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AST RESEARCH, INC.        FIELD CHANGE NOTICE #0045                   02-13-91

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                         AST PREMIUM 486/33 CPU CARD


PURPOSE:            To eliminate possible system lock-up or improper operation
                    of the Premium 486/33 CPU board when running certain
                    applications or operating systems.

                    All revisions of the Premium 486/33 CPU may exhibit the
                    above problems when running programs such as IBM's OS/2
                    version 1.2, AST's OS/2 version 1.2 or trying to load
                    Novell Netware 3.0 NET$OS.EXE from the A: drive.

CAUTION:            This modification should be performed by a qualified
                    service technician.  It is strongly recommended that this
                    FCN be completed by an AST Authorized Service Center.  In
                    no case will AST Research, Inc. be liable for damages to
                    the system and its components or loss of data caused by
                    improper or faulty installation of this FCN.

PREREQUISITES:      None

TIME REQUIRED:      .5 hours

ASSEMBLIES              AST                          REVISION
AFFECTED:           PART NUMBER     DESCRIPTION       LEVEL

                    202361-004      CPU Board       B or below

STATUS              The revision level of the Premium 486/33 CPU board can be
VERIFICATION:       identified by observing the label next to the CPU board
                    (part number 202361-004).  Boards that are revision "C"
                    and above do not required this FCN.

PARTS                        AST
REQUIRED:           QTY   PART NUMBER   REV    DESCRIPTION

                     1    238065-001     A     IC (PAL)

TOOLS
REQUIRED:           Standard computer tools

DIAGNOSTICS
REQUIRED:           None

INSTALLATION        Follow the procedures outlined in the Premium 486-33
PROCEDURE:          User's Manual:

                    1.  Remove the top cover from the system.

                    2.  Remove the CPU board.

                    3.  Locate the socketed IC chip at location U51 on the CPU
                        board.

                    4.  Using a standard chip removal tool, remove the IC chip
                        (part number 107101-708 from the socket location U51
                        and replace with the new IC chip (part number
                        238065-001).

                    5.  Re-identify the CPU board to revision letter "C".

                    6.  Replace the CPU card and top cover.


CHECK-OUT           To verify proper operation of the system upon completion
PROCEDURE:          of this FCN, follow the set-up and test procedures
                    described in the AST Premium 486/33 User's Manual.