The PowerBook 190 & 190cs have a single motherboard memory expansion slot addressed along a 32-bit memory bus. These computers require unique fast page mode, self-refreshing low-power grade 70ns PB5300/190 Memory Expansion Cards in either 4MB, 8MB, 16MB, or 32MB capacities.Although the 190/190cs-series shipped in two distinct configurations, one with 4MB 70ns low-power, self-refreshing soldered DRAM on the main logic board, and the other with 8MBs, the PowerBook 190 & 190cs accept the same 120-pin memory modules used in the PowerBook 5300-series, with the exception of the 48MB memory expansion card. Our ability to pretest modules prior to shipment will be facilitated if you kindly note which PowerBook you are ordering for in the Comments field of the order form when ordering upgrade modules.
Depending on the amount of soldered main motherboard RAM, the addition of a single 4MB, 8MB, 16MB, or 32MB expansion module yields memory configurations of 8MB, 12MB, 16MB, 20MB, 24MB, 36MB, or 40MB. According to Apple specifications, the maximum amount of usable memory in the PB190/190cs is either 36MB or 40MB, due to a limitation in ROM which caps the amount of addressable memory.
The PB190/190cs & PB5300-series main logic boards are similar in many respects, but differ in both their microprocessors and their consequent bus speeds. The 190/190cs series ships with a 66/33MHz Motorola 68LC040, which lacks a built-in FPU. It is important to note that the internal clock rate on the MC68LC040 is 66MHz, while externally it runs at 33MHz. It is also helpful to remember that the Pratt memory controller IC that handles RAM and ROM also acts as an asynchronous bridge between the microprocessor bus running at 33MHz and the MC68030-compatible I/O bus running at 25MHz.
The 190/190cs supports SCSI Disk Mode.
Specifications Logic Board RAM 4MB or 8MB. Supported Modules 4MB, 8MB, 16MB, 32MB. Number Expansion Slots One (1). Soldered VRAM 512k / 1MB (See note below). Number VRAM Slots One. L2 Cache Supported None. Module Type 70ns PB190/5300-series RAM Expansion Card.
While some of the products mentioned on this page may no longer be available, the information about these products remains available to those who may need it.
Be sure to mention the model number in the Comments field of the Ordering Form
when ordering upgrade modules from MacGurus.
The PowerBook 190/190cs includes 512k VRAM soldered to the main logic board, and can be upgraded via the Macintosh PowerBook 8-Bit Color Video-Out Upgrade Kit (Apple part number M3743LL/A) to drive external video displays, including most 16-inch and 17-inch displays at 832 x 624 resolution, and the Apple Multiple Scan 17 & 20 displays at resolutions ranging from 640 x 480 to 1024 x 768. Apple notes that these last resolutions are "unsupported," and require a visit to the Options window of the Monitors Control Panel. Unlike previous PowerBooks, upgraded 190/190cs computers can drive external monitors while running off battery power.This upgrade includes 512k of VRAM, as well as the PowerBook Video Adapter Cable (M3927LL/A), which is also compatible with the PowerBook 500-series. The Micro DV-14 (or VID-14) video-out port on this card (Apple part number 661-1055), yields 8-bit color output in 256 colors, supporting most Macintosh monitors, VGA monitors, and SVGA monitors. Apple mentions, in TIL article PowerBook 5300 & 190 Series: Internal & External Video (5/96), that 16-bit output is feasible at resolutions of 640 x 480 & 832 x 624 through the replacement of the 512k VRAM Apple card with a third-party 1MB VRAM video card.