Adding an AGP Connector

[bigbeark]

I have an IBM motherboard, socket 478 HT, which has onboard video, but also the 124-hole socket where one could install an actual AGP connector.

I actually have a second near-identical board that has the header installed.

I can buy the AGP connector from Digi-Key for $7.

I would use the pin method and clear all 124 holes, then solder the new header in place.

Aside from being a fair amount of work and not really worth it, are there any other possible impediments to doing this job?

I have begun recapping the board, if it's successful, I was considering adding the connector.

[ratdude747]

Re: Adding an AGP Connector

it will likely not work. there are likely missing smd components needed to run the board. not to mention it would be a huge PITA to install.

[Topcat]

Re: Adding an AGP Connector

I actually have a second near-identical board that has the header installed.

Compare the boards for SMT components that would power the AGP. Yes, it would be a fun thing to solder in.....but not that hard. If there are a lot of empty solder pads around the AGP that would normally power it and bridge the AGP to the NB chip, then soldering the slot in place would not work.

KC8 has done this with ISA slots and they worked, so if the components that would power and pass data to the AGP slot are present, it would probably work.

[370forlife]

Re: Adding an AGP Connector

Usually the manufacturer won't just leave off the AGP slot to save money, they will also remove other parts to save that little bit more. You can go ahead and try it you are ok with perhaps blowing $7+shipping for the sake of just seeing if it will work.

I would test it with some crappy agp card, as you don't know what may happen.

[severach]

Re: Adding an AGP Connector

Commercial castoff motherboards from Dell and IBM are dirt cheap. Picking a random IBM 478 board I see a IBM NetVista 8303 with AGP connector already installed for $20 free shipping on eBay. There's a bunch more for $30 or less.