3 Interface Devices and Mass-Storage Drives

Matrox MGA Millennium Graphics Controller Board

Matrox MGA Millennium Graphics Controller Board

All models of the HP Vectra XA 5/xxx PC and a few models of the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx Series 5 PC are supplied with a Matrox MGA Millennium PCI graphics controller on a board fitted in a PCI accessory slot. The on-board MGA-2064W processor communicates with the Pentium processor along the PCI bus. The controller can be characterized as follows:

100% hardware- and BIOS-compatible with IBM® VGA display standard

64-bit video memory access

Hardware acceleration of graphical user interface (GUI) operations

Support for up to 8 MB Window RAM (WRAM) at 50 ns

Integrated 24-bit, 220 MHz RAMDAC

Pixel clock maximum frequency of 135 MHz

Green power saving features

Standard and Enhanced Video Graphics Array (VGA) modes

Acceleration for 3D, playback, MPEG (when an optional upgrade module from Matrox is fitted), continuous interpolation on X, replication on Y

DDC 2B compliant.

Matrox VESA connector

Media XL connector

VESA pass-through connector Top half of upgrade socket

2 MB memory chips

Graphics processor chips

Bottom half of upgrade socket

Configuration switches

Top and bottom halves of the upgrade socket. (For the installation of a video memory upgrade module or the Matrox MPEG module).

Configuration switches. (Set to their bottom position for normal operation).

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HP Vectra VL 5/xxx 5 manual Matrox MGA Millennium Graphics Controller Board

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.