Benefits of Linux/Alpha over Linux/x86?

["Bryan J. Smith" <b j smith ieee org>]

Benefits of Linux/Alpha over Linux/x86?

I've used various Alpha systems over the years for VMS and even NT. 
I've also been using Linux/x86 since 1993, on corporate networks
since 1995.  Now I'm looking at building a new, high-end LAN
fileserver (mainly for NFS, but also for SMB) based on Linux.  I'm
trying to find more information on any benefits that Linux/Alpha
would have over Linux/x86 from a OS standpoint.  I couldn't find
anything in the various FAQs on the 'net so humor me on my ignorance
here:

- I hear Linux/x86 2.2 only supports 32-bit PCI transfers on 64-bit
PCI slots.  Does Linux/Alpha 2.2 support 64-bit PCI transfers on
64-bit PCI slots?

- Does Ext2 benefit from 64-bit in any way?  Like >2GB file sizes? 
I've had mixed experiences with the Linux/x86 patches (mostly bad). 
Any other 64-bit filesystem support available on Linux/Alpha that
isn't on Linux/x86, including 3rd party?

- Does the DAC960 driver work with Linux/Alpha?  I'm looking at the
new Mylex eXtremeRAID 2000 (StrongARM powered, 4-channel Ultra160)
for a RAID controller.  The latest DAC960 driver supposively works
with this card -- but is it Linux/x86 only?

- Any problems with the Acenic chipset on Linux/Alpha?  I'm looking
at the NetGear GA620 for a NIC.

- I'm looking at the UP2000 mainboard with dual Slot-B processors,
either the 2 or 4MB L2 cache 500MHz processors.  Anyone want to
comment on the performance of the dual 128-bit CPU busses, 256-bit
path to memory or dual-PCI channels against the single (64-bit) or
dual (128-bit) memory busses of dual-processor x86 solutions?

[ Note I'm looking at the Tyan S1867DLUAN with the RCC/ServerWorks
ServerSet IIIHE with dual-CPU, dual-memory (128-bit total) and three
PCI busses (two 64-bit, one 32-bit).  Want to know if the increased
L2 of the Alpha, and wider CPU bus may make the difference for
servers. ]

Thanx in advance ...

-- Bryan J. Smith
   Theseus Logic, Inc.

-- 
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