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FRU P/N <- ??? -> OPT P/N - MKT P/N Original page Welcome to the gender-bender, heart's in a blender side of IBM. Numbers may change over the years, due to Engineering Changers, addition of more supported machines, price changes, mere whims, whatever. So, you may find an unknown P/N that looks like it might work, but it isn't listed. Documentation of PS/2 stuff ranges from real early (1987) to very late (1995-ish), and during that time, IBM updated the P/Ns to reflect new models, updated parts, and deleted obsolete / outdated P/Ns. So, for a "missing" P/N, search the internet, ask a question on comp.sys.ibm.ps2.hardware, compare the closest match... IBM used a FRU / OPT combination, where the FRU and OPT P/Ns differed by one or two (say 53G3996 / 53G3997). Sometimes, the FRU and OPT are the same. NOTE: FAIK, IBM used every possible combination of FRU / OPT / MKT / MFR P/Ns just to confuse us. You may see one or more stickers, and the numbers may be clearly identified as "FRU"... or maybe not. Where, what is different ... FRU P/N : Field Replaceable Unit - part number (Spare Part). This is the smallest part a technician is allowed/can replace. A FRU package will be shipped without any supporting material. Examples: Ordering SIMM memory with the OPT P/N - you may receive two SIMMs (depends on machine type, e.g. 64MB SIMM OPTION memory = 2x 32MB SIMMs.) Otherwise if you use the FRU P/N, only one SIMM will be received (1x 32MB), this is because a FRU is defined for repair actions, and normally, two SIMMs at the same time will not be defect. If you order a PCMCIA modem-card and use the FRU P/N, you will not receive any cable, adapter, software and setup/installation manual with this FRU package. RULE for FRU P/Ns - a FRU-part should/cannot be used for machine/option upgrades. OPT P/N : OPTION part number. A Customer (end-user) will receive an OPTION package (OBI - Options By IBM) There is no special knowledge needed for OBI installation. A step by step, detailed instruction is included in the User's Guide. Such an OPTION-package will include: Warranty Certificate Registration sheet User's Guide Installation, setup and test instructions Software Diskette and/or CD-ROM with driver and/or software needed Hardware part(s) Mounting material - cable, bezel, screws ... MKT P/N : MARKETING part number This MKT P/N can define a MACHINE or OPTION upgrade package. There is some special knowledge needed for installation - however, installation instructions are included Such a package can include: Warranty Certificate Registration sheet Installation/test instructions Software Hardware part(s) MFG P/N : MANUFACTURE part number Such (rare) MFG P/N can not be used for parts order. (The MFG P/N is only known/used for machine production, in plant's.) |