but better because they have Packard Bell staff maintaining these areas. Packard Bell Support
March 3, 1999 My review on my cable modem instalation is now posted.  Check it out with the link to the right.

If you want to know more about the K6-III and the pentium III, you should read this grat article.

Cable Modem Installation
 

Pentium III vs K6-III - The Battle of the Next Generation

March 1, 1999 Want a quick laugh, click on the link to the right.  Enjoy :)  And wait for the music to load.  LOL The Hampster Dance
Feb 28, 1999 Today I posted a new web page, it is about my computer.  It tells you what I originally bought and what I upgraded.  Also shows you a picture of my system.

I am also working on the Cable modem web pages, it may be a few days until I post it however so I make sure it is well written.

My Computer
Feb 27, 1999 Well my first 24 hours of having the cable modem has been great, the increase in downloads is worth every penny.  A normal 2 hour download of netscape communicator is over in minutes.  The only problem with the installation is Media One does not do any snaking or fishing in walls for the installation of the cable modem wires.  When they left my house I had a wire coming straight down from my ceiling to my computer.  I was upset because the sales people said that they would put the wire in the wall.  Anyway I fixed it by buying $20 of materials at HomeDepot.  I snaked the wire through the wall my self and added a new outlet for a cable connection, it looks much nicer now.  I just can not believe a $99 installation charge and they can not put the wire in the wall.  At least I got the installation for free since they are having a special from now until March 31, so I can not complain too much.

The link to the PB 600 manual has been fixed on the PB Manual Download Page. 

Well folks, Intel is no longer the leader in CPU retail sales.  AMD in January surpassed the sales of Intel.  Read the whole story on ZDNet.  Well I guess this is what Intel gets when they abandoned the socket 7 leaving many of us no option except to upgrade to an AMD processor.  I guess we are just lucky that AMD processor are just as good as Intel because other wise they would have a monopoly.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PB Manual Download
 
 
 

AMD beats Intel in January sales

Feb 26, 1999 I did it folks, I signed up for cable internet access.  The cable guy comes today to instal it.  This means a review is comming in the next few weeks. Well Mediaone is having a special that I get to take advantage of, free instalation.  This saves $99 so all I have to do is pay the $50 setup charge and then $39.95 from then on. 

I have also been listed in Yahoo, after two years of trying they have listed my web site.

Learn more about MediaOne
 
 
 

Ray's Yahoo Link

Feb 22, 1999 Well with the release of the AMD K6-3 PowerLeap had some news that we will all be interested in.  I have complete details in my latest edition of my NewsLetter.

If you are a subscriber and have not received your copy yet, clcik here
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For some reason there is a delay, which is what caused the duplicate issues last time.

If you are not a member, sign up today. Use the form at the top of this page.  Then once you are a member you can follow the instruction is the last paragraph.  If you don't like the newsletter you can always unsubscribe.  I never give you email address to anyone.  You can also view the atrchive to see if you like the list before you join.

AMD rolls out
K6-III chip 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Feb 21, 1999 AMD will release the AMD K6-3 on monday.  Read the full story on CNet.  
Feb 20, 1999 Today I updated the CPU upgrade page.  There are a coupple of new products listed on this page.  Like the Zerus MMXtreme, Evergreen EclipsePCI™ and the Evergreen Spectra.  PowerLeap is also working on some new products so stay tuned. CPU Upgrade
Feb 17, 1999 Today I did an other issue of my newsletter, it has some great info not found on my web site, so if you missed it sign up today so you don't miss another issue. Join Today
Feb 15, 1999 Today I did some much needed work re organizing my upgrade section, it now has two updated pages and two new web pages to read.

I also updated the upgrade stories page so the page where new stories are entered is not too long, all the stories are now in the archive by system type.

Upgrades and Reviews
 

Upgrade Stories


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