Re: Benefits of Linux/Alpha over Linux/x86?

[Rich Payne <rdp talisman alphalinux org>]

On Thu, 22 Jun 2000, Bryan J. Smith wrote:

> 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:

Up front I'd say that Linux's NFS server can be a little shaky at best. As
an SMB server it's fine, but NFS isn't quite there yet (neither x86 nor
Alpha).
 
> - 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?

Yes, AlphaLinux support >2Gig files.

> - 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?

No idea.

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

I've used the Acenic cards (Alteon) w/o any trouble. Can't speak for the
NetGear.

> - 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?

UP2000 has a single 256 bit memory bus, and just FYI SLOT-Bs don't come in
500. Slowest would be 667. It also has dual PCI buses (64-bit).



--rdp

> [ 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.
> 
> 

-- 
Rich Payne
rpayne@alphalinux.org			www.alphalinux.org