Re: Transwarp 8k VS 32k Cache....Charts comparing speeds?-- Upgrade kits info

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

Sandy writes ...
> 
> Hah hah hah hah.
> 
> Another TWGS post by ME!!!!   If you are bothered by it, DEAL with it.
> 
> Are there any Charts or tables showing Speed Comparisons for 8k VS 32k
> Cache????
>

     John Link charted some comparisons in 1991 involving nine setups:
no-TWGS, and 7, 8, 9, 10mHz boards before and after the 8kB-to-32kB
cache upgrade. He used three benchmarks:

1. time to calculate page breaks in a 218-page Appleworks document
2. time to scroll through a 39-page Awks-GS document
3. time to compile 4800 lines of MD-BASIC source code


     The chart shows that a 7mHz TWGS with the 32kB cache performs
slightly better than a 10mHz TWGS with 8kB cache on tests 1 and 3; it is
a bit slower on test 2.

     For a 7mHz 8kB TWGS, the speed gain for the 32kB cache upgrade is
roughly 33% to nearly x2.5 plain GS speed.

     For a 10mHz 8kB TWGS, the speed gain for the 32kB cache upgrade is
roughly 33% to about x3.25 plain GS speed.       

 
> Aslo wanted:  Your opinion on wether or not the upgrade from 8k-->32k is
> worth spending the $$ on. ....
> 

     One nice feature of upgrading cache is that you get a good
performance boost without the concerns usually assorted with a
significant increase in clock speed.

     The AE cache upgrade kit was priced at $109 in 1991. Now that AE is
gone, the kit may be harder to find than a TWGS with the 32kB upgrade
installed.


     As Scott G has noted, SHH Systeme, Germany sells 32kB cache upgrade
materials. 

SHH Systeme, Germany ( http://users.ids.net/~kerwood/shh.html  email:
jlange@tasha.muc.de )

The catch is that, according to information currently displayed at their
web site, you can get everything you need _except_ the v1.7 or v1.8 ROM.
Here is what they say ...


>>

Another important note
=======================
 
The TransWarp GS firmware version 1.5 that came with the TransWarp
8K version does not work with 32K cache boards. You absolutely need
v1.7 or v1.8 for 32K cache operation.  Since the firmware is
copyrighted material, we cannot supply copies of the firmware. ....
 
<<

Of course, when it comes to such matters, one never knows for sure what
is available until the seller is contacted.


     SHH does list several options ranging from a bare board through one
with everything installed except the v1.7 or v1.8 ROM. The info below is
from their web site:   

 
==================================================================
   Option A:  Bare boards ("do-it-yourself")
==================================================================

 What you get:
--------------
 
Two-layer piggyback boards for the TransWarp GS with solder resist,
ready for soldering all components. A sheet of paper with short but
reliable instructions how to assemble the board. NOTHING ELSE.
Heavy soldering required!

US $15 per board  plus  $14  shipping/handling
(six boards minimum, 22 boards maximum for this s/h fee).


 
==================================================================
   Option B:  Populated boards, without semiconductors
              ("dirty-work-done")
==================================================================
 
Since it is much cheaper to buy expensive semiconductors (such as
cache RAMs) in your own country, you might prefer this version.
 
 
What you get:
--------------
 
A two-layer piggyback board for the TransWarp GS with solder
resist. All non-semiconductor components (sockets, resistors,
capacitors, header connectors) mounted and ready for use. A sheet
of paper with short instructions how to add the components not
included with the board. All board functions verified. No soldering
required.

US $32  plus  $14  shipping/handling
(four boards maximum for this s/h fee).


 
==================================================================
   Option C: Fully populated boards, without Firmware EPROM
             ("almost plug-and-play")
==================================================================
 
What you get:
--------------
 
A two-layer piggyback board for the TransWarp GS with solder
resist. All components but the firmware EPROM soldered and ready
for use. The board includes all sockets and three 32K cache RAMs
62256-15 or equivalent (fast enough for processor clock values of
14 MHz and more). A sheet of paper with short instructions how to
add the components not included with the board. All board functions
verified.
 
US $69  plus  $14  shipping/handling
(four boards maximum for this s/h fee).

 

     So, if you can get the v1.7 or v1.8 ROM (or EPROM), your additional
cost for a ready-to-go upgrade is $83. If you have the ROM, then, $83
for a 33% performance increase sounds good, especially since you can
also boost clock speed relatively cheaply and end up with a TWGS running
at x3 or better a non-TWGS IIgs!
 
     If there's a local Apple Club with users interested in souping-up
their TWGS's, option A looks like a good way to go. Cost per board would
be way below $83, 'finding' the needed ROM (or EPROM) could be easier,
and boards could be checked out by a knowledgeable club member.


Rubywand