Dead Apollo 1240 - What to try next?

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the only 206 pin BGA socket is the CyberStorm PPC (and CSMk3) for the A4000... not the A1200.
 
@ TheoryBoy

My old CSMKIII was an 040 version & A.H. moved the Voltage regulator in the socket to allow it to be upgraded to an 060. The greater heat from the 040 CPU can also contribute to these BGA sockets suffering from Epic Fail. 060 BGA sockets are less likely to fail because the CPU is much cooler. Having said that, you are right RE: CPU removal also causing these BGA sockets to fail, along with PCB flexing & movement of the whole PCB itself due to thermal expansion.

@ Zetr0

But the 040 is 179 pins on a PGA (Pin Grid Array) type package.

http://www.skepticfiles.org/cowtext/comput~1/486vs040.htm

The 060 is 203 pins on a PGA type package. That does not mean the socket used is a PGA & could be a BGA socket. Unless the socket is replaced, there is no real way to be sure.

Kin
 
Yea i understand, just like an Xbox360 rrod. Just had to get to the bottom of this BGA/PGA socket ... sorry for derailing the thread.
 
Pin Grid Array is the layout on the CPU's as indeed the FPU's. But the sockets if PGA or BGA will still work if of the 2.54mm layout. 2.54mm is the pitch between the pin centers. ;)

Kin
 
@ statchu100

Can you confirm the PPC chips are soldered directly to the board please?

Kin

Yes, PPC CPU's on Blizzard PPC and Cyberstorm PPC are soldered directly to PCB without any socket. This is the phase5/DCE standard.

It's possible to upgrade these card and install BGA socket - such sockets are existing.


Just one remark from my side:
040/060 CPU socket on Cyberstorm MKIII/PPC is not BGA type.
It's looks like BGA because pins looks like part of sphere.
BGA package means that component is soldered and connected to PCB by solder balls (or in some cases copper/plastic/ceramic/alloy balls covered by solder).
And these balls can be easlity un-soldered from the component leaving flat surface.
On Cyberstorm MKIII and Cyberstorm PPC 040/060 socket is just SMD type - this is correct name.
 
@ statchu100

Can you confirm the PPC chips are soldered directly to the board please?

Kin

Yes, PPC CPU's on Blizzard PPC and Cyberstorm PPC are soldered directly to PCB without any socket. This is the phase5/DCE standard.

It's possible to upgrade these card and install BGA socket - such sockets are existing.


Just one remark from my side:
040/060 CPU socket on Cyberstorm MKIII/PPC is not BGA type.
It's looks like BGA because pins looks like part of sphere.
BGA package means that component is soldered and connected to PCB by solder balls (or in some cases copper/plastic/ceramic/alloy balls covered by solder).
And these balls can be easlity un-soldered from the component leaving flat surface.
On Cyberstorm MKIII and Cyberstorm PPC 040/060 socket is just SMD type - this is correct name.

So why did my removed socket as Post #17 on this thread have rattling balls in it?

Also, why would Anthony Hoffman say they are BGA as per his CSMKII Repair thread if they were not?

As I pointed out to a rather silent Zetr0, some manufacturers might have had to use BGA sockets because they ran out of PGA sockets. This could be the case with this Apollo 1240.

Kin
 
unfortunately I have had my focus drawn on some staff issues,

As far as I know, and I have owned atleast half a dozen Apollo 040 and 1 Blizzard 040 cards in my amiga collection as some point or another...

I have also had atleast another 3 or 4 pass through my hands for inspection and or memory socket upgrade.

Not one of them has ever been a BGA socket - infact ALL apollo 040's and Blizzard 040's I have had - their CPU's are infact soldered to the board.....

In regards to Apollo/Blizzard 1200 cards, Only 060's are socketed... (except BPPC)

the only Card I have had (and know of first hand) that is contrary to this 040 soldered to the board is the Macrosystems Falcon 040 or F1240 - this is an 040 with a 206 pin socket.


Now, thats not to say some never had a BGA - after all some manufactures or hobbyist / professional upgraders could of used a 206 BGA socket as opposed to a 206 pin PGA - after all this is Amiga Land, and if it fits - and it works.... we are generally happy with it..

All i can say as far as my personal experience and knowedge goes is that Apollo/Blizzard 040 cards didn't come with a BGA socket from the factory - with the exception of perhaps a couple of brands of 040 cards - most of them came with the CPU soldered to the PCB.
 
So why did my removed socket as Post #17 on this thread have rattling balls in it?
Kin
Are you 100% sure that there are balls inside socket?
I have un-soldered such 060 CPU socket from Cyberstorm PPC and I haven't hear any rattling balls in it.. :unsure:

Also, why would Anthony Hoffman say they are BGA as per his CSMKII Repair thread if they were not?
Kin
Anthony's mistake probably.


As I pointed out to a rather silent Zetr0, some manufacturers might have had to use BGA sockets because they ran out of PGA sockets. This could be the case with this Apollo 1240.
Kin
Well such possibility exists, but I don't think that any manufacturer would do so - it's big change in assembly process and possibility of soldering defects increases.
 
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