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27 February 1997This FAQ was posted on comp.sys.powerpc, comp.answers, and news.answers by Derek Noonburg. Sorry, the FAQ is not maintained for now and this version is the last.
Changes since last version (16 January 1997):
send usenet/news.answers/powerpc-faqFor other archive sites, see the "news.answers Introduction" post.
[1-2] Can I convert this FAQ to a different format
and/or redistribute it?
This FAQ may be redistributed as long as the following guidelines are
met:
If you convert the FAQ to a different format, please email me a copy. If it is impossible to email it, contact me for other arrangements.
If you are redistributing the FAQ and would like to get an up-to-date copy each month via email, let me know, and I will add you to my mailing list. Please specify text, HTML, or both.
[1-3] What newsgroups are appropriate for PowerPC
discussions?
(Text in quotes is taken from the official newsgroup charter.)
[1-4] What other FAQs contain PowerPC
information?
The Macintosh PowerPC FAQ has been discontinued.
Robert Boys maintains two FAQs of interest to comp.sys.powerpc readers. The comp.sys.m68k FAQ contains some information on the PowerPC, including the PowerPC embedded controllers. It is posted to comp.sys.m68k, comp.answers, and news.answers, and is available via ftp and on the WWW. The comp.arch.bus.vmebus FAQ, posted to comp.arch.bus.vmebus, contains information on PowerPC-based VME cards.
The Linux for PowerPC FAQ is available via ftp and on the WWW.
Miscellaneous:
Online services:
[1-6] Bibliography: where can I get more information
on the PowerPC?
Manuals and databooks:
You can also contact Motorola's Literature Distribution Centers:
Books:
Most of this info has been culled from the net. I haven't actually read all of these books. If you've read one of them and are willing to write a very short review (5-6 lines), let me know. - Derek (derekn@ece.cmu.edu)
Papers, articles, etc.:
[1-7] Contributors.
The following people have contributed to this FAQ. (Please do not
contact them with questions about the FAQ.)
The PowerPC architecture specifies both 32-bit and 64-bit data paths. Early implementations will be 32-bit; future higher-performance implementations will be 64-bit. A PowerPC has 32 general purpose (integer) registers (32- or 64-bit) and 32 floating point (IEEE standard 64-bit) registers.
NB: A PowerPC is not a computer, any more than an 80486 is a computer.
[2-2] How does PowerPC relate to POWER and
POWER2?
As mentioned above, PowerPC is a direct descendant of POWER. POWER2 is
also a descendant of POWER, developed by IBM for use in their
workstations and other systems. POWER2 is an eight-chip multi-chip
module, and was released at approximately the same time as the first
PowerPC chip. While it is faster than the early PowerPC processors, it
is not as fast as the 620 is projected to be. It is likely that IBM will
combine the POWER family into the PowerPC family.
[2-3] What processors have been announced? What are
their specs? When will they be available?
The 601 is manufactured by IBM and sold by both IBM and Motorola. The 603 and 603e are manufactured by both IBM and Motorola.
Processor Clk(MHz) Voltage(V) Power(W) Bus clock multipliers
--------- -------- ---------- -------- ---------------------
MPC601 50 5.6 ?
66 7
80 8
MPC601+ 100 4 ?
110 ?
MPC602 66 1.2 ?
MPC603 66 2.2 1-4 (+1)
80 2.5
MPC603e 100 3.3 3.2 1-4 (+0.5)
120 3.9
133 4.2
150 ?
160 ?
166 ?
180 ?
200 3.3 2-6 (+0.5)
MPC603ev 160 2.5 2.9 2-6 (+0.5)
166 3.0
180 3.5
200 4.0
225 4.4
240 4.8
MPC604 100 14 1-2 (+0.5), 3
120 16.5
133 ?
150 20.5
166 23.0
180 26.5
MPC604e 166 14 1-3 (+0.5), 4
180 ?
200 ?
225 ?
MPC620 133 30 ?
Data Bus Func units Si Ship
Proc width width (I/FP/BP/LS) Cache Trans Process date date
-------- ----- ----- ------------ ------ ----- ----------- ------- ------
MPC601 32 64 1/1/1/0 32 2.8 0.6u CMOS Oct 92 Apr 93
MPC601+ 32 64 1/1/1/0 32 2.8 0.5u CMOS 2Q 94 Nov 94
MPC602 32 64 1/1/0/1 4/4 1.0 0.5u CMOS Feb 95 2H 95
MPC603 32 32/64 1/1/1/1 8/8 1.6 0.5u CMOS Oct 93 Nov 94
MPC603e 32 32/64 1/1/1/1 16/16 2.6 0.5u CMOS Feb 95 2H 95
MPC603ev 32 32/64 1/1/1/1 16/16 2.6 0.35u CMOS ? ?
MPC604 32 64 3/1/1/1 16/16 3.6 0.5u CMOS Apr 94 Dec 94
MPC604e 32 64 3/1/1/1 32/32 5.1 0.5u CMOS ? ?
MPC620 64 64/128 3/1/1/1 32/32 7 0.5u CMOS Apr 96 ?
Notes:
* Bus clock multipliers: the internal CPU clock runs at a multiple of
the external bus clock; "1-4 (+0.5)" means the possible multipliers
are 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, and 4.
* Data width: width of the general purpose (integer/address)
registers and integer ALU(s), in bits
* Bus width: external memory data bus width, in bits -- the memory
bus can be, and often is, wider than the internal data path
* Functional units: I = integer unit
FP = floating point unit
BP = branch processing unit
LS = load/store unit
* Cache: On-chip cache in kilobytes - two numbers means
instruction/data; one number means unified
* Price: in US dollars, for large quantities
* Trans: number of transistors, in millions
* Si date: first silicon date
[2-4] What processors have been announced by companies
other than IBM and Motorola?
Exponential Technology, Inc. has
announced a new line of PowerPC processors. They will be fabricated in
BiCMOS technology -- the logic is bipolar, and the memory (registers,
cache, etc.) is CMOS. Their first processor, the X704, will run at 466,
500, and 533 MHz, and is expected to ship in volume in mid-1997.
Processor Clk(MHz) Voltage(V) Power(W) Bus clock multipliers
--------- -------- ---------- -------- ---------------------
X704 466 3.6 <85 4-17 (+1)
500
533
Data Bus Func units Si Ship
Proc width width (I/FP/BP/LS) Cache Trans Process date date
-------- ----- ----- ------------ ------ ----- ----------- ------- ------
X704 32 64 1/1/1/1 2/2+32 2.7 0.5u BiCMOS Oct 96 2Q 97?
Notes:
* Cache: on-chip L1 (instruction/data) + on-chip L2 (unified)
Quantum Effect Designs has announced the 603q low-power PowerPC processor.
Processor Clk(MHz) Voltage(V) Power(W) Bus clock multipliers
--------- -------- ---------- -------- ---------------------
603q 120 3.3 1.2 ?
166 3.3 ? ?
Data Bus Func units Si Ship
Proc width width (I/FP/BP/LS) Cache Trans Process date date
-------- ----- ----- ------------ ------ ----- ----------- ------- ------
603q 32 ? I+FP 16/8 ? 0.5u CMOS Oct 96 ?
Motorola has announced the MPC500 family of microcontrollers. These microprocessors will be "100% compatible" with the MPC600 series. The first chip in this family, the MPC505, will run at 25 MHz. Samples of the 25 MHz chip are expected in 4Q 1994, with 40 MHz parts expected by 4Q 1995. The MPC505 consists of a PowerPC core, a 4 kB SRAM module, and a multi-functional system integration unit (SIU) (similar to the 68300 family).
Motorola's PowerQUICC (Quad Integrated Communications Controller) family integrates a PowerPC core with a communications processor. These chips are aimed at telecommunications and networking applications. The first PowerQUICC chip, the MPC860, will come in 25 MHz and 40 MHz versions, and is expected to sample in 4Q1995 with volume shipping in 2Q1996.
The Motorola MPC821 is similar to the MPC860, but is targeted at PDAs and other portable devices. The MPC821 incorporates a PowerPC core, a communications processor module (CPM) for signal processing, a PCMCIA controller, and an LCD controller. It will be available in 25 MHz and 40 MHz versions, with sampling in October 1995 and production quantities in January 1996.
The list of Embedded PowerPC Internet Resources, has pointers to lots of useful information.
[2-6] How fast is a PowerPC?
This tables lists SPEC92 and SPEC95 results for PowerPC machines, as
well as a few others, for comparison purposes. (SPEC is a benchmark
suite designed to test system performance. The SPECint portion uses
integer-only code, e.g., compilers; the SPECfp program uses floating
point code, e.g., circuit simulation.)
-- SPEC92 --
Processor Clock Cache int fp System
------------ ------- ------------ ----- ----- ---------------------
MPC601 50 MHz 0/32k 41.7 51.0 IBM RS/6000 N40
66 MHz 0/32k 62.6 72.2 IBM RS/6000 250
66 MHz 0/32k 63.7 67.8 IBM RS/6000 40P
66 MHz 256k/32k 75.1 77.0 IBM RS/6000 40P
80 MHz 0/32k 78.8 90.4 IBM RS/6000 250
80 Mhz 0.5M/32k 88.1 98.7 IBM RS/6000 41T & 41W
80 Mhz 1M/32k 90.5 100.8 IBM RS/6000 C10
MPC601+ 100 MHz ?/32k 105 125 ? estimate
MPC602 66 MHz ?/4k/4k 40 ? Motorola/IBM estimate
MPC603 66 MHz 1M/8k/8k 60 70 Motorola estimate
80 MHz 1M/8k/8k 75 85 Motorola estimate
MPC603e 100 MHz ?/16k/16k 120 105 Motorola/IBM estimate
MPC604 100 MHz 256k/16k/16k 128.1 120.2 IBM RS/6000 43P
100 MHz 512k/16k/16k 140.8 129.1 IBM RS/6000 43P
120 MHz 512k/16k/16k 157.9 139.2 IBM RS/6000 43P
133 MHz 512k/16k/16k 176.4 156.5 IBM RS/6000 43P
MPC620 133 MHz ?/32k/32k 225 300 estimate
i486DX2 66 MHz 256k/8k 32.2 16.0 Compaq Deskpro
i486DX4 100 MHz 256k/16k 51.4 26.6 Micronics M4P PCI
Pentium 66 MHz 256k/8k/8k 78.0 63.6 Intel Xpress
Pentium 100 MHz 1M/8k/8k 121.9 93.2 Intel Xpress
Pentium 120 MHz 1M/8k/8k 140.0 103.9 Intel Xpress
68040 33 MHz ? 18 13 Mac Q950
68040 33 MHz ? 20.3 ? Mac Q800
-- SPEC95 --
Processor Clock Cache int fp System
------------ ------- ------------ ----- ----- ---------------------
MPC603e 150 MHz 1M/16k/16k 4.1 3.0 ?
160 MHz 1M/16k/16k 4.3 3.2 ?
166 MHz 1M/16k/16k 4.5 3.3 ?
180 MHz 1M/16k/16k 4.6 3.3 ?
200 MHz 1M/16k/16k 5.1 3.7 ?
MPC604 120 MHz 1M/16k/16k 4.7 4.4 estimate
133 MHz 1M/16k/16k 5.2 4.8 estimate
150 MHz 1M/16k/16k 5.2 4.4 estimate
166 MHz 1M/16k/16k 5.7 4.9 estimate
180 MHz 1M/16k/16k 6.2 5.3 estimate
MPC604e 166 MHz 1M/32k/32k 6.5 6.1 ?
180 MHz 1M/32k/32k 6.9 6.1 ?
200 MHz 1M/32k/32k 7.8 6.5 ?
225 MHz 1M/32k/32k 9.0 7.5 ?
Pentium 133 MHz 1M/8k/8k 4.20 3.08 Intel XXpress
200 MHz 1M/8k/8k 5.47 3.68 Intel XXpress
PentiumPro 166 MHz 1M/8k/8k 7.11 6.21 Intel Alder
200 MHz 256k/8k/8k 8.09 6.75 Intel Alder
Notes:
* SPEC does not allow estimated figures. The lines which are marked
"estimate" are not officially SPEC numbers, and are likely to be
proven inaccurate when real machines are released.
* Cache numbers are in kB or MB: format is external/instruction/data or
external/unified.
I'd like to list one or two more 040-based Macs in this table -- If anyone has Mac SPEC data, please let me know.
More information on the SPEC benchmarks, including numbers for other systems, is available in the newsgroup comp.benchmarks.
[2-7] Is there special hardware for emulating 68k or
x86 processors?
All currently announced emulators are purely software. The PowerPC
architecture has a group of byte-reversing load and store instructions
which might be useful for emulating little-endian x86 processors on a
big-endian PowerPC system (such as an RS/6000 or a Power Macintosh).
There are no PowerPC processors with additional special hardware for
translating instructions from other processor families (but see the next
question). In addition, because software emulation has been reasonably
successful, it seems very unlikely that there will ever be hardware of
this type.
There are several x86 boards available for the PowerMacs. These are effectively PC clones on a card, and allow you to run PC software (though not directly on the PowerPC processor, of course).
[2-8] What is the PowerPC 615?
There were a couple of conflicting rumors regarding the 615. The primary
one suggested that the 615 was a PowerPC processor, being designed by
IBM, which would have special x86 emulation hardware. Another rumor
suggested that it would be pin-compatible with Intel OverDrive sockets.
IBM has denied that the project even exists. This is substantiated by the lack of any mention of the 615 recently.
[2-9] Does PowerPC have anything like Intel's MMX
instructions or the SPARC VIS instructions?
Motorola and IBM have not announced any multimedia instruction set
extensions for the PowerPC.
The RS/6000 40P is PReP-compliant, which means that it can run Windows NT, as well as AIX.
model proc clk L2 RAM price date notes
------------- ------- --- ------ ------- ----- ------- ----------
- Desktop
250 601 80 - 16-256 ? Aug 94
41W/T 601 80 0.5 16-256 ? Jun 94
40P 601 66 0.25 16-192 ? Oct 94 604 upgrd
43P-120 604 120 ? ? ?
43P-133 604 133 ? ? ?
43P-140 604 166 0.5-1 32-768 ? Oct 96
43P-140 604 200 0.5-1 32-768 ? Oct 96
43P-240 1-2 604 166 0.5 32-1024 ? Oct 96
- Notebook
860 603e 166 0.25 32-96 ? Oct 96
- X Terminal
Xstation 160 603 66 - 8 4949 Feb 95
- Server
C20 604 ? ? ? ? Jun 95
E20 604 100 0.5 16-512 10000 Oct 95
G30 2-4 601 75 0.5 32-512 40900 Oct 94 604 upgrd
J30 2-4 601 75 1.0 64-2048 70500 Oct 94 604/620 up
R30 2-4 601 75 1.0 64-2048 83900 Oct 94 604/620 up
Notes:
* proc: number and type of processors
* clk: clock speed (MHz)
* L2: standard and optional second-level cache (MB)
* RAM: memory configuration (MB)
* price: base price in US dollars
* date: initial ship date
Groupe Bull offers 601-based workstations and the ESCALA line of multiprocessors, all running AIX. The multiprocessors are also sold by IBM (as the G30, J30, and R30) and by Motorola (as the MP601-75). Groupe Bull also sells a number of the Motorola systems.
model proc clk L2 RAM price date notes
------------- ------- --- ------ ------- ----- ------- ----------
- Workstation
? 601 66 ? ? 5445 ?
- Multiprocessor
Minitower 2-4 601 75 0.5 32-512 ? ? 604 upgrd
Deskside 2-8 601 75 1.0 64-2048 ? ? 604/620 up
Rack 2-8 601 75 1.0 64-2048 ? ? 604/620 up
The Motorola Computer Group produces several lines of PowerPC-based workstations, servers, and motherboards. Most models provide PCI and ISA slots; the Series I and Series MP servers have MCA slots. Windows NT and AIX are available. Motorola will sell only to VARs, distributors, and system integrators -- individuals can buy systems from them. Contact the Motorola Computer Group at 1-800-759-1107 for brochures or more info on these systems.
model proc clk L2 RAM price date notes
------------- ------- --- ------ ------- ----- ------- ----------
- RISC PC Plus desktop computers
DTP603e-100 603e 100 0.25 16-256 ? Dec 94
DTP604-100 604 100 0.5 16-256 ? Dec 94
DTP604-133 604 133 0.5 16-256 ? Dec 94
(available in DTPxx desktop or MTPxx minitower versions)
- PowerStackII Pro 2000/3000 desktop computers
DT31200 603ev 200 0.25-1 32-256 ? Oct 96
DT41200 604e 200 0.25-1 32-256 ? Oct 96
- PowerStackII Pro 4000/6000 workstations
MT41166 604e 166 0.25-1 32-512 ? Oct 96
MT41200 604e 200 0.5-1 32-512 ? Oct 96
MT60166 604e 166 0.5 32-512 ? Oct 96
MT62166 2 604e 166 0.5 32-512 ? Oct 96
MT60200 604e 200 0.5 32-512 ? Oct 96
MT62200 2 604e 200 0.5 32-512 ? Oct 96
- PowerStackII Net 4000/6000 servers
MT41166 604e 166 0.25-1 32-256 ? Oct 96
MT41200 604e 200 0.5-1 32-256 ? Oct 96
PRO60166 604e 166 0.5 32-512 ? Oct 96
PRO62166 2 604e 166 0.5 32-512 ? Oct 96
PRO60200 604e 200 0.5 32-512 ? Oct 96
PRO62200 2 604e 200 0.5 32-512 ? Oct 96
- Series EX servers
? 604 133 ?-1 32-512 ? ?
? 604e 166 ?-1 32-512 ? ?
- Series I servers
MB601-75 1-4 601 75 0.5 32-512 ? ? 604/620
SI604-112 1-4 604 112 1 32-512 ? ? upgrades
- Series MP servers
MP601-75 2-8 601 75 1 64-2048 ? Dec 94 604/620
MP604-112 2-8 604 112 1 64-2048 ? ? upgrades
- Atlas embedded motherboards
AB603-66 603 66 0-0.5 8-128 ? Dec 94 baby AT
AB603E-100 603e 100 0-0.5 8-128 ? ? baby AT
AB604-100 604 100 0-0.5 8-128 ? Dec 94 baby AT
AB604-133 604 133 0-0.5 8-128 ? ? baby AT
- MacOS motherboards
MOR-3160MO 603e 160 0.25- 16-? ? Oct 96
MOR-3200MO 603e 200 0.5 16-? ? Oct 96
MOR-4160MO 604e 160 0.25- 16-? ? Oct 96
MOR-4200MO 604e 200 0.5 16-? ? Oct 96
- Ultra LPX motherboards
UB603-66 603 66 0-0.5 8-256 ? Dec 94
UB603E-100 603e 100 0-0.5 8-256 ? ?
UB604-100 604 100 0-0.5 8-256 ? Dec 94
UB604-133 604 133 0-0.5 8-256 ? ?
- Ultra Plus LPX motherboards
UBP603E-100 603e 100 0-0.5 8-256 ? ?
UBP604-100 604 100 0-0.5 8-256 ? ?
UBP604-133 604 133 0-0.5 8-256 ? ?
Micro Technology Services, Inc. (MTSI) sells the entire PowerStack line.
Peacock, in Germany, will sell a Motorola-built PowerStack server with an 80 MHz 601, running AIX. Contact Peacock AG at ++49-295779-0 (tel) or ++49-295779-9067 (FAX).
Zenith Data Systems sells the Z-POWER line of servers. These are available with AIX or Windows NT.
model proc clk L2 RAM price date notes
------------- ------- --- ------ ------- ----- ------- ----------
Z-POWER 604 100 0.25 16-256 ? ?
Z-POWER 604 133 0.5 16-256 ? ?
[3-2] What PowerPC-based PReP-compliant
(IBM-compatible) personal computers are/will be available? When will
they be available? How much will they cost?
See also Question 3-7.
IBM announced a line of PowerPC-based personal computers in June, 1995. The PC Power Series consists of two desktop models, both based on the 604. The ThinkPad Power Series consists of two notebook computers, based on the 603E. Windows NT and AIX are currently available for these systems. OS/2 for PowerPC is available by special order for the 830 and 850. Solaris will be available, but no date has been announced. More information on these systems is available on the WWW.
model proc clk L2 RAM price date notes
------------- ------- --- ------ ------- ----- ------- ----------
- PC Power Series (desktop)
830 604 100 0.25 16-192 2795 Jun 95 PCI+ISA
850 604 100 0.25 16-192 ? Jun 95 PCI+ISA
604 120 0.25 16-192 ? Jul 95 PCI+ISA
604 133 0.5 16-192 ? Jul 95 PCI+ISA
- ThinkPad Power Series (notebook)
820 603E 100 0.25 16-48 ? Jun 95 PCMCIA+ISA
850 603E 100 0.25 16-96 ? Jun 95 PCMCIA+ISA
Firepower Systems, Inc. (formed as a partnership with Canon) offers the Powerized family of PReP 1.0 compliant systems. Currently available are 603, and 604-based uniprocessor sytems (the Powerized ES line) and a 604-based multiprocessor (the Powerized MX line). A 603e-based system (also in the ES line) is expected in 2Q95. Also available are designs and motherboards. All systems run Windows NT. FirePower sells only to OEMs. The systems were announced in November 1994. Contact: 415-462-3025.
IPC Technologies Inc. is reselling FirePower machines through their Austin subsidiary. Contact: 1-800-752-1577.
Canon is also reselling FirePower machines.
Japan Computer Corporation (JCC) is reselling FirePower machines as the JP4 (604) and JP3e (603e) systems. These run a version of BSD 4.4 Lite.
model proc clk L2 RAM price date notes
------------- ------- --- ------ ------- ----- ------- ----------
- FirePower OEM systems
ES380 603 80 0.25 16-128 ? ? 2PCI/2ISA
ES3100 603e 100 0.25 16-128 ? ? 2PCI/2ISA
ES4100 604 100 0.25 16-128 ? ? 2PCI/2ISA
MX4100/1 604 100 0.5 16-256 ? ? 2PCI/2ISA
MX4120/1 604 120 0.5 16-256 ? ? 2PCI/2ISA
MX4133/1 604 133 0.5 16-256 ? ? 2PCI/2ISA
MX4100/2 2 604 100 0.5 16-256 ? ? 2PCI/2ISA
MX4120/2 2 604 120 0.5 16-256 ? ? 2PCI/2ISA
MX4133/2 2 604 133 0.5 16-256 ? ? 2PCI/2ISA
- Austin
PowerPLAY 604 100 0.25 16-128 ? ? PCI
The Taiwan New PC Consortium (TNPC) demonstrated a 601-based PReP-compliant personal computer, running OS/2 and Windows NT, at CeBIT in Germany (March 1994). Planned models will feature 50-80 MHz 601's and 75 MHz 603's. The expected release date for the first models was 3Q 1994, but this seems to have slipped.
Canon has announced that it will work with IBM on the PReP specification. In particular, they plan to work on extensions to PReP for PDA's and office products.
Tatung sells several PReP-compliant systems. 601-based systems were available in October 1994. 604-based systems are expected in 1Q95.
DTK Computers (a Taiwanese company) sells an 80 MHz 601 system, which runs Windows NT, and will run OS/2 when available.
[3-3] What PowerPC-based Apple (and compatible)
personal computers are/will be available? When will they be available?
How much will they cost?
The first Apple Power Macintosh models were released on March 14, 1994.
All PowerMacs run System 7, just like the 68k Macs. They come with an
emulator which will allow them to run 68k Mac applications. Critical
parts of the Toolbox ROM code have been ported and run natively; the
remainder is emulated.
Workgroup servers, the 6150, 8150, and 9150, are also available. These currently run AppleShare 4.2 (which is partially native for the PowerMacs). Novell's Processor Independent NetWare (PIN) 4, when available, may or may not run on these systems (according to rumors, PIN will only be available on CHRP systems).
The first PowerPC-based PowerBooks were announced in August 1995.
model proc clk L2 RAM price date notes
------------- ------- --- ------ ------- ----- ------- ----------
- desktop
Performa 52xx 603 75 0.25 8-64 1700 Apr 95 PDS
Performa 61xx 601 60 0-0.25 8-72 ? ? PDS
Performa 62xx 603 75 0.25 8-72 ? ? PDS
Performa 63xx 603e 100 0.25 16-64 ? ? PDS
Perf 6400/180 603e 180 ? 16-136 ? Aug 96 2 PCI
Perf 6400/200 603e 200 0.25 16-136 ? Aug 96 2 PCI
4400/200 603e 200 0.25 16-160 1700 Feb 97 2 PCI
5200/75 603 75 0.25 8-64 1700 Apr 95 PDS
6100/66 601 66 0.25 8-72 ? Jan 95 PDS
6200/75 603 75 0.25 8-64 ? ? PDS
7100/80 601 80 0.25 8-136 ? Jan 95 3 NuBus
7200/75 601 75 0-? 8-256 1700 Aug 95 3 PCI
7200/90 601 90 0-? 8-256 1900 Aug 95 3 PCI
7200/120 601 120 0.25 16-256 2299 Aug 96 3 PCI
7300/180 604e 180 0.25 16-512 2300 Feb 97 3 PCI
7300/200 604e 180 0.25 16-512 2700 Feb 97 3 PCI
7500/100 601 100 0-? 16 2700 Aug 95 3 PCI
7600/132 604 132 0.25 16-512 2999 Aug 96 3 PCI
8100/100 601+ 100 0.25 8-264 ? Jan 95 3 NuBus
8100/110 601+ 110 0.25 16-264 6400 Nov 94 3 NuBus
8500/120 604 120 0.25 16-512 4000 Aug 95 3 PCI
8500/150 604 150 0.25 16-512 3599 Aug 96 3 PCI
8500/180 604e 180 0.25 16-512 4499 Aug 96 3 PCI
8600/200 604e 200 0.25 32-512 3200 Feb 97 3 PCI
9500/133 604 133 0.5 16-768 ? Jun 94 6 PCI
9500/180MP 2 604e 180 0.5 32-768 5699 Aug 96 6 PCI
9500/200 604e 200 0.5 16-768 4899 Aug 96 6 PCI
9600/200 604e 200 0.5 32-768 3700 Feb 97 6 PCI
9600/200MP 2 604e 200 0.5 32-768 4700 Feb 97 6 PCI
9600/233 604e 240 0.5 32-768 4200 Feb 97 6 PCI
- server
AWS 6150/66 601 66 0.25 16-72 ? Apr 95 PDS
AWS 8150/110 601+ 110 0.25-1 16-264 ? Apr 95 3 NuBus
AWS 9150/120 601+ 120 1 16-264 ? ? 4 NuBus
- notebook
PB Duo 2300 603e 100 0 8-56 3500 Aug 95 PDS
dock ? Jan 96
PB 5300/100 603e 100 0 8-64 2200 Aug 95 2 PC Card
PB 5300c/100 603e 100 0 8-64 ? Aug 95 2 PC Card
PB 5300cs/100 603e 100 0 8-64 ? Aug 95 2 PC Card
PB 5300ce/117 603e 117 0 32-64 6500 Aug 95 2 PC Card
PB 1400cs/117 603e 117 128k 12-64 ? Nov 96 2 PC Card
PB 1400c/117 603e 117 128k 16-64 ? Nov 96 2 PC Card
PB 1400c/133 603e 133 128k 16-64 ? Nov 96 2 PC Card
PB 3400c/180 603e 180 0.25 16-144 4500 Feb 97 2 PC Card
PB 3400c/200 603e 200 0.25 16-144 5500 Feb 97 2 PC Card
PB 3400c/240 603e 240 0.25 16-144 6500 Apr 97 2 PC Card
Configurations are available with different RAM and hard disk sizes. All configurations are bundled with a CD ROM drive and some include SoftWindows and/or various other software.
Apple no longer sells PowerPC upgrades for desktop systems. This includes motherboards, PDS boards, and the 68040 replacement daughterboard. These products are now being sold by DayStar (see below), who co-developed them with Apple.
Apple is currently selling PowerPC upgrades for the 8150 and 9150 workgroup servers (replacement logic boards) and the PowerBook 500 series (daughterboards), and has announced upgrades for PowerBook Duo 200 series (replacement logic boards).
PowerComputing is the first company to get a license from Apple to produce Macintosh clones. PowerComputing started shipping systems on May 1, 1995.
model proc clk L2 RAM price date notes
------------- ------- --- ------ ------- ----- ------- ----------
PowerWave 120 604 120 0.25-1 16-512 ? Oct 95 3 PCI/2 NB
PowerWave 132 604 132 0.25-1 16-512 3200 Oct 95 3 PCI/2 NB
PowerWave 150 604 150 0.5-1 16-512 4500 Oct 95 3 PCI/2 NB
PowerBase 180 603e 180 0.25 16-160 ? ? 3 PCI
PowerBase 200 603e 200 0.25 16-160 ? ? 3 PCI
PowerBase 240 603e 240 0.25 16-160 ? ? 3 PCI
PwrCenter 132 604 132 0.5 16-256 2500 Apr 96 3 PCI
PwrCenter 150 604 150 0.5 16-256 3000 Apr 96 3 PCI
PwrTower 166 604 166 0.5 16-256 3800 Apr 96 3 PCI
PwrTower 180e 604e 180 1 16-256 ? ? 3 PCI
PwrTower 200e 604e 200 1 16-256 ? ? 3 PCI
PwrTwrPro 180 604e 180 1 16-1024 ? ? 6 PCI
PwrTwrPro 200 604e 200 1 16-1024 ? ? 6 PCI
PwrTwrPro 225 604e 225 1 16-1024 ? ? 6 PCI
UMAX Computer Corporation sells the SuperMac line of Macintosh systems. (UMAX bought Radius's Mac clone business in January 1996.) Their ASPD (Advanced Scalable Processor Design) allows a second processor to be added to the system.
model proc clk L2 RAM price date notes
------------- ------- --- ------ ------- ----- ------- ----------
C500/160 603e 160 0.25-1 16-144 1199 ? 2 PCI
C500/180 603e 180 0.25-1 16-144 1349 ? 2 PCI
C600/180 603e 180 0.25-1 16-144 1499 ? 3 PCI
C600/200 603e 200 0.25-1 16-144 1799 ? 3 PCI
C600/240 603e 240 0.25-1 16-144 2099 ? 3 PCI
J700/150 604 150 0.5 16-1024 2195 ? 4 PCI
J700/180 604 150 0.5 24-1024 2499 ? 4 PCI
S900/150 604 150 0.5 16-1024 2699 ? 6 PCI
S900/180 604e 180 0.5 32-1024 3199 ? 6 PCI
S900/200 604e 200 0.5 32-1024 3399 ? 6 PCI
S900/225 604e 225 0.5 32-1024 3899 ? 6 PCI
S900/233 604e 233 0.5 32-1024 4199 ? 6 PCI
S900/250 604e 250 0.5 32-1024 4899 ? 6 PCI
S900DP/180 2 604e 180 0.5 32-1024 3899 ? 6 PCI
S900DP/200 2 604e 200 0.5 32-1024 4499 ? 6 PCI
Pioneer has licensed the MacOS and has announced a line of low-end systems aimed at the home entertainment market. The 66 MHz 601-based MPC-GX1 is expected to be demonstrated at the end of February 1995. The availability date is unknown.
Daystar Digital sells the Genesis line of PCI bus PowerMac clones, which will support up to four processors. Daystar also sells various Macintosh upgrade options.
model proc clk L2 RAM price date notes
------------- ------- --- ------ ------- ----- ------- ----------
Genesis 300 2 604 150 0.5 16-1.5G ? ? 6 PCI
Genesis 528 4 604 132 0.5 16-1.5G ? Oct 95 6 PCI
Genesis 600 4 604 150 0.5 16-1.5G ? ? 6 PCI
The Motorola Computer Group produces the StarMax line of MacOS personal computers. All models have PCI slots. Motorola and Be have signed an agreement where Motorola will distribute a BeOS CD-ROM with its Starmax systems.
model proc clk L2 RAM price date notes
------------- ------- --- ------ ------- ----- ------- ----------
3000/160 603e 160 0.25 16-160 ? Oct 96
3000/180 603e 180 0.25 16-160 ? Oct 96
3000/200 603e 200 0.25 16-160 ? Oct 96
3000/240 603e 240 0.5 16-160 ? Oct 96
4000/160 604e 160 0.5 16-160 ? Oct 96
4000/200 604e 200 0.5 16-160 ? Oct 96
German prices for PowerMacs and clones are available on the WWW.
[3-4] What PowerPC-based controllers are/will be
available? When will they be available? How much will they
cost?
CETIA (a subsidiary of Thomson-CSF) is selling PowerPC-based VME
single-board computers, based on the 100 Mhz PowerPC 601, the 100/150Mhz
PowerPC 604 and the 66Mhz PowerPC603. Two architectures are available:
The Motorola Computer Group has announced a family of VME boards. The MVME1600/PM603 uses a 66 MHz 603; the MVME1600/PM604 uses a 100 MHz 604.
Force Computers offers two families of PowerPC boards based on VME. The CPU-60xRT is a single board computer board optimized for real-time applications. The board is available with a 66MHz 603 or a 100MHz 604 with 512KByte L2 Cache. The IBC-60x is a dual PMC board equipped with a 66MHZ 603 or 100MHz 604. Both boards have a dedicated SIC (System Interrupt Controller) to provide real-time response to interrupts, linked-list DMA controller, FLASH memory and 8 - 128 MByte DRAM. Available operating system support includes VxWorks, pSOS+, LynxOS, Chorus and OSE Delta. For further information send email to info@force.de.
[3-5] What PowerPC-based supercomputers and parallel
processors are/will be available? When will they be available? How much
will they cost?
Parsytec has announced that it
will be combining PowerPC processors and Transputer communication
processors in its multiprocessor systems. These include:
For more information, contact:
Carsten Rietbrock
Parsytec GmbH
Product Marketing
Juelicherstrasse 338
52070 Aachen GERMANY
Tel.: +49-241-166000; Fax: +49-241-16600-50
ISG Technologies has announced a line of parallel processor-based accelerators. The entry-level Pulsus uses 8 601's (clock speed unspecified). The expected ship date is 4Q 1994.
Mercury Computer Systems has announced that is is developing 603e-based systems. Mercury sells high-performance computers targeted for embedded applications such as defense signal processing and medical imaging.
Harris announced its Night Hawk line of PowerPC-based multprocessors in May 1995. Systems with up to 8 100 MHz 604s are expected to ship in September 1995.
[3-6] What other PowerPC-based systems are/will be
available? When will they be available? How much will they
cost?
3DO has announced that its second generation game machine will use a
PowerPC processor. See Question 6-2.
Apple has demonstrated an "internet appliance" (originally described as a "multimedia platform") called Pippin. It is based on a PowerPC 603 and runs a version of MacOS. The first Pippin system will be manufactured by Bandai, and will come with 8 MB of memory and a CD-ROM drive. It uses a telvision as its display. It is expected to be available in the U.S. in September 1996, with a suggested price of $600.
Be, Inc. has announced a new operating system called BeOS. This OS initially on Be's own multiprocessor system. Be announced that they were leaving the hardware business in February, 1997. BeOS currently runs on PowerComputing, Apple, UMAX, Motorola, and DayStar systems -- see Be's web page for complete details. Motorola and Be have signed a deal where Motorola will distribute a BeOS CD-ROM with its StarMax systems. Contact info@be.com.
ESCOM AG and Amiga Technologies GmbH are currently in bankruptcy. VIScorp originally offered to buy Amiga Technologies, but this deal has been put on hold for financial and legal reasons (as of late 1996). VIScorp is "developing a family of TV-based products that utilize the Amiga's unique functionalities".
PIOS Computer AG is working on a PowerPC-based system called the PIOS ONE. They have teamed up with ProDAD who has developed an "AmigaOS-like OS" called pOS. pOS runs on 68k-based Amigas as well as the new PowerPC-based systems, and is "2/3 compatible" with AmigaOS. The PIOS ONE will also ship with BeOS and Linux. Systems are expected to be available in May/June 1997, with the entry model priced around $1000. There is a PIOS ONE mailing list called TeamONE; to subscribe send email to ListSERV@nostromo.gate.net with the body "add your@email.address".
Phase 5 Digital Products has announced that their PowerPC-based Amiga system, called the A\BOX will be available in the first half of 1997. They have also announced a line of PowerPC-based accelerators for current Amigas.
IBM uses a custom 64-bit PowerPC processor -- the PowerPC AS -- in their AS/400 business computing systems.
[3-7] What is PReP and how can I get a copy?
The PowerPC Reference Platform (PReP) is a system standard, designed by
IBM, intended to ensure compatibility among PowerPC-based systems built
by different companies. The PReP standard specifies the PCI bus, but
will also support ISA, MicroChannel, and PCMCIA.
According to IBM, PReP-compliant systems will be able to run OS/2, AIX, Solaris, Taligent, and Windows NT. IBM systems will (of course) be PReP-compliant. Apple's first PowerPC Macs are not compliant; future Macs will probably be CHRP-compliant (see below).
The current version of the PReP spec is 1.1.
Here are the instructions for obtaining a copy of the PReP specification (freely available to all requesters).
For hardcopy:
1-800-POWERPC (1-800-769-3772)
1-708-296-6767 if the above number cannot be reached or multilingual operator is needed
(39)-39-600-4295
(33)-6713-5757 (in French)
(33)-6713-5756 (in Italian)
(49)-511-516-3444 (in English)
(49)-511-516-3555 (in German)
(81)-755-87-4745 (in Japanese)
For softcopy (PostScript files):
[3-8] What is the Common Hardware Reference Platform
(CHRP)?
The CHRP is an open platform agreed on by Apple, IBM, and Motorola. All
CHRP systems will be able to run MacOS, OS/2-PPC, Windows NT, AIX,
Solaris, Novell Netware, and possibly other operating systems. CHRP is a
superset of PReP and the PowerMac platforms; thus you'll be able to run
applications written for the PReP operating systems (OS/2-PPC, Windows
NT, AIX) and the PowerMac (MacOS) on the new CHRP systems (under the
same OS they're written for, of course). In addition, any CHRP software
which doesn't require the Mac ROM, serial ports, or ADB ports should run
on PReP machines.
There is some confusion as to whether or not the CHRP standard will require a ROM socket (for MacOS ROMs). Apple has said that a future release of MacOS will not require the ROMs.
The CHRP standard was finalized in November, 1995. The specifications are being published by Morgan Kaufmann Publishers as PowerPC Microprocessor Common Hardware Reference Platform: A System Architecture, ISBN 1-55860-394-8. It is also available on the WWW.
Apple is referring to CHRP as the PowerPC Platform (PPCP). Apple has more information, including the above book in PDF format, on the WWW.
In February 1996, the MacOS was demonstrated on an IBM prototype CHRP system.
Motorola announced the Yellowknife PowerPC Reference Platform in November 1996. IBM also announced a reference design called Long Trail. These systems can run both MacOS and Windows NT. Full design documentation for both systems is available to developers.
[3-9] Can PowerPC 601-based computers be upgraded to,
e.g., a 604 when they become available?
This depends on exactly which computer you have. Some of Apple's
PowerMacs have their processors on replacable daughterboards. See also
Question 3-3.
IBM Power Personal Systems will have a 200-pin slot on the motherboard, apparently intended for a level-2 cache or processor upgrade.
Motorola PowerStack systems provide a L2 cache socket which can also be used for PowerPC processor upgrades simply by plugging in a daughterboard.
[3-10] Where can I get the specifications for the PCI
bus?
The following documents:
are available for $25 each or $50 for the first three from:
PCI Special Interest Group
M/S HF3-15A
5200 N.E. Elam Young Parkway
Hillsboro, Oregon 97124-6497
Phone: 800-433-5177
FAX: 503-693-0920
[3-11] Can I used any PCI card in my
PowerMac/PReP/etc.?
In general, a driver for the particular computer is required to use a
PCI card, i.e., to use a PCI video card in a PowerMac, that card would
have to come with a PowerMac driver.
A list of PCI cards which have PowerMac support is available on the WWW.
[3-12] What is FireWire?
FireWire is a joint Apple and TI implementation of the IEEE P1394
SerialBus standard. It is a high-speed (100 Mb/s) serial bus for
peripheral devices; it is intended to replace Apple Desktop Bus (ADB)
and SCSI, for example. FireWire supports automatic configuration
("plug-and-play") and hot-plugging. It is also isochronous,
meaning that a fixed slice of bandwidth can be dedicated to a particular
peripheral, e.g., for video. The draft standard can be obtained from
IEEE Customer Service: 800-678-IEEE, 908-981-0060, fax: 908-981-9667.
IBM's AIX has been available since October 1993. AIX 4.1, available in August, 1994 is PowerOpen-compliant. There will also be a version called Personal AIX, which will come without certain utilities and development tools, for IBM's PC's.
Apple will not ship A/UX for the PowerPC.
Tenon Intersystems' MachTen is a Mach-based UNIX for the Macintosh. Version 4.0, which shipped in August 1995, runs natively on PowerMacs.
A PowerPC port of Linux is in progress. The currently targeted platforms are Motorola's 603 & 604-based PowerStack series, IBM's 604-based 8xx series, Be, Inc.'s BeBox, FirePower Systems ES Hardware, and Apple's NuBus and PCI PowerMacs and clones. For more information, see the Linux for PowerPC home page. There is another group also working on this project.
The Linux-PMac project is porting Linux PPC to the PCI-based PowerMacs (Apple models 7200, 7500, 7600, 8500, and 9500, and also clones with a 601 or 604 processor). See their FAQ.
The OSF Grenoble Research Institute and Apple have announced that they have ported OSF MK (a microkernel based on Mach 3.0) to the PowerMac. A Linux server runs on top of this microkernel. The package, called MkLinux (Microkernel Linux), is available for free. The second developer release (DR2) is now available (as of December, 1996) on CD-ROM and by ftp -- details are on the Apple web site. This version supports PCI-based as well as NuBus-based systems.
BSDI has a port of their operating system (BSD/OS) available for the PowerPC. Contact Randy Brem (randyb@bsdi.com) for information on this port and its availability.
SunSoft has ported Solaris to the PowerPC, and a beta version was demonstrated in August 1994. However, it looks like there are no plans to release it commercially, as of January 1997.
Harris Computer Systems Corporation currently offers PowerSX (was Secure/PowerUNIX), a multi-level secure PowerOpen-compliant operating system for IBM RS/6000 workstations and Harris Night Hawk multiprocessors. PowerSX is the first standards-based B2-level environment available for the RS/6000. PowerUX (was PowerUnix) is also available. PowerUX and PowerSX are available through Harris Computer Systems Corp. and IBM Federal. Contact: Lisa Thornhill at 305-977-5615.
Apple has ported the MacOS to other platforms. See the description of MAS and MAE in Question 4-6.
With the CHRP announcement (see Question 3-8), Apple announced that it would start selling the MacOS independently of Apple hardware. This means that a user will be able to buy MacOS in a store, and install it on any CHRP system. Whether MacOS for CHRP systems will be entirely on disk or on ROMs is still up in the air.
Apple has announced a new OS, codenamed Rhapsody, based on the OPENSTEP API. See Question 4-4.
IBM and Motorola announced in December 1996 that they will no longer sell systems with Windows NT. The current release of NT will be supported, but Microsoft will not release any future versions for the PowerPC.
LynxOS is a real-time UNIX-like operating system, which has been ported to the 601, 603, and 604. It is currently available for Cetia's VME boards (see above). It is expected to be available for IBM's PReP systems in 2Q95. Contact Lynx Real Time Systems at 408-354-7770 or sales@lynx.com.
OS-9, a real-time UNIX-like operating system for embedded systems, is available for PowerPC-based systems. Contact Microware Systems Corporation.
pSOS+ is a real time operating system for the PowerPC with networking support. It currently runs on the Motorola MVME1603 boards and on 403GA boards. Contact Integrated Systems, Inc.
The Tao Operating System (Taos) is a multiprocessor operating system, aimed at embedded consumer electronics, which uses load-time translation to achieve binary compatibility across a range of processors, including the PowerPC, x86, and several others. Contact Tao Systems Ltd.
OSE Delta, a real-time operating system intended for distributed and fault tolerant applications, will be available for the Power PC in 1Q96. The MPC versions for embedded and real-time applications will be supported. OSE Delta includes advanced capabilities such as run time configuration, debugging and program loading (hot updates). Contact info.ose@enea.se.
CHORUS, a real time, componentized distributed microkernel, is available since 2Q96 on a wide variety of 601/603/604-based boards from CES, FORCE, Motorola and Thomson-Cetia. Contact Chorus Systems.
Be, Inc. has announced a new operating system called BeOS. It runs on their own systems (see Question 3-6), and has also been demonstrated running on a PowerPC Mac.
Amiga Technologies is porting AmigaOS to the PowerPC. See Question 3-6.
name company base OS GUI endian avail
----------------- ----------- --------------- ------- ------ ------
- UNIX
AIX 4.1 IBM SysVR3 X+Motif big Oct 93
Solaris 2.x SunSoft SysVR4 X+Motif little mid 95
PowerSX Harris SysVR4 X+Motif ? Jun 94
UnixWare Novell SysVR4 X+Motif ? ?
MachTen Tenon Mach2 + BSD4.3 X+Motif big 1Q 95
Linux Gnu Pub Lic Linux X big ?
Linux OSF/Apple Mach3 + Linux X ? mid 96
- Mac
MacOS 7 Apple custom custom big Mar 94
Rhapsody Apple Next + custom custom ? ?
- PC
Windows NT Microsoft custom custom little 1Q 95
OS/2 - PPC IBM Mach3 + custom custom little 95
PIN Novell Netware ? ? ?
- other
Taligent Taligent custom custom? ? 95
LynxOS Lynx AT&T RTK X+Motif ? Jul 94
OS-9 Microware custom X, cust ? Dec 94
pSOS+ ISI custom X big Dec 93
Taos Tao Systems custom ? ? Mar 95
OSE Delta Enea Data custom ? ? 1Q 96
BeOS Be custom custom ? 1Q 96
AmigaOS Amiga Tech custom custom ? 4Q 96
[4-2] What is PowerOpen?
The PowerOpen Association defines and promotes the PowerOpen Environment
(POE). The POE is a PowerPC-based standard for operating systems and
applications. Most work so far has been with UNIX-like systems. The POE
is not an operating system; it is a definition containing an application
program interface (API) specification as well as an application binary
interface (ABI) specification. The presence of the ABI specification in
the POE is a factor distinguishing PowerOpen from other open systems
(POSIX, XPG4, etc.) since it allows achievement of platform independent
binary compatibility. Any POE-compliant operating system will be able to
run all POE software. Other non-POE standards cannot provide binary
compatibility over several hardware platforms, and usually limit a
software version to a specific platform.
The POE is an open standard, derived from AIX and conforming to industry open standards including POSIX, XPG4, Motif, etc. The POE specification is publicly available to anyone, and is especially of interest to those producing either applications or hardware platforms. The PowerOpen Association provides the necessary conformance testing and POE branding.
The key features of the POE are:
The PowerOpen Association has a WWW page. More information, including key white papers, resides there. Topics include:
(The above text was provided by the PowerOpen Association.)
NB: PowerOpen is not itself an operating system -- it is only a standard for operating systems.
The PowerOpen Association consists of IBM, Motorola, Apple, Bull, Thomson-CSF, Harris, Tadpole Technology, and others.
The PowerOpen specification applies to UNIX-like operating systems. AIX 4.1, available in August, 1994 is PowerOpen-compliant. Apple's System 7 will not be PowerOpen-compliant.
For more information contact Gordon Kass (g.kass@poweropen.org) or Chris Adams (c.adams@poweropen.org).
[4-3] What is Taligent / Pink?
Taligent was founded jointly by
Apple and IBM in March 1992. It is now a subsidiary of IBM. They are
working on object-oriented "framework technologies and
products".
Taligent was originally supposed to release their own OS. Pink is an older name for Taligent, dating back to work that Apple did before the formation of Taligent.
[4-4] Will NeXTStep be ported to the PowerPC?
In December 1996, Apple acquired
NeXT Software, Inc. Steve Jobs will
be responsible for a new OS for the Mac, codenamed Rhapsody, which will
incorporate an OPENSTEP-based API, as well as a MacOS compatibility
module. Apple plans to supply two operating systems -- MacOS and
Rhapsody -- for the next few years. The first developers release of
Rhapsody is planned for late 1997; the general customer release is
expected in 1998.
[4-5] What is WorkplaceOS? Will OS/2 be available on
PowerPC-based computers?
Workplace is a microkernel-based architecture (based on Mach 3)
developed by IBM. According to the initial hype, Workplace was supposed
to be used as the foundation for several different operating systems.
OS/2 for PowerPC is currently available (see Question
4-1). Note that some confusion has been caused by the fact that the
development name for OS/2-PPC was WorkplaceOS (WPOS) -- this name is no
longer used.
[4-6] Can IBM-PC / Macintosh software be run on
PowerPC-based computers?
Several emulators have been announced. Generally, these are intended to
run Macintosh or MS-DOS/Windows applications under the various native
operating systems.
Apple, in cooperation with Sun and HP, has released the Macintosh Application Environment (MAE). MAE allows Mac applications to run under X Windows on Sun SPARCstations and HP 9000 series 700 workstations. MAE emulates a 68LC040, but critical parts of the Toolbox run natively. MAE is similar to MAS, but only runs 68k binaries. For more information, see the MAE WWW site. A demo version is available by ftp.
Executor, produced by ARDI, is currently available for MS-DOS (including Windows and OS/2), Linux, and NEXTSTEP (Intel and 68k). Executor emulates a 68LC040 Macintosh running System 6.0.7, with most System 7 features available. Executor 2 should be ready for release in May 1996. ARDI uses reverse-engineered Toolbox code, i.e., it was written from scratch from the interface specs without using any code from Apple. A demo version is available from ARDI's WWW site.
Power Macintoshes have the built-in capability to run 68k Mac software. The 68k application code will be emulated, but critical parts of the system code have been ported. The emulator emulates a 68LC040 (i.e., a 68040 without the FPU).
Speed Doubler from Connectix includes a faster 68k emulator, among other things.
Be, Inc. and fredlabs, inc. demoed VirtualMac, a Macintosh emulator for BeOS in January 1997. No release date has been announced yet.
SoftPC and SoftWindows, produced by Insignia Solutions, run under several OS's: Mac OS, Windows NT, NeXTStep, and various other UNIX flavors. Version 2.0, released in August, 1995, emulates a 486DX and Windows calls. Insignia has licensed the Windows source code from Microsoft.
OS/2 for the PowerPC (which was also known as WorkplaceOS) will run MS-DOS and Windows code via the Instruction Set Translator (IST), an instruction-caching x86 emulator. OS/2-PPC will not directly run OS/2-x86 code.
[4-7] What PowerPC development tools are
available?
This is a new question -- I'll be happy to take suggestions for
things to list here.
PSIM is a free instruction-level simulator for the PowerPC.
The GNU toolchain (GCC, GAS, GLD, GDB) supports the PowerPC. It's available from the main GNU ftp site and its mirrors. There is also a supported version from Cygnus Support.
Current Pentium systems run existing x86 code faster than current PowerPC systems can emulate it. This is not likely to change in the immediate future. If you need to run x86 code as fast as possible, buy a Pentium box.
On the other hand, many x86 applications will probably be ported to the PowerPC. The extent of this porting will likely determine the success of the PowerPC in the personal computer market.
In terms of pure performance (whatever that is), it looks like there will be a fairly close race between the PowerPC family and the Intel x86 family (among others). The Intel-HP agreement promises to make things even more interesting. Only the future will tell whose chips and whose systems will be the fastest.
[5-2] What will be the differences between the various
PowerPC-based personal computers?
There are currently two major classes of PowerPC-based personal
computers (not counting workstations): the Apple Macintosh line and the
PReP-compliant machines. It now appears that these two groups are
converging on the CHRP standard. In theory, any CHRP-compliant system
will be able to run any CHRP operating system (MacOS, OS/2, Windows NT,
etc.). Whether this will actually materialize remains to be seen.
[6-2] What's the deal with 3DO and the
PowerPC?
3DO has developed M2, a 64-bit video
game technology which uses the PowerPC 602. The M2 technology has been
licensed Matsushita for use in game consoles. However, 3DO is moving
away from game console hardware to focus on software.