MAG DX15F monitor (AKA Micron 15FGx)
Morgan Fletcher
I've ordered a system from Micron which will pair the Diamond Stealth 64
VRAM (2MB) with the Mag DX15F monitor. Micron brands this monitor a
"Micron 15FGx".
I've read a post somewhere which said that under Warp the screen flickers
badly with this video combination at 800X600. Another posting I've read
says that the Mag DX15F is a `lowest-common denominator' monitor, and that
it's vertical refresh rate at higher resolutions is very slow.
Is this monitor of high quality? I want to run Linux and Warp on it, and
I'd like to keep the resolution around 1024X768 or 1280X1024 as much as
possible. Will the screen be "flickery"?
Micron does not offer another monitor at a comparable price. I could spec
a headless system and look elsewhere for the monitor, but I don't yet know
if I should do that.
Is it worth keeping? If not, what monitor in the same price bracket and of
the same size should I consider?
morgan
WONG NELSON N S
Morgan Fletcher <fle...@netcom.com> wrote:
>
>I've ordered a system from Micron which will pair the Diamond Stealth 64
>VRAM (2MB) with the Mag DX15F monitor. Micron brands this monitor a
>"Micron 15FGx".
>
>I've read a post somewhere which said that under Warp the screen flickers
>badly with this video combination at 800X600. Another posting I've read
>says that the Mag DX15F is a `lowest-common denominator' monitor, and that
>it's vertical refresh rate at higher resolutions is very slow.
>
>Is this monitor of high quality? I want to run Linux and Warp on it, and
>I'd like to keep the resolution around 1024X768 or 1280X1024 as much as
>possible. Will the screen be "flickery"?
I have the MAG DX-15F with the ATI WinTurbo 2MB. I run Windows at
1024x768x75Hz vertical refresh rate, and the screen does not flicker at all.
However, at 1280x1024, the monitor only supports a vertical refresh rate of
60Hz, and the highest I've pumped it up to is 62Hz. It still flicker
noticeably. If you plan on running Warp or Linux at 1280, I suggest finding
another monitor that can support a higher v.rate at that resolution. I also
run Warp at 1024 without any problems with flickering. I don't know about
Linux though, but if the drivers support high refresh rate, then I don't see
any problems with getting images without flickering.
Other than that, I'm very happy with the monitor. IMHO, it is the best
monitor you can purchase at that price range. If you need higher refresh
rates at higher resolutions, I suggest forking out more money and getting
a better monitor (Nanao, Sony, etc.).
>Micron does not offer another monitor at a comparable price. I could spec
>a headless system and look elsewhere for the monitor, but I don't yet know
>if I should do that.
>
>Is it worth keeping? If not, what monitor in the same price bracket and of
>the same size should I consider?
>
>morgan
Nel
--
================[ WARPing with OS/2 V3 ] ======================= ___ ___ ___
NELSON NS WONG|wo...@ecf.toronto.edu |University of Toronto /__//__//_ /
(416) 599-7019|at...@freenet.carleton.ca |Civil Engineering 9T5 ___ ___ //
(416) 918-6608|aa...@freenet.toronto.on.ca|REVCOR/Rayvinson(tm) /__//__/ //
John Pietrzak
>VRAM (2MB) with the Mag DX15F monitor. Micron brands this monitor a
>"Micron 15FGx".
>
>I've read a post somewhere which said that under Warp the screen flickers
>badly with this video combination at 800X600. Another posting I've read
>says that the Mag DX15F is a `lowest-common denominator' monitor, and that
>it's vertical refresh rate at higher resolutions is very slow.
>
>Is this monitor of high quality? I want to run Linux and Warp on it, and
>I'd like to keep the resolution around 1024X768 or 1280X1024 as much as
>possible. Will the screen be "flickery"?
Well, as I'm writing this from a similar Micron system under Linux at
1024x768 right now, I can definitely say that the screen is rock-solid.
Unfortunately, the 1280x1024 does flicker a bit (as well as being so tiny
as to be nearly impossible for me to see text). Overall, I'm quite happy
with the monitor; I've been able to do extended work on it without much
eyestrain, which is what I had been worried about previously.
The only difference in my system is that I purchased the Dram version
of the card rather than the Vram. I haven't been able to compare the
two cards directly, but the Dram compares favorably against the Sparcs
I normally work on, so it's sufficient for me. :)
John
Rogelio (Roger) Yap
This is a module that fits into *one* 72 pin socket and accepts four 30
pin SIMMS at a time. These cost about $50 a piece and require no
soldering. Anyone have any comments or experiences to report? Thanks.
Roger
Kyle Miller
Rogelio (Roger) Yap (game...@ix.netcom.com) wrote:
: Has anyone had experience with the SIMM SAVER 30 pin to 72 pin converter.
Rogelio (Roger) Yap
number, but they are in the Computer Shopper. I *think* the price for
them was $50. Thanks.
Roger
jkw...@vaxb.isc.rit.edu
I have never heard of these... except for converting 32 to 72 pins. I'm
interested in this product. I'm looking to convert my 4MB 32 into 16MB or 32MB
72 pins. Try asking this question in comp.sys.ibm.pc.chips.
-Jay
Mike Peele
>John
I bought my system from Micron. DX2/66 daamond viper, 16 MB ram,
Mitsumi single speed CD, and a MAG 15" monitor. I agree that 1280 is
flickery, but hey, it is a good cheap 15" monitor, no NEC will do 1280 on
a 15" monitor. The whole system workes beautifully under Warp. The
MAG monitor os of very good quality, it will do as high refresh as the
card will put out (80Hz or so). I just wonder what the max is in 1024
and 800 and 640.
anyway, I like it.
Anyone like/dislike Micron?
Mike Peele
Henry Goodson
Sounds pretty Great, Only problem is space.. Have you considered the size
of 4-simms.. Where would they fit and will they not be in the way as to
prohibit any cards .
HEnry
Oh, BTW I never tried any..
Prices are about the same so why ot just trade out.
Jeff Kesselman
Henry Goodson <good...@tricetv.ColumbiaSC.NCR.COM> wrote:
>In article <3c40fg$5...@ixnews2.ix.netcom.com> game...@ix.netcom.com (Rogelio (Roger) Yap) writes:
>of 4-simms.. Where would they fit and will they not be in the way as to
>prohibit any cards .
I'ld think thsi was BACKWARDS unless you just upgraded your motherboard
and have old-memory you want to use. Around here, 72 pin is a good deal
CHEAPER per meg then 30 pin.
Jeff kessleman
Tom Gaskins
>In article <3c40fg$5...@ixnews2.ix.netcom.com> game...@ix.netcom.com (Rogelio (Roger) Yap) writes:
>>Has anyone had experience with the SIMM SAVER 30 pin to 72 pin converter.
>> This is a module that fits into *one* 72 pin socket and accepts four 30
>>pin SIMMS at a time. These cost about $50 a piece and require no
>>soldering. Anyone have any comments or experiences to report? Thanks.
>>Roger
>>
I used them to add memory to an Artist Xj1000, and they worked just fine.
As someone mentioned, though, make sure you have sufficient space in your
machine. You can't put another card in the slot adjacent to the one
holding the simm-savers. (Unless the card with them is a long card and
the adjacent card is a short one.)
For those wondering why you'd do this, we had tons of old 30-pin memory
lying around in old systems, yet needed 72-pin memory to upgrade our
display cards. The simm-savers let us use these old chips.
Reynaldo Flores
regards
rey
Jose A. Cid
Where to get them?
Thanks,
JC
--
Jose Cid | ja...@po.cwru.edu
Case Western Reserve University |
Cleveland, Ohio, USA |
>Just my 0.02 - mine, not my empoloyer's!<
root
: good...@tricetv.ColumbiaSC.NCR.COM (Henry Goodson) writes:
I'd like to know where can I get those simm-saver thru mail order.
Thanks in advance.
wfl
Persoft
called AutoTime sells them. For information, send e-mail to
IN...@AUTOTIME.COM.
Bob Craig
Persoft, Inc.
Jeremy Seitz
>>I've read a post somewhere which said that under Warp the screen flickers
>>badly with this video combination at 800X600. Another posting I've read
>>says that the Mag DX15F is a `lowest-common denominator' monitor, and that
>>it's vertical refresh rate at higher resolutions is very slow.
>
>and have had no video problems at all at 800x600 or 1024x768. I would
>not think that Linux and Warp would affect the video quality.
I don't know about that -- I had Micron read the specs for the default 15" monitor
and they informed me that it is rated at 76hz in 800x600 and 1024x768. I remember
installing OS/2 2.1 on a Gateway 2000 system and finding that OS/2 would only
install when the refresh rate was set to 60hz. Warp may require the same thing, but
pretty sure you can get past that with the right video driver settings.
My concern is about the Diamond Stealth DRAM vs the VRAM card ($200 more). What do
I lose if I get a DRAM card? Will my refresh rates get lower at higher color depths?
Most of the "BIG GUYS" (Dell, GW, Micron, Zeos, etc.) keep costs down by selecting
low-end monitors. The MAG monitors are not bad -- for general purpose use they fit
the bill -- IMO Dell's offerings have been much worse. In general, if you want a
really good monitor, the best option is to drop the "default" monitor from the
package and purchase another brand elsewhere.
As monitor manufacturers come out with new models and features, their older products
become less expensive; these end up as the "default" monitors for many package deals.
---------------
Jeremy Z. Seitz
Consultant / Programmer / System Administrator
jer...@helix.hgen.pitt.edu
Scott Chisholm
per...@shorty.cs.wisc.edu writes:
>I noticed in PC Magazine (in the ads near the back) that a company
>called AutoTime sells them. For information, send e-mail to
>IN...@AUTOTIME.COM.
Yeah, they hava an ad in Computer Shopper and it says they sell for
$40 for the 4-1meg 30 pin to 1 4meg 72pin simms.
Andy Jaworski
Jeremy>
>>> I've read a post somewhere which said that under Warp the screen flickers
>>> badly with this video combination at 800X600. Another posting I've read
>>> says that the Mag DX15F is a `lowest-common denominator' monitor, and that
>>> it's vertical refresh rate at higher resolutions is very slow.
>>
>> I just received a Micron Powerstation P90 with the Stealth and MAG DX15F
>> and have had no video problems at all at 800x600 or 1024x768. I would
>> not think that Linux and Warp would affect the video quality.
Jeremy> I don't know about that -- I had Micron read the specs for the default 15" monitor
Jeremy> and they informed me that it is rated at 76hz in 800x600 and 1024x768. I remember
Jeremy> installing OS/2 2.1 on a Gateway 2000 system and finding that OS/2 would only
Jeremy> install when the refresh rate was set to 60hz. Warp may require the same thing, but
Jeremy> pretty sure you can get past that with the right video driver settings.
Jeremy>
Jeremy> My concern is about the Diamond Stealth DRAM vs the VRAM card ($200 more). What do
Jeremy> I lose if I get a DRAM card? Will my refresh rates get lower at higher color depths?
As far as I know, VRAM increases the "speed" of the card. The amount of memory controls the color
depth at different resolutions. For example, I can switch my DRAM based card with 2 megs to 17M
colors in 600x800 mode, but the slowdown is noticeable. It is still plenty fast though. At 256
colors mode it is really fast, so unless you need the true color for graphics work, I would say
save your money, or put it into a better monitor.
Notice, that the $200 difference is not just VRAM vs. DRAM. A VRAM-based card uses the S3 964 chip
and a DRAM-based uses the 864 chip. I do not know what the difference between them is. My guess
is that the 964 supports color equilibration and videa acceleration. It is only a guess though.
The buttons for these functions in the in-control-tools applet are greyed out.
Jeremy>
Jeremy> Most of the "BIG GUYS" (Dell, GW, Micron, Zeos, etc.) keep costs down by selecting
Jeremy> low-end monitors. The MAG monitors are not bad -- for general purpose use they fit
Jeremy> the bill -- IMO Dell's offerings have been much worse. In general, if you want a
Jeremy> really good monitor, the best option is to drop the "default" monitor from the
Jeremy> package and purchase another brand elsewhere.
Jeremy>
Jeremy> As monitor manufacturers come out with new models and features, their older products
Jeremy> become less expensive; these end up as the "default" monitors for many package deals.
Jeremy>
Jeremy> ---------------
Jeremy> Jeremy Z. Seitz
Jeremy> Consultant / Programmer / System Administrator
Jeremy> jer...@helix.hgen.pitt.edu
Final piece of info. I could not get the DX15F to go into low power mode from within windows.
It would do it in DOS (after loading the s64ddpms TSR), but would not do it in windows. I called
the Micron TS and they told me to set the monitor to NEC5FG rather than MAG. It works now fine.
Hope this helps,
--
Andy Jaworski
Alcoa Technical Center
AMCT-D
100 Technical Drive
Alcoa Center, PA 15069
jawor...@atc.alcoa.com
(132.226.16.20)
John Wells
>VRAM (2MB) with the Mag DX15F monitor. Micron brands this monitor a
>"Micron 15FGx".
>I've read a post somewhere which said that under Warp the screen flickers
>badly with this video combination at 800X600. Another posting I've read
>says that the Mag DX15F is a `lowest-common denominator' monitor, and that
>it's vertical refresh rate at higher resolutions is very slow.
I just received a Micron Powerstation P90 with the Stealth and MAG DX15F
Rogelio (Roger) Yap
writes:
***SIMM SAVERS INFORMATION SHEET!!***
Well, when I first posted a question on the note asking for advice and/or
experiences with “SIMM SAVERS” boards, (a product that converts obsolete
memory to the newer style 72 pin memory), I was not prepared for the
avalanche of questions. Well, rather than answer all of the question
individually, I decided that I wanted to post a general message to all.
I did some research, and found the product so interesting that I decided
to SELL them.
Prices for SIMM Savers memory adapter:
Four 30 pin SIMMs to one 72 pin SIMM $55
Eight 30 pin SIMMs to one 72 pin SIMM $80
Four 30 pin SIMMs to one 30 pin SIMM $55
Two 72 pin SIMMs into one 72 pin SIMM $65
Please add $5 shipping for the first module, and $1 for each additional
module.
Questions:
- What is a SIMM Saver?
This is a mini-board that fits into an existing SIMM socket. The
board itself contains SIMM sockets into which your existing memory is
plugged into it. The entire board with the installed memory can then be
inserted into one SIMM socket on your motherboard.
***NO SOLDERING IS REQUIRED****
- Do they work?
You bet, I typed this document on my 486DX2-80 ( a 66 MHz DX2-66
overclocked to 80 MHz) and have utilized four 30 pin SIMMs (16 MB) in my
motherboard which accepts only 72 pin SIMMs.
- Are they compatible with existing memory?
Yes, I have 32 MB on board in my 486 machine, 16 MB in a single
72 pin SIMM, and the other 16 MB are located on the SIMM SAVER. I still
have two free memory slots on my machine.
- Are they difficult to use?
If you have installed memory in your machine before, then this
will be a snap. The SIMM sockets are fairly standard. You insert the
SIMMs at a 30 degree angle or so firmly into the SIMM socket, push
forward and the SIMMs snap in. You then take the entire board and
install the whole thing as if it was just a single SIMM.
- What about different memory speeds?
You MUST install the same type of memory in the SIMM SAVER. This
limitation also exists in your motherboard. It is not a good idea to mix
memory speeds.
- How does the SIMM SAVER know how fast my memory is?
There are four dip switches on each board, for 60,
70, or 80 ns memory (for memory slower than 80, use the 80 ns setting).
- Does the computer see the SIMM SAVER memory differently than regular
memory?
No, the board is totally transparent. The computer can not “see”
the difference between SIMM SAVER and “real” 72 pin type memory.
- What about older 30 pin SIMMS that have 9 chips, instead of the 3 used
in newer chips.
They work for all 30 pin SIMMS. The 4 MB SIMMS that I am using
all have 9 chips on board each.
- What type of SIMMS are convertible?
30 pin SIMMS
256K, 1 MB, 4 MB, 16 MB modules
72 pin SIMMS (single sided only)
256K, 1 MB, 4 MB, and 16 MB modules (double sided SIMMS - 8 MB
and 32 MB, are NOT supported)
- What about parity?
Parity or non-parity chips can be used. However, if your
motherboard is an older one that still supports parity, make you sure
that you DISABLE parity checking in your motherboard BIOS if you wish to
mix parity with non-parity memory. Also, you have to consider the SIMM
SAVER as an entire bank in itself and you must use the same type of
memory (parity or non-parity) within the SIMM SAVER itself. However, you
CAN mix the SIMM SAVER module memory with parity and non-parity memory
afterwards.
- Are their dimensions large physically?
Height :
Four 30 pin SIMM modules 2.1”
Eight 30 pin SIMM modules 3.2”
Two 72 pin modules 1.7”
Width:
As wide as the SIMM modules you plan to install.
- What about potential interference with existing components?
Each type of SIMM SAVER comes in “front” and “back” models in
which the SIMM sockets stick out either forward or backward.
- How can I determine whether I need a “front” or “back” style module?
Look at your motherboard documentation and see which way the
“chip” side of SINGLE SIDED SIMM should go. A single sided SIMM has
chips located on side, and a “blank” side on the reverse. If your
motherboard manual does NOT have a picture, you will have to take the top
off of your computer to see how your existing SIMMS are orientated.
The “front” model will have memory sockets on the SAME side as
the chips .
The “rear” model has the SIMM sockets on the OPPOSITE side of the
chips.
You can therefore plan ahead of time and check to see whether you
will have to relocate your cards, or re-arrange your memory modules to
accommodate the SIMM adapters.
- Why should I buy this adapter rather than go through those companies
that de-solder my existing memory and transfer them to a single board?
a. You don’t have to wait for the company to convert your memory.
You also don’t have to box up the RAM and mail to a far off out of state
firm. You can start using the memory within minutes of receiving the
adapters!!!
b. This conversion is NOT permanent. Let’s say that you’ve
permanently converted all of your 30 pin SIMMS into 72 pin SIMMS and then
see a neat high speed hard drive caching controller. You curse yourself
for selling the old memory.
With a SIMM saver you temporarily use your 30 pin SIMMS in the
hard controller while you shop the ‘net for great deals on replacement 30
pin SIMMS!
c. What if the company doing the conversion screws up your chips?
It will be difficult to point the blame at you the user or the company.
They could claim that the SIMMS left their company in good shape and you
the user (who is not aware of proper static electricity procedures) were
at fault.
d. Lastly, let’s say that you have older SIMM memory which uses 9
chips instead of the newer 3. In this case you are pretty much stuck.
- Can the SIMM SAVERS be used with Pentium motherboards?
Sure, in fact the main reason that I was looking into this was
because I was trying to figure out what to do with my four 4 MB 60 ns
memory modules when I upgrade to a Pentium. I needed 72 pin SIMMS and I
only had the 30 pin ones. This board was the ideal solution. However,
due to the recent Pentium problems, I decided to buy a PCI 486 DX4-100
motherboard and stick my DX2-66 (80mhz) into it, and wait for the the
DX4-100 prices to drop, or wait for the AMD DX4-120.
Once again, the pricing is as follows (**ALL BOARDS ARE MADE IN THE
USA**):
Four 30 pin SIMMs to one 72 pin SIMM $55
Eight 30 pin SIMMs to one 72 pin SIMM $80
Four 30 pin SIMMs to one 30 pin SIMM $55
Two 72 pin SIMMs into one 72 pin SIMM $65
Please add $5 shipping for the first module, and $1 for each additional
module.
Please send orders to:
Christone Industries
25336 163rd Ave SE
Kent, WA 98042
I only accept COD’s, checks, or money orders (I am not set up to handle
VISA cards).
You can phone in orders via voice or fax to:206-639-1261, or via email to
game...@ix.netcom.com. Please limit calls to the voice/fax line for
ORDERS ONLY. Questions (and orders as well), can be sent to the
game...@ix.netcom.com e-mail address.
Thank you.
Rogelio (Roger) Yap
John Wallace
IMHO, MAG sux.
I'll never buy another. I bought an LX1564 in Sept. '93. I am now
on my 4th LX1564. since Sept. '93. I hope this one will be better
than the other 3. Unfortunately it is a refurbished LX1564, as MAG
would not send me a new one. My last months phone charges to MAG
were $22. I do not like MAG.
IMHO, MAG sux.
--
(John Wallace || csj...@mtsu.edu) && Team OS/2
JOSEPH ELLIS III
I don't think my opinion would be very humble! ;-)
--
\/..<>..X
joe = afn1...@freenet.ufl.edu