Date: Mon, 02 Nov 1998 17:59:52 -0800 From: Mike Smith <mike@smith.net.au> To: obrien@NUXI.com Cc: freebsd-alpha@FreeBSD.ORG Subject: Re: Would FreeBSD/Alpha run on this hardware? Message-ID: <199811030159.RAA03075@dingo.cdrom.com> In-Reply-To: Your message of "Mon, 02 Nov 1998 16:58:57 PST." <19981102165857.A11784@nuxi.com>
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> > Would FreeBSD/Alpha run on this hardware? What x86 chip would it compare > to? If you're reading Slashdot, be sure to read the followups. In particular, you need to know: - These systems get *HOT*. They need extra cooling. - You need parity, FPM memory. This can be hard to get. - Integer performance is comparable to a P75. FP performance is comparatively good. - The VX40 (this system) is not upgradeable; other members of family are. And lastly, CPU Micromart are flogging them (using spam) because they couldn't sell them at Onsale for $45.oo each. (Which is where I bought mine. 8) However, yes, FreeBSD/alpha will run on this system, with some caveats. > http://www.cpumicromart.com/multia/index.cfm has this "system" for $99: > > Systems: > Barebones Multia > 166mhz DEC Alpha Processor, 256k Cache > Integrated Ethernet adapter (RJ45, supports 10baseT, 10base2, ThinNet) > 2 PCMCIA slots We don't support these. > Integrated SVGA Video This is a lie. The integrated video is TGA. We do not support this yet (there is work on a driver in progress). > Serial and parallel ports > PS/2 Style Keyboard and Mouse ports > 16 Bit Sound No support for this. > SCSI-2 Adapter NSR53c810. The linux weenies complain about it being slow; we probably perform better on the 810 than they do. > Floppy drive We don't support this yet. > Vertical stand for Multia case Mandatory if you wish to avoid overheating. To install on this animal you will have to use a serial console. You need a *very* recent install floppy set for this, as there was a bug until very recently that prevented syscons from giving up the console, and one fixed somewhat before that that prevented the ethernet from working. Do the firmware upgrade first; get the latest firmware from Digital. Then boot the sysinstall floppy and let 'er rip. If you want to add an Alpha for novelty value, these aren't so bad. -- \\ Sometimes you're ahead, \\ Mike Smith \\ sometimes you're behind. \\ mike@smith.net.au \\ The race is long, and in the \\ msmith@freebsd.org \\ end it's only with yourself. \\ msmith@cdrom.com To Unsubscribe: send mail to majordomo@FreeBSD.org with "unsubscribe freebsd-alpha" in the body of the message
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