Compaq Deskpro AP500 Manual

WHITEPAPER
ECG079/0898
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August 1998
Prepared By
Workstation Marketing
Compaq Computer
Corporation
Contents
New Compaq
Professional Workstation
AP500 .......................... 3
Intel Pentium II............... 3
Compaq System
Architecture................... 4
Memory ........................ 6
Ultra ATA...................... 7
Wide-Ultra SCSI Hard
Drives .......................... 7
Accelerated Graphics
Port (AGP) .................... 9
Graphics......................10
Chassis Features...........15
Integrated Network
Interface Controller (NIC) 15
32X Maximum CD-ROM...17
PremierSound Audio.......17
Universal Serial Bus
(USB)..........................18
Monitors ......................19
Workstation Software
Platform.......................20
Compaq Professional Workstation AP500
Key Technologies White Paper
The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the Key Technologies incorporated
into the Compaq Professional Workstation AP500. This paper concentrates on covering
those features and technologies that have unique customer benefits. The objective is to
provide the technical information and benefits of these features, so that geographic regions
can market them successfully.
For more information about our graphics offering refer to:
http://www.compaq.com/products/workstations/graphics

WHITEPAPER (cont’d) Compaq Workstations - Key Technologies
2
NOTICE
The information in this publication is subject to change without notice and is provided “AS IS” WITHOUT
WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. THE ENTIRE RISK ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THIS
INFORMATION REMAINS WITH RECIPIENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL COMPAQ BE LIABLE FOR
ANY DIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, OR OTHER DAMAGES
WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS
PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION OR LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION), EVEN IF
COMPAQ HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
The limited warranties for Compaq products are exclusively set forth in the documentation accompanying
such products. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting a further or additional warranty.
This publication does not constitute an endorsement of the product or products that were tested. The
configuration or configurations tested or described may or may not be the only available solution. This test
is not a determination of product quality or correctness, nor does it ensure compliance with any federal
state or local requirements.
Deskpro is a trademark of Compaq Computer Corporation.
Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
Intel, Pentium, and Pentium Pro are trademarks of Intel Corporation
Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective
companies.
© 1998 Compaq Computer Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
Compaq Professional Workstation AP500 Key Technologies White
Paper
August 1998
Document ECG079/0898

WHITEPAPER (cont’d) Compaq Workstations - Key Technologies
3
NEW COMPAQ PROFESSIONAL WORKSTATION AP500
The Compaq Professional Workstation AP500 is a powerful, industry standard workstation
specifically designed for professionals using a broad range of workstation applications.
Common applications for this product include mainstream CAD/CAE (AutoCAD, Mechanical
Desktop, Solidworks, Pro/ENGINEER), mainstream digital content creation (PhotoShop, 3D
StudioMXA), select EDA (Concept, Board Station), financial trading (Dow Jones Market,
PTW), network management (Compaq Insight Manager, BMC Patrol), and software
development (Microsoft® Visual Studio).
Compaq Professional Workstations are backed by strong partnerships with leading ISVs to
provide highly integrated and optimized solutions, which can be confidently deployed in the
most demanding, business critical environments. The Compaq Professional Workstation AP500
combines powerful industry standard components, strong partnerships with leading ISVs, and
traditional Compaq quality and reliability, giving users the time-to-market advantage they need
to succeed.
The Compaq Professional Workstation AP500 features a highly expandable tower form factor
with tool-less entry for easy service and upgrades. The tower form factor, measuring 19.75 x
10 x 23.5 in/50.165 x 25.40 x 59.69 cm (HxWxD) is optimized for placement on the floor and is
rack mountable with an optional rack mount kit.
INTEL®PENTIUM®II
The Compaq Professional Workstation AP500 uses the newest Intel Pentium II 400-MHz and
450-MHz processors, which incorporate MMX technology and 100-MHz Front Side Bus. The
Front Side Bus is the processor-to-memory bus. Pentium II processors preceding the 350-MHz
clock speed and Pentium Pro processors supported 66-MHz Front Side Bus. Pentium II
processors with 350-MHz or higher clock speeds have now increased to 100-MHz Front Side
Bus, which provides greater processor-to-memory bandwidth and faster performance. The
Compaq Professional Workstation AP500, with the Pentium II processor, supports up to 1 GB
of maximum memory (using four 256-MB DIMMs). Like previous Pentium II processors, the
new processor ships as a single module that contains the CPU chip, the cache tag, and the L2
cache packaged in a Single Edge Connect Cartridge (SECC).
The Intel Pentium II processor features 512 KB of integrated non-blocking L2 cache and a
dedicated 64-bit cache bus, which improves performance by reducing average memory access
time. The Pentium II processor’s L2 cache scales with the processor core frequency. Higher
core frequencies will require a 100-MHz Front Side Bus (FSB), which in turn will require a
new chipset, memory, and system board. The faster system bus and memory will significantly
increase overall PC performance.

WHITEPAPER (cont’d) Compaq Workstations - Key Technologies
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CUSTOMER BENEFITS
•Major leaps in processor power. The new Pentium II 400-MHz and 450-MHz
processors provide a significant increase in processing power over previous Intel
processors. The Pentium II 450-MHz processors deliver up to a 28% performance boost
over the Pentium II 350-MHz processors in certain integer or multimedia benchmarks.
•Improved overall system performance. The 100-MHz FSB improves the overall
performance of the workstation by enhancing the speed at which data is transferred
between the processor and other parts of the system.
•Improved value. The new Pentium II processors deliver a great value by delivering
higher performance at an affordable price.
MMX
Similar to the previous Pentium II processors, the new Pentium II 400-MHz and 450-MHz
processors have MMX technology. MMX (MultiMedia Extensions) is the name for the 57
multimedia instructions Intel has added to its processors. These multimedia extension
instructions significantly improve performance on CPU-intensive multimedia applications.
For additional information on MMX, please access the Intel web site at
http://developer.intel.com/drg/mmx/Support/faq.htm.
COMPAQ SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE
Intel 440BX Chipset
The AP500 uses the Intel 440BX chipset. The Intel 440BX chipset was designed as a follow on
to the 440LX, which had replaced the previous generation of 440FX chipsets used with Pentium
Pro and early Pentium II processors. Chipsets include technologies that allow processors,
memory, I/O, graphics, and other devices to communicate and work together in a computer.
The 440LX was Intel's first chipset designed specifically for more advanced Pentium II
systems, providing built-in support for SDRAM, Ultra ATA hard drives, and Accelerated
Graphics Port (AGP) technology. (More information on AGP later in this paper.) The Intel
440BX chipset also supports these features, as well as a 100-MHz FSB. As mentioned earlier,
the benefits of the 100-MHz FSB are greater processor-to-memory bandwidth and faster
performance.
The 440BX supports the 100-MHz FSB, an upgraded infrastructure designed to support clock
speeds of 350 MHz and above in the more advanced Pentium II processors. This additional
100-MHz FSB support is the key difference between the BX and the LX chipsets.

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The following table shows how the BX chipsets compare to the LX technology.
Key Features Supported by Intel Pentium II Chipsets
Feature 440LX Chipset
(440LX/PIIX-4) 440BX Chipset (443BX/PIIX-4)
Processor FSB 66 MHz 66 MHz or 100 MHz
Memory – Max/type 512 MB SDRAM
ECC supported 1 GB SDRAM ECC supported
IDE UltraDMA/33 UltraDMA/33
AGP Yes Yes
USB 2 ports 2 ports
ACPI Yes Yes
CUSTOMER BENEFITS
•Performance. Support for up to 1 GB of SDRAM provides support for memory-
intensive applications and data files. This increases system performance.
•Speed. Clock speeds of 350 MHz and above are possible with support for the 100-MHz
Front Side Bus.
•Support for better, faster graphics. Brings built-in support for Accelerated Graphics
Port (AGP) technology.
•ACPI-ready. ACPI defines a hardware interface that allows a standard way to integrate
power management features throughout the workstation system. Since the workstation
ships standard with the ACPI hardware, you will be able to utilize ACPI features once
future ACPI-enabled Microsoft operating systems become available.
Q. Does the Compaq Professional Workstation AP500 use the Highly Parallel System
Architecture?
A. No. The Compaq Professional Workstation AP500 does not use the Highly Parallel
System Architecture.
Q. Why is Compaq not using the Highly Parallel System Architecture for this
product?
A. In keeping with our strategy of optimizing our product lines to meet the needs of
specific target markets, we use the Compaq Highly Parallel System Architecture in our
high-performance line of products, since the applications targeted for this line are most
apt to benefit from the technology. The Compaq Professional Workstation AP500 is
targeted at price/performance-conscious users in the workstation market who must
balance their desire for performance with a desire for value.

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MEMORY
The Compaq Professional Workstation AP500 uses 100-MHz Registered ECC Synchronous
DRAM (SDRAM) and supports up to 1 GB of memory. SDRAM is designed to accommodate
higher processor speeds and provides faster memory operation with burst data rates of up to
four times that of standard page-mode DRAMs. The new burst mode addresses an entire block
of data rather than one piece at a time. Most importantly, SDRAM is synchronized with the
CPU system clock to allow continuous data flow. Estimated performance increases are 2% for
cached systems and 10% for non-cached systems.
100-MHz SDRAM is required to work with the 100-MHz Front Side Bus (FSB), which is an
integral part of high-speed systems. 100-MHz SDRAM is designed to accommodate higher
microprocessor speeds and to provide faster memory operation.
CUSTOMER BENEFITS
There are clear benefits to SDRAM compared to the previous memory technology, EDO
(extended data output) DRAM. Some key benefits are:
•Increased performance. Customers will experience greater CPU responsiveness with
SDRAM technology. The 100-MHz SDRAM will support high-speed Pentium II 400-
MHz and 450-MHz technologies that EDO DRAM cannot support.
•Faster bus speeds. SDRAM can run up to 100 MHz, while the maximum bus speed that
EDO DRAM can run is 66 MHz.
•Perfect match for demanding applications. As graphics and software programs
become more and more complex, SDRAM is better suited to handle these advances
compared to EDO SDRAM because of its higher bus speed.
Q. Compaq Professional Workstation AP500 uses registered memory. What is the
difference between registered and unregistered memory?
A. Registered memory is buffered memory. Buffered DIMMs use buffer logic chips on
their control lines to reduce loading on the system board. This buffering action
increases the maximum size of DIMM module sockets on the system board. Unbuffered
DIMMs do not use any buffer logic chips, thus achieving slightly faster operation due
to the elimination of the propagation delay of the logic buffer. The increase in speed
comes at the tradeoff of reducing the maximum size of DIMM modules on the system
board, which results in smaller memory capacity.
Q. Can I use older memory from my installed base of Compaq Professional
Workstation systems in the new AP500 machine?
A. The Compaq Professional Workstation AP500 uses the same memory as the Compaq
Professional Workstation AP400; however, the AP500 memory is not interchangeable
with the AP200, 5000, 5100, 6000, or 8000 products. The AP200 uses unregistered
DIMMS, and the remaining products use 66-MHz EDO memory.

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ULTRA ATA
Ultra ATA is a definition for an ATA data transfer protocol. The Ultra ATA protocol is
included in the ATA-4 specification, an industry-wide specification designed to provide firm
guidelines to hardware developers and manufacturers. The development of the transfer protocol
“Ultra ATA” hard drives (also known as UDMA, UATA, Ultra DMA, Ultra DMA-33) has
increased the burst data transfer rate to 33.3 MB/s compared to Fast ATA, effectively doubling
the transfer rate vs. Fast ATA. Due to faster transfer rates, Ultra ATA technology processes
data twice as fast. This causes a reduction of 250 ms to 125 ms in time to empty the buffer.
These savings in time allow the time to empty the buffer (400 ms) to equal the buffer fill time,
thus eliminating the bottlenecks experienced with Fast ATA.
CUSTOMER BENEFITS
•Extends the data transfer rate. Provides improvement over Fast ATA speed of 16.6
MB per second to 33.3 MB per second.
•Provides improved signal integrity through CRC (Cyclical Redundancy Check).
Checks to verify the integrity of the data transferred by validating all data transferred
across the cable.
•Fully backward compatible. Uses the same electrical connection as Fast ATA and can
run in standard EIDE mode with old ATA chipsets. Ultra ATA devices can also operate
on an ATA bus with non-Ultra ATA devices.
Q. Why does the Compaq Professional Workstation AP500 use Ultra ATA drives as
well as Wide Ultra SCSI drives?
A. The Compaq Professional Workstation AP500 will attract different users. Some may
need the higher speed 40-MB per second data transfer rate of Wide-Ultra SCSI drives
for extra performance. For those who find the 33.3-MB per second data transfer rate
satisfactory, Ultra ATA drives provide excellent price/performance with almost no
difference when using business productivity applications.
WIDE-ULTRA SCSI HARD DRIVES
Standard SCSI hard drive configurations for the Compaq Professional Workstation AP500
include a one-inch 4.3-GB 7200 rpm or 10,000 rpm hard drive, depending on the model. The
standard hard drive occupies a bay in the removable drive cage. The AP500 is expandable for
customers with additional storage requirements. It supports up to five one-inch hard drives or
up to four 1.6-inch hard drives. For those customers who require even more storage, the
integrated Wide-Ultra SCSI controller (with an external Wide-Ultra SCSI connector) supports
external SCSI devices. The following table describes the available SCSI hard drive
configurations.

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3
2
1
Bay Bay Width Bay Height Device configuration
13.5 inch Third Part of the removable hard drive cage. Supports a 1.0-inch
hard drive or a 1.6-inch hard drive.
23.5 inch Third Part of the removable hard drive cage. Supports a 1.0-inch
hard drive. Bay 2 in not available when a 1.6-inch hard
drive is installed in either bay 1 or 3.
33.5 inch Third Part of the removable hard drive cage. Supports a 1.0-inch
hard drive or a 1.6-inch hard drive.
45.25 inch Half Supports 1.6-inch CD-ROM only
55.25 inch Half Supports 1.0-inch or a 1.6-inch storage device. If installing
10,000 rpm hard drives, the optional 10K Drive/Cooling Kit
(part number 329294-B21) is required.
65.25 inch Half Supports 1.0-inch or a 1.6-inch storage device. If installing
10,000 rpm hard drives, the optional 10K Drive/Cooling Kit
(part number 329294-B21) is required.
73.5 inch Third Supports a 1.0-inch storage device. A 3.5-inch diskette
drive is standard.

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ACCELERATED GRAPHICS PORT (AGP)
Today’s three-dimensional graphic applications consume large amounts of memory bandwidth.
Consequently, the proliferation of 3D applications is increasing the need for high-speed access
to larger amounts of graphics memory. AGP is an industry standard solution to improve the
bandwidth between the graphics accelerator and the system memory so that a portion of the 3D
rendering data structures can be shifted into main memory. The higher bandwidth of AGP
(compared to PCI) also improves sharing rendering tasks between the system processor and the
graphics accelerator.
AGP improves system performance by establishing pipelined access to the system’s main
memory and effectively reducing latency. AGP also transfers data up to four times faster than
PCI, utilizing the bandwidth of a 100-MHz system memory bus more efficiently. The
maximum data transfer rate of AGP is 533 MB/s, compared to 133 MB/s for PCI.
CUSTOMER BENEFITS
Some specific applications that can benefit from AGP include:
•Video applications, like conferencing or DVD playback, where a steady stream of
images must be sent from system memory to the graphics frame-buffer for display.
•Graphics command lists, such as lengthy data sets defining vertices for 3D objects.
•Texture memory for 3D rendering, where textures are overlaid on 3D objects for
realistic effects. To improve realism, texture sizes will grow to 32 MB and beyond in
1999.
Note: 3D texture data is the most immediate and important target opportunity for AGP. By
shifting texture data to system memory, bandwidth load and memory size can be balanced
between system and local graphics frame-buffer memory. The bandwidth and space required
for textures are split between the heavily loaded frame-buffer and the (comparatively) lightly
loaded system memory. Since texture data is not persistent (unlike display buffers), system
memory used for texture data is returned to the free memory heap when a 3D application
concludes.
To gain the full benefit of AGP performance, the system must have the following features:
•Pentium II class microprocessors
Note: While AGP could be adapted to Pentium-class processors, the floating
point and processing power of the Pentium II class products are a better fit.
•AGP Sideband and Pipeline functions in the core logic, which improve data transfer
efficiency
•100-MHz system memory architecture to meet system processor and AGP bandwidth
demands
•Microsoft Windows® 95 OSR2.1, Windows 98, or Windows NT® 5.0 operating
systems to provide necessary memory management services
Note: Windows NT 4.0 can operate AGP subsystems as PCI 66MHz-type
devices only.

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AGP promises to enable photo-realistic 3D rendering and other high-performance 3D graphics
capabilities. The cutting edge graphics performance of AGP will benefit 3D content providers
by enabling a much wider market for their products.
GRAPHICS
Two graphics solutions are available for the Compaq Professional Workstation AP500. Both are
AGP controllers, which take advantage of main memory for texture mapping operations. All
controllers have been tested to ensure optimum compatibility and reliability.
•For 2D and entry 3D applications, the Compaq Professional Workstation AP500
includes the ELSA GLoria Synergy+ (AGP). The ELSA GLoria Synergy+ (AGP)
comes standard with 4 MB of SGRAM and is upgradeable to 8 MB. It provides fast 2D
windowing and is a great low-cost 3D solution for CAD and DCC applications. For
multiple display requirements, additional ELSA GLoria Synergy+ (PCI) controllers
may be added.
•For mid-range 3D applications, the Compaq PowerStorm 300 (AGP) provides a
competitive high-performance solution. The Compaq PowerStorm 300 (AGP) is a 3D
graphics solution for users working in demanding, true color environments. Standard
on certain models of the Compaq Professional Workstation AP500, the Compaq
PowerStorm 300 (AGP) has 15 MB of 3D-RAM frame buffer memory and 16 MB of
texture memory. Dual display capability is achieved using an additional Compaq
PowerStorm 300 (PCI) controller.
Compaq Graphics Driver Compatibility
All controllers are high-performance graphics solutions, optimized for Microsoft Windows NT
applications that require up to 16.7 million color processing and high resolutions. The drivers
for each are developed by their respective manufacturers and have been thoroughly tested by
Compaq to ensure compatibility with existing applications.
ELSA GLoria Synergy+ (AGP) Graphics Controller
The ELSA GLoria Synergy+ (AGP) graphics controller in the Compaq Professional
Workstation AP500 is a low-cost, high-performance leader in the 2D/entry 3D segment. Users
requiring fast windowing and menu level performance, as well as robust 3D rendering
capabilities, use 2D/3D graphics.
Requirements for the 2D/3D graphics segment include exceptional 2D/3D-vector performance,
3D shading and lighting, and texture mapping support. These features, used by mainstream
OpenGL- and Heidi-based applications, typically offer great price and performance without
sacrificing required functionality. This combination is important for mainstream CAD
applications, such as AutoCAD, Microstation, and SolidWorks, which have recently integrated
3D techniques into their environment. It is also useful in DCC where 2D and 3D animation
applications are used in the same environment. Financial analysis and trading environments
can benefit from the 2D performance provided by these solutions. Graphics controllers in this
segment also provide investment protection as financial analysis application developers add 3D
modeling to their environment in FY98.

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The ELSA GLoria Synergy+ (AGP) graphics controller is based on the Permedia-2A graphics
engine from 3Dlabs. It provides the 2D performance of a Matrox Millennium II while adding a
robust 3D environment that rivals the performance of previous GLINT Delta/TX controllers,
such as the GLoria-L. The GLoria Synergy+ is the perfect low-cost solution for mainstream
CAD, web authoring, pre-print, and 2D/3D animation applications that do not require greater
than 1024x768 resolution for true-color rendering. The GLoria Synergy+, as an AGP device,
can also take advantage of main memory for texture mapping operations. This is a feature that
will be supported in Windows NT 5.0 from Microsoft.
Color and Resolution Support
Maximum Color Depth
Single-Buffer Mode
Resolution 4-MB SGRAM 8-MB SGRAM Max Refresh Rate
1920 x 1200 256 32,768 75 Hz
1920 x 1080 256 32,768 80 Hz
1600 x 1280 32,768 32,768 75/85 Hz
1600 x 1200 32,768 32,768 85 Hz
1600 x 1000 32, 768 32,768 100 Hz
1536 x 1152 32,768 32,768 85 Hz
1280 x 1024 32,768 16.7 million* 100/80 Hz
1152 x 864 16.7 million 16.7 million 100 Hz
1024 x 768 16.7 million 16.7 million 100 Hz
800 x 600 16.7 million 16.7 million 100 Hz
640 x 480 16.7 million 16.7 million 100 Hz
* 1280 x 1024 can run in a double-buffered visual if it is reduced to 32,768 colors.

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Features and Technical Specifications
The following features are included in the ELSA GLria Synergy+ (AGP):
•Provides 2D windowing performance equivalent to the Matrox Millennium II
•A low-cost solution for professional 3D applications, such as AutoCAD, Microstation,
SolidWorks, and 3D StudioMAX
•Supports a wide range of resolutions and color depths for flexibility and performance in
a variety of 3D graphics environments
•Supports up to 4 displays using additional GLoria Synergy (PCI) controllers
•Uses 3Dlabs Permedia-2A processor for highly integrated 2D and robust 3D rendering
requirements
•Comes standard with 4 MB of SGRAM, upgradeable to a maximum of 8 MB
•Supports up to 1920x1200 resolution at 16 bbp (requires 4-MB upgrade)
•Provides a 16-bit double buffered environment at 1024x768 resolution (16-bit/single
buffer at 1280x1024 including a 16-bit Z-buffer)
•Optimized graphics drivers for OpenGL and Heidi under Windows NT 4.0 and 3.51,
display list drivers for AutoCAD, and Direct3D driver for Windows 95
Features Technical Specifications
Controller 3Dlabs Permedia-2A
Bus Type AGP
RAMDAC Integrated 250 MHz
Memory Type SGRAM
Memory Amount 4 MB standard
(4-MB optional upgrade)
Memory Speed 8 ns
Data Path 64-bit
Controller Clock Speed 90 MHz
Max Vertical Refresh Rate 219 Hz
Max Horizontal Scan Rate 281 kHz
Max Pixel Clock 250 MHz at 8 bpp and 16 bpp/5:5:5
145 MHz at 32 bpp/8:8:8
Video Features:
Interface VGA

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Features Technical Specifications
3D Graphics Features:
•Integrated geometry pipeline setup
processor
•True-color 3D graphics
•Polygon based with Z-buffer
•Texture decompression
•Full scene anti-aliasing
•Enhanced GUI
Acceleration:
•Ultra-fast BLT engine and 2D
rasterizer
•Stretch BLTs, monochrome/color
expansion and logic ops
•Fast on-chip SVGA
•Autodesk Display list driver
•Heidi drivers support for 3D Studio
MAX
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Operating Systems Windows 95, Windows 98
Windows NT 3.51/4.0
Compaq PowerStorm 300 (AGP) Graphics Controller
Standard on certain models of the Compaq Professional Workstation AP500 is the Compaq
PowerStorm 300 (AGP) graphics controller. The Compaq PowerStorm 300 provides a high-
performance, mid-range, 3-dimensional graphics solution at a very competitive price.
Professionals that use more demanding workstation applications require the performance of
mid-range 3D graphics solutions. CAD and CAE applications, such as Pro/E, take advantage of
this graphics controller to provide a high-performance rendering solution for solids modeling
and visual data analysis. The PowerStorm 300 also provides superior performance and visual
quality for DCC applications, such as 3D StudioMAX. System performance is key for these
applications where the graphics controller must not be perceived as a bottleneck.
The PowerStorm 300 is an optimized, high-performance solution for mid-range 3D graphics
requirements in these segments. Based on the next-generation REALimage 2000 architecture
from Evans and Sutherland, it provides the fastest 3D-application performance in its class. The
PowerStorm 300 is the graphics controller to use when up against other non-geometry
accelerated solutions, such as the Intergraph 3400T (VX113T).

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Color and Resolution Support
Maximum Color Depth
Single-Buffer Mode
Resolution 3D Acceleration with
Double Buffering,
Colors Supported
Texture
Memory Max Refresh Rate
640 x 480 16.7 million 16 MB 85 Hz
800 x 600 16.7 million 16 MB 85 Hz
1024 x 768 16.7 million 16 MB 85 Hz
1280 x 1024 16.7 million 16 MB 85 Hz
Features and Technical Specifications
The following features are included in the Compaq PowerStorm 300:
•Optimized solution at 1280 x 1024, true-color double buffered for demanding solids
modeling, animation, and visualization applications
•Next-generation high-performance rendering engine based on the Evans and Sutherland
REALimage 2000 architecture
•15-MB 3D-RAM for frame buffer and Z-buffer, 16-MB CDRAM (cache DRAM) for
fast texture buffering
•Dual display support using an additional PCI controller
Features Technical Specifications
Controller Evans and Sutherland REALimage 2100
Bus Type AGP
RAMDAC IBM 640
Memory Type 3D RAM and CDRAM
Memory Amount 15-MB 3D RAM, 16-MB CDRAM
Memory Speed 10-ns 3D RAM, 15-ns CDRAM
Data Path 64-bit
Controller Clock Speed 100 MHz
Max Vertical Refresh Rate 120 Hz
Max Pixel Clock 220 MHz

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Features Technical Specifications
Hardware Accelerated 3D:
•24-bit Z-buffering
•Gouraud Shading
•Stencils
•Texture Mapping (bilinear and
trilinear)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Performance:
•Random 10-Pixel Solid Lines
•Filled 25-Pixel Triangles 4 million/s 4 million/s
Pixel Fill Rates:
•Bilinear
•Trilinear 90 million/s 45 million/s
Operating Systems Windows NT 3.51/4.0
CHASSIS FEATURES
The Compaq Professional Workstation AP500 chassis has been designed for ease of service and
expandability. The unit is opened using thumbscrews (no tools are required) and a single side
panel. After the side panel is removed, most of the components are visible. The Compaq
Professional Workstation AP500 uses an expansion board assembly, which holds the PCI and
ISA expansion slots and is removable. The system board is attached to a tray and slides out for
easy removal or replacement. The internal drive cage is also removable and makes adding
additional hard drives easier.
The Compaq Professional Workstation AP500’s chassis is very expandable. It has a total of six
expansion slots: three PCI, one ISA, one shared PCI/ISA, and one AGP (populated by graphics
controller). There are also seven drive bays: three internal 3.5” (one populated by hard drive),
three 5.25” user-accessible drive bays (one populated by the CD-ROM drive), and one 3.5”
diskette drive.
INTEGRATED NETWORK INTERFACE CONTROLLER (NIC)
With the new Compaq Fast Ethernet Embedded NIC NC3121 (10/100 Mbps), Compaq
dramatically simplifies the network management task and lowers the total cost of ownership in
today’s businesses. The product’s Wake-on-LAN (WOL) feature enables remote system power-
up and maintenance during non-working hours, making it easy to perform routine updates,
audits, and other management operations without interrupting end users. Moreover, because
the new NIC operates at both 10 and 100 Mb/s, it is an ideal solution for environments that are
migrating towards Fast Ethernet.
For maximum flexibility in designing your business’ network, the NC3121 NIC conforms to the
full range of today’s industry standards, including PC97. It is compatible with both Compaq
and Intel Fast Ethernet drivers, allowing MIS departments to standardize on one set of drivers.
The SNMP-compliant NC3121 can be remotely monitored with Compaq’s Insight Manager,
Compaq’s CNMS network management software, HP Openview, or any other SNMP compliant
management solution.

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Performance and connectivity are further enhanced by the NC3121’s 10/100 autosensing, auto-
negotiating feature, which enables the NIC to automatically negotiate between 10 and 100 Mb/s
and achieve the highest common speed on the network. Full duplex support allows the
controller to transmit and receive data simultaneously for data rates up to 20 Mb/s for Ethernet
and 200 Mb/s for Fast Ethernet, and 6-KB buffer memory produces low CPU utilization at high
throughputs.
Features Technical Specifications
Compliance IEEE 802.2, 802.3, and 802.3µ
Data Transfer 32-bit bus-master PCI, 10 or 100
Mb/s, autonegotiating
Connector RJ-45
Buffer Memory 6 KB
Communication Processor Intel 82558 chipset
Operating System Support Windows 95 and Windows NT, ODI
16-bit and ODI 32-bit (Novell
NetWare), NDIS 2.0 (most operating
systems), and SCO UNIX
Q. What is the purpose of Intel driver compatibility?
A. Because the NC3121 NIC is compatible with both Compaq and Intel drivers, MIS
departments can standardize on one set of drivers while using both Compaq and Intel
NICs.
Q. What is the relationship between Intel and Compaq with regard to Compaq NICs?
A. The relationship between Compaq and Intel allows the two companies to speed the
deployment and evolution of new networking technologies. With technology licensing
and cooperative engineering and product development, the two companies can generate
more affordable, efficient, and interoperable networks.
Q. Is this NIC standards-based?
A. Yes. The NIC works with any standards-based system. It is PC 97 compliant, Windows
98 compatible, and fully compliant with IEEE 802.2, 802.3, and 802.3µ. The product
also complies with “Blue Angel” standards to make it compatible with the latest
German environmental requirements.

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32X MAXIMUM CD-ROM
The Compaq Professional Workstation AP500 features a 5.25”, half-height tray-load 32X
Maximum CD-ROM Drive using the new Constant Angular Velocity (CAV) technology.
Previous CD-ROM technology used Constant Linear Velocity (CLV) technology, which
allowed the disc to rotate at a faster rate while reading the inner tracks and a slower rate when
reading the outer tracks. Conversely, CAV technology spins the disc at a fixed rate and the
data transfer rate increases as it moves toward the outer tracks. This is the same technology that
is used for hard drives where it has demonstrated excellent performance in high data transfer
and fast access times. Using this technology enables reliable CD-ROM speeds above 8X. The
32X CAV CD-ROM dramatically increases the access time performance of the CD-ROM in the
Compaq Professional Workstation AP500.
Features Technical Specifications
Access Time Random = <100 ms
Full Stroke = <150 ms
Variable Transfer Rate 2100 - 4800 KB/s
PREMIERSOUND™ AUDIO
The Compaq Professional Workstation AP500 PremierSoundaudio system is a solution
optimized for workstations. The signature performance characteristics of a PremierSound
audio system are exceptional sound output and clarity from a completely integrated, “no
desktop clutter,” audio solution.
The PremierSoundaudio system is comprised of several subsystems, each individually
optimized to work as a complete solution. The end result of the interaction between the
susbystems is a well balanced, “no desktop clutter,” audio system capable of delivering clean,
undistorted output at a level needed to support an office environment.
CUSTOMER BENEFITS
•“No desktop clutter.”Compaq PremierSound is integrated in the AP500. This provides
more free space on desktops.
•High-performance loudspeaker with long excursion. Provides crisp, clean, wide-
bandwidth audio from a small-integrated solution. The voice clarity and low frequency
output of the speaker is dramatically better than current integrated computer office
products.
•Low distortion. PremierSoundutilizes an audio power amplifier that delivers a clean,
undistorted signal. This amplifier is conservatively rated at 5 watts RMS and is
designed to take full advantage of the loudspeaker’s output capability by providing a
large, low distortion, audio output signal.
•Five stages of fixed equalization. The five stages of fixed equalization incorporated
in the electronics are used to “shape” the system frequency response in various
listening positions. The system frequency response is manipulated to provide smooth,
natural voice reproduction and high-quality CD playback.

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•Electrical system gain staging.Gain staging is a key process in transforming the
individual piece parts into a unified audio system. Gain staging allows Compaq to
compensate for the different input levels that are generated by a number of different
audio sources, such as CD-ROM, wavetable, and line in.
The end result of the interaction between the susbystems is a well balanced, “no desktop
clutter,” audio system capable of delivering clean, undistorted output at a level needed to
support an office environment.
UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS (USB)
The Compaq Professional Workstation AP500 includes two Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports.
USB is a peripheral bus standard developed by a group of PC and telecom industry leaders
including Compaq, DEC, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, NEC and NORTEL. USB enables hot plug and
play of computer peripherals outside of the workstation eliminating the need to install boards
into expansion slots and then having to reconfigure the system. Workstations equipped with
USB allow peripheral devices to be automatically configured as soon as they are physically
attached, without the need to reboot or run setup. USB also allows up to 127 devices to run
simultaneously with peripherals such as monitors and keyboards acting as additional plug-in
sites or hubs.
USB peripherals include telephones, modems, keyboards, mice, CD-ROM drives, joysticks,
tape and diskette drives, scanners, and printers. USB has a 12 Mbits/s data rate, compared to
115.2 Kb/s for serial ports and 2 Mb/s for enhanced parallel ports. This improved transfer rate
will accommodate a new generation of peripherals, including MPEG-2 (compressed data)
video-based products and digitizers.
Drawing its intelligence from the host workstation, USB detects when devices are added and
removed. USB automatically determines what host resource each peripheral needs, including
driver software and bus bandwidth, and makes those resources available without user
intervention.
Currently, there are different ways to implement USB. The Compaq Professional Workstation
AP500 implements the OpenHCI USB interface. OpenHCI reduces CPU overhead for USB
devices compared to other implementations and is fully compatible with UniversalHCI.
Currently, Windows NT Workstation 4.0 does not support USB, but future versions are
expected to include USB drivers that will allow the workstation to recognize USB peripherals.
LOUDSPEAKER

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MONITORS
The recommended monitors for the Professional Workstation AP500 are the Compaq P75 (17-
inch), V90 (19-inch), P110 (21-inch), and P1610 (24-inch), and the Compaq TFT500 and
TFT450 Flat Panel Monitors.
P75 V75 V90 P110 P1610
Viewable
image 16.0 inches 16.0 inches 18.0 inches 21.0 inches 24.0 inches
Screen type .25 mm stripe
pitch .26 mm dot pitch .26 mm dot pitch .25 to .27 mm
variable
aperture grille
pitch
.25 to .28 mm
variable
aperture grille
pitch
Top Resolution 1280 x 1024 1280 x 1024 1600 x 1200 1600 x 1200 1920 x1200
Refresh rate at
top resolution 75 Hz 75 Hz 75 Hz 85 Hz 76 Hz
TCO 95
Compliant Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Plug and Play Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Microsoft 97
compliant Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
TFT450 TFT500
Viewable image 14.5 inches 15.0 inches
Screen type Thin Film
Transistor (TFT) Thin Film Transistor (TFT)
Plug and Play Yes Yes
Microsoft PC97 Yes Yes
Horizontal
viewing angle 120 °120°
Vertical viewing
angle 105°80°
For a more complete overview of Compaq monitors, please refer to the monitor area on
Compaq’s web site: http://www.compaq.com/products/monitors.

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WORKSTATION SOFTWARE PLATFORM
Microsoft Operating System Compatibility
The Compaq Professional Workstation AP500 is designed to comply with the requirements of
the PC97 Hardware Design Guide. In support of this initiative, the AP500 meets the hardware
compatibility requirements for the Windows NT Workstation operating system and has been
verified, tested, and certified as “Designed for Windows NT” in Microsoft’s logo program.
Intelligent Manageability
Intelligent Manageability is the Compaq management solution that gives customer's day one
ROI by making Compaq Workstations more manageable from a single point on the network.
The Compaq Workstation family can be integrated into a broad range of LAN and enterprise
management applications. Workstation products are easy to troubleshoot because the hardware
has built-in instrumentation to detect potential failures and allow for rapid recovery if problems
occur. Fundamental benefits include the ability to protect data and minimize end-user
downtime, thus increasing the productivity of both the end-user and the IT organization. End-
users can feel more secure knowing that systems and data are protected while the IT
organization benefits from smoother and faster service call resolution. This is a key benefit for
organizations with limited technical support resources.
Most fault management features (local and remote) require that the Compaq Management Agent
be running on the Workstation. This agent is available for Windows NT Workstation and
comes pre-installed and pre-configured on the Professional Workstation AP500. The Compaq
Management Agent is available on the Software Support CD and the Compaq Web site
(www.compaq.com).
Key Intelligent Manageability features for the Professional Workstation AP500 include:
Initial Configuration and Deployment
•Remote System Installation (Remote Boot Capability)
•Replicated Setup
•Support Software CD and WWW Site
•Compaq SmartStart for Workstations
Asset Tracking and Security
•AssetControl
•System, monitor, hard drive, memory, serial number, model, and manufacturer
•ROM and system board revision level
•DMI 2.0 Support
•Memory Change Alert
•Ownership Tag
•Standard security features include power-on password, setup password, and media and
port input/output control