Jon,
1. There are both EB64s and EB64+s, so don't get confused by using the two terms
as though interchangeable
EB64 - very old 21064 design using programmable logic for control, ISA I/O only
EB64+ - 21064(A) design using APECS chipset, ISA and PCI I/O
2. Neither the EB64 nor the EB64+ has IDE on-board. The EB64+ has SCSI
on-board.
3. BLADE is really a minimal environment for brave souls, a starting point
towards getting a full system. Even if you are a brave soul, you would be far
better off using Red Hat, which is derived from BLADE, but with much added
value.
4. You would be advised to base your Killer Alpha system on a AlphaPC64
motherboard (sometimes known as Cabriolet). Unless you get a good deal on
an EB64+, you should consider the EB64+ as obsolete.
To compare/contrast:
EB64+ AlphaPC64
------------------------------------
ROM firmware FLASH firmware
Ethernet no ethernet
3 PCI + ?? ISA 4 PCI + 3 ISA (1 shared)
SCSI SCSI
no IDE IDE (NOT enhanced IDE)
AT-m/b size Baby AT-m/b size
Generates 3V Needs PSU with 3V output
5. Don't know what the status of HD or CDROM on AlphaPC64, suggest you
check out the RedHat hardware support for Alpha.
regards,
Neal.
Digital Semiconductor, Reading, England.