Re: What is the difference between ROM 1 and ROM 3 IIgs computers?

[dempson@actrix.gen.nz (David Empson)]

Steve Mentzer <!smentzer@ecom.net> wrote:

> >> Rom 1 is more compatible, and Rom 3 is slightly faster (because
> >> the System Disk needs to patch less code).
> >>
> >
> >     ROM-03 can start a smidgen quicker because there is less patch code
> >to load. This does not make it a 'faster machine'.
> >
> 
> Rubywand,
> 
> I am never one to argue with you, but actually a ROM03 machine is *slightly*
> faster when running GS/OS apps. The reason for this is that more of the GS
> toolbox is rom-resident. Ram on the GS operates at ~2.5Mhz whereas the ROM
> operates at ~2.8Mhz (due to the RAM refresh cycle). Additional toolboxes are
> loaded in RAM on a Rom01, so the toolbox routines are slightly slower.

More than slightly.  It is quite noticeable.  The main area of
improvement is the QuickDraw II changes in System 5.0, which are in the
ROM in a ROM 3 machine, but must be loaded into RAM on a ROM 1 (most of
the low-level drawing bottleneck routines).

I think there were also Window/Menu/Control manager improvments, but
they were less significant.

All this results in noticeably faster screen updates in GS/OS desktop
programs.

Doesn't hold a candle to a ZIP or TransWarp, though...

-- 
David Empson
dempson@actrix.gen.nz
Snail mail: P.O. Box 27-103, Wellington, New Zealand