2 System Board

Devices on the Processor-Local Bus

Setting the switches to operate at a slower speed, than the processor is capable of supporting, can still cause erratic behavior in some case, and would reduce the instruction throughput in others.

Cache Memory

The computer supports two levels of cache memory, each with a 32-byte line width. The Level-1 (L1) cache memory is fabricated on the processor chip. The Level-2 (L2) cache memory is a slower module on the system board.

Each acts as temporary storage for data and instructions from the main memory. Since the system is likely to use the same, or adjacent, data several times, it is faster to get it from the on-chip or on-board cache memory than from the main memory.

The L1 cache memory is divided into two separate banks: an L1 I-cache for instruction words, and an L1 D-cache for data words. On a P54 processor, each has a capacity of 8 KB; on an MMX (P55) processor, each has a capacity of 16 KB.

The L2 cache memory is controlled by the PL/PCI bridge chip in the system board chip-set (see page 23 for a description, and details of timing patterns and tag size). A single HP cache memory module consists of 256 KB or

512 KB of direct mapped, write-back, synchronous pipelined burst, 8.5 ns static random access memory (SRAM). The chip-set does not support asynchronous or burst SRAM modules.

Main Memory

There are six main memory module sockets, arranged in three banks (A to C). One bank is already occupied by the pair of single interline memory modules (SIMMs) that contain the 16 MB or 32 MB of memory that is supplied with the computer.

Different banks can have different capacities (8, 16, 32 or 64 MB), but must be composed of identical pairs of modules (2✕4, 2✕8, 2✕16 or 2✕32 MB). By installing a pair of 32 MB SIMMs in every bank, first removing the memory modules that were supplied with the computer, the maximum capacity of 192 MB of main memory can be attained.

The banks can be filled, or left empty, in any order. However, there is a performance advantage to filling the banks in the order A, B, C. The explanation for this is outlined in the description of the cache memory controller on page 23.

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HP Vectra VL 5/xxx 5 manual Cache Memory, Main Memory
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Vectra VL 5/xxx 5 specifications

The HP Vectra VL 5/xxx was a series of desktop personal computers introduced by Hewlett-Packard in the mid-1990s. These machines were designed for both business and professional environments, making them suitable for a range of applications from basic office tasks to more demanding computing needs. This series played a significant role in HP's efforts to strengthen its market presence in the PC sector during a time when competition was intensifying.

One of the standout features of the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx line was its versatility. The series included various configurations designated by the '5/xxx' nomenclature, which indicated different performance levels and specifications. The performance was driven primarily by Intel Pentium processors, widely acclaimed for their reliability and efficiency. This allowed users to choose a model that suited their specific requirements, whether for everyday tasks or more resource-intensive applications.

In addition to its strong processing capabilities, the Vectra VL 5/xxx featured advanced graphics support, which was critical for visual applications and presentations. Many units in this series came equipped with onboard graphics capabilities that supported a range of resolutions, enhancing the user experience in both standard office environments and more creative settings.

Storage options were another highlight of the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx series. The machines typically featured a variety of hard drive configurations, allowing for ample data storage. Some models included the option for expanding storage through additional hard drives or external devices. Coupled with considerable RAM options, these machines ensured smooth multitasking and efficient performance across various applications.

Connectivity was also a core aspect of the Vectra VL 5/xxx. The systems typically included multiple USB ports, parallel and serial ports, and integrated networking capabilities. This made it easy for businesses to integrate the Vectra machines into their existing infrastructure, facilitating seamless interaction with peripherals and networks.

In terms of design, the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx series presented a robust yet compact form factor, which was ideal for office environments with limited space. Additionally, HP emphasized the reliability and serviceability of these machines, which included easy access to internal components for maintenance and upgrades, thereby extending the product life cycle.

Overall, the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx line offered a balanced combination of performance, flexibility, and reliability, making it a solid choice for organizations looking to leverage computing power for a range of professional applications. The series embodied HP's commitment to delivering quality and innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of personal computing.
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