1-2 AlphaServer 300 User’s Guide
PCI Architecture
Your system’s PCI architecture represents the latest advances in local bus technology. The
AlphaServer 300 system PCI architecture delivers maximum performance by providing a
wider data path, greater speed, and improved expandability. PCI removes various types of
peripheral controllers from the slower ISA bus and connects them directly to a wider,
faster data path. The result is faster data transfers for devices such as SCSI controllers and
network interface cards—a critical advantage when you are running I/O-intensive
software.
PCI local bus features include:
•
Highest performance in the market today.
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Best expandability for high-performance peripheral devices.
•
Support for multiple bus masters.
•
32-bit data transfer at 132 MB per second (peak).
•
PCI-to-ISA bridge capability that allows you to use commonly available ISA options.
