Chicony ARa/MP968
The Chicony ARa is a Pentium-based laptop released in 1996. The MP968 is different version of the same laptop that shares most in common. I have a large amount of information on this one as it was extensively documented on orphanlaptops.com back in the day. Pretty much all information on this page has been adapted from there.
These are ODM/white label laptops, meaning that Chicony sold them to different distributors who would then brand and sell them, rather than Chicony selling them directly. Being ODM laptops, these were made to be extremely configurable and upgradable.
This model was sold as/by:
- EPS Technologies
- Hi-Tech P5
- Wedge Technology ShowBIZ-5000P
- Cypress V-star
- Hitron Systems SmartBook V Star
- Others
Specifications
Scroll down for additional info on CPU support, or click on the resources link above for driver downloads and BIOS update info. These specs are direct from Chicony and apply to both the ARa and the MP968.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| CPU | CPU Type: Socket 7 Revisions V1-V5: Intel Pentium @75, 90, 100, 120, or 133MHz Revision V7: Intel Pentium @75, 90, 100, 120, 133, or 150MHz Revision V8: Intel Pentium @75, 90, 100, 120, 133, 150, 166, or 200MHz |
| Chipset | Unknown |
| RAM | Type: FPM, 2x 72pin slots Standard: 8MB Soldered Maximum: 48MB (older BIOS), 72MB (latest BIOS) |
| Hard Disk | 2.5" IDE Uses proprietary adapter?: Unknown Standard: N/A |
| Display Options | - 10.4" Active Matrix Color @800x600 - 11.3" Passive Matrix Color @800x600 - 11.3" Active Matrix Color @800x600 - 12.1" Active Matrix Color @800x600 |
| Graphics Chipset | Chips & Technologies 65545 VRAM: 1MB (ARa) or 2MB (MP968) |
| Audio | ESS AudioDrive 1688 |
| Main Battery | NiMH - Same battery as the MP975 |
| CMOS Battery | Unknown |
| Power Supply | Unknown |
| Disk Drives | Modular Bay supporting the following: - 3.5" 1.44MB Floppy Drive - CD-ROM Drive - 2nd HDD - 2nd Battery |
| PC Cards | 2x PCMCIA Slots |
| Networking | None |
| Other I/O | - 1x Parallel - 1x Serial - 1x VGA Out - 1x PS/2 - 1x Dock Connector - 1x Video Out - 1x Line In - 1x Mic In - 1x Line Out - Infrared |
| BIOS | Unknown |
| Pointing Device | TrackPad |
Mainboard Revisions and CPU information
The ARa/MP968 motherboard went through several revisions. CPU support depends on your motherboard revision. Revisions V1 through V5 support Pentium CPUs from 75 to 133MHz. Revision V7 supports 75 through 150MHz. Revision V8 supports 75 through 166MHz, and unofficially also supports 200MHz. A 200MHz CPU will not report properly in the BIOS, but will run at the correct speed. 166MHz CPUs may also report improperly on old BIOS revisions.
Determining motherboard revision
The following is direct from orphanlaptops, and may have at one point come from Chicony.
There is a switch block located on the corner of the mainboard, next to the CPU socket. Note the switch settings and possible CPU's vary by mainboard version. Use the following steps to determine your mainboard version.
Access the area under the keyboard. Note from MacDat - The keyboard is clipped in place, not screwed.
Look for a group of jumpers between the left memory socket and the LCD.
If these jumpers are NOT present, you have a V1~V5 mainboard. You should use the settings below.
If these jumpers are present, turn the computer upside down with the ports away from you.
With the CPU door removed, look at the mainboard next to the CPU socket. Look to the right side closest to you for "V8" printed on the mainboard. You may have to look on an angle, as this will be partially obstructed by the case.
If the "V8" mark is present, your version is V8
If the "V8" mark is absent, your version is V7
CPU Switch Settings
V1-V5 Revision
| 75MHz | 90MHz | 100MHz | 120MHz | 133MHz | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SW1-1 | OFF | ON | ON | ON | ON |
| SW1-2 | ON | ON | OFF | ON | ON |
| SW1-3 | OFF | OFF | ON | ON | ON |
| SW1-4 | OFF | OFF | ON | OFF | ON |
V7 Revision
| 75MHz | 90MHz | 100MHz | 120MHz | 133MHz | 150MHz | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SW1-1 | OFF | ON | ON | ON | ON | ON |
| SW1-2 | ON | ON | ON | ON | ON | OFF |
| SW1-3 | OFF | OFF | OFF | ON | ON | ON |
| SW1-4 | OFF | OFF | ON | OFF | ON | ON |
V8 Revision
| 75MHz | 90MHz | 100MHz | 120MHz | 133MHz | 150MHz | 166MHz | 200MHz | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SW1-1 | OFF | ON | ON | ON | ON | ON | ON | ON |
| SW1-2 | OFF | OFF | OFF | OFF | OFF | ON | ON | OFF |
| SW1-3 | OFF | OFF | OFF | ON | ON | ON | ON | ON |
| SW1-4 | OFF | OFF | ON | OFF | ON | OFF | ON | ON |
Resources
 Drivers & BIOS Updates |
|---|
Page last updated (MM/DD/YYYY): 12/15/2024
Update Reason: added reseller list
Have additional information on this laptop? Want to send me photos to use on the site? Send me an email: macdatnet@gmail.com
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