IBM Blue Lightning Processor Upgrade

The Blue Lightning Processor replaces the 80386DX microprocessor on the system board and emulates the presence of the original 80386DX, so no special software is required. The Blue Lightning Processor Upgrade is fully compatible with operating systems that are capable of running on an 80486 microprocessor. (incl. OS/2 and DOS)
It also supports bus mastering adapters, if they are present in the system.

Important Always run the DIAGNOSTIC TESTs with the Blue Lightning Processor Upgrade cache disabled. (BANK-1 SW-1 OFF = cache disable for testing purposes !)

In some cases, with the Blue Lightning installed, the diagnostic tests might indicate an error. Try to replace the Upgrade board with the origin 386DX. If the diags are OK the adapter is fully functional and will also work with the Blue Lightning Upgrade.

This Processor update can be installed on one of the following computers.
8570, 8580 with 80386 Microprocessor.

You must use 8570/80 Reference Diskette Version 1.10 or later.

The upgrade kit contain:

•  Blue Lightning Processor Upgrade board
•  132-Pin PGA Socket Extender (only needed for 8580 mod. 111, 121, 311 or 321)
•  Processor removal tool
•  Utility Diskette
•  Label (POWERED BY BLUE LIGHTNING)

Default Switch settings are:

Switch Bank 1	SW-1	SW-2	SW-3	SW-4
	ON	Off	Off	Off
Switch Bank 2	SW-1	SW-2	SW-3	SW-4	SW-5	SW-6
	ON	ON	ON	Off	ON	Off

Switch Bank 1 function

SW #	Setting	Controls	Remarks
1	ON (D) Off	Cache on at startup Cache off at startup	this switch is only read at Power-ON.
2	ON Off (D)	Flush cache on INT 9 Do not flush cache on INT 9	-
3	ON Off (D)	Flush cache on INT 10d Do not flush cache on INT 10d	-
4	ON Off (D)	Flush cache on INT 11d Do not flush cache on INT 11d	-

Switch Bank 2 function

SW #	Setting	Controls	Remarks
1	ON (D) Off	Flush cache on INT 14d Do not flush cache on INT 14d	-
2	ON (D) Off	Fast RAM count Slow RAM count	This switch caches the read-only (ROM) from the adapters. This only affects the power-on self-test. If the computer stops after the RAM count is complete, turn this switch OFF and restart the computer. The RAM count is slower, however, performance after the computer starts, is not affected.
3	ON (D) Off	Cache all extended memory No caching from 14MB to 16MB	Set this switch to OFF if you have memory-mapped devices that use memory in the 14Mb-16Mb region.
4	Off (D)	(Reserved)	Do not change this switch
5	ON (D)	(Reserved)	Do not change this switch
6	ON Off (D)	Flush cache on INT 15d Do not flush cache on INT 15d	If you have a SCSI hard disk drive, this switch must be set to ON.

Installing the Blue Lightning Upgrade

1.  Power-OFF the computer
2.  Remove the Power-Cable
3.  Open/lift the Machine cover
4.  Remove Hard Disk(s) / Adapters (so you can freely operate with the  already installed Microprocessor)
5.  Locate the Processor on the System Board (Pin 1)
6.  Remove the Processor (80386)
7.  If the machine is a 8580 mod 111 121 311 or 321 then install the 132-Pin  PGA socket Extender (Pin-1 to Pin-1)
8.  Install the Blue Lightning Board into Processor/PGA socket  (be sure PIN-1 to Pin-1)
9.  If your machine have an SCSI Adapter, then on Switch Bank 2 / SW-6 must be set to ON.
10.  Reinstall all previously removed Cable/Adapter
11.  Reconnect the Power cord
12.  Power-ON the system

Utility Diskette

To control the cache speed under OS/2 or DOS (but not a DOS session under OS/2) without restarting the computer, insert the Utility Diskette in drive A and at the prompt:

1.  Type A: to change to the root directory of drive A.
2.  Type slow to disable the Blue Lightning cache
     --- or ---
    Type fast to enable the Blue Lightning cache.

To permanently affect caching options, use SW-1 on bank 1.

Please see the LEGAL  -  Trademark notice.
Feel free - send a   for any BUG on this page found - Thank you.