Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
I have a number of saved searches on eBay, and a search for vintage motherboards is one of them. Last week, a newly-listed motherboard caught my eye, but I almost didn't buy it.
The seller said it was a 486 motherboard, and while it had VESA Local Bus, ISA, and PCI slots, I already have a VIP motherboard. I was going to let someone else have the opportunity to buy one. But something didn't look right about the socket - it looked like the key pin was in the wrong place. I took a closer look at the socket and made an offer on the board, which the seller accepted.
Indeed, this is a type board I've been looking for and, while I'd rather have the HP Pavilion desktop using the same processor, these systems usually go for more than I want to spend.
If this isn't a 486 VIP board, then what is it? Did I have to buy anything else to be able to use it? And will this be one great big Regrets™ stream? You'll have to watch to find out!
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I have a number of saved searches on eBay, and a search for vintage motherboards is one of them. Last week, a newly-listed motherboard caught my eye, but I almost didn't buy it.
The seller said it was a 486 motherboard, and while it had VESA Local Bus, ISA, and PCI slots, I already have a VIP motherboard. I was going to let someone else have the opportunity to buy one. But something didn't look right about the socket - it looked like the key pin was in the wrong place. I took a closer look at the socket and made an offer on the board, which the seller accepted.
Indeed, this is a type board I've been looking for and, while I'd rather have the HP Pavilion desktop using the same processor, these systems usually go for more than I want to spend.
If this isn't a 486 VIP board, then what is it? Did I have to buy anything else to be able to use it? And will this be one great big Regrets™ stream? You'll have to watch to find out!
*
Ways to Support the Channel:
☕️ Tips or Support via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/jdmcs
🈷️ Support me on Patreon: patreon.com/jdmcs
📦 Amazon Wishlist: jdmcs.net/wishlist
... or simply do the YouTube things: Like/Dislike, Comment, Subscribe, Enable Notifications, and participate in the Chat. These things help the channel, too!
**
Read Computerized Start™, my Official Blog: jdmcs.net/myblog
Follow me on Instagram: jdmcs.net/myinstagram
Follow me on Twitter: jdmcs.net/mytwitter
![The Apple ][ Plus Clone: The Desolation of Sockets... as I Attempt Repair (Computerized Start™ Live)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/BkyfY4LIXzg/mqdefault.jpg "The Apple ][ Plus Clone: The Desolation of Sockets... as I Attempt Repair (Computerized Start™ Live)
Ive launched a merch shop: https://shop.jdmcs.com - use code JUSTINTIME for 5% off all Computerized Start™ merchandise through at least June 30th!
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I bought an Apple IIe Clone Motherboard on eBay (the place where I buy the things I later regret™) knowing full well it was an Apple ][ Plus clone motherboard and missing some chips. Yes, COMPUTER was jealous at first, but then COMPUTER realized I needed practice on a similar motherboard before I continue removing sockets, so were good...
Last time I worked on this board, I replaced enough capacitors to satisfy my concern that there wasnt enough capacitance on the board for proper operation. I was able to confirm the original 6502 was working by swapping it into my Apple ][ Plus. I also removed a few sockets that looked like they had too much solder. Still, the board powers up to garbage. I resigned to ponder the schematic.
Tonight, I am going to replace the rest of the capacitors, then I will commence The Desolation of Sockets. I have identified a few components that could prevent the CPU from running code, and I will be removing sockets for those components if they look questionable underneath. Well go from there.
Will I find issues under sockets? Will I get the board to do something by the end of the stream? Youll have to watch to find out!
*
Ways to Support the Channel:
☕️ Tips or Support via Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/jdmcs
🈷️ Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jdmcs
📦 Amazon Wishlist: https://jdmcs.net/wishlist
... or simply do the YouTube things: Like/Dislike, Comment, Subscribe, Enable Notifications, and participate in the Chat. These things help the channel, too!
**
Read Computerized Start™, my Official Blog: https://jdmcs.net/myblog
Follow me on Instagram: https://jdmcs.net/myinstagram
Follow me on Twitter: https://jdmcs.net/mytwitter")
