Macintosh IIsi Speed Issues When Using Built-In Video (3/94)

We have 2 Macintosh IIsi's which are similarly configured and one of them seems to be running faster than the other. Both machines have 5MB of RAM, an 80MB hard drive, are using the built-in video port, and have a clean copy of System 7.0.1 with the tune-up installed. The logic board on the slower machine has been replaced, but it remains slower.

When using built-in video with the Macintosh IIsi, performance of the machine can vary depending upon the setup of the system software and what size monitor is connected. The Macintosh IIsi does not have dedicated VRAM, rather it uses the RAM on the logic board for video.

Below are three things that can help improve the speed of a Macintosh IIsi.

1) Increase the Disk Cache in the Memory Control Panel to 768k.

2) Set the Monitors Control Panel to 16 colors/Shades. This reduces the
amount of main memory used for the video and therefore allows the
computer to run faster

3) As a 12" RGB monitor shows less information than a larger monitor, the
computer can be set at 256 colors and still use less memory for the
video. If a smaller monitor is suitable, it can improve performance.

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Published Date: Feb 19, 2012