diff options
author | wilko <wilko@FreeBSD.org> | 2000-01-19 23:00:37 +0000 |
---|---|---|
committer | wilko <wilko@FreeBSD.org> | 2000-01-19 23:00:37 +0000 |
commit | ba6a30dd5804d862bf2c177f61d41f44ee871dca (patch) | |
tree | 6ce5315a86000dd7c50e95aa8352e6876c08f057 | |
parent | 9f03ccf8afffb9ce149564abd7dd75e1bd943627 (diff) | |
download | FreeBSD-src-ba6a30dd5804d862bf2c177f61d41f44ee871dca.zip FreeBSD-src-ba6a30dd5804d862bf2c177f61d41f44ee871dca.tar.gz |
Only briefly going away, will re-incarnate as HARDWARE.TXT
-rw-r--r-- | release/texts/alpha/ALPHAHW.TXT | 1045 |
1 files changed, 0 insertions, 1045 deletions
diff --git a/release/texts/alpha/ALPHAHW.TXT b/release/texts/alpha/ALPHAHW.TXT deleted file mode 100644 index 9126500..0000000 --- a/release/texts/alpha/ALPHAHW.TXT +++ /dev/null @@ -1,1045 +0,0 @@ - FreeBSD/alpha Hardware Information - ================================== - -This file is maintained by Wilko Bulte <wilko@freebsd.org> - -Additions, corrections and constructive criticism are invited. In -particular information on system quirks is more than welcome. - - -Overview --------- - -This document tries to provide a starting point for those who want to start -running FreeBSD on an Alpha-based machine. It is aimed at providing -background information on the various hardware designs. It is not a -replacement for the system's manuals. - -The information is structured as follows: - -- general hardware requirements to run FreeBSD on Alpha. -- system specific information for each of the systems/boards supported - by FreeBSD/alpha. -- information on expansion boards for FreeBSD/alpha, including things - that differ from what is in the generic supported hardware list. - - -In general, what do you need to run FreeBSD/alpha? --------------------------------------------------- - -Obviously you will need an Alpha machine that FreeBSD/alpha knows about. -Alpha machines are NOT PC-architectures. There are considerable differences -between the various chip sets and mainboard designs. This means that a kernel -needs to know the intimate details of a particular machine before it can run -on it. Throwing some odd GENERIC kernel at unknown hardware is almost -guaranteed to fail miserably. - -For a machine even to be considered for FreeBSD use please make sure it has -the SRM console firmware installed. Or at least make sure that SRM console -firmware is available for this particular model. If FreeBSD does not -currently support your machine type, there is a good chance that this will -change some time, assuming there is a SRM available. - -Machines with the ARC/AlphaBIOS console firmware are intended for -WindowsNT. Some of them have SRM firmware available in the system ROMs -which you only have to select (via an ARC/AlphaBIOS menu). In other cases -you will have to re-flash the ROMs with SRM code. Check on -http://ftp.digital.com/pub/DEC/Alpha/firmware to see what is available -for your particular system. In any case: no SRM -> no FreeBSD (or NetBSD, -OpenBSD, Tru64 Unix or OpenVMS for that matter). - -As part of the SRM you will get the so called OSF/1 PAL code (OSF/1 being the -initial name of DEC's Unix offering on Alpha). The PAL code can be thought -of as a software abstraction layer between the hardware and the operating -system. It uses normal CPU instruction plus a handful of privileged -instructions specific for PAL use. PAL is not microcode by the way. -The ARC firmware contains a different PAL code, geared towards WinNT and in -no way suitable for use by FreeBSD (or more generic: Unix or OpenVMS). -Before someone asks: AlphaLinux brings it's own PAL code, allowing it to -boot. There are various reasons why this is not a very good idea in the -eyes of the *BSD folks. I don't want to go into details here. - -There is another pitfall ahead: you will need a disk adapter that the SRM -console recognizes in order to be able to boot from your disk. What is -acceptable to SRM as a boot adapter is unfortunately system / SRM version -dependent. For older PCI based machines this means you will need either -a NCR/Symbios 53C810 based adapter, or a Qlogic 1020/1040 based adapter. -Some machines come with a SCSI chip embedded on the -mainboard. Newer machine designs and SRM versions will be able to work with -later SCSI chips/adapters. Check out the machine specific info below. - -The problem might bite those who have machines that started their lives as -WinNT boxes. The ARC/AlphaBIOS knows about *other* adapter types that it -can boot from than the SRM. For example you can boot from an Adaptec 2940UW -with ARC but not with SRM. - -Some adapters that cannot be booted from work fine for data-only disks -(e.g. Adaptec 2940x boards). The differences between SRM and ARC could also -get you pre-packaged IDE CDROMs and hard drives in some (former NT) systems. -SRM versions versions exist (depends on the mainboard) that can also boot -from IDE disks. - -FreeBSD/alpha 4.0 and later can be booted from the distribution CDROM. -Earlier versions needed booting from a 2 floppy set. - -If you don't have/want a local disk drive you can boot via the Ethernet. -This assumes a Ethernet adapter/chip that is recognized by the SRM. -Generally speaking this boils down to either a 21040 or 21142 or 21143 -based Ethernet interface. Older machines / SRM versions may not recognize -the 21142 / 21143 Fast Ethernet chips, you are limited to using 10Mbit -Ethernet for net booting those machines. Non-DEC cards based on said chips will -generally (but are not guaranteed to) work. Note that Intel took over the -21x4x chips when it bought Digital Semiconductor. So you might see an Intel -logo on them these days. - -Alpha machines can be run with SRM on a graphics console or on -a serial console. ARC does can be run on a serial consoles if need be. VT100 -with 8 bit controls should at least allow you to switch from ARC to SRM -mode. - -If you want to run your Alpha without a monitor/graphics card -just don't connect a keyboard/mouse to the machine. Instead hook -up a serial terminal[emulator] to serial port #1. The SRM will -talk 9600N81 to you. This can be really practical for debugging purposes. - -Most PCI based Alphas can use ordinary PC-type VGA cards. The SRM contains -enough smarts to make that work. It does not, however, mean that each and -every PCI VGA card out on the street will work in an Alpha machine. Things -like S3 Trio64 generally work. But ask around first before buying. - -Most PCI devices from the PC-world will also work in FreeBSD/alpha PCI-based -machines. Check the /sys/alpha/conf/GENERIC file for the latest word on -this. - -Currently all parallel ports do not work on FreeBSD/alpha. The driver needs -work to make this happen. - -For Alpha CPUs you will find multiple versions. The original Alpha -design is the 21064. It was produced in a chip baking process called MOS4, -chips made in this process are nicknamed EV4. Newer CPUs are 21164, 21264 -etc. You will see designations like EV4S, EV45, EV5, EV56, EV6, EV67. -The higher the EV number the more desirable (read: faster / more modern). - -For memory you want at least 32 Mbytes. I have had FreeBSD/alpha run on a -16 Mbyte system but you will not like that. Kernel build times halved when -going to 32 Mbytes. Note that the SRM steals 2Mbyte from the total system -memory (and keeps it). For more serious use >= 64Mbyte is recommended. - -While on the subject of memory: pay close attention to the type of memory -your machine uses. There are very different memory configurations and -requirements for the various machines. - -Final word: I expect the above to sound a bit daunting to the first-time -Alpha user. Don't be daunted too much. And do feel free to ask questions. - - -System specific information ---------------------------- - -Below is an overview of the hardware that FreeBSD/alpha runs on. -This list is bound to grow, a look in /sys/alpha/conf/GENERIC -can be enlightening. Alpha machines are often best known by their project -code name, when known these are listed below in (). - -* -* AXPpci33 ("NoName") -* -The NoName is a baby-AT mainboard based on the 21066 LCA (Low Cost Alpha) -processor. It was originally designed for OEM-use. The LCA chip includes -almost all of the logic to drive a PCI bus and the memory subsystem. -All of this makes for a low-priced design. - -Due to the limited memory interface the system is not particularly -fast in case of cache misses. As long as you stay inside the on-chip cache -the CPU is comparable to a 21064 (first generation Alpha). These boards -should be very cheap to obtain these days (even here in the Netherlands -they were sold new for US$ 25). - -Features: -- 21066 Alpha CPU at 166/233MHz - (21068 CPUs are also possible, but are even slower. Never seen/used one) -- memory bus: 64 bits -- on-board Bcache / L2 cache: 0, 256k or 1Mbyte (uses DIL chips) -- PS/2 mouse & keyboard port OR 5pin DIN keyboard (2 mainboard models) -- memory: PS/2 style 72 pin 36 bit Fast Page Mode SIMMs, - 70ns or better, - installed in pairs of 2, - 4 SIMM sockets - uses ECC -- 512kB Flash ROM for the console code. -- 2x 16550A serial ports, 1x parallel port, floppy interface -- 1x embedded IDE interface -- expansion: 3 32 bit PCI slots (1 shared with ISA) - 5 ISA slots (1 shared with PCI) -- embedded Fast SCSI using a NCR/Symbios 53C810 chip - -SRM: -NoName's can either have SRM *or* ARC console firmware in their Flash ROM. -The Flash ROM is not big enough to hold both ARC and SRM at the same time -and allow software selection of alternate console code. But you need -SRM only anyway. - -Cache: -Cache for the NoNames are 15 or 20ns DIL chips. For a 256kByte cache you -want to check your junked 486 mainboard. Chips for a 1Mbyte cache are a rarer -breed unfortunately. Getting at least a 256kByte cache is recommended -performance wise. Cache-less they are really slow. - -Power: -The NoName mainboard has a PC/AT-standard power connector. It also has -a power connector for 3.3 Volts. No need to rush out to get -a new power supply. The 3.3 Volts is only needed in case you run 3.3 Volts -PCI expansion boards. - -IDE: -The SRM cannot boot from IDE disks. A SRM 'show device' does not include -the IDE. FreeBSD does not 'see' the IDE interface either. -Use the embedded NCR/Symbios SCSI interface instead. - -Memory: -Make sure you use true 36 bit SIMMs, and only FPM (Fast Page Mode). EDO RAM -or SIMMs with fake parity *will not work* (the board uses the 4 extra bits -for ECC!). 33 bit FPM SIMMs will for the same reason not work either. - -Keyboard/mouse: -Given the choice, get the PS/2-variant mainboard. Apart from giving you a -mouse port as bonus it is directly supported by Tru64 Unix in case you ever -want/need to run it. The "DIN-plug"-variant should work OK for FreeBSD. - -The OEM manual is recommended reading. If you did not get one with your -system/board send me email, I have a Postscript copy. - -The kernel configuration file for a NoName kernel must contain: - options DEC_AXPPCI_33 - cpu EV4 - - -* -* Universal Desktop Box (UDB or "Multia") -* - -Note: Multia can be either Intel or Alpha CPU based. We assume Alpha based - ones here for obvious reasons. - -Multia is a very compact 21066 based box, roughly 40cm square and 8 cm thick. - -It has a small 2.5" SCSI disk of 340Mbyte or so. Fortunately there is -an external high density 50pin SCSI connector to hookup something bigger. - -It has an embedded 10Mbit Ethernet interface. There is only one PCI slot -for expansion, and only for a small PCI card too. The socketed CPU is -either 166 or 233 MHz. It comes with a TGA based graphics on-board. -The 3.5" floppy drive is a very compact laptop variant. - -Note: most the discussion of the NoName applies to Multia too. - -Hot: -Multias are somewhat notorious for dying of heat strokes. The very compact -box does not really allow cooling air access very well. Please use the -Multia on it's vertical stand, don't put it horizontally ('pizza style'). -Replacing the fan with something which pushes around more air is -wholeheartedly recommended. - -SCSI: -In case you want to change the internal hard drive: the internal flat cable -running from the PCI riser board to the 2.5" (!!) hard drive has a finer pitch -than the standard SCSI flat cables. Otherwise it would not fit on the 2.5" -drives. I recommend against trying to cram another hard disk inside. Use the -external SCSI connector and put your disk in an external enclosure. The run -hot enough as-is. - -The kernel configuration file for a Multia kernel must contain: - options DEC_AXPPCI_33 - cpu EV4 - - -* -* Personal Workstation ("Miata") -* - -The Miata is a small tower machine intended to be put under a desk. There -are multiple Miata variants. The original Miata is the MX5 model. Because -it suffers from a number of hardware design flaws a redesign was performed, -yielding the MiataGL. Unfortunately the boxes are quite indistinguishable. -An easy check is to see if the back of the machine sports two -USB connectors. If yes, it is a MiataGL. - -System designations look like "Personal Workstation 433a". This means -it has a 433 MHz CPU, and started life as a WinNT workstation -(the trailing 'a'). Systems designated from day 1 to run Tru64 -Unix or OpenVMS will sport '433au'. WinNT-Miata's are likely -to come pre-configured with an IDE CDROM drive. There was also a Miata model -with a special cooling system by Kryotech. This one has a different -enclosure. - -Features: - -- 21164A EV56 Alpha CPU, at 433, 500 or 600MHz -- 21174 Core Logic ("Pyxis") chip set -- on-board Bcache / L3 cache: 0, 2, 4Mbyte (uses a cache module) -- memory bus: 128 bits wide, ECC protected -- memory: Miata uses unbuffered SDRAMs, - installed in pairs of 2, - 6 DIMM sockets -- on-board Fast Ethernet based on: - - MX5 uses a 21142 or 21143 Ethernet chip dependent on the version of the - PCI riser card, - - MiataGL has a 21143 chip) - the bulkhead can be 10/100 UTP, or 10 UTP/BNC. -- 2x on-board [E]IDE based on: - - MX5: CMD 646 - - MiataGL: Cypress 82C693 -- 1x Ultra-Wide SCSI Qlogic 1040 [MiataGL only] -- expansion: 2 64-bit PCI slots - 3 32-bit PCI slots (behind a DEC PCI-PCI bridge chip) - 3 ISA slots (physically shared with the 32 bit PCI slots, via - a Intel 82378IB PCI to ISA bridge chip) -- 2x 16550A serial port -- 1x parallel port -- PS/2 keyboard & mouse port -- USB interface [MiataGL only] -- embedded sound based on a ESS1888 chip - -CPU mainboard and PCI 'riser' board: -the Miata is divided into two printed circuit boards. -The lower board in the bottom of the machine has the PCI -and ISA slots and things like the sound chip etc. The top board -has the CPU, the Pyxis chip, memory etc. Note that MX5 and the MiataGL use -a different PCI riser board. This means that you cannot just upgrade to -a MiataGL CPU board (with the newer Pyxis chip) but that you will also need -a different riser board. Apparently an MX5 riser with a MiataGL CPU board -will work but it is definitely not a supported or tested configuration. -Everything else (cabinet, wiring etc etc) is identical for MX5 and MiataGL. - -DMA bug: -MX5 has problems with DMA via the 2 64-bit PCI slots when this DMA -crosses a page boundary. The 32bit slots don't have this problem because the -PCI-PCI bridge chip does not allow the offending transfers. The SRM code -knows about the problem and refuses to start the system if there is a PCI -card in one of the 64bit slots that it does not know about. Cards that are -'known good' to the SRM are allowed to be used in the 64bit slots. - -If you want to fool the SRM you can type "set pci_device_override" at -the >>> SRM prompt. Just don't complain if your data mysteriously gets mangled. -The complete command is: - - set pci_device_override <vendor_id><device_id> - e.g. set pci_device_override 88c15333 - -The kernel reports it when it sees a buggy Pyxis chip: -Sep 16 18:39:43 miata /kernel: cia0: Pyxis, pass 1 -Sep 16 18:39:43 miata /kernel: cia0: extended capabilities: 1<BWEN> -Sep 16 18:39:43 miata /kernel: cia0: WARNING: Pyxis pass 1 DMA bug; no -bets... - -A MiataGL probes as: -Jan 3 12:22:32 miata /kernel: cia0: Pyxis, pass 1 -Jan 3 12:22:32 miata /kernel: cia0: extended capabilities: 1<BWEN> -Jan 3 12:22:32 miata /kernel: pcib0: <2117x PCI host bus adapter> on cia0 - -MiataGL does not have the DMA problems of the MX5. PCI cards that make -the MX5 SRM choke when installed in the 64bit slots are accepted without -problems by the MiataGL SRM. - -The latest mainboard revisions of MX5 contain a hardware workaround for the -bug. The SRM does not know about the ECO and will complain about unknown cards -just like before. The same applies to the FreeBSD kernel by the way. - -EIDE: -The Miata SRM can boot from IDE CDROM drives. It is also known to work for -MiataGL with hard disks, so you can root FreeBSD from an IDE disk. DMA is -not currently working so speed is not optimal. Boot-ability of EIDE on MX5 is -currently unknown. - -PCI-PCI bridge: -The MiataGL has a faster PCI-PCI bridge chip on the PCI riser card than -some of the MX5 riser card versions. Some of the MX5 risers have the *same* -chip as the MiataGL (are you still with me? ;-) - -Sound: -both MX5 and MiataGL have an onboard sound chip, an ESS1888. -I have yet to see/hear it work on my MiataGL. But it is being worked on. - -Cache: -in case your Miata has the optional cache board installed make sure -it is firmly seated. A slightly loose cache has been observed to cause -weird crashes (not surprising obviously, but maybe not so obvious when -troubleshooting). The cache module is identical between MX5 and MiataGL. - -Installing a cache module achieves, apart from a 10-15% speed increase (based -on buildworld elapsed time), a *decrease* for PCI DMA read bandwidth from -64bit PCI cards. A benchmark on a 64-bit Myrinet card resulted in a decrease -from 149 Mb/sec to 115 Mb/sec. Something to keep in mind when doing really -high speed things with 64 bit PCI adapters. - -USB: -Does not currently seem to work on FreeBSD/alpha judging from the kernel -probe messages. - -Power: -disconnect the powercord before dismantling the machine, the soft-power -switch keeps part of the logic powered even when the machine is switched -off. - -The kernel configuration file for a Miata kernel must contain: - options DEC_ST550 - cpu EV5 - -* -* DEC3000 family (the "Bird" machines) -* - -The DEC3000 series were among the first Alpha machines ever produced. They -are based on an I/O bus called the Turbo Channel (TC) bus. These -machines are built like tanks (watch your back). - -DEC3000 can be subdivided in DEC3000/500-class and DEC3000/300-class. -The DEC3000/500-class is the early high-end workstation/server Alpha family. -Servers use serial consoles, workstations have graphics tubes. -DEC3000/300-class is the lower-cost workstation class. - -DEC3000/500-class are quite fast (considering their age) thanks to the -good memory design. DEC3000/300 is crippled compared to DEC3000/500 because -of it's much narrower memory bus. - -They are called 'Birds' because their internal DEC codenames were bird -names: - - DEC3000/400 'Sandpiper' 133MHz CPU, desktop - DEC3000/500 'Flamingo' 150MHz CPU, floor standing - DEC3000/500X 'Hot Pink' 200MHz CPU, floor standing - DEC3000/600 175MHz CPU, desktop - DEC3000/700, 225MHz CPU, floor standing - DEC3000/800, 200MHz CPU, floor standing - DEC3000/900, 275MHz CPU, floor standing - - DEC3000/300 'Pelican' 150MHz CPU, desktop, 2 TC slots - DEC3000/300X 175MHz CPU, desktop, 2 TC slots - DEC3000/300LX 125MHz CPU, desktop, 2 TC slots - DEC3000/300L 100MHz CPU, desktop, no TC slots - - -Features: -- 21064 CPU (100 to 200 MHz) - 21064A CPU (225 to 275 MHz) -- memory bus: 256 bit, with ECC [DEC3000/500-class] - 64 bit, with ECC [DEC3000/300-class] -- memory: - proprietary 100pin SIMMs - installed in sets of 8 [DEC3000/500-class] - - PS/2 style 72pin 36 bit FPM SIMMs, 70ns or better - used in pairs of 2 [DEC3000/300-class] -- Bcache / L2 cache: varying sizes, 512 kB to 2 Mbyte -- built-in 10Mbit Ethernet based on a Lance 7990 chip, AUI and UTP -- one or two SCSI buses based on a NCR53C94 or a NCR53CF94-2 chip -- 2 serial ports based on Zilog 8530 (one usable as a serial console) -- embedded ISDN interface -- on-board 8 bit sound -- 8 bit graphics on-board [some models] or via a TC card [some other models] - -SCSI: -Currently DEC3000 machines can only be used diskless on FreeBSD/alpha. The -reason for this is that the SCSI drivers needed for the TC SCSI adapters -were not brought into CAM that the current FreeBSD versions use. TC option -cards for single (PMAZ-A?) or dual fast SCSI (PMAZC-AA) are also available. -And currently have no drivers n FreeBSD either. - -DEC3000/300 has 5Mbytes/sec SCSI on-board. This bus is used for both internal -and external devices. DEC3000/500 has 2 SCSI buses. One is for internal -devices only, the other one is for external devices only. - -ISDN interface: -does not work on FreeBSD (to be honest I don't think there is any -operating system, including Tru64 Unix, that can use it). - -Memory: -DEC3000/300-class uses standard 36 bit, 72 pin Fast Page Mode SIMMs. -EDO SIMMs, 32 or 33 bit SIMMs all will not work in Pelicans. -For 32Mbyte SIMMs to work on the DEC3000/300-class the presence detect -bits/pins of the SIMM must correspond to what the machine expects. If they -don't, the SIMM is 'seen' as a 8 Mbyte SIMM. 8 Mbyte and 32 Mbyte SIMMs can -be mixed, as long as the pairs themselves are identical. - -DEC3000/500-class can use 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32Mbyte 100pin SIMMs. -Note that the maximum memory size varies from system to system, -desktop machines have sacrificed box size for less memory SIMM sockets. -Given enough sockets and enough SIMMs you can get to 512Mbytes maximum. -This is one of the main differences between floor standing and desktop -machines, the latter have much less SIMM sockets. - -Sound: -is not supported on any of the Birds. - -Graphics: -The is no X-Windows version available for the TC machines. -DEC3000/300 needs a serial console. DEC3000/500-class might -work with a graphical console. I ran mine with a serial console so I cannot -verify this. - -Birds can be obtained from surplus sales etc. As they are not PCI -based they are no longer actively maintained. TC expansion boards can -be difficult to obtain these days and support for them is not too good -unless you write/debug the code yourself. Programming information for TC -boards is hard to find. Birds are recommended only if a. you can get them -cheap and b. if you prepared to work on the code to support them better. - -For the DEC3000/[4-9]00 series machines the kernel config file must -contain: - options DEC_3000_500 - cpu EV4 - -For the DEC3000/300 ("Pelican") machines the kernel config file must -contain: - options DEC_3000_300 - cpu EV4 - -* -*Evaluation Board 64plus ("EB64+"), Aspen Alpine -* - -In it's attempts to popularize the Alpha CPU DEC produced a number of so -called Evaluation Boards. The EB64+ family boards have the following feature -set: - -- 21064 or 21064A CPU, 150 to 275MHz -- memory bus: 128 bit -- memory: PS/2 style 72 pin 33 bit Fast Page Mode SIMMs, - 70ns or better, - installed in sets of 4, - 8 SIMM sockets - uses parity -- Bcache / L2 cache: 512 kByte, 1 Mbyte or 2 Mbyte -- 21072 ("APECS") chip set -- Intel 82378ZB PCI to ISA bridge chip ('Saturn') -- dual 16550A serial ports -- NCR/Symbios 53C810 Fast-SCSI -- embedded 10Mbit Ethernet -- 2 PCI slots -- 3 ISA slots - -Aspen Alpine: -Aspen Alpine is slightly different, but is close enough to the EB64+ to -run an EB64+ SRM EPROM (mine does..). The Aspen Alpine does not have -an embedded Ethernet, has 3 instead of 2 PCI slots. It comes with 2 Mbytes -of cache already soldered onto the mainboard. It has jumpers to select -the use of 60, 70 or 80ns SIMM speeds. - -Memory: -36 bits SIMMs work fine, 3 bits simply remain unused. - -SRM: -The SRM console code is housed in an UV-erasable EPROM. No easy flash SRM -upgrades for the EB64+ The latest SRM version available for EB64+ is quite -ancient anyway. - -SCSI: -The EB64+ SRM can boot both 53C810 and Qlogic1040 SCSI adapters. Pitfall for -the Qlogic is that the firmware that is downloaded by the SRM onto the -Qlogic chip is very old. There are no updates for the EB64+ SRM available. -So you are stuck with old Qlogic bits too. I have had quite some problems -when I wanted to use Ultra-SCSI drives on the Alpine/Qlogic. The -FreeBSD/alpha kernel can be compiled to include a much newer Qlogic firmware -revision. This is not the default because it adds hundreds of kBytes worth -of bloat to the kernel. All of this might mean that you need to use a -non-Qlogic adapter to boot from. - -For the EB64+ class machines the kernel config file must contain: - options DEC_EB64PLUS - cpu EV4 - -* -* Evaluation Board 164 ("EB164, PC164, PC164LX, PC164SX") family -* - -EB164 is a newer design evaluation board, based on the 21164A CPU. This -design has been used to 'spin off' multiple variations, some of which are -used by OEM manufacturers/assembly shops. Samsung did it's own PC164LX -which has only 32 bit PCI, whereas the DEC variant has 64 bit PCI. - -Features: -- 21164A, multiple speed variants [EB164, PC164, PC164LX] - 21164PC [only on PC164SX] -- 21174 ("CIA") chip set -- Bcache / L3 cache: ? -- memory bus: 128 bit / 256 bit -- memory: PS/2 style SIMMs in sets of 4 or 8, - 36 bit, Fast Page Mode, uses ECC, [EB164 and PC164] - SDRAM DIMMs in sets of 2, uses ECC [PC164SX and PC164LX] -- dual 16550A serial ports -- PS/2 style keyboard & mouse -- floppy controller -- parallel port -- 32 bits PCI -- 64 bits PCI [some models] -- ISA slots via an Intel 82378ZB PCI to ISA bridge chip - -Memory: -Using 8 SIMMs for a 256bit wide memory can yield interesting speedups over -a 4 SIMM/128bit wide memory. Obviously all 8 SIMMs must be of the same type -to make this work. The system must be explicitly setup to use the -8 SIMM memory arrangement. You must have 8 SIMMs, 4 SIMMs distributed -over 2 banks does not work. - -SCSI: -The SRM can boot from Qlogic 10xx boards or the NCR/Symbios 53C810. -53C825[a] will also work as boot adapter. Diamond FirePort, although -based on Symbios chips, are not bootable by the PC164SX SRM. -PC164SX is reported to boot fine with an NCR875 based card. - -SRM quirks: -PC164 the SRM sometimes seems to loose it's variable settings. -"For PC164's, current superstition says that, to avoid losing settings, -you want to first downgrade to SRM 4.x and then upgrade to a 5.x" - -On PC164SX the AlphaBIOS allows you a selection to select 'SRM' to -be used as console on the next power up. This selection does not appear to -have any effect. In other words, you will get to the AlphaBIOS regardless -of what you select. The fix is to reflash the console ROM with the SRM -code for PC164SX. This will overwrite the AlphaBIOS and will get you the -SRM console you desire. The SRM code can be found on the Compaq Web site. - -IDE: -PC164 can boot from IDE disks assuming your SRM version is recent enough. - -Samsung PC164UX: -Whether FreeBSD/alpha runs on this board is unknown. Please let me know if -it does. - -For the EB164 class machines the kernel config file must contain: - options DEC_EB164 - cpu EV5 - - -* -* AlphaStation 200 ("Mustang") and 400 ("Avanti") series -* - -The Digital AlphaStation 200 and 400 series systems are early PCI based -workstations for the lower end. The 200 series is a desktop box, the 400 -series is a deskside mini-tower. - -Features: -- 21064 or 21064A CPU -- DECchip 21071-AA (core logic chipset) consisting of: - Cache/memory controller (one 21071-CA chip) - PCI interface (one 21071-DA chip) - Data path (two 21071-BA chips) -- Bcache / L2 cache: 512 Kbytes -- memory bus: 64 bit -- memory: 8 to 384 MBytes of RAM, - 70 ns or better Fast Page DRAM, - in three pairs - uses parity -- PS/2 keyboard and mouse port -- two 16550 serial ports -- parallel port -- floppy disk interface -- 32 bit PCI expansion slots (3 for 400 series, 2 for 200 series) -- ISA expansion slots (4 for 400 series, 2 for 200 series) - (some ISA/PCI slots are physically shared) -- embedded 21040-based Ethernet (200 series only) -- embedded NCR/Symbios 53c810 Fast SCSI-2 chip -- Intel 82378IB ("Saturn") PCI-ISA bridge chip -- graphics is embedded TGA or PCI VGA (model dependent) -- 16 bit sound (on 200 series) - -Memory: -the system uses parity memory SIMMs, but it does not need 36 bit wide SIMMs. -33 bit wide SIMMs are sufficient, 36 bit SIMMs are acceptable too. EDO or 32 -bit SIMMs will not work. 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64 Mbyte SIMMs are supported. - -Sound: -the sound interface is not supported by FreeBSD. - -SCSI: -AlphaStation 200 series has an automatic SCSI terminator. This means that as -soon as you plug a cable onto the external SCSI connector the internal -terminator of the system is disabled. It also means that you should not -leave unterminated cables plugged into the machine. - -AlphaStation 400 series have an SRM variable that controls termination. In -case you have external SCSI devices connected you must set this SRM -variable using: "set control_scsi_term external". If only internal SCSI devices -are present use: "set control_scsi_term internal" - -For the AlphaStation-[24]00 machines the kernel config file must contain: - options DEC_2100_A50 - cpu EV4 - - -* -* AlphaStation 500 and 600 -* -AS500 and 600 were the high-end EV5 / PCI based workstations. EV6 based -machines have in the meantime taken their place as front runners. AS500 is -a desktop in a dark blue case (TopGun blue), AS600 is a sturdy deskside box. -AS600 has a nice LCD panel to observe the early stages of SRM startup. - -Features: -- 21164 EV5 CPU at 333, 400 or 500 MHz (AS500) - at 266 or 300 MHz (AS600) -- 21171 ("CIA") or 21172 ("CIA2") core logic chipset -- cache: 2 or 4 Mb L3 / Bcache (AS600 at 266 MHz) - 4 Mb L3 / Bcache (AS600 at 300 MHz) - 2 or 8 Mb L3 / Bcache (8 Mb on 500 MHz version only) - 2 to 16 Mb L3 / Bcache (AS600; 3 cache-SIMM slots) -- memory bus: 256 bits, uses ECC -- memory: AS500: industry standard 8 byte wide DIMMs - 8 DIMM slots - installed in sets of 4, - maximum memory is 1 Gb (512Mb max on 333 MHz CPUs) - uses ECC - AS600: industry standard 36 bit Fast Page Mode SIMMs - 32 SIMM slots, - installed in sets of 8, - maximum memory is 1 Gb - uses ECC -- Qlogic 1020 based wide SCSI bus (1 bus/chip for AS500, 2 for AS600) -- 21040 based 10 Mbit Ethernet adapter with both Thinwire and UTP connectors -- expansion: AS500: 3 32-bit PCI slots - 1 64-bit PCI slot - AS600: 2 32-bit PCI slot - 3 64-bit PCI slots - 1 PCI/EISA physically shared slot - 3 EISA slots - 1 PCI and 1 EISA slot are occupied by default -- 21050 PCI-to-PCI bridge chip -- Intel 82375EB PCI-EISA bridge (AS600 only) -- 2 16550A serial ports -- 1 parallel port -- 16 bit audio Windows Sound System, - in dedicated slot (AS500) - in EISA slot (AS600, this is an ISA card) -- PS/2 keyboard and mouse port - -SCSI: -Early machines had Fast SCSI interfaces, later ones are Ultra SCSI capable. -AS500 shares it's single SCSI bus with internal and external devices. For a -Fast SCSI bus you are limited to 1.8 meters bus length external to the box. -+++ This is what some DEC docs suggest. Did they ever go Ultra? - -AS600 has one Qlogic chip dedicated to the internal devices whereas the -other one is dedicated to external SCSI devices. - -Memory: -In AS500 DIMMs are installed in sets of 4, in 'physically interleaved' -layout. So, a bank of 4 DIMMs is *not* 4 adjacent DIMMs! - -In AS600 the memory SIMMs are placed onto two memory daughter cards. SIMMs -are installed in sets of 8. Both memory daughter cards must be populated -identical. - -PCI: -AS600 has a peculiarity for it's PCI slots. AS600 (or rather the PCI -expansion card containing the SCSI adapters) does not allow I/O port -mapping, therefore all devices behind it must use memory mapping. -If you have problems getting the SCSI adapters to work, add the following -option to /boot/loader.rc: - - set isp_mem_map=0xff - -This may need to be typed at the boot loader prompt before booting the -installation kernel. - -For the AlphaStation-[56]00 machines the kernel config file must contain: - options DEC_KN20AA - cpu EV5 - -* -* AlphaServer 1000 ("Mikasa"), 1000A ("Noritake") and 800 -* -The AlphaServer range of machines are aimed as departmental servers. They -come in quite some variations in packaging and mainboard/cpu. Generally -speaking there are 21064 (EV4) CPU based machines and 21164 (EV5) based -ones. The CPU is on a daughter card, and the type of CPU (EV4 or EV5) must -match the mainboard in use. AlphaServer 800 is a much smaller mini tower -case, it lacks the StorageWorks SCSI hot-plug chassis. The main difference -between AS1000 and AS1000A is that AS1000A has 7 PCI slots whereas AS1000 -only has 3 PCI slots and has EISA slots instead. - -Features: -- 21064 EV4 CPU at 200, 233 or 266 MHz - 21164 EV5 CPU at 300, 333 or 400 MHz (or 500 MHz for AS800 only) -- cache: -- memory bus: 128 bit with ECC -- memory: - AS1000[A]-systems: - Use 72pin 36 bit Fast Page Mode SIMMs, 70ns or better - 16 or 20 SIMM slots - max memory is 1 Gb - uses ECC - AS800: - Uses SDRAM DIMMs. -- embedded VGA (on some mainboard models) -- expansion: - 3 PCI, 2 EISA, 1 64-bit PCI/EISA combo (AS800) - 7 PCI, 2 EISA (AS1000A) - 3 PCI, 6 ???+++ EISA (AS1000) - -Box: -AS1000 based machines come in multiple boxes. Floor standing, rackmount, -with or without StorageWorks SCSI chassis etc. The electronics are the -same. - -Memory: - AS1000-systems: - All EV4 based machines use standard PS/2 style 36 bit 72pin SIMMs in sets of - 5. The fifth SIMM is used for ECC. - All EV5 based machines use standard PS/2 style 36 bit 72pin SIMMs in sets of - 4. The ECC is done based on the 4 extra bits per SIMM (4 bits out of 36). - The EV5 mainboards have 16 SIMM slots, the EV4 mainboards have 20 slots. - - AS800: - Uses DIMMs in sets of 4. DIMM installation must start in slots marked - bank 0. A bank is four physically adjacent slots. The biggest size DIMMs - must be installed in bank 0 in case 2 banks of different DIMM sizes are - used. Max memory size is 2Gb. - -SCSI: -For AS800 you want to check if your Ultra-Wide SCSI is indeed in Ultra mode. -This can be done using the EEROMCFG.EXE utility that is on the Firmware -Upgrade CDROM. - -For the AlphaServer1000/1000A/800 machines the kernel config file must contain: - options DEC_1000A - cpu EV4 # depends on model CPU installed - cpu EV5 # depends on model CPU installed - -* -* DS10/VS10/XP900 ("Webbrick") / XP1000 ("Monet") -* -Webbrick and Monet are high performance workstations/servers based on the -EV6 CPU and the Tsunami chipset. Tsunami is also used in much higher-end -systems and as such has plenty of performance to offer. DS10, VS10 and XP900 -are different names for essentially the same system. The difference are the -software and options that are supported. - -Monet has, by 1999 standards, *stunning* (the words of a satisfied -user) memory and I/O system bandwidth. - -** Webbrick - -Features: -- 21264 EV6 CPU at 466 MHz -- L2 / Bcache: 4MB -- memory bus: 128 bit via crossbar -- memory: industry standard 200 pin 83 MHz buffered ECC SDRAM DIMMs - 4 DIMM slots - installed in pairs of 2 - max memory is 2Gb -- 21271 Core Logic chipset ("Tsunami") -- 2 on-board 21143 Fast Ethernet controllers -- AcerLabs M5237 (Aladdin-V) USB controller -- AcerLabs M1533 PCI-ISA bridge -- AcerLabs Aladdin ATA-33 controller -- embedded dual EIDE -- expansion: 3 64-bit PCI slots - 1 32-bit PCI slots -- 2x 16550A serial ports -- 1x parallel port -- 2x USB -- PS/2 keyboard & mouse port - -Power: -The system has a smart power controller. This means that parts of the system -remain powered when it is switched off (like an ATX-style PC power supply). -Before servicing the machine remove the power cord. - -Case: -Webbrick is shipped in a desktop-style case similar to the older 21164 -"Maverick" workstations but which offers much better access to -components. If you intend to build a farm you can rackmount them in a 19" -rack. - -Memory: -DS10 has 4 DIMM slots. DIMMs are installed as pairs. Please note that -DIMM pairs are not installed in adjacent DIMM sockets but rather physically -interleaved. - -EIDE: -The base model comes with a FUJITSU 9.5GB ATA disk as its boot device. -FreeBSD/alpha works just fine using EIDE disks on Webbrick. - -USB: -whether this works on FreeBSD on DS10 is as yet unknown. - -The kernel config file must contain: - options DEC_ST6600 -Contrary to expectation there is no 'cpu EV6' defined for inclusion in the -kernel config file. A 'cpu EV5' is mandatory to keep config(8) happy. - -** Monet - -Features: -- 21264 EV6 at 500 MHz - 21264 EV67 at 500 or 667 MHz -- L2 / Bcache: 4MB -- memory bus: 256 bit -- memory: 128 or 256Mb 100 MHz (PC100) registered ECC SDRAM DIMMs -- 21271 Core Logic chip-set ("Tsunami") -- 1 on-board 21143 Ethernet controller -- Cypress 82C693 USB controller -- Cypress 82C693 PCI-ISA bridge -- Cypress 82C693 controller -- expansion: 2 independent PCI buses (called hoses) - hose 0: (the upper 3 slots) - 2 64-bit PCI slots - 1 32-bit PCI slot - hose 1: (the bottom 2 slots) - 2 32-bit PCI slots (behind a PCI-PCI bridge) - 2 of the 64-bit PCI slots are for full-length cards - all of the 32-bit PCI slots are for short cards - 1 of the 32-bit PCI slots is physically shared with an ISA slot -- 1x Ultra-Wide SCSI port based on a Qlogic 1040 chip -- 2x 16550A serial port -- 1x parallel port -- PS/2 keyboard & mouse port -- embedded 16-bit ESS ES1888 sound chip -- 2x USB -- graphics options: ELSA Gloria Synergy or DEC/Compaq PowerStorm 3D - accelerator cards - -Case: -Monet is housed in a mini-tower like enclosure quite similar to the Miata -box. - -Memory: -For 500 MHz CPUs 83 MHz DIMMs will do. DIMMs are installed in sets of 4, -starting with the DIMM slots marked '0'. Memory capacity is max 4Gb. -DIMMs are installed 'physically interleaved', note the markings of the -slots. - -EIDE: -Is usable / bootable for system disk so FreeBSD can be rooted on an EIDE -disk. - -Expansion: -Don't try to use NCR/Symbios-chip based SCSI adapters in the PCI slots -connected to hose 1. There is a not-yet-found FreeBSD bug that prevents this -from working correctly. - -Sound: -The sound chip is not currently supported with FreeBSD. There is work in -progress in this area. - -The kernel config file must contain: - options DEC_ST6600 -Contrary to expectation there is no 'cpu EV6' defined for inclusion in the -kernel config file. A 'cpu EV5' is mandatory to keep config(8) happy. - -** DS20/DS20E ("Goldrush" ?): - -Features: -- 21264 EV6 CPU at 500 or 600 MHz -- dual CPU capable machine -- L2 / Bcache: 4 Mbytes per CPU -- memory bus: 256 bit -- memory: SDRAM DIMMs - installed in sets of 4 - uses ECC - 16 DIMM slots - max. 4Gb -- 21271 Core Logic chip-set ("Tsunami") -- embedded Adaptec ? Wide Ultra SCSI -- expansion: 2 independent PCI buses (called hoses) - 6 64-bit PCI slots (3 per hose) - 1 ISA slot - -Case: -DS20 is housed in a fat minitower-like enclosure. The enclosure also -contains a StorageWorks SCSI hotswap shelf for a maximum of 7 3.5" SCSI -devices. DS20E is a sleeker case, without the StorageWorks shelf. - -Embedded SCSI: -The embedded Adaptec SCSI chip on DS20 is disabled and therefore -not usable under FreeBSD. - -CPU: -DS20 can have 2 CPUs installed. FreeBSD/alpha is not currently SMP-capable -and will only use the primary CPU. - -Memory: -If you are using banks of DIMMs of different sizes the biggest DIMMs should -be installed in the DIMM slots marked '0' on the mainboard. The DIMM slots -should be filled 'in order' so after bank 0 install in bank 1 and so on. - -Expansion: -Don't try to use NCR/Symbios-chip based SCSI adapters in the PCI slots -connected to hose 1. There is a not-yet-found FreeBSD bug that prevents this -from working correctly. DS20 ships by default with an NCR on hose 1 so you -have to move this card before you can install/boot FreeBSD on it. - -The kernel config file must contain: - options DEC_ST6600 -Contrary to expectation there is no 'cpu EV6' defined for inclusion in the -kernel config file. A 'cpu EV5' is mandatory to keep config(8) happy. - -** DP264 - -< need info on this one > - -- onboard Adaptec is not bootable but works with FreeBSD 4.0 and later - as a datadisk-only SCSI bus. - - -Supported hardware overview ---------------------------- - -Word of caution: the installed base for FreeBSD/alpha is not nearly as large -as for FreeBSD/intel. This means that the enormous variation of PCI/ISA -expansion cards out there has much less chance of having been tested on -alpha than on intel. This is not to imply they are doomed to fail, just that -the chance of running into something never tested before is much greater. -GENERIC contains things that are known to work on Alpha only. - -- Expansion buses: PCI and ISA are fully supported. Turbo Channel is not -in GENERIC and has limited support (see the relevant machine model info). -The MCA bus is not supported. - -- Floppy drives: 1.44Mbyte and 1.2Mbyte floppy drives are supported. -2.88Mbyte drives sometimes found in Alpha machines are supported up to -1.44Mbyte. - -- ATA / ATAPI (IDE): are supported via the ata driver framework. As most -people run their Alphas with SCSI disks it is not as well tested as SCSI. Be -aware of bootability restrictions for IDE disks. See the machine specific -information. - -- SCSI: full support via the CAM layer for Adaptec 2940x (AIC7xxx -chip-based), Qlogic family and NCR/Symbios. Be aware of the machine-specific -bootability issues for the various adapter types. - -- VGA/keyboard/mouse: in general the SRM console emulates a VGA-compatibility -mode on PCI VGA cards. This is, however, not guaranteed to work -by Compaq/DEC for each and every card type out there. When the SRM thinks -the VGA is acceptable FreeBSD will be able to use it. The console driver -works just like on a FreeBSD/intel machine. - -- serial ports: the 'PC standard' serial ports found on most Alphas are -supported. - -- parallel ports: are not currently supported on FreeBSD/alpha - -- ISDN (i4b): is not supported on FreeBSD/alpha - -- multimedia: is not really supported on FreeBSD/alpha but work is underway - - -Acknowledgments ----------------- - -In compiling this file I used multiple information sources, but -http://www.netbsd.org proved to be an invaluable source of information. -If it wasn't for NetBSD/alpha there probably would not be a FreeBSD/alpha -in the first place. - -People who kindly helped me with creating this document: - -- Nick Maniscalco <nmanisca@vt.edu> -- Andrew Gallatin <gallatin@cs.duke.edu> -- Christian Weisgerber <naddy@mips.rhein-neckar.de> -- David O'Brien <obrien@NUXI.com> -- Wim Lemmers <wim.lemmers@compaq.com> -- Matthew Jacob <mjacob@feral.com> -- Eric Schnoebelen <eric@cirr.com> -- Chuck Robey <chuckr@picnic.mat.net> -- Mike Smith <msmith@FreeBSD.ORG> |