On Monday 07 March 2005 00:17, Wai-Sun Chia wrote: Actually, S/390s don't use all *that* much power. They're rated for around 0.6-5.6kW for the CPU, with 5.6kW probably for a completely loaded 2-frame system. That one probably draws less than 1.5kW. The one I've got drew about 1.8kW when it was up and running. Massively less than a furnace does (when running, not necessarily average load). Also, you'll need (or at least want) more than just a CPU to get a usable system. Think disk drive controller (1 rack) drive array(s) (1 or more racks), tape drive and controller (2 racks for a 3480/3490 or an emulator device plus a peecee or UNIX box), a terminal controller (size runs between a 12" tall box and a full rack), and some sort of 3270-type terminal. If you want to do S390/Linux on it, you can probably get away with just the CPU + a tape emulator to boot from (think NFS-root). That's not a great way to run things though. That being said, I might actually spring for that guy, as he's not *too* far from me, and for a reasonable start bid (less than the $1k other ones seem to be starting at). It's even a newer generation than what I've got (it's a G4, I've got a G3). Unfortunately, not old enough to be "classic" as per the 10-year rule, but still fun in my book. :) Pat -- Purdue University ITAP/RCS --- http://www.itap.purdue.edu/rcs/ The Computer Refuge --- http://computer-refuge.org