Primax Soundstorm

The Primax Soundstorm (also known as Primax Altrasound, MusicSound and Gravis Ultrasound CD3, depending on model and region) is a Gravis Ultrasound clone sound card. Initially released in 1994, the card is fully GUS-compatible and uses Gravis's GF1 chip. Several versions of the card were released, using two distinct PCB models:


 * Primax SOUND-M16B (Primax MusicSound, also sold by Gravis themselves as the Gravis Ultrasound CD3) can be distinguished by the inclusion of 3 IDE CD interfaces (Sony, Panasonic, Mitsumi) as well as the "UltraSound compatible" marking on the PCB. FCC ID (found on top right corner of the board): IAX-AGTULTRASYS
 * Primax SOUND-M16C (Primax Soundstorm and Altrasound) can be distinguished by the inclusion of 4 IDE CD interfaces (Sony, Panasonic, Mitsumi and universal IDE) and 4 DIP-20 memory chips on the bottom left corner.

Both models are equipped with 512kB of memory and can be upgraded to a maximum of 1024kB using an additional SOJ-40 memory IC, commonly found in graphics cards of the era.

Causes

 * Loose socketed memory chips
 * Loose GAL16V8B chip
 * Corrosion/oxidation in the sockets of the memory and GAL chips

Solutions

 * Reseat the ICs
 * Clean the sockets and IC pins.

Primax Soundstorm/Altrasound (SOUND-M16C REV: 0.1)
PCB markings below ICS Gravis GF1 chip: SOUND-M16C REV: 0.1

Related Links

 * High resolution images of the M16B Rev: 0.1 board
 * High resolution images of the M16C Rev: 0.1 board