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Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!seismo!rlgvax!cvl!umcp-cs!mark
From: mark@umcp-cs.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.works,net.followup,net.micro
Subject: Re: MassComp machines
Message-ID: <3146@umcp-cs.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 15-Oct-83 20:49:21 EDT
Article-I.D.: umcp-cs.3146
Posted: Sat Oct 15 20:49:21 1983
Date-Received: Sun, 16-Oct-83 14:00:21 EDT
References: <784@pesnta.UUCP>
Organization: Univ. of Maryland, Computer Science Dept.
Lines: 33

What seems to make the MassComp 500 fast is (a) a 4k cache on the cpu 
board, (b) a high speed buss along-side the massbuss for fast
memory access.  My guess would be that the cache makes all the
difference.  The cpu chip itself is a 10mhz 68000, with a helper
68000 for paging.

The Unix seems to be a port, not a look-alike.

The benchmarks from Masscomp make it vax-750-like, depending on the
disk, etc.  I wouldn't actually call this Vax-class since it is
well below a 780, but it considerably better than a Sun.  I haven't
done my own benchmarks, however.

They ARE shipping--around 100 machines are out there, if I remember
right, including two right in my neighborhood.  Don't have
one myself yet, but I'm talking to them.

I am very impressed by the packaging and hardware design of these folks.
Their software seems solid as well, but I haven't looked at the code.
The software people I have talked to knew their stuff.  I consider
the prices to be Sun competitive, and a lot better than a vax 750
if the benchmarks old up.

They have a local sales organization in many areas, call them up
and ask for information.  Tell them Mark Weiser at the U. of Maryland
sent you.

-- 
spoken:	mark weiser
UUCP:	{seismo,allegra,brl-bmd}!umcp-cs!mark
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