Compaq Systems, 1 GS80 System, 2 GS160/320 System, AlphaServer GS80/160/320 Site Preparation

Models: 160 320

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1.1The Systems

The GS80 is a rack system whereas the GS160 and GS320 are box-based systems.

1.1.1GS80 System

The GS80 system is contained in a single cabinet. It is a drawer-based system consisting of one or two drawers. Each drawer contains one QBB with up to four CPU modules and up to four memory modules. In a two-drawer system a distribution board connects the two QBBs through their global ports.

The system cabinet of the GS80 also contains the power supplies and accommodates one PCI box, a storage shelf, and the OCP (operator control panel). An expander cabinet can house additional PCI boxes and storage shelves.

1.1.2GS160/320 System

The GS160/320 system consists of a power cabinet and one system cabinet (GS160) or two system cabinets (GS320), depending on the configuration. The power cabinet contains the power supplies, the I/O components—the PCI boxes and storage units—and the OCP. The system cabinets house the system boxes that carry interconnect modules as well as CPU and memory modules.

The system cabinet can be configured with one or two system boxes. The first system box is located in the lower cavity of the cabinet and the second system box is inserted in the upper cavity. A fully configured system consists of a power cabinet and two system cabinets—system cabinet 1 and system cabinet 2—each system cabinet containing two system boxes.

In a single system box system a distribution board interfaces the two QBBs directly through their global ports. In configurations with more than one system box a hierarchical switch replaces the distribution board and adds a second level switch to route information between the system boxes.

Additional PCI boxes and storage shelves can be accommodated in expander cabinets that can be attached to either side of the system.

1-2 AlphaServer GS80/160/320 Site Preparation

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Compaq manual Systems, 1 GS80 System, 2 GS160/320 System, AlphaServer GS80/160/320 Site Preparation

160, 320 specifications

The Compaq 160,320 is a noteworthy product in the realm of personal computing, specifically notable for its blend of pioneering technologies and robust features. Launched during a period when personal computers were becoming increasingly accessible to the average consumer, the Compaq 160,320 played a significant role in shaping the market landscape.

At the heart of the Compaq 160,320 is its Intel 8086 processor. This microprocessor was revolutionary for its time, providing a significant step forward in computing power with its 16-bit architecture. The device typically shipped with configurations ranging from 512 KB to 1 MB of RAM, which was quite impressive for a system of its era. This allowed users to run multiple applications simultaneously, enhancing overall productivity and user experience.

The Compaq 160,320 was designed with portability in mind, featuring a compact and lightweight construction. Despite its small size, it offered fully-fledged desktop capabilities, making it an ideal solution for business professionals and students who needed a powerful machine on the go. The built-in 9-inch monochrome display provided adequate visual clarity for text-based applications and basic graphics, showcasing the capabilities of early computing technology.

One of the standout features of the Compaq 160,320 was its dual floppy disk drives, which enabled users to easily transfer data between disks and ensured quick access to programs and files. The interface for connecting external hardware was versatile, encompassing both serial and parallel ports to accommodate printers and other peripherals popular at the time. This feature set allowed for a more expansive use case, ranging from business applications to more personalized computing tasks.

In terms of software compatibility, the Compaq 160,320 ran MS-DOS as its primary operating system, providing a sturdy platform for users to run a plethora of applications, including word processors and early database systems. This software flexibility further solidified its position as an essential tool for work and educational environments.

Overall, the Compaq 160,320 represents a significant chapter in the evolution of personal computing. It combined portability, compatibility, and impressive performance, making it a preferred choice among early computer users. The innovations introduced by this model set a foundation for future advancements in the portable computing arena, impacting the design philosophies of subsequent laptops and personal computers.