bert@helix.nih.gov (Bert Tyler) (02/02/91)
> Actually, the XGA adapter will only run in full-blown 386 machines > using MicroChannel archetecture. The XGA adapter will also work on 386SX-based MicroChannel machines, such as the IBM PS/2 55SX. The XGA's POST self-testing code is written using the 386-specific instruction set, precluding its use on 286-based machines. > Except for the 32-bit busmaster capabilities, the XGA specification > is virtually identical to the 8514/a spec. Wrong, wrong, wrong! The XGA spec is not even close to that of the 8514/A. The XGA adapter *does* come with an optional device driver that provides *API* compatibility with the 8514/A's HDILOAD TSR (with a few exceptions), but that's as close as it gets. I have both an 8514/A and an XGA adapter in my shop, have the API manuals for both and the preliminary IBM XGA Video Subsystem HArdware Users Guide, and have written programs that talk to the 8514/A API and the XGA (the latter via direct hardware access). > If its not a 32-bit busmaster, it's 8514/a and NOT XGA. The XGA adapter works just fine in 16-bit microchannel slots, although IBM recommends using 32-bit slots for performance.