[comp.sys.atari.st] 68861 for 1040 ?

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