Alpha up2000+ mobo - 2x 833mhz CPUs - 2GB RAM

#1 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 - 18:55 68kMLA

I just got this from ISU's surplus store for $10

Specs:

2x Alpha 833mhz CPus

2GB EEC RAM

What the heck can I do with this thing?

#2 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 - 19:15 68kMLA

Not a bad setup.

You can install Linux, BSD, or Windows NT 4.0.

I've been trying to find an Alpha to add to my collection.

#3 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 - 19:25 68kMLA

I have Tru64 on my AlphaStation.

#4 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 - 19:31 68kMLA

I'm going to try and do something with it tonight... maybe try to power it on.

Still have no idea what I need to get this running

#5 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 - 19:55 68kMLA

Still have no idea what I need to get this running

First job would be see if it actually power up into some recognizeable state.

Then see what kind of a BIOS it has. See if it is ARC or SRM.

This may be a good start... http://unix.com.ua/orelly/linux/run/appc_03.htm

My Alpha can also use the serial port as a console, so if you see nothing on the screen, try those.

#6 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 - 20:47 68kMLA

You can install Linux, BSD, or Windows NT 4.0.

Perhaps even Windows 2000 RC1:

http://www.alphant.com/articles/windows2000.html

#7 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 - 20:55 68kMLA

I would only consider putting NT on an alpha if I could get hold of Visual C++ 4.0 with Alpha support. Similar with PowerPC.

#8 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 - 20:59 68kMLA

Whoa...heck of a nice machine for $10. I had to lay out $25 for my much slower ANS.

#9 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 - 00:20 68kMLA

Well I've run into a dilemma

I don't have the right PSU as shown here in the mobo:

http://www.alphalinux.org/wiki/images/c/c1/UP2000%2B-highlighted.jpg

Notice the rail next to the molex connector to the right of the ATX connector.

I don't have a full ATX case either...

#10 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 - 01:23 68kMLA

I don't have the right PSU as shown here in the mobo:

As long as you have the voltage and amperage available you could knock something up with appropriate connectors.

I don't have a full ATX case either...

I'm sure the dumpster will provide, else nail all the bits to a plank of wood.

#11 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 - 05:11 68kMLA

Sweet. I wonder if it can run VMS.

Looks like it might.

#12 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 - 12:44 68kMLA

Stupid question:

What kind of RAM does an Alpha box use? I know where one is but it has no memory.

#13 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 - 14:34 68kMLA

This Alpha mobo has PC100 ECC RAM

#14 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 - 19:41 68kMLA

Stupid question:
What kind of RAM does an Alpha box use? I know where one is but it has no memory.

It varies wildly on the model. Some use PC100, some use ECC EDO, some use proprietary sticks.

#15 Sun, 14 Dec 2008 - 23:22 68kMLA

What a sweet machine!

I had a 533MHz Alpha box back in the day.

I hope you can get this one running!