ibm 486-test computer

[zebra1057]

I bought this ibm 486 computer from ebay for $6.00 (cost me $20 to get shipped to me). This is supposed to be my guinea pig computer.

Everthing works fine. So I put in some compaq memory. It hangs. so I took it off. Computer works like it used to.

I change the "A" floppy drive to another brand. Computer can't recognise it. So I connect the cables to the old floppies.

Now the whole computer doesn't work. No beeps, no video; just the fan running.

I just wonder where I did wrong. Any thoughts.

Thanks in advance.

roland

 

[garwain]

try turning the floppy's data cable the other side up.

There should also be a second power cable that you could try on the floppy drive.

If that doesn't help, try another data cable or the other connector on the one that is in the machine.

 

[zebra1057]

There is a notch in the cable that makes sure that I insert it only in one way.

I ended up taking away everthing including its network card which is half the size of the motherboard. It just power supply, motherboard, and cpu connected.

Still no beeps, no video.

But thanks for the reply.

roland

 

[Mulga]

Have you tried another power supply? If that is not it then most likely either the motherboard or CPU have died, old age gets us all eventually, however it may be worth removing the motherboard from the case and trying it on the bench just in case it is a short between motherboard and chassis.

 

[amandeephunjan]

since your fan is working it means that your powersupply is fine now the only indication is your cpu or the motherboard if it dosent work even on the bench then you can use it as a $26 trophy
if you are in india and somewhere around bhopal i think i can try helping you

 

[zebra1057]

It's a trophy built February 22, 1993.

thank you for your time.

roland

 

[lifegard2]

Cut the notch on the floppy cable. I've seen a number of floppy cables that are notched that still need to be turned over.

 

[garwain]

Before cutting check the other end that is plugged into the Mainboard. I have yet to see a floppy cable that is notched on all connectors.

 

[zebra1057]

Yes, both connectors including the one in the middle of the ribbon have notches.

Anyway, I'll try to see if there is a replacement board in ebay for $2.00

Have a great weekend.

roland