CompuServe Thread

micron p60

13 messages in this thread
#77613From: Christophe Van OyenJan 20, 1994 4:52 AM
ara, the AXP is the Alpha processor, seems to be the fastest processor around these days but does not run DOS applications but with Windows NT, this problem should gradually go away. Christophe
#77728From: ARA GREGORIANJan 20, 1994 2:37 PM
christophe: thanks for the info. i also called digital for info on AXP, they told me that it is not shipping yet, it will be sometimes in spring and that it will only work on DEC xl computers. unfortunatly their computers are very expensive and way above my budget. so for the time being i have to stick to my micron p60 choice. take care ara
#77827From: Conrad StolzeJan 20, 1994 8:57 PM
>> i also called digital for info on AXP, they told me that it is not shipping yet << That's interesting, since I have an AXP 150 in my training room!!! <BG> Or were you talking about the processor upgrade? Because the "real" AXP 150 is definitely available!
#77921From: ARA GREGORIANJan 21, 1994 1:52 AM
chuck: that is very interesting. i believe that they were probably talking about the upgrade then. how do you like your AXP. is it the 150mhz? now if you had to make a choice between two micron p60,64meg, 1gig scsi,scsi 2, viper pci, networked for r3 vs one DEC AXP 150 for r3 when NT version is out, which would it be and why. please drop me a note thanks ara
#78105From: Conrad StolzeJan 21, 1994 7:08 PM
Ara, There is one thing you are banking on here that I feel is questionable reasoning… >> one DEC AXP 150 for r3 when NT version is out << There are no "published" plans for a release on 3DS3 on NT, and AutoDesk will NEVER talk about future releases, so for right now your ONLY choice is the pentiums! Chuck
#78119From: ARA GREGORIANJan 21, 1994 8:23 PM
chuck: you are absolutely correct. listening to you and all others i have decided to go the pentum p66 route. later on i might add a DEC XL 66 to my system when thier prices come down a little. this way when and IF the NT stuff comes out i can upgrade both computers to NT base and upgrade the DEC XL to AXP. what do you think about that. thanks ara
#78170From: Conrad StolzeJan 22, 1994 12:31 AM
Ara, That sounds like a pretty positive plan! Chuck
#78177From: ARA GREGORIANJan 22, 1994 1:12 AM
right on :}) ara
#78196From: John TissavaryJan 22, 1994 5:22 AM
I don't think ARA is banking on NT, I'm the one who's considering the gamble. I think the DEC XL's are good enough machines that I'll win either way. Since I use 3DS more than any other software I have to consider future NT options a gamble, but I'm thinking of taking the chance. John Tissavary (La Luna cie)
#78366From: Conrad StolzeJan 22, 1994 11:30 PM
The beauty of the XL series is the "swappable" processors. As one can start with a Pentium system now, and fly with the Alpha later when the Apps are there!
#78401From: John TissavaryJan 23, 1994 3:10 AM
I agree. It's a powerful argument for the DEC XL's, and the main reason I'm considering them so seriously. John Tissavary (La Luna cie)
#78495From: James M. MurphyJan 23, 1994 6:29 PM
Chuck, >> As one can start with a Pentium system now, and fly with the Alpha later when the Apps are there! << I've been following this thread for some time now and just have to put my 2 cents worth in <BG>. I've been in the Computer Hardware/Software business from day one, and it's been my personal experience that _ALL_ of these so called upgradable computers are _Never_ a good deal. Now If that's not strong enough let me put is this way…… Literally every so called upgradable computer manufacturer (I'll Use ALR as an Example Here) has not been able to provide the upgrade for a "reasonable cost" as opposed to the realworld cost of purchasing the system seperatly If and When it's time finally comes. My ALR Examples would be their 286 to SX to 16bit 486 machine. That was a major Joke! The SX upgrade cost $1900 at the time exactly what you could by an entire system mail order for!!! The upgrade board cost as much as an entirely new computer without the limitations when they became readily available through regular market channels. Plus the older motherboards were not taking 100% advantage of the new technology due to changes within intel's CPU Etc! Etc! I see no reason why this wouldn't happen with the DEC/RISC machines also. If you want and need an ALPHA/NT setup in it's current configuration then go for it but do not kid yourself in to beleiving that the technology is not going to change to the point where a simple upgrade is going to give you as much "Machine" as opposed to buying the "current" state of the art. The Hardware in this business seems to change every 6 months to a year while the software takes about 18 months to catch up. FWIW I'd be more interested in beta testing the latest software as opposed to spending time and money on "upgradable" hardware. <g> "Swappable" Processors alone IMHO is no real reason to purchase hardware. You can do that now with any intel system but most folks don't because the motherboards/BIOS's and in some cases Busses are not capable of giving you the full advantage of what that chip your plugging in to the old motherboard is capable of. Like I said this is my opinion. <g> Murph'
#78501From: Conrad StolzeJan 23, 1994 6:51 PM
James, You argue a VERY strong case, and a case that I have supported for everything BUT the DEC machines. I have always "scoffed" at the Pentium P24T overdrive sockets, as you will have to throttle a 60 or 66Mhz 64-Bit chip down to operate on a 33Mhz, 32-Bit motherboard. Anyone would agree that this is not the best situation for ultimate performance. BUT, DEC has developed a processor complex scheme that when swapped offers NO performance penalties over the "native" Alpha system, since the "native" system is an XL with the Alpha processor card installed. That is, AT THIS TIME. As for the future of hardware, that is the strongest case AGAINST any upgradeable processor scheme, and only time will bear out the real answer. One thing to remember about the DEC's, they are about the best performing Pentiums around. So even if you would buy one and NEVER take advantage of the upgradeable processor, you would have to settle for a solidly-built, well-designed, and top notch performing Pentium! <BG> Hey, opinions are what builds this forum, Chuck