2 System Board

Devices on the PCI Bus

Transfer Rates Versus Modes of Operation

to a channel, it should be in the master position (the connector that is closest to the system board, unless the markings on the cables state otherwise).

It is possible to mix a fast and a slow device, such as a hard disk drive and a a CD-ROM, on the same channel without affecting the performance of the fast device. The BIOS sends a command to each drive to determine, automatically, the fastest configuration that it supports. However, in general, the primary channel cable is recommended for hard disk drives, and the secondary channel cable for CD-ROM drives.

The controller supports 32-bit Windows I/O transfers. Five PIO modes, and three DMA modes are supported. The five supported PIO modes allow the following transfer rates.

Mode

0

1

2

3

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cycle time (ns)

600

383

240

180

120

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfer rate (MB/s)

3.33

5.22

8.33

11.1

16.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

The three DMA modes allow the following transfer rates:

Mode

0

1

2

 

 

 

 

Cycle time (ns)

480

150

120

 

 

 

 

Transfer rate (MB/s)

4.2

13.3

16.7

 

 

 

 

Disk Capacity Versus Modes of Addressing

The amount of addressable space on a hard disk is limited by three factors: the physical size of the hard disk, the addressing limit of the IDE hardware, and the addressing limit of the BIOS. The Extended-CHS addressing scheme allows larger disk capacities to be addressed than under CHS, by performing a translation. If the Setup field has been set to automatic, the logical block addressing (LBA) mode will be selected for each device that supports it.

 

Cylinders per

Heads per

Sectors per Track

Bytes per

Bytes per

 

Device

Cylinder

Sector

Device

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHS

64

16

1024

512

528

M

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ECHS

64

256

1024

512

8.4

G

 

 

 

 

 

 

LBA

-

-

256 M (=228)

512

137 G

35

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Image 35
HP Vectra VL 5/xxx 5 manual Three DMA modes allow the following transfer rates, Heads per, Bytes per, 528

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.