Octane CPU modules - Printable Version

+- IRIX Network Forums (//forums.irixnet.org)
+-- Forum: SGI/MIPS (//forums.irixnet.org/forum-3.html)
+--- Forum: Hardware/Triage/Repair (//forums.irixnet.org/forum-11.html)
+--- Thread: Octane CPU modules (/thread-599.html)

---

Octane CPU modules - eAkGBG - 10-24-2018

Are the CPU soldered on the CPU modules? Or Can you remowe THE heatsink to replace CPU chips. Are you forced to use r10k in r10k modules or Can you swap For example 14k chip with 10k chip.

---

RE: Octane CPU modules - mrthinlysliced - 10-24-2018

Check out jpkiwigeek who disassembles one in this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTZRE5zAhLc

If you feel that's something you're capable of, it's up to you :-)

---

RE: Octane CPU modules - eAkGBG - 10-24-2018

Modified THE module in My g4 cube and Made custom heatsink adapter. So that should be simple enough. I hope. Going to buy a Broken dual module and se IF it's possible to fix for cheap.

---

RE: Octane CPU modules - Jacques - 10-24-2018

I'm sure somebody will correct me, but I don't believe R14K cpus are voltage compatible with R12K cpus?

I know the R12K 300Mhz cpu features a socket design on the Octane modules, same for the R10K. Not sure about the R12K 400mhz as it's a BGA package on the O2 PIMM. I'm not sure how the cache speeds, voltages etc would work on a R14k and R16k cpu, considering these have a 200Mhz system bus and DDR ram.

You will also need the resistor layout for the clock frequencies. ChicagoJoe used to have most of this info.



Octane R12K 300Mhz Pimm without CPU.



250Mhz R10K cpu, just for kicks.

---

RE: Octane CPU modules - eAkGBG - 10-24-2018

but if I understand this correct. if I get a reply if they will ship the broken module. it's 300mhz r12 there is a good chance that my 2xr10k 250mhz chips will fit on this module but they will become overclocked and probably run unstable if I don't change the correct resistor with the correct value for 250mhz.

---

RE: Octane CPU modules - Jacques - 10-24-2018

Correct, the module will be clocked for 300Mhz, I'm not sure you're going to squeeze 50Mhz out of a chip that reached its near limit in terms of fabrication.

Also, the issue may not be the cpu but cache chip issues?

---

RE: Octane CPU modules - gijoe77 - 10-25-2018

there was a long, long thread about this topic on nekochan years ago. I couldn't find the thread in archive, but I seem to recall moving a CPU was only one part of the process, there was some other component that had to be moved (resistor or crystal or something - a few people were taking their Octane PIMMS apart and trying different combos - I forget the details sorry)

---

RE: Octane CPU modules - Jacques - 10-25-2018

(10-25-2018, 05:24 PM)gijoe77 Wrote:  there was a long, long thread about this topic on nekochan years ago. I couldn't find the thread in archive, but I seem to recall moving a CPU was only one part of the process, there was some other component that had to be moved (resistor or crystal or something - a few people were taking their Octane PIMMS apart and trying different combos - I forget the details sorry)

I remember the post well, just not the content! And I think you're right, it had to do with resistors and maybe even swapping the crystal.

---

RE: Octane CPU modules - eAkGBG - 10-26-2018

the seller don't remember the error given when running diagnostics. So I figure if I buy the module it's ether cpu or cash chips if they are separated from the cpu. question is if it is cash I guess these will be really hard to get your hands on? and will require a higher tier of soldering skills hot air gun and stuff I guess.

---

RE: Octane CPU modules - BrainStorm - 10-26-2018

(10-26-2018, 06:30 PM)eAkGBG Wrote:  the seller don't remember the error given when running diagnostics. So I figure if I buy the module it's ether cpu or cash chips if they are separated from the cpu. question is if it is cash I guess these will be really hard to get your hands on? and will require a higher tier of soldering skills hot air gun and stuff I guess.

Will definitely require SMD rework equipment and skills. That's the stuff I'm into, although my current health has left me too shaky to do quality work I've done in years past. SMD rework is a whole different ballgame than soldering wires with an iron.

I would think the cache chips would be easy to find, either NOS or salvage, being that they aren't the hot new shit anymore. Should be super cheap as well. Logic chips though (cache control) are another story.

---