Advice on Mac SE/30 RAM

[billbucks]

Hi,
After recapping the board, I have a functional Mac SE/30 with Mac OS 7.5.3 + 5 MB RAM (probably 4 * 1MB + 4 * 256kB) + BlueSCSI v2.
I'm looking at options to expand the RAM using Connectix Mode32.
Does it work without a Rominator ?
I read it would let me support up to 128MB. What's the actual purpose of this amount of RAM compared with the max supported RAM for the non modified Mac SE/30 which seems to be 8MB ?
Would it work if I start with 1 or 2 x 16MB 30pin SIMM after installed Mode 32 ?

Note that I plan to test and use the Wifi features of BlueSCSI v2.

 

[Garrett]

You don’t need an aftermarket ROM if you’re using mode 32. Another thing- RAM must be installed in sets of four (see attachment). I personally have never installed more than 20MB in an SE/30, but can see the appeal of doing more from a “wow” standpoint. Eight 4MB modules would be a good balance of cost, boot up time, and usability if that’s what you’re after!

 

[billbucks]

Thanks for the advice.
I found these on eBay: RAM SIMM 4 * 4MB
If I keep the 4 x 1MB and add these 4 SIMMS, I'll get 20 MB.

Will it work and do I need Mode32 installed ?

 

[pfuentes69]

Thanks for the advice.
I found these on eBay: RAM SIMM 4 * 4MB
If I keep the 4 x 1MB and add these 4 SIMMS, I'll get 20 MB.

Will it work and do I need Mode32 installed ?

If you go over 8MB of RAM you'd need Mode32 or an alternative ROM

 

[reasonsandreasons]

Duty-bound to share that OWC still has new 16MB 30-pin SIMMs in stock. A set of four will take you to 64MB for $45 USD.

 

[croissantking]

Duty-bound to share that OWC still has new 16MB 30-pin SIMMs in stock. A set of four will take you to 64MB for $45 USD.

I bought a set of four and I found they don’t properly fit the SE/30 chassis.

 

[reasonsandreasons]

Try putting them in the bank that’s closest to the front of the chassis—they fit in that one on mine but not the other.

 

[speakers]

I bought a set of four and I found they don’t properly fit the SE/30 chassis.

Strange. I very recently installed 4 x 16MB of the OWC SIMMs in my SE/30 without issue. And I also use these in cx, ci and q700.

In what way don't they fit?

 

[croissantking]

Strange. I very recently installed 4 x 16MB of the OWC SIMMs in my SE/30 without issue. And I also use these in cx, ci and q700.

In what way don't they fit?

Well, they are quite tall and the chassis doesn’t have enough clearance. They fit in one bank but not the other.

 

[speakers]

Well, they are quite tall and the chassis doesn’t have enough clearance. They fit in one bank but not the other.

There must be some variability though I've not not seen any. If you're not satisfied, get in touch with them since I know they have good customer support and returns.

 

[croissantking]

There must be some variability though I've not not seen any. If you're not satisfied, get in touch with them since I know they have good customer support and returns.

I’ve just put those modules in my IIci so no problem.

 

[billbucks]

I bought new purple 4 * 4MB RAM which work well on my Mac SE 30.
I found an interesting article to install Mac OS 8 on a Mac SE 30 from MetalBabble blog. However the links to download the os8 patch no longer works.
Has anyone try it and has a copy of the required files, especially the patch ?

 

[croissantking]

Yes OS 8 on an SE/30, wildly inappropriate.

There‘s a working download link to the patch on this page:

Vintage Apple - Gamba - >Installing OS 8 & OS 8.1 on 68030 Macs

 

[billbucks]

Thanks for the link, I managed to download the patch.
What are the risks of running OS8 on an SE/30 ? Performance issues, crashes even with 20, 32 or more RAM ?
I will give it a go as it sounds fun, yet hoping it could be a stable replacement of 7.5 to use the Mac.

 

[croissantking]

No risks, it works fine. Just a bit slow on the stock 16MHz 030. I prefer to run 7.5.5 but I do have an install of 8.1 because as you say, it is a curiosity to use on a compact Mac.