[HECnet] integrity and alpha hardware

[Jason Brady]

If you want an older Alpha system for OpenVMS and HECnet, DS10 series is a good option. There has been a lot of discussion here and on comp.os.vms for restoring, upgrading and maintaining the DS10 hardware, and many of our fellow HECnet members are experts.

2.400 APOLLO is an AlphaStation 400 4/233. Older AlphaStation / AlphaServers may not be very fast by today's standards but more than enough horsepower for DECnet, Multinet, Rdb and whatever VMS software you want to run. Not a big power hog so it's the always-on Routing IV node for my small stable of HECnet systems. Hard to find now, but over the years I collected enough spare parts to keep it running for the foreseeable future. You might find something like this available in your area.

A couple of ideas. Best of luck and enjoy!

On Sat, Sep 5, 2020, at 10:20 AM, Lance Payne wrote:
> The rx1620 is a fine hobbyist system.  It won’t break any records against the i6-based systems that HP is cranking out now, but it’s the unit I currently run OpenVMS on (latest from VSI).  No issues – nothing to really complain about, other than it being a power hog and is very loud.

>  

> I’d try to find a dual-CPU system.  A single i2 is kind of lethargic, but you’ll save some energy.  Even better, look for the 2U version – the rx2620, if you can find one for a reasonable price.  It’ll be much quieter.

>  

> -Lance

>  


> *From:* owner-hecnet at Update.UU.SE <owner-hecnet at Update.UU.SE> *On Behalf Of *David Moylan
> *Sent:* Friday, September 4, 2020 10:40 PM
> *To:* hecnet at Update.UU.SE
> *Subject:* [HECnet] integrity and alpha hardware

>  

> Greetings all,

>  

> Now that VSI has their Hobbyist program all under way, we can get licensing for Integrity and Alpha hardware.

> (the future is obviously x86 which is progressing well and I’m looking very forward to. The hobbyist program will cover x86 once it has been released)

>  

> I was thinking of trying to find an older Integrity or Alpha server to run OpenVMS but I’m struggling to find any real comparative performance comparison between the different models.

>  

> Most of the old forum posts on HP link to dead articles.

>  

> Alpha hardware still seems to be very high priced, but I’m starting to see some Integrity equipment coming down in price.

>  

> How does something like an Integrity rx1620 stack up? Would there be any sense in purchasing a single CPU version of this server?

>  

> If anyone has a list or can provide information on the different Integrity and Alpha platforms available that would be great.

> I totally understand that performance comparison is an “it depends” question, but I’m just after some reality checks here, ie: a specific Integrity server might have “twice” the average performance of a different Alpha box and it might be cheaper, thus better bang per buck.

>  

> Can anyone help me out here?

>  

> The box will just be for hobbyist purposes. I’ll probably setup a mail gateway and perhaps usenet and some other things to play with.

>  

> If it’s relevant (for suggestions of anyone selling refurbed hardware), I’m located in Australia.

>  

> Thanks in advance,

>  

> Cheers, Wiz!!

>  

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