The new top-end PS/2s – Models 95, 90 – are two-and-half-times faster than the 80-A31IBM has introduced two new members of the PS/2 family – the PS/2 Model 95 XP 486 and the PS/2 Model 90 XP 486 – that combine Intel’s 80486 microprocessor with the Micro Channel architecture, and advanced graphics, known as Extended Graphics Array. These machines deliver throughput rates that are up to two-and-a-half times faster than the top-of-the-line, floor-standing PS/2 Model 80-A31. The systems feature a processor-complex design that allows the microprocessor, memory controller, memory cache option, and system input-output control to be upgraded to accommodate advances in future technologies. The Model 95 and the Model 90 are available with either a 25MHz or 33MHz processor, depending on customer requirements. Customers with 25MHz versions can upgrade to the 33MHz 80486 with installation of the IBM PS/2 486/33 Processor Upgrade Option. In addition, an optional 256Kb memory cache may be integrated to achieve faster processing power. The IBM PS/2 5.25 Slim High Diskette Drive, an inter-nal 1.2Mb drive, is available as an option on these models. The systems come standard with 4Mb of 70nS memory. Total system memory can be expanded to 32Mb on the system board, so no memory expansion cards are required. Customers may also use 80nS and or 85nS memory, which will be automatically addressed through an automatic memory adjustment feature in the systems. Both systems include several other enhanced features, such as an advanced memory design, which enables the system processor to address memory direct-ly through its own 64-bit data path; serial and parallel direct memory access ports and a selectable boot mode, which enables customers to boot the system from any hard file installed. The various Model 95s also have a built-in graphics busmaster, called the IBM PS/2 XGA Display Adaptor/A. This busmaster provides a screen resolution of 1,024 by 768 pixels with 256 colours at a speed that is 90% faster than the IBM Video Graphics Array/Adaptor, when running MS-DOS applications in the low-resolution mode. The PS/2 Model 95 XP 486 is supported by MS-DOS 3.3, MS-DOS 4.0, OS/2 1.2, OS/2 1.3, SCO Unix System V/386 Version 3.2.2, Novell NetWare Version 3.1, and Banyan Vines Release 4.0. The Model 95-OKD is priced at $17,745; the Model 95-OJD is priced at $16,095; and the Model 95-OJ9 is priced at $14,145. The desktop system is designed for applications, such as computer-aided design, financial modelling, or image and presentation graphics. The system is available with either a 25MHz or 33MHz processor, and can accommodate up to 960Mb of internal fixed-disk storage through three bays; a fourth bay can take additional storage devices, such as a CD-ROM drive or a 5.25 High Diskette Drive.

Graphics array busmaster on motherboard

Similar to the Model 95, this desktop system can address nearly 9Gb of total storage via four PS/2 External Storage Enclosures for SCSI Devices. The 33MHz system (the Model 90-OKD) comes standard with one 320Mb, 12.5mS SCSI fixed disk, a 1.44Mb diskette drive, the PS/2 Micro Channel SCSI Adaptor with Cache and three available 32-bit expansion slots. Two 25MHz systems, featuring either a 16mS, 160Mb fixed disk (the Model 90-OJ9) or a 17mS, 80Mb fixed disk (the Model 90-OJ5) are also available. A standard feature, the Extended Graphics Array busmaster is incorporated on the system board offering customers involved in image and presentation graphics fast, high-resolution graphics. The PS/2 Model 90 XP 486 is supported by the same operating systems as the Model 92 XP 486. The Model 90-OKD, -OJ9 and -OJ5 are priced at $16,695, $13,095 and $12,495, respectively. Available for the 25MHz versions of the new PS/2 Model 95 and Model 90, the IBM PS/2 486/33 Processor Complex Upgrade Option offers users an easy upgrade path. The 486/33 processor-complex design enables the memory controller, memory cache and system input-output controllers to be upgraded along with the processor. The processor complex also features an internal memory cache

controller, an internal 8Kb memory cache and an internal floating-point processing unit that performs the functions of an external 80387 maths co-processor. Priced at $2,500 including the user’s traded-in old 25MHz processor complex, the PS/2 486/33 Processor Complex Upgrade Option is supported by MS-DOS 3.3 or higher, OS/2 1.2 or higher, SCO UNIX System V/386 Version 3.2.2, Novell NetWare Version 3.1, as well as by Banyan Vines Release 4.0.

Extended Graphics Array busmaster

The IBM PS/2 XGA Display Adaptor/A is a 32-bit busmaster, which is compatible with existing VGA software applications, but offers performance increases, and improved resolution and colour content. Busmasters are intelligent adaptors or chip sets that enable tasks to be processed independent of the system’s main processor. Through this XGA busmaster, customers running existing graphics applications will be able to produce high-resolution graphics in as little as half the time. Optimised for use in Presentation Manager and other windowing environments, the XGA design offers customers a screen resolution of 1,024 by 768 pixels in addition to support for 256 colours. In comparison, VGA offers a resolution of 640 by 480 pixels with 16-colour capability. The XGA busmaster uses Video Random Access Memory, an enhanced memory design that enables images to appear faster on screen than through conventional memory. The adaptor is configured with 512Kb of Video Random Access Memory and can be expanded to 1Mb through inclusion of the IBM PS/2 Video 512Kb Memory Kit. A standard component of the new PS/2 Model 95, the PS/2 XGA Display Adaptor/A is available as an option for all desktop and floor-standing 80386, 80386SX and 80486PS/2s. The adaptor is supported by MS-DOS 3.3 or 4.0, OS/2 1.2, OS/2 1.3, and is priced at $1,100.

IBM kills some PS/2 Fixed Disk Drives

With the introduction of the new fixed-disk enhancements, the following PS/2 products are being withdrawn from marketing: the PS/2 Model 80-121 and -A21, effective January 29, 1991; the PS/2 44Mb Fixed Disk Drive, the PS/2 70Mb Fixed Disk Drive, the PS/2 115Mb Fixed Disk Drive, the PS/2 314Mb Fixed Disk Drive, effective December 27, 1990; the 1.44Mb 1 High Diskette Drive, and the PS/2 1.44 1 High Diskette Drive Kit C, all effective right now.