phaneuf@ireqs3.uucp (Daniel Phaneuf) (02/03/89)
As requested, here is some information on Sunflower Microsystems memory extension boards along with the experience we have had with them. 0. Introduction: We bought two 4MBytes memory extension boards from Sunflower in December 88. Since we really wanted them badly (we were running SunOS4.0) they shipped us prototypes. We were told that they would replace them with the final ones as soon as they would be available. They also mentionned that in the case where we would like to keep the prototypes, the three-year limited warranty would still apply. We decided to keep them. 1. Reliability issues: Even thought it is quite early to talk about it, the two 3/50 upgraded systems have been performing reliably 24 hours a day without a single problem. 2. Installation: After browsing through the documentation and getting acquainted with the tools they provide (PLCC and IC removers + hex key), it took me less than 15 minutes to install the board. There is absolutely NO SOLDERING OR DESOLDERING operations involved, thus the product is 100% reversible. Briefly, the operation consists in: a. Transfering two gate-arrays from the CPU board to the memory extension board. b. Removing 4 IC's from the CPU board and saving them for reversability purposes. c. Attaching and fastening the expansion board onto the CPU board. There is also a jumper to remove on the CPU board if you install the 8 MBytes board. After reinstalling the CPU board into the chassis and powering-up the system, all you have to do is change two entries in the EEPROM to indicate the total amount of memory in the system (optional). You are now ready to reboot. 3. Features and technical specifications: There are 3 models available, the SF0MX (without DRAMs), the SF4MX (4 MBytes) and the SF8MX(8 MBytes). They use low-power 1 Megabyte CMOS DIP SIMM technology and have circuitry for parity generation and checking. As for power consumption, the SF[0,4]MX and the SF8MX are drawing respectively 0.7 AMPS and 1.3 AMPS on the +5VDC supply. Beware though, those specs are "typical specs" meaning that the boards can draw more current under some circumstances. From the specs I have, the Sun-3/50 power supply will provide: 15 AMPS on +5VDC, 1.3 AMPS on +12VDC and 2.0 AMPS on -5.2VDC. The Sun-3/50 CPU board #501-1112 requires: 13.5 AMPS on +5VDC, 0.5 AMPS on +12VDC and 0.8 AMPS on -5.2VDC. To conclude, it might be safe to upgrade your 3/50 to 8 MBytes but for 12 MBytes... 4. Sun Customer Support: We were told that for a reversible add-on product, Sun would continue to support the Sun systems and parts but that the customer must properly install/deinstall the add-on product for service to be performed. 5. Pricing (U.S. funds, quantity 1-10): - SF0MX 0 MBytes (same as SF4MX without DRAMs) 795.00 - SF4MX 4 MBytes Memory expansion board 2195.00 - SF8MX 8 MBytes Memory expansion board 3995.00 For more informations about pricing and availability contact: Sunflower Microsystems 1684 Marco Drive San Jose, CA 95131-2444 Phone:(408) 291-8767 Fax:(408) 452-8442 The Hydro-Quebec Research Institute has no relationship with Sunflower Microsystems other than being a client. Daniel Phaneuf System Administrator Institut de Recherche d'Hydro-Quebec, (Hydro-Quebec Research Institute) 1800 Montee Ste-Julie, Varennes, P. Quebec, Canada, J0L 2P0 Tel.: 514-652-8074 Fax.: 514-652-8180 UUCP: ...ireqs3!phaneuf phaneuf@ireqs3.uucp