DECsystem
| Industry | Computer hardware |
|---|---|
| Founded | November 7, 1957 |
| Headquarters | Maynard , United States |
| Products | DECsystem server computers, PDP-10 models (DECSYSTEM-10, DECSYSTEM-20) |
DECsystem represented a series of server computers produced by Digital Equipment Corporation, utilizing MIPS architecture processors and running DEC's UNIX-based operating system, ULTRIX. The lineup included models ranging from desktop workstations to large pedestal-style cabinets.
The DECSYSTEM branding was also applied to subsequent PDP-10 models, such as the DECSYSTEM-10 and DECSYSTEM-20 families.
DECsystem 3100
Functionally equivalent to the DECstation 3100, this version was tailored for multiuser environments. It was unveiled in May 1989 at UniForum in San Francisco and became available in June 1989. Its internal project name was PMAX.
DECsystem 5000 Series
Essentially the Personal DECstation 5000 Series rebranded without graphical capabilities. The code name assigned was MAXINE.
DECsystem 5000 Model 100 Series
This series comprised the DECstation 5000 Model 100 Series models, reissued without graphics support. The internal designation was 3MIN.
DECsystem 5000 Model 200 Series
A rebranded version of the DECstation 5000 Model 200 Series lacking graphics functionality. Its code name was 3MAX, which included the 5000/260 3MAX+ variant.
DECsystem 5100
A single-processor desktop server positioned as an entry-level successor to the DECsystem 3100. The code name for this model was MIPSMATE.
DECsystem 5400
A pedestal-style uniprocessor system built around the Q-Bus, sharing hardware components with the 3x00-series MAYFAIR VAX machines. Compatible peripherals included TK70 tape drives, MS650-BA memory modules, and DSSI disk drives. SCSI support was only available through third-party expansions. It shipped with a MicroVAX diagnostic processor that ran similar ROM diagnostics and booted from the MicroVAX Diagnostic TK70 tape. After control passed to the MIPS CPU, the MicroVAX processor remained inactive until a reboot occurred. The system's code name was MIPSFAIR.
DECsystem 5500
Following the DECsystem 5400, this pedestal uniprocessor system incorporated native SCSI support alongside DSSI disk drives. It carried the code name MIPSFAIR-2.
The DECsystem 5500 utilized a BA430 chassis featuring a backplane with twelve slots and room for up to four mass storage devices. Its standard configuration included:
- KN220-AA module set: comprising a KN220 I/O module (slot 1) and a KN220 CPU module (slot 2).
- CPU module equipped with a 30 MHz R3000 processor, R3010 floating-point unit, and a battery-backed Prestoserve cache of 512 KB designed to accelerate NFS.
- I/O module providing Q22-bus connectivity, SGEC Second Generation Ethernet Controller, DSSI interface, and an SII-based SCSI port.
- Between one and four MS220-AA memory modules of 32 MB each installed in slots three through seven.
DECsystem 5800 Series
The high-performance multiprocessor range known as the DECsystem 5800 Series included models such as the 5810, 5820, 5830, and 5840; the third digit denoted the number of processors. These MIPS/RISC-based computers were positioned as alternatives to the VAX 6000, utilizing XMI and BI bus architectures. The initial models, the 5810 and 5820, launched on July 11, 1989, featuring 25 MHz R3000 CPUs paired with R3010 floating-point coprocessors. Their internal codename was ISIS.
DECsystem 5900 and DECsystem 5900/260
The rack-mounted DECsystem 5900 and its variant, the 5900/260, were adaptations of the DECstation 5000 Model 240 and Model 260 workstations intended for mid-range server roles. Released in December 1991, these units were discontinued by January 1994 and succeeded by the rack-mountable DEC 3000 Model 800S AXP.
Each system housed a slide-out drawer containing the DECstation CPU module within a rack enclosure that also integrated a TURBOchannel Extender, power supply, and cooling fan. As these systems lacked multiprocessing capabilities internally, racks equipped with two CPU drawers functioned as two independent systems. Storage drawers were assigned per CPU drawer to manage mass storage requirements.
Two types of mass storage drawers existed: one supported up to four full-height removable or non-removable devices plus half-height removable drives; another accommodated up to five full-height non-removable devices alongside removable drives. Both drawer types featured a rear-mounted power supply rated at approximately 400 watts.
The H9A00 enclosure conformed to standard 19-inch rack dimensions and contained at least one CPU drawer paired with one mass storage drawer; power distribution was managed via a controller located at the base of the rack. Maximum capacity allowed for two CPU drawers and four mass storage drawers.
Physically, the DECsystem 5900 measured roughly wide by high by deep and weighed between , depending on its specific hardware configuration.