#LA-WOC A590 specs
9 messages in this thread
Steven,
RE: A590 specs
You're right that 80ms is not a particularly fast spec. Remember, though, that
it is a MAX spec and not an average spec. That could make a difference in how
you view the spec. I suspect that they chose that number just to cover
themselves, since their drive vendor could change.That way they don't have to
keep reprinting the literature.
One thing that is nice about it is the automatic PS. I can speak from personal
experience that a separate PS is kind of a pain.
It is stated that you can replace the drive with any 50 pin SCSI drive you like
(that will fit in the case, of course. 8)
David
Hey, in that case one could up it to a fast-access larger SCSI drive? That's
better news than I thought. I'm assuming PS stands for Power Supply?
Thanks for the reply in any event,
steve w. p.s. (non-automatic): could one possibly use a 64kb cache-memory
scheme with this drive to make it go even faster, a la GVP's 40Q and 80Q
drives, or would that involve an entirely different SCSI controller?
Steven,
Yes, PS stood for Power Supply in my first message. The automatic part was that
it sensed power on to the A500 and then turned itself on, rather than having to
buy a switched multiple outlet setup of some sort to get both units started at
the same time.
I'm not familiar with how GVP implements their 40Q and 80Q units with cache
memory. I would suspect that if the cache memory were on the drive's SCSI
interface that it would work. If the cache memory were part of the GVP SCSI
host adapter, then it wouldn't. Maybe somebody more familiar with the hardware
issues can respond to your question.
David
Yes, a little more complex than I thought: not clear whether SCSI is with-disk
or separate unit, etc. Oh well, it's all "academic" for me anyways, since it'll
be a long while before I can afford the A590 or any hard disk… just curious.
Thanks, sw
GVP uses the Quantum Pro-drives which all have 64k cache on the SCSI board.
GVP has an additional 4k DMA buffer on the host adapter. Transfer to the
Amiga's memory is by program loop from the 4k host adapter buffer.
Hope this helps you some.
– Don Nafis – Nazlo Associates Ltd –
Don,
Thanks for the Quantum drive – GVP info. I guess that means that the A590 would
also benefit from the Pro-drive. (Probably more than the GVP.)
David
An A590 with a Quantum Pro-drive (average access 19 ms) should show a marked
improvement. I've uploaded a file named SCSILIST.arc which contains info on a
number of other 3 1/2" drives. All in the 100+ megabyte range and all somewhat
reasonably priced.
– Don Nafis – Nazlo Associates Ltd –
Don,
Thanks for uploading the SCSILIST.arc file. I'm sure many people will
appreciate the info. 8)
Just for the record, did you upload it here or in AmigaTech?
David