Re: Math co-processor? What a heck?!

[pubpc1@library.ucla.edu]

pdunkel@cc.hut.fi (Paul Dunkel) wrote:
>
>I have this math-processor in on of my GS' slots. Does some programs
>really use it?


Wow, you have a rare piece of hardware!  Yes, these math-coprocessors
usually include a software patch to the GS' Toolbox math routines
(called SANE).  With this patch applied, any software that uses these
floating point routines will instead use the coprocessor for the
calculations.  The result is a tremendous boost in speed.  Even if
you have an accelerator card, the speed would register...as a speed
boost on top of a speed boost.

I think the chip on the card is usually a 68881 or a 68882, the same
as the ones used in some Macs.

-Scott G.