TITLE
    Power Macintosh 7200 & 7500: Tall PCI Cards Do Not Fit (3/96)
Article ID:
Created:
Modified:
18274
7/31/95
3/15/96

TOPIC


    Apple revised the baffle which helps stablize Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) cards in the Power Macintosh 7200 and 7500 series computers. A modified baffle was used prior introduction of these computers, however in isolated cases some customers may have the previous baffle design. This article contains information to help you identify which baffle the customer has in their Macintosh computer.


DISCUSSION


    Initially some PCI cards were too tall, and did not fit properly in the Power Macintosh 7200 and 7500 series computers. This often occurred when the PCI card had a SCSI or similar connector on the top of the card.

    Identifying Modified Baffle
    ===========================

    There is a modified baffle, which can help with tall PCI cards. The modified baffle can be identified by examining the baffle. The bottom surface has a curved ribbing. If baffle has missing or non-continuous horizontal ribs between the two vertical curved ribs, you have a modified baffle. This helps with some PCI cards, but depending on the location of the card's connectors, the modified baffle still may not allow customers to use taller PCI cards.

    The PCI specification Apple followed when creating the Power Macintosh 7200 and 7500 series computers was not specific enough about the height of the cards. Apple interpreted the PCI specification in one manner while some third parties interpreted the specification in another way. After investigation, it has been determined that Apple followed the specification properly. It is possible that the third-party vendors whose cards do not fit properly may have interpreted the height specification incorrectly.

    To workaround the problem, try removing the plastic 'baffle' cover used to cover the top edge of the cards. Be extremely careful to check for proper clearance when re-attaching the Macintosh computer's top case cover. If it still does not fit, check with the third-party vendor in question for reports of the issue and a possible resolution.


    This article was published in the "Information Alley":
    Volume II, Issue 10, Page 5


    Article Change History:
    15 Mar 1996 - Added information on modified baffle design.
    28 Sep 1995 - Added Info Alley information; updated article.
    05 Sep 1995 - Made minor corrections.



Document Information
Product Area: Computers
Category: Power Macintosh
Sub Category: Power Macintosh 7200; Power Macintosh 7200 PC Compatible; Power Macintosh 7500
Keywords: supt, kppc, kpci, kalley

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