Minimum CPU to run software modem?

[Woodchuck2000]

Just wondering, what kinda spec is required to allow use of a software modem? Will my old P166 cope with it?

 

[Peter]

With the PCTel softmodem (on CMedia audio chip or VIA/SiS chipset integrated modem channel), I've seen 20 percent CPU load on 667 MHz VIA C3 and about 35 percent on a Cyrix MII-333. Your Pentium-166 might just so work, but it'll be no fun - there's got to be some CPU time left to do something with the incoming data ... besides, I'm quite sure that most of those modem drivers need MMX instruction set anyway.

This is a clear case of Use An External Modem That Has Its Own Brain. Legacy serial port stylee, please.

regards, Peter

 

[TheCorm]

95% of software modems do require MMX instructions and generally they recommend PII 300mhz minimum spec with 400mhz or faster recommended.

Like peter says, would be better to go for an external serial port modem.....or an internal ISA one (if you can find one!!). USB modems are primarily software based like PCI ones. There are some PCI modems out there that are more hardware based though but they will be as difficult to find as an ISA modem.

Corm

 

[Peter]

Exactly ... internal ISA modems are just a standard serial port plus the same modem stuff as in an external serial port connected modem - on one circuit board. The big plus of external ones is you can hear their speakers, and you can turn them off while you do NOT want your system to dial out.

 

[Kingofcomputer]

for 28.8K connection, P100 is ok.

 

[bozo1]

I've used software modems on P166's without problems. With a P100 and a > 33.6 connection, the processor was working a little too hard for my taste.