Systems
Introduction
General
The IRIS 2000 is the successor to the IRIS 1000 series. The original IRIS 2000 is a Multibus based system featuring a Motorola 68010 processor. During the liftime of this line a Turbo option was introduced designed around a Motorola 68020 processor.
Besides the faster CPU the upgraded IRIS 2000 Turbo models did make use of a faster private bus to memory and the optional floating point unit. The IRIS 2000 Turbo models share a lot of the technology with the IRIS 3000 systems that finally replaced the IRIS 2000 line.
Models
The following table includes a list of the non-Turbo models of the IRIS 2000 line.
| Model | Type | CPU | Graphics | Disk | Chassis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRIS 2000 | Terminal | PM2 | IRIS Graphics | none | 10-slot |
| IRIS 2200 | Terminal | PM2 | IRIS Graphics | none | 10-slot |
| IRIS 2300 | Workstation | PM2 | IRIS Graphics | ST-506 | 20-slot |
| IRIS 2400 | Workstation | PM2 | IRIS Graphics | ST-506 | 20-slot |
| IRIS 2500 | Workstation | PM2 | IRIS Graphics | SMD | rackmount |
Following up is a list of the updatet IRIS 2000 Turbo models.
| Model | Type | CPU | Graphics | Disk | Chassis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRIS 2300T | Workstation | IP2 | IRIS Graphics | ST-506 | 20-slot |
| IRIS 2400T | Workstation | IP2 | IRIS Graphics | ST-506 | 20-slot |
| IRIS 2500T | Workstation | IP2 | IRIS Graphics | SMD | rackmount |
History
- 1985, August
- Enhanced IRIS graphics option introduced for IRIS 2000.
- 1985, Fall
- IRIS 2000 Turbo Option introduced.
Processor
CPU Board
| CPU Board | Procesor | Clockspeed |
|---|---|---|
| PM2 | Motorola 68010 | 10 MHz |
| IP2 | Motorola 68020 | 16 MHz |
The PM2 board is used in IRIS 2000 non-Turbo systems.
THE IP2 CPU board is used in IRIS 2000 Turbo systems.
Floating Point
The floating point accelerator to go with the PM2 CPU board is the SKYFPM-M-03 board. This board cannot be used with Turbo systems.
The one that can be used with the IM2 CPU board is the FP1 floating point accelerator. This board cannot be used with non-Turbo systems.
Memory
PM2 Memory
The memory board for IRIS 2000 systems is the Multibus PM2M1 board. This board cannot be used with IRIS 2000 Turbo systems.
IM1 Memory
IRIS 2000 Turbo systems need an IM1 memory board. It features a private bus connection to the IP2 CPU board which is separate from the Multibus backplane.
Using IM1 boards the memory can be upgraded from 2 to 16 MB on IRIS 2000 Turbo workstations. The IM1 is available in 2 MB and 4 MB versions.
Graphics
The first systems where shipped with the basic IRIS graphics option featuring the 6 MHz Geometry Engine. Since August 1985 IRIS 2000 systems feature the enhanced IRIS graphics option including the 8 MHz Geometry Engine.
Options
- IBM 3270 Coax Link
- Intelligent 8-Port Serial I/O Controller
- Excelan EXOS/201 Ethernet board
- Qualogy DSD 5217 ST-506/QIC-02
- Interphase Storager II STO-506/QIC-02/ESDI
- Interphase 2190 SMD
- CG1 Genlock option for IRIS 2000/3000
- Peripherals: Dials and Buttons
Chassis
20-slot
width: 45,7 cm / 18" height: 73,6 cm / 29" depth: 68,6 cm / 27" weight: 90,7 kg / 200 lbs
Problems
Operating System
Choosing an operating system.
The IRIS systems run the GL2 operating system which predates IRIX. The IRIS 2000 models are supported by GL2 Release 2 (non-Turbo systems) and GL2 Release 3 (Turbo only).
Links
Websites
- SGI IRIS FAQ [local mirror]
Videos
- archive.org - a video that includes a presentation of an IRIS computer (from ~1984).