Sun UltraSPARC IIi 550 MHz processor

Advantages: Cheap entry level Sun SPARC from 1997
Disadvantages: Build quality is PC like, and low cache processors

...The Sun UltraSPARC 5 workstation was brought out in 1997, and was priced so you could have one on your desk for approx 1000 US Dollars. They stopped shipping to customers in May 2002. These days, it is not a fast machine, but still they are perfectly useable for many workstation and server tasks. Processor and Memory - This model has an UltraSPARC IIi processor which is, of course, 64 bit and is clocked at 360 MHz. You can have 1GB of memory in the workstation, installed as up to 4 DIMMS, which must be installed in pairs. "Normal" PC memory will not work in these workstations. The 260MHz model only has 256kB cache (same with the 270MHz processor) For better performance, you need the 2MB cache version on the 333 or 400MHz versions. Storage - There is one HDD bay in the machine, although if you remove the floppy drive, you can put... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Plenty of Scope for improvement
Disadvantages: You can't get one for a P.C. - shame

...In recent trials the Motorola G4 Processor for Mac (running at 450 Mhz) out performed a P.C. running 2 thats....... TWO 1Gig Mhz Pentium III processors. I don't understand why P.C. owners are son fixated with Mhz - I suppose they need to run DOS so that Windows will RUN or is that crawl. C:/> CISC - Complex Instruction Set Computing = 30 - 40 time more code to process than an equivelent RISC Processor Reduced Instruction Set Computing Go Figure And 1 Gig Mhz is coming soon. PC are going to need Liquid Nitrogen Cooled Processors Just to Keep Up If they Can... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average off topic

Advantages: fast, new
Disadvantages: expensive

...I upgraded from an Intel Pentium II 450 mhz to the new Intel Pentium III 700 mhz mainly because of the upgrade offer at a low cost. I found that immediately there was a noticeable difference and just the way in which my computer carried out every day tasks like opening programs and the likes seemed to fly through as if my old chip was carrying 4 suitcases with it on it's chores! I find no problems at all with it and I would seriously recommend it to anyone after a high speed processor with lightning speed and good capabilities.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful