wawers@DMZRZU71.BITNET (06/10/87)
Hello, ATARI-World ! In one of the last issues of a local ST-Paper, a 68861 Co-Processor for the 1040 was offered. Since I also use the ST for large numerical calculations, I'm looking for a compiler which produces a faster code or a Co-Processor, like the 68 8 81. Now, I don't know yet how many MARKS it costs, but I assume that it isn't really cheap. Is there any 1040 out there which has already a 68881 build in ? Does the money pay off ? What software do I need ? Theo BTW: The ad said, that the 68881 would speed up your ST 750 times. That's incredible ! The little ST as fast as the ol' CRAY 1 ? I would be satisfied, if it runs THREE times faster than without Co-Proc. BITNET: WAWERS@DMZRZU71.BITNET
ftw@datacube.UUCP (06/12/87)
You will also have to find a compiler that will provide a trap handler to pass all those "illegal" instructions to the '881. The 68881 is meant to be a companion to the 68020; not really the 680[00-12]. There is some overhead involved in passing stuff off to the '881, but for number-crunching applications, it should still pay off.
Sheldon_Hijacker_Chang@cup.portal.com (08/01/87)
Gee 750 times!?!?!?! That's sounds almost impossible!! I mean, your Atari ST is already VERY fast. Sheldon the Hijacker