IBM United States
Hardware Announcement 102-033
February 5, 2002

IBM GXT4500P and GXT6500P Graphics Accelerators and the T210 Flat-Panel Display Deliver High Performance with Advanced Technology

 ENUS102-033.PDF (84KB)

At a Glance

Image

The pacesetting capabilities of the GXT4500P and GXT6500P are driven by advanced electronics design throughout, resulting in some of the most progressive computer graphics ever produced for design and visualization.

Power GXT4500P

  • Entry, 3D 64-bit PCI graphics accelerator
  • Attachment via a single 64-bit or 32-bit PCI bus slot
  • Native support for OpenGL and graPHIGS 3D APIs
  • Advanced 3D texture mapping
  • Ability to use TFT digital displays

Power GXT6500P

  • Mid-range, 3D 64-bit PCI graphics accelerator
  • Attachment via a single 64-bit or 32-bit PCI bus slot
  • Native support for OpenGL and graPHIGS 3D APIs
  • Advanced 3D texture mapping
  • High-performance geometry engine on board
  • Ability to use TFT digital displays

T210 Flat-Panel Display

  • Space-saving design
  • 20.8-inch viewable image area
  • High resolution for graphic-intensive applications
  • High screen data content allows easier viewing of multiple windows

For ordering, contact:

Your IBM representative, an IBM Business Partner, or IBM Americas Call Centers at 800-IBM-CALL (Reference: RE001).

Overview

The GXT4500P and GXT6500P are a continuation of the successful family of graphics accelerators in support of RS/6000® workstations.

These two new products are based on a high-performance raster engine, which is the result of a design implemented in state-of-the-art IBM chip technology.

The GXT4500P is designed to meet the price/performance needs of the value-oriented market for entry 3D workstations.

The GXT6500P, with its hardware geometry accelerator chip implemented in copper technology, supports the higher performance requirements of the more demanding user of advanced 3D workstations.

These new graphics accelerators, when configured in the RS/6000 POWER3™-II-based workstations, offer an excellent combination of function and performance for complex and demanding graphics applications in areas such as:

  • Mechanical Computer Aided Design (MCAD) and Engineering (MCAE) for automotive and aerospace
  • Petroleum exploration and production
  • Scientific visualization
  • Other technical design and visualization

The GXT4500P and GXT6500P accelerators deliver native support in hardware for the OpenGL and IBM graPHIGS application programming interfaces (APIs). This results in unmatched flexibility of support for application software, regardless of the graphics API chosen for implementation.

The GXT4500P and GXT6500P accelerators are full-length PCI adapters that are supported for installation in a 64-bit PCI bus slot of the RS/6000 7044 Models 170 and 270 and 7043 Model 270 upgrade, but can also fit in a 32-bit slot of these systems. The GXT4500P is also supported in the RS/6000 7043 Model 150.

Advanced functionality of both accelerators over previous RS/6000 graphics products include:

  • Resolutions up to 2048 x 1536 at 60 Hz (analog)
  • Ability to use TFT digital displays at resolutions up to 2048 x 1536 at 30 Hz

The T210 Flat-Panel Display offers a large-size screen (20.8-inch viewable image area) in a space-saving design. The T210 will operate at a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pels (maximum) and will attach to your system by either an analog or digital connector.

In addition, Logitech's 3-Button Wheel Mouse is now supported on the RS/6000:

  • 7043 Model 150
  • 7044 Model 170
  • 7044 Model 270

The Logitech Wheel Mouse offers fast scrolling and Web navigation and can be used on almost any surface without a mousepad.

Key Prerequisites

A supported RS/6000 PCI System and either AIX® Version 4.3.3 or 5.1, or later with either or both the included 3D APIs; OpenGL and graPHIGS.

Description

GXT4500P

The GXT4500P:

  • Meets the price/performance needs of the value-oriented market for entry 3D workstations
  • Shows improvement over previous IBM graphics accelerators, while providing a very attractive price point

The IBM Power GXT4500P Graphics Accelerator is a 64-bit entry 3D PCI Graphics adapter for the RS/6000 Models 7044-170 and 7044-270, 7043-150 and 7043-270 upgrade. This adapter has the following base features:

  • 128 MB Unified Frame Buffer
    • 24-Bit Double Buffered up to 2048 x 1536 on analog or digital displays
    • 24-Bit Double Buffered Stereo up to 1280 x 1024
    • 24-Bit Z-Buffer
    • 4/8-Bit Overlay
    • 8-Bit Double Buffered Alpha
    • 8-Bit Stencil
    • 8 Windows ID bits
    • 4 Clipping Planes
  • Scissor Registers
  • Texture Mapping
    • Up to 110 MB Texture Memory (1280 x 1024)
    • Dual Texture
    • 3D Texture
  • Four Hardware Color Maps

API Support:

  • X11
  • GraPHIGS
  • OpenGL 1.2

Monitor Support:

  • Resolutions Supported:
    • 1024 x 768 at 85 Hz (analog) or 60 Hz (digital)
    • 1280 x 1024 at 85 Hz (analog) or 60 Hz (digital)
    • 1600 x 1200 at 85 Hz (analog) or 60 Hz (digital)
    • 1920 x 1200 at 76 Hz
    • 2048 x 1536 at 60 Hz (analog) or 30 Hz (digital)
  • DDC2B Support
  • ISO 9241-3- and ISO 13406-2-Compliant

GXT6500P

The GXT6500P, with its hardware geometry acceleration:

  • Supports the higher performance requirements of the more demanding user of advanced 3D workstations
  • Provides the highest level of graphics performance available for the RS/6000 workstations
  • Delivers advances in performance as measured by the Graphics Performance Characterization (GPC) benchmarks and, more importantly, within MCAD and MCAE applications

In the GXT6500P, the geometry engine performs very-high, precision transformations on geometric models and provides clipping and multisource lighting.

The IBM Power GXT6500P Graphics Accelerator is a 64-bit, mid-range, 3D PCI Graphics adapter for the RS/6000 Models 7044-170 and 7044-270 and 7043-270 upgrade. This adapter has the following base features:

  • 128 MB Unified Frame Buffer
    • 24-Bit Double Buffered up to 2048 x 1536 on analog or digital displays
    • 24-Bit Double Buffered Stereo up to 1280 x 1024
    • 24-Bit Z-Buffer
    • 4/8-Bit Overlay
    • 8-Bit Double Buffered Alpha
    • 4-Bit Stencil
    • 8 Windows® ID bits
    • 4-Bit Clipping Planes
  • Scissor Registers
  • Texture Mapping
    • Up to 110 MB Texture Memory (1280 x 1024)
    • Dual Texture
    • 3D Texture
  • Four Hardware Color Maps
  • Full OpenGL/graPHIGS Geometry Accelerator

API Support:

  • X11
  • GraPHIGS
  • OpenGL 1.2.1

Monitor Support:

  • Resolutions Supported, 8/24 bits:
    • 1024 x 768 at 85 Hz (analog) or 60 Hz (digital)
    • 1280 x 1024 at 85 Hz (analog) or 60 Hz (digital)
    • 1600 x 1200 at 85 Hz (analog) or 60 Hz (digital)
    • 1920 x 1200 at 76 Hz
    • 2048 x 1536 at 60 Hz (analog) or 30 Hz (digital)
  • DDC2B Support
  • ISO 9241-3 and ISO 13406-2 Compliant

T210 Flat-Panel Display

The T210 Flat-Panel Display offers:

  • A large, 20.8-inch viewable image screen in a space-saving design
  • High resolution, 2048 x 1536 pels (maximum), supports graphic-intensive applications
  • Dual input — supports attachment via an analog or digital connector
  • Picture-in-picture
  • Tilt/swivel and lift positions for stand

Euro Currency

These products are not impacted by euro currency.

Product Positioning

Power GXT4500P

The Power GXT4500P is the second highest performing IBM graphics accelerator available for the RS/6000. It replaces the GXT4000P on the 7044 Models 170 and 270, 7043 Model 150, and the 7043 Model 270 upgrade. The GXT4500P, coupled with the 7044 Model 270 450 MHz system, delivers its highest graphics workstation performance; however, GXT4500P, with Model 170 333 MHz-, 400 MHz-, and 450 MHz-based systems, delivers the best price/performance.

Power GXT6500P

The Power GXT6500P is the highest performing IBM graphics accelerator available for the RS/6000. It replaces the GXT6000P on the 7044 Models 170 and 270 and the 7043 Model 270 upgrade. The GXT6500P, coupled with the 7044 Model 270 450 MHz system, delivers its highest graphics workstation performance.

Trademarks

 
POWER3 is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both.
 
RS/6000 and AIX are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both.
 
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
 
Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.

Publications

The Power GXT4500P and Power GXT6500P Graphics Adapter Installation and Using Guide (SA23-1236) is shipped with the GXT4500P and GXT6500P Graphics Accelerators.

You can view or print this publication from the RS/6000® Install Options section of the RS/6000 System Books Web site at:

The Publication Notification System (PNS) is available by order number. Customers who currently subscribe to PNS receive publication updates automatically.

The Publication Notification System (PNS) is available at:

Technical Information

Physical Specifications: Both adapters are packaged on standard single-slot PCI cards.

Operating Environment: The PCI interfaces are 64-bit, up to 66 MHz and 3.3 volts.

Hardware Requirements

A supported RS/6000 system is required.

Software Requirements

  • AIX® V4.3.3 or
  • AIX V5.1, or later
  • Either or both 3D APIs, OpenGL, or graPHIGS, included with AIX V4.3.3 and AIX V5.1

Planning Information

Cable Orders

Display Cable Feature Number Matrix: The following chart shows the cable feature to graphics accelerator reference. Check your specific system model to determine which graphics accelerators are supported on which model.

Graphics Accelerators 

                 GXT120P/
                 GXT130P/
                 GXT110P           GXT135P        GXT300P
 Displays        (5D/DDC)(1)                      (15D/DDC)
 
P70              4238              4238           4238
P72(2)           Display           Display        Display
P76(2)           Display           Display        Display
P77(2)           Display(3)        Display        Display
P92(4)           Display           Display        Display
P200             4238              4238           4238
P201             4237              4237           4237
P202(4)          Display           Display        Display
P260(4)          Display           Display        Display
P275(4)          Display(3)        Display        Display
6091-19I         NS(5)             NS             NS
POWERDP17        4217              NS             4217
POWERDP20        4217              NS             4217
9516-B03         4217              4217           4217
9511-Axx         Display           Display        NS
 T54A/
 T54H/
 T540
9519-Axx         Display           Display        NS
 T85A
9493-Axx         Display           Display        NS
 T56A
9494-xxx         NS                Display        NS
 T860
9497-Axx         Display(3)        Display        Display
 T86A
6656-Hxx         NS                Display        NS
 T560
6658-Hxx         Display(3)        Display        NS
 
 T84H
6659-Hxx         NS                Display        NS
 T210
 
                 GXT2000P/         GXT4000P/      GXT4500P/
                 GXT3000P          GXT6000P       GXT6500P
Displays         (15D/DDC)         (DVI/DDC)      (DVI/DDC)
 
P70              4238              4238(6)        4238(6)
P72(2)           Display           Display(6)     Display(6)
P76(2)           Display           Display(6)     Display(6)
P77(2)           Display           Display(6)     Display(6)
P92(4)           Display           Display(6)     Display(6)
P200             4238              4238(6)        4238(6)
P201             4237              4237(6)        4237(6)
P202(4)          Display           Display(6)     Display(6)
P260(4)          Display           Display        Display
P275(4)          Display           Display        Display
6091-19I         4239(7)           NS             NS
POWERDP17        4239(7)           NS             NS
POWERDP20        4239(7)           NS             NS
9516-B03         4217              4217(6)        4217(6)
9511-Axx         NS                NS             NS
 T54A/
 T54H/
 T540
9519-Axx         Display           NS             Display
 T85A
9493-Axx         NS                NS             NS
 T56A
9494-xxx         NS                NS             Display
 T860
9497-Axx         Display           NS             Display(6)
 T86A
6656-Hxx         NS                NS             NS
 T560
6658-Hxx         Display   NS      Display
 T84H
6659-Hxx         NS                NS             Display
 T210
1
GXT130P only
2
Captured 15-pin, D-shell cable.
3
Display -- the appropriate cable is included with the display.
4
Dual input on monitor.
5
Not Supported -- this display/adapter combination is not supported.
6
Must use DVI to 15-pin D-shell converter supplied with the GXT4000P, GXT4500P, GXT6000P, or GXT6500P.
7
Feature number 4239 (3 BNC Cable) is recommended on GXT2000P and GXT3000P. Feature number 4217 is a 5 BNC cable (external in H and V synch).

Security, Auditability, and Control

These products use the security and auditability features of host software and application software.

The customer is responsible for evaluation, selection, and implementation of security features, administrative procedures, and appropriate controls in application systems and communications facilities.

Terms and Conditions

Feature Section

This product is available for purchase under the terms of the IBM Customer Agreement.

IBM hardware products are manufactured from new parts and used parts. In some cases, the hardware product may have been previously installed. Regardless, IBM's warranty terms apply.

MES Discount Applicable: Equal to the volume commitment discount

Field-Installable Feature: Yes

Warranty Period: One year

Customer Setup: Yes, for machine types 7043, 7044, and 7028. No, for machine types 7026 and 7040.

Licensed Internal Code: Same license terms and conditions as designated machine

All other terms and conditions are the same as those applicable to the IBM Machine in which the feature is installed.

Prices

The prices provided in this announcement are suggested retail prices for the U.S. only and are provided for your information only. Dealer prices may vary, and prices may also vary by country. Prices are subject to change without notice. For additional information and current prices, contact your local IBM representative. 

                                                           Initial/
                                      Feature   Purchase   MES/
Description                   Model   Number    Price      Both
 
Machine Type 7026
 
T210 Flat-Panel Monitor       6M1     3635       $10,995   Both
 
Machine Type 7028
 
T210 Flat-Panel Monitor       6C1     3635        10,995   Both
                              6E1     3635        10,995   Both
 
Machine Type 7040
 
T210 Flat-Panel Monitor       61D     3635        10,995   Both
 
Machine Type 7043
 
Power GXT4500P Graphics       150     2842         2,495   Both
  Accelerator                 270     2842         2,495   MES
 
Power GXT6500P Graphics       270     2843         5,995   MES
  Accelerator
 
T210 Flat-Panel Monitor       150     3635        10,995   Both
                              270     3635        10,995   MES
 
Machine Type 7044
 
Power GXT4500P Graphics       170     2842         2,495   Both
  Accelerator                 270     2842         2,495   Both
 
Power GXT6500P Graphics       170     2843         5,995   Both
  Accelerator                 270     2843         5,995   Both
 
T210 Flat-Panel Monitor       170     3635        10,995   Both
                              270     3635        10,995   Both

ServiceSuite™ and ServiceElect Maintenance Charges: There are no monthly maintenance charges for the features in this announcement.

Order Now

 Use Priority/Reference Code: RE001
 
 Phone:     800-IBM-CALL
 Fax:       800-2IBM-FAX
 Internet:  ibm_direct@vnet.ibm.com
 Mail:      IBM Atlanta Sales Center
            Dept. RE001
            P.O. Box 2690
            Atlanta, GA  30301-2690

You can also contact your local IBM Business Partner or IBM representative. To identify them, call 800-IBM-4YOU.

Note: Shipments will begin after the planned availability date.

Trademarks

 
ServiceSuite is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both.
 
RS/6000 and AIX are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both.
 
Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.