28 Oct
2001
28 Oct
'01
5:52 a.m.
A typical example is the 64-bit PCI. I've seen
several desirable cards offered
for the 64-bit PCI, yet I've not seen even ONE advertised motherboard that
actually supports 64-bit PCI. From what I've read, 32-bit PCI boards work in a
64-bit slot, yet nobody seems to be offering that feature in their
advertisement. I'd guess that's because it's cheaper/easier to diverge
slightly
from the published standard in making these products, hence they don't make
claims about compatibility.
64-bit PCI cards will work in a 32-bit PCI slot. I've got a four-port 64-bit
Ethernet card in a 32-bit PCI slot in one of my systems.
As for motherboards with 64-bit PCI slots, there are several. First off, there
are several Alpha motherboards with 64-bit PCI slots. Then there are the boards
for the Pentium III processors with the Serverworks chipsets. There are also
motherboards for Athlon-MP processors with 64-bit PCI slots (some of which are
also 66MHz slots). I know there were earlier motherboards for Pentium II and
Xeon processors with 64-bit PCI slots, but they weren't advertised in the usual
places as they were more of a specialized board, but they were advertised in
some areas.
--
Eric Dittman
dittman(a)dittman.net
Check out the DEC Enthusiasts Club at http://www.dittman.net/