[Sunhelp] Recommendation on a Frame Buffer and Monitor

[Jonathan Eisch]

I use a SS5 at home.  And I think it's great for user type applications (gimp,
netscape, staroffice...).  I think that it is a bit 'zippier' with these type
applications than a SS20.  That maybe just me.  But I'm rather sure I have a
TGX+ in my 5 and it's a 24bit.

-Jonathan

James Lockwood wrote:

> On Sun, 18 Jul 1999, Brian Pavane wrote:
>
> > I'm looking into purchasing a sparc for use as a desktop system at home.
> > I'll probably end up going with a SS5/110, 64mb ram configuration.  The
> > question I have is what Frame Buffer and Monitor should I be looking to
> > purchase for this box?  It seems most of the SS5/110 boxes out there come
> > with the TGX (501-2325), which is surely not a 24bit card.  Is it worth
> > shelling out the extra cash to get a TGX+ or something even better?  Also,
>
> First of all, let me state that while the SS5/110 is quite a nice machine,
> it wouldn't be my first choice for a desktop system purchased now.  With a
> bit of hunting you can find a SS20/50 (single SM50 CPU module) for a
> comparable price that takes cheaper RAM and is far more expandable.  Some
> of the major plusses:
>
>   RAM is movable to most of the Ultra family when you choose to upgrade
>   (the SS5 RAM is unique to the SS4/SS5).  512MB max RAM vs 256MB.
>
>   4 sbus slots rather than 3.
>
>   Up to 4 processors (expensive) or 2 (cheap, SM50 modules are at
>   bargain-basement prices right now).  If you want more bang per CPU,
>   GSTek has SM71's for $180/ea that will blow away a SS5/110 by nearly
>   2:1.
>
> All of the cg6 family (which includes the GX, GX+, TGX, and TGX+) are
> 8-bit only.  The GX+ and TGX+ differ primarily by having more RAM (4MB vs
> 1MB) which is used to support double buffering and higher resolutions.
> Although double buffering helps performance, IMHO it's not worth it paying
> the premium on those cards (the GX and TGX are extremely cheap used due to
> volume).
>
> If you want a 24-bit framebuffer that is fast and supported on a pre-Ultra
> machine, you have only one choice: the SX.  This can only be used in a
> SS20 (or SS10SX, a rare machine) and it actually a special type of SIMM
> (known as a "VSIMM") that activates the onboard video circuitry.  It does
> not take an sbus slot, and has very good performance due to the fact that
> it's tied to the mbus (50MHz/64-bit) rather than the sbus (25MHz/32-bit).
> These have traditionally been expensive due to high demand, but prices are
> finally falling.  Expect to pay in the neighborhood of $200 for one.
>
> Bottom line: decide if you really need 24-bit color and if you will
> upgrade to a newer machine eventually.  If you need it right now, a SS20
> with an SX framebuffer is your best buy.  If you don't, just about any of
> the SS4/5/10/20 family with a TGX will work, but keep in mind that memory
> is transferrable from the SS20 to the Ultras (except for the "big-iron"
> enterprise Ultras and the Ultra 5/10).  The TGX can be moved to any sbus
> Ultra (useful for a second display even if you get a 24-bit framebuffer as
> your primary) while the SX is stuck with the SS20 (but they make terrific
> 24-bit X-terminals).
>
> > I'm looking to get a nice 20" monitor for this system, how does a 365-1324
> > or a 365-1335 rank?  What are other people out there using as a fb and
> > monitor on desktop sun's?
>
> These are the Sun part numbers for the Sony GDM20D10 and GDM20E20.  Both
> are good monitors, and both can do 1280x1024 at 76Hz.  The main difference
> that most people notice is that the 20E20 can scan all the way down to
> 640x480, and is therefore more valuable due to its usefulness with the PC
> crowd.  The 20D10 (365-1167/1313/1317/1330/1322/1324/1325/1326) is
> probably the best deal for a clear trinitron on a Sun.  They also seem to
> age better, possibly due to less strain on the sync circuits.
>
> -James
>
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