This site made with this PB Updated March 17, 1999			Packard Bell 680 System Types

The motherboard is the center of any system, because it will determine what components your system will support. Everything from the CPU to your sound card is connected to the motherboard. The identification of which board is in your system is the key to answering questions relating to your system.

This page is dedicated to the PB680 system types.  There are at least 3 types of PB 680 system; the 680, 685 and the 688.  I have no ideas as to what the difference is between these three types of systems, if anyone knows please contact me.  My mother has a PB 685 with a P200 MMX, her system system credentials sheet says she has a PB 680.  This leads me to believe that all three boards probably have only minor differences.  This may mean the info on this page may vary depending on which version of the 680 you own.  Please verify this information from other sources and contact me when you find an error.

The PB 680 motherboard is said to be based on the Intel "Orlando/Tampa" motherboard.   Remember, even though the intel motherboard resenbles the 680, Packard Bell can and does change the design significantly from what intel offers them. 

Which motherboard do you have?
To find out your motherboard type, visit my motherboard page.


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PB 680 Motherboard Diagram -

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TRITON PCIset

Motherboards are affected by the chip sets used on them; these chip sets determine how your computer uses data and what hardware your system can support.  The 680 Motherboard has a TRITON 82430VX PCI set provides memory/cache control, PCI bus control, ISA bus compatibility, and Local Bus IDE support.

 

Components of this chip set

82437VX (TVX) - System Controller  Two 82438VX (TDX) - Data path  82371SB (PIIX3) - PCI ISA Bridge

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BIOS

The BIOS (Basic Input Output System) is essential to operate your computer; it provides the basic instructions that allow your computer to boot up.  To learn more on BIOS try this page called Bios Information. BIOS installation can be risky, so please research this issue before you try anything. Here is a link on how to install bios:
General Instructions on Bios Upgrades - Intel 

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BIOS for the 680 motherboard
The 680 uses the PB680 Orlando Flash Bios, version 1.00.xx DN0R.  The latest version is 1.00.12 DN0R and is available at the Packard Bell web site. The file name is
14262403.exe.

What does the new version of BIOS do?  I am not sure, but this post was in the Packard Bell newsgroup, when someone asked this question, "I did and now all my drives run in DOS Compatability Mode. Very interesting..."  This post makes it sound like that did not work in DOS Compatability Mode before.

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Synchronize your system's clock
 
Visit my PB Tools Page for this service.

The CPU is probably the central part of the computer; it does most of the work. There are several types of processors on the market today. Intel is the leader with their successful Pentium Processors. Intel has just introduced a new Processor called MMX. Click here to see the insides of the Pentium chip (Large Graphic File).

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WHAT CPU CAN I PUT IN MY PB PENTIUM?

The following chart shows the CPU's that you can have in the PB 680 motherboard.  The chart is accurate to the best of my knowledge; please notify me with any inaccuracies.  Also it is hard to say if all PB 680 system are equal, therefore this chart may not apply to all PB 680's. There is conflicting info as to if all PB 680s are MMX compatable, also I am not sure if the vre needs to be changed for MMX.

Read the MMX section for more info.

Jumper settings for PB680 Systems to change the CPU

CPU	J1F2-C	Clock Frequency	J1F2-D	Clock Frequency Multiplier
75	2-3, 5-6	50 MHz Bus Speed	1-2, 4-5	1.5X Clock Frequency Rate
90	2-3, 4-5	60 MHz Bus Speed	1-2, 4-5	1.5X Clock Frequency Rate
100	1-2, 5-6	66 MHz Bus Speed	1-2, 4-5	1.5X Clock Frequency Rate
120	2-3, 4-5	60 MHz Bus Speed	2-3, 4-5	2.0X Clock Frequency Rate
133	1-2, 5-6	66 MHz Bus Speed	2-3, 4-5	2.0X Clock Frequency Rate
150	2-3, 4-5	60 MHz Bus Speed	2-3, 5-6	2.5 X Clock Frequency Rate
166	1-2, 5-6	66 MHz Bus Speed	2-3, 5-6	2.5 X Clock Frequency Rate
166 MMX	1-2, 5-6	66 MHz Bus Speed	2-3, 5-6	2.5 X Clock Frequency Rate
180	2-3, 4-5	60 MHz Bus Speed	1-2, 5-6	3.0X Clock Frequency Rate
200	1-2, 5-6	66 MHz Bus Speed	1-2, 5-6	3.0X Clock Frequency Rate
200 MMX	1-2, 5-6	66 MHz Bus Speed	1-2, 5-6	3.0X Clock Frequency Rate
233 MMX	1-2, 5-6	66 MHz Bus Speed	Remove both jumper caps from  pins. (Save the jumpers for future use.)	3.5X Clock Frequency Rate

* Depending on the upgrade processor you're installing, you may need to change the setting of jumper (J1F2-B) CPU VOLTAGE on your motherboard. For  Standard (OverDrive) type CPUs, the jumper should be placed over Pins 4-5. For D (VRE and MMX) type CPUs, the jumper should be placed over pins 5-6 (default). See your upgrade processor's documentation for the proper specification for your CPU.

Note: Only PB 680 sytems with FCC ID's 685 and 688 are MMX compatable.  FCC ID:#s 680 and 682 systems might not be MMX compatable.

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Can I Have an MMX Processor in my PB 680 System?

Packard Bell Europe says that if the motherboard has a voltage regulator next to the CPU (ZIF) Socket then it can accomadate Intel 166, 200 and 233 MHZ MMX processors.  In addition you need to have BIOS revision 1.00.09DNOR or higher in order for the system to properly recognize the MMX processor.

I have posted the entire page from the Packard Bell NEC Europe user manual, it is a large JPG file so it might take a little time downloading.  PB Europe has this information on their web site, check it out here.  So where is the voltage regulator and what does it look like, Click on the diagram to the right get a closer look.

These two pictures above show the voltage regulator on the PB 680.  Below is a PB 680 without the voltage regulator (Thanks for scanning them Paul).  As you can see this piece is noticabley absent, it is either there or not there.

  NOTE:  Some visitors to my web site have had success running MMX processors without a voltage regulator.  When an MMX processor is run without a voltage regulator you will be overclocking the core of the CPU which could result in system instability or potentially burn out the processor.  However if you don't mind overclocking this could save you a few bucks.  Please read my overclocking section for more information.

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Upgrading to an Intel 233


Atleast some PB 680 can have 233 Mhz processor, first off to have a 233 your system will need the voltage regulator shown above.  All that is required is to change the jumper setting.

Here is an email from one of my visitors that did this upgrade.  "Ray, ... First of all I have a PB680 basedsystem ... 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 did'nt 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 sytem 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. "  Dave

This shows that at least some 680's can take a 233 processor with no problem.

Beyond 233 MHz

Well Intel has not created any more socket 7 processors after the 233 MHz, they want you to scrap your old system and buy a new Pentium II system.  Fortunatly, AMD, Cyrix and IDT are all creating socket 7 chips for us.

This motherboard is an Intel design and when it was created Intel made sure the BIOS was written in such a way as to prevent the motherboard from booting up when a non-Intel processor is placed in it.  This fact makes it tougher for us all to upgrade past 233 MHz, but it is possible thanks to a coupple of products.

Many PB 680 owners have been putting the Powerleap Adapter in their systems (sytems that lack the voltage regulator) with sucess.  This gives them the split voltage required for MMX processors.  The powerLeap adapter also allows the core voltage to be set at the neccessary voltage for AMD and Cyrix processor.   Click here to read my PowerLeap adapter review.

Another product that is needed is a BIOS upgrade, the only known source is Unicore Software, they make Mr. BIOS.

Using the above two products some users have got AMD K6 processor to work it their PB 680 System.  Please let me know what you get to work.

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OVERCLOCKING

Note: I do not recommend or even suggest that anyone overclock, I merely post this information so I can share what others have done, since it is an interesting subject. You should only overclock your system if you know what you are doing and you know the risks, because it is you that bears all responsibility for your system in regards to this subject.

I find this an interesting subject and have tried overclcoking my system. My goal was to determine if the RESERVED jumpers were active. You can read about my experiences here.

If you are thinking about overclocking, I recommend that you read all of the overclocking web pages that you can before you try it. There are some important things to consider when overclocking.

For more info, read my overclocking page.

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Overclocking to 233 MHz

I was so excited when I found the jumper setting for 233Mhz, that I posted it every where.  However since then I have gotten at least 6 E-mail messages all saying it did not work on thier system.  I have come to the conclusion that 233 may only be achived by using a true 233 MHz Pentium chip.  If I am wrong please let me know.

One person E-mailed me stating they have never gotten a 200 MHz pentium to run on with 3.5X clock multiplyer jumpers set.   This same pentium 200 chip was able to be overclock (on a non Packard Bell System) 225 (3X75), and one of them to 255 (3X83).

Recent articles on web sites like Tom's Hardware page indicate that the latest pentiums can not be overcloked using the clock multiplier becasue this is the way Intel designed the chip.


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Links about overclocking

• Intel FAQ
• Info on Overclocking (Speed-Margining)
• The Overclocking Guide - One of the best sites on the net
• Overclocking the Final Frontier!

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Video Memory

The 680 motherboard comes with either 1MB and/or 2MB of EDO DRAM video memory.  Systems with 2MB of video memory can not be upgraded.  System with 1MB of video memory can be upgraded to 2 MB.  Simply install two 256Kx16 (50ns) EDO DRAM SOJ chips into sockets U2J1/U3J1.  Do not use FPM Video memory it may distort your video image, you must use EDO video RAM.

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How to install Video memory - To install video memory, find U2J1/U3J1 sockets. Install one SOJ chip into each socket. Be sure that pin one is in line. This can be done by aligning the indented dot on the SOJ chip with the cut corner of the socket. The chip then needs to be uniformly pressed into place.

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Cache Memory Upgrade

The 680 series motherboards either come with 256k L2 cache or without.  There is no upgrade available.  Those systems with the 256k L2 cache can not be upgraded to 512 L2 cache.  You have only as much L2 cache as when you bought the system, no more and no less.

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Adding RAM
There are (4) 72-pin SIMM sockets located at (J6F1/J7F1 - Bank 0) and (J7F2/J8F1 - Bank 1) on the motherboard.  Before you buy any RAM you should ensure that your banks are not all filled up with factory installed RAM.  Packard Bell strongly recommended EDO SIMMs for the best system performance. "However, you can also purchase Fast Page Mode SIMM Modules. Both types of memory upgrades are supported; however, both SIMM modules must be of the same memory type in each bank. Do not mix Fast Page Mode and EDO SIMMs within the same memory bank!" - Packard Bell PB680 manual.

When ever you install SIMMS you should follow these rules:
 

•  You MUST install 72 pin SIMMs (Single In-line Memory Module) into the motherboard's SIMM Sockets in pairs.
• You can use the following types of memory:
• 60 ns (or faster) EDO DRAM SIMMs for 50, 60 & 66 MHz bus speeds
• 70 ns (or faster) Fast Page Mode DRAM SIMMs for 50, 60 or 66 MHz bus speeds.
For instalation instructions check out this page at PNY.

After installation the system automatically detects installed memory, so you won't need to change jumper settings when upgrading your memory.


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The Hard Drives on Packard Bell Systems are not uniform, each PB 680 motherboard can have a different size and manufacturer of the hard drives.

If you want more information I suggest you contact the individual manufacturer of your hard drive.

Vist my PB Manual Page to download either the PB 680 manual or the PB 680 MMX manual.

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What does PB NEC Europe say about the PB 680
Here is a page from a PB 683 manual given with a system sold in Europe. Click here to see the large jpg image of this page.