This is an interesting thread, because the resources available on
motherboards haven't changed.  The usual complement of interrupts and IO
addresses are still available.  The big difference?  We're hanging a lot
more stuff on our systems, so we're taxing the resources of our systems in
ways that we have never done before.

Remember, no matter what, there are only 16 IRQ's available on a
motherboard, and many of them are already dedicated to motherboard
resources.  That's the way that it's been since the 16 bit ISA bus was
created.

Now, that ISA bus may be a little smaller than it used to...Intel has
released a crop of motherboards with just a couple of ISA slots, and if they
get their way, the ISA bus will go away.

Drew Dunn
[log in to unmask]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: PCBUILD - PC Hardware discussion List
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Miguel Morillo
> Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 1998 6:27 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: [PCBUILD] What's up with todays motheboards
>
>
> At 07:04 AM 3/27/98 -0800, you wrote:
> >About a month ago I read an article about a serious lack of resources on
> >new motherboards.  In many cases computer systems were being purchased
> >that were unable to support any upgrades whatosever.
> >
> >This issue recently hit home with me when I decided to replace my
> >existing motherboard to a IWILL P55XB2 (Intel 430 TX Chipset).  I
> >installed all of the standard stuff (i.e.; sound and modem) with no
> >problem.  Then I tried to install a second LPT port (there is one on the
> >board).  I was surprised to learn that there were to IRQ's available to
> >support any other device.
> >
> >My question is 1) has anyone else encountered these type of problems 2)
> >Is there a work around, and 3) Can someone recommend a MB for the person
> >who likes to tack on alot of stuff to his computer.
> >
> >Marc Axelrod
> >
>
> I just recently installed a second printer (I/0 ISA card) port on
> my i430TX
> based motherboard and this is how it went.
>
<snip>