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Technology

What Is New

April 1, 1998

Industry shocked by Pentium® III announcement.

In a surprise announcement, Intel discussed the Pentium® III processor with the Press.

The computer industry was turned on it's head today by a Surprise announcement from the industry giant Intel.  Formerly known as Project Prelate, the Pentium® III processor will be introduced at speeds of 600 MHz, 800 MHz, and 1000 MHz.   The processors are expected to be released as early as 1999. 

The Slot M processors will have 2 MB L2 Cache built onto the package. The processor will also house the new Intel MMX Instructions known as KNI (Katmai New Instructions).   Motherboards with 200 MHz external bus speed settings are required.  A future Intel AGP2set is also a requirement.  Details of the AGP2set   were not available at the time of publishing this article.

The Slot M processor was kept a secret in anticipation of AMD's announcement of the Slot A processor.  Rumors have been circulating that AMD has been producing a Slot A processor in Fab 51, a secretive lab located deep in the desert of North Africa.  Today's surprise announcement may signal Intel's knowledge that this processor does exist.

Intense negotiations between Digital, HP, and Microsoft allowed the technical advance to become reality.  Digital contributed to the Slot M, a deviation of the EV-7 bus.

Dr. Thomas Pabst  is quoted as stating, "this Slot M processor is what this Industry has been clamoring for.  It will have phenomenal performance.  Intel's announcement today is a strong signal that they understand everyone's desire for greater performance.  Generally, Intel releases product in incremental performance changes.  This is a break from this tradition.  All of us applaud their initiative."

Other Industry Pundits strongly agree with Dr. Pabst.  El Gato, the Purrfect cat detective from PC Week, has also been quoted as stating, "Intel masterfully kept this processor a secret from even the best of us gossip mongers. My hats off to them."

Anandtech has already attempted to overclock the processor, "Using a clock multiplier of 4x, the 600 MHz is easily overclockable to 800 MHz.   I can't wait to get my hands on the 1000 MHz processor.  Now if they would only lower the price."

Dan Chadwick, from Tweakit, has released initial benchmarks, "....this thing screams....mater of fact if you attach it to the socket 7 riser card (Abit part # KP6-BS) with 400MHz front side bus support, this baby clocks up to 2000MHz on any socket 7 board. Although I do still find the AGP performance a little slow, it will definitly give the new Intel 450BS chipset w/4x AGP a run for its money."

Dean Kent, from Real World Technologies, has confirmed that stocking the product is not a problem.  "All of the engineering samples work right out of the box, no tweaking, no fuss, no mess.  Intel has done a terrific job with this product."

Trademarks are properties of their respective companies.

Lora -
What Is New

February 1998

February 28, 1998

  • Quantum has introduced an extension of UDMA 33.  This is termed as ATA-66.  The bandwidth is extended from 33 Mbytes to 66 Mbytes.
  • Last week Intel and Rambus announced S-RIMMs.  These are synchronous RIMMs (Rambus in-line memory modules).  OEMs are debating the necessity of a new memory module to compete with three generations of DRAM - Rambus, SLDRAM, and DDR-SDRAM.

February 27, 1998

Prices have dropped considerably. Keep in mind that qualities of modules can vary greatly.

Crucial Technologies is the only company that offers high quality Micron chips on Micron boards (Grade A memory).  Spectec is lower grade Micron. Many other companies use low grade Micron chips, solder them on low quality boards, and this final product is generic or major-on-third memory.

  • We received a shipment of extra Boxed Pentium II 333 MHz processors. If you order before 2 PM PT, the order can ship today.
  • Corsair 64 MB non-ECC SDRAM modules are in stock.
  • Intel Boxed 166 MHz Overdrive processors are available.
  • Question of the Day: I'm trying to decide whether to upgrade my old 486 or buy a new machine, what steps should I take?

We've outlined a few issues you need to consider when upgrading. www.esc-ca.com/html/upgrade.html

  • Thank you for your patience while we make adjustments on our website entry pages. Please let us know if you have suggestions of things you'd like to see or changes.
  • I'd like to build my own machine, but am still wondering about other options....

Whether you're building your own machine for fun, experience, customization, or cost, you need a technical background. If you don't have some configuring experience then you may want to have someone choose and assemble the components for you. Most areas are serviced by A+ certified technicians who should be able to help you.

SuperStores have computers that sales people can pull systems off the shelf and you take it home in the same day. What the company offers and what the machine can do varies from model to model and store to store. One company may offer an Cyrix P166+  based system for around $800, while the store next door may have a Pentium II 266 MHz at a good deal.

Major OEMs will build a system for you with their mass customization model. If you purchase a prebuilt system then you may have a machine by the end of the week. If you choose items that is built to your specifications (within their category selections) then it may take anywhere from 1 to 7 weeks before delivery. The advantage is that you've chosen the capacity of your system, and you don't need a high level of technical information.

Other options are component dealers, where you can purchase individual components. These companies usually bring product in from a distributor and ship, without testing the product. Local resellers offer their own brand of systems. They may purchase from a distributor product line with which they are familiar then build, or the distributor assembles the system for them and they add value (install software, add a component, etc.).

And of course, there are companies like ours: we offer a variety of select components, you choose your items, we purchase the items from the manufacturer or distributor, we assemble, configure, and test the components.

No matter where you go, you need to protect yourself before you purchase.  Know what industry trends are and what is considered current technology. Be familiar with different manufacturers. One thing will be constant: no matter what you buy today, it will be obsolete in the near future. This is a hard concept to accept, especially since computers are an investment that most people plan to use over time, and the intrinsic value of a computer is different for each person.

There are two common approaches to how to balance the expense: 1) buy an inexpensive system that you will replace quite a few times within a few year time period.; or 2) buy the most powerful machine you can afford at the time and use it for a couple of years. There are many analogies that fall short because of the industry momentum and performance considerations when dealing with computers: hand-held vacuum cleaners versus shop vacuums, types of cars, types of stereos, plastic filing cabinets versus metal or hand-made wood filing cabinets, etc. Choosing your computer will need to fit with the rest of your life choices.

Even if you opt for a low end system, you will need to make sure you have certain fundamental capabilities otherwise you will end up 2-3 weeks later trying to upgrade your brand-new system.

  • at least 32 MB of memory if it is a Pentium (64 MB is quickly becoming standard)
  • make sure it uses a processor with MMX technology (it doesn't matter if it's a feature you think you are going to use, but the voltage considerations may limit your upgradeability)
  • 24x CD ROM (32x is the standard now)
  • 3.2 GB hard drive is the 'sweet spot' or the entry level drive

Another common choice is to build the best you can afford at the time. Many technicians consider the Intel Pentium II 300 MHz with MMX technology processor to be the lowest performing system a person should invest in. The reason? The Pentium II 333 MHz is still at 'introductory pricing', as the most recently released Pentium II. The price gap between the 333 MHz Pentium II and 300 MHz Pentium II makes the 300 MHz more affordable, and yet it's a high performing system, that the average home user will not outgrow quickly or be disa ppointed in it's performance.

So, do you build or buy prepackaged? Weigh the convenience of just taking it out of the box, plugging in the surge protector, and pressing the power switch versus having a system that was built with items you choose and a flexibility you design. Time, cost, experience, long term satisfaction, and many other elements are variables you'll need to consider. Research (yes, the verb): read manufacturer web sites, talk with people who have bought recently and have similar expectations and requirements as you, read product reviews, watch pricing so you understand what position the market is currently in (remember, components are commodities), read about vendors, and read technical documentation.

February 26, 1998

  • Question of the day. Why does my 64 MB generic memory not work on my Intel AL440LX motherboard?

The AL440LX, DK440LX, NX440LX, and R440LX use reverse clocks relative to the industry standard.  The latest BIOS apparently corrects this problem.   Because the 128 MB modules use all four clocks there isn't a problem. Corsair Microsystems has the proper memory for the  64 MB SDRAM capacities.

Corsair Microsystems PC100 Compliant Memory

64 MB PC100
CM654S64-BX
$329.00

64 MB ECC PC100
CM734S64-BX
$366.00

128 MB PC100
CM654S128-BX
$630.00

128 MB ECC PC100
CM734S128-BX
$706.00

February 25, 1998

February 24, 1998

  • Startling advance on chips reported
  • Now the Governor's want to collect sales tax on Internet sales; however, here is a great example of how our government is spending the money they already take from you.

Nevada legislators and laptops don't mix

"The Internet Tax Freedom Act, sponsored by Representative Chris Cox (R-California) and Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), would bar states and local governments from passing any new Net taxes until 2004."

By John Borland, Net Insider

  • We can accept orders on PC100 compliant memory from Corsair Microsystems.  For orders placed today, Corsair will ship to us in 3-4 business days.  

Four different PC100 168-pin SDRAM modules are available for purchase:

To order these items, please give us a toll free call, 1-800-427-3726

  • Al and Gracie decided to play hooky from work today. Instead of working they are playing in the sunshine. Al is probably basking in the sun, while Gracie watches the birds fly around their yard. We hope you are enjoying your day too.
  • Corsair Microsystems's white paper on the PC100 spec is on their website.   This is probably the most authoritative paper about PC100 memory on the Internet.
  • Here is a really pro-business stance -- just like Al loves taking baths. Al and Gracie suspect that Governors are going to win a lot of votes with this initiative. Actually, Al and Gracie read the article this way:  "Big Business fears Internet"  It seems that Big Business can't spin-control their way around their poor business practices, therefore they'll just get rid of the Internet commerce.

Governors set to support Internet sales tax

slashdot.org
www.macosrumors.com
www.snoot.com
www.rootshell.com

If you would like to contribute to this website please let us know.

  • Our hearts go out to everyone in Florida that has been devastated by the Tornadoes.
  • Al and Gracie were busy reading Newsweek last night.  There is an interesting article on mergers. Specifically, the article dealt with search engines and start pages. Microsoft is entering the start page market, while Infoseek and other "smaller" search engines are increasing value in order to attract more visitors.

PC100 Compliant Memory versus 100 MHz SDRAM

Historical Perspective

Synchronous DRAM is the main computer memory used in most new motherboards.  The latest chipsets from Intel, SiS, and VIA support this type of memory.  Early adopters of these new memory modules had many headaches getting their systems stable.  It turned out that the specifications for manufacturing SDRAM was very loose as well as many other issues came to light. 

  • 2 clock versus 4 clock
  • 66 MHz versus 100 MHz
  • 100 MHz versus PC100

One of the most common issues raised by migrating to SDRAM is the 2 clock versus 4 clock timing of the modules.  The Intel LX chipset supports 4 clock, unbuffered, SDRAM.  Some motherboards using the TX chipset require 2 clock memory modules.  The majority use the 4 clock modules.  It is difficult to identify 2 clock SDRAM versus 4 clock.  They look the same!

(Update: A caller to our 800-number stated that if you look at pin 78 you will notice a difference between 2-clock and 4-clock SDRAM.  You can find pin 78 by counting back from the edge 6 pads.  He states that if there is a trace, then the memory is 4 clock.  If the pad is blank, then it is 2 clock.  Does anyone disagree?)

The Pentium II processor with the LX chipset uses an external bus speed of 66 MHz.  Some people overclock their systems using higher bus speeds of 83 MHz or 100 MHz.  Intel deems this as overclocking and will not support the configuration.  SDRAM manufactured today is pushed at these higher bus speeds which could cause the loss of data.  However, increasing the bus speed dramatically increases a system's performance.

Future Requirements

Because of the increase in performance, Intel will release the 440BX chipset as well as new processors in second quarter of 1998.  The 440BX chipset will support the higher bus settings for the new Pentium II processors.  SiS 5591 and VIA MVP3 also support the higher bus speeds.

The SDRAM presently on the market will most likely not operate on these new motherboards.  Even if they are termed 100 MHz SDRAM by the manufacturer, the modules will need to be PC100 compliant in order to operate properly at the higher bus speeds.

Intel released a specification for manufacturers termed PC100.  This specification tightens the requirement for SDRAM manufacturing and ensures that the modules will run at the higher bus setting.  100 MHz SDRAM and PC100 SDRAM are not one in the same. 

PC100 compliant memory modules are built on at least 6 layer PCB, use at least 8 ns SDRAM chips, follow EEPROM SPD guidelines from Intel, and many other changes.  Here is a list provided by Corsair Microsystems.

  • SDRAMs used must be compatible with the current Intel SDRAM Component SPEC (Version 1.5)
  • SPDs used must be compatible with the current Intel SPD Component SPEC (Version 1.2)
  • 6 layer PCB boards must be used and must incorporate the Power and Ground Planes
  • Signals are not routed in Power and Ground Planes
  • Clock traces must be routed strictly to Intel's specifications matched, in length to better than 10mils and capacitive loading (0.01inches)
  • Remaining traces must strictly follow Intel specification on trace length, via count and placement, and trace topology

February 23, 1998

  • How did ESC choose it's product line?

Yes, there are thousands of products available in the market. We are very select in what we offer. Originally, ESC started out offering only memory over the Internet. That was in 1995. After a few weeks, clients asked us to add processors, so we did. Later, enough clients requested motherboards too. By 1996, we offered barebone workstations and systems.

At that point we decided that if we were going to offer motherboards, CPUs, and memory that we would assemble, configure, and test the corresponding items before they shipped from our facility. With this method, we know products work.

Now, how did we choose which brands we offer? The companies with which we work have knowledgeable and pleasant staff. Their products have low return rates, and high client satisfaction.

  • Will ESC add video cards, DVD ROMs, monitors, SCSI drives and other items in the near future?

Good question. We always talk about which items we should add next. We try to pay attention to market trends, product availability, and how competitive we could be with price.

We add new product categories when our techs feel comfortable with the product, tech and sales people feel comfortable enough with the product to answer questions, we can be competitive with pricing, and when the product is available on the market.

Video cards, DVD ROMs, LS-120 drives, and SCSI drives are all items we talk frequently about adding. At this point, we do not have a time line for adding these categories. If we were to offer a video card, which AGP card would you choose?  Monitors and modems you can pick up at a local store less expensive than we can offer or ship them. Keep letting us know which products you are considering, and think we should consider.

  • The 25 Top Best computer books sold in the last month are listed on the Computer Literacy website.
  • ESDRAM is compliant with the Intel's 440BX to be announced in the near future. Other PC chipsets will support ESDRAM in the near future
  • The rain is continuing to fall from the sky,  almond blossoms are on the trees, birds are flocking back to their springtime home.  Al is busy chasing birds and Gracie is busy hiding from all the rain.  Both  Al and Gracie are determined to patch up their canoes and hitch a couple joy rides while the water levels are high. Spring is such a wonderful season!
  • AMD K6/233 Processors in a Box are on special for $175.00.   The regular price is $188.00.
  • Al and Gracie were thinking about all the DEAE in shampoos as well as test tubes used in murder investigations.  Now these dogs have turned scientists and are telling us that they knew all along that this additive isn't healthy.  In fact, the two dogs are hoping we'll all buy this unhealthiness as the justification for them not wanting to take baths.  As Al says, "Who needs a bath with all this DEAE?" and Gracie complains, "Now what do I do about my hair?"
  • Taiwan taking Socket-7 route to 100 MHz
  • OEMs Can Expect Merced Samples Later This Year
  • How many people does it take to write the what's new section for ESC?  One, Two, Three, or more?  Even though Al and Gracie contribute their thoughts, we wont count them as writers.  Therefore, the answer is three writers and six contributors.  Would you like to contribute?
  • In fact, thinking of contributions, Intel is now in full swing regarding Sub $1000 PCs.  Ain't life a kick.  Watch for the 440EX and Camino chipsets to come off the design table and into our homes.

February 20, 1998

PC 99 System Design Guide Version 0.3 NOW Available

  • AMD To Expand Chip Factory In Thailand
  • Al and Gracie were amazed to find out Spam is a food.  It seems that they are eating their own words regarding email practices.  Only one person agreed with them that a consumer sending email to many computer companies on the Internet is Spam.  It seems everyone who emailed Al and Gracie regarding this growing consumer trend thought that the email should be answered even if the individual never visited Al and Gracie before.  Oh well, sigh.  That's why we asked.  It seems the concern over Spam is when it's your own mailbox and not anyone else's.  So Al and Gracie will do their best to answer this email.
  • The part numbers for the Intel Seattle Motherboard (BX Chipset) have been assigned by a major Intel distributor.  It generally takes 6 to 8 weeks after the part number is assigned for the new product to be readily available.   That places the product availability in the middle of April.  The approximate prices are:
  • BOXSE440BXIA with ISA Audio $260.00
  • BOXSE440VXPA with PCI Audio $275.00

IBM To Sell Product Line Over Web

February 19, 1998

The other day we were chatting about mergers, acquisitions, etc.   This one might impact things a bit.

  • Al and Gracie are watching the rain today.
  • Intel plans a "Basic PC"
  • Many websites on the Internet have processor roadmaps, but we should point out that the Intel website has a processor roadmap that you might enjoy reading.
  • In Win cases will be in short supply through early March. We do have cases in inventory at this time.
  • We want to congratulate Intel on making sure we have Boxed Pentium II 333 MHz processors available. With prior releases, we experienced immediate backorders upon release of a product. We do have these Boxed processors in stock.
  • According to one source, the future Willamette processor is rumored to:
  • have MMX2 instructions and
  • be named Pentium III
  • The Face Of Innovation - upside.com
  • Here's the best name we received in email for the upcoming family of microprocessors from Intel: 

The Pentium II - II

That way, instead of paying minimum wage to some overworked snail, Apple can just put a ballerina outfit on it and spin it around.

Samsung in talks with Intel

  • Gunmen broke into an airport warehouse in San Francisco last week and stole $1.05 million worth of 16- and 64-megabit DRAM chips.
  • Intel's Tanner chip is the transition from 32-bit microprocessors to 64-bit processors.  Intel's slot M and the 460GX chipset will be the implementation for moving to the 64-bit code.
  • Steps to take when you receive new product

February 18, 1998

A high percentage of GigaByte's  motherboards are used by corporations. Their boards have been chosen because they are known to be of consistent quality. Companies can rely on data integrity and high performance when using a GigaByte motherboard.

More recently the company has started attracted home and small business users. GigaByte's popularity grew with this new market when AMD released their AMD-K6 series processors early last year. GigaByte's  products continue to impress a large group of users.

Other places to go....

We've heard it said that the Internet is producing 'neighborhoods'. We are interested in certain topics, we form habits about how to find information, and once these are established we filter out where we choose to visit. How often do you take a walk through your neighborhood and over to the ones on the other side of the sphere? If you are trying to find information, do you go to a search engine like Alta Vista, do you use a static source like Yahoo or LookSmart, do you look through advertising pages like Excite, or do you have another favorite spot?

Einstein and Gracie have different styles of searching around the Internet. Einstein's hound instincts are obvious with his behavior pattern. Once he starts sniffing and gets on a trail, he follows relentlessly one lead after another (although he may not remember how he got their nor where he even started). If he is looking for a new flavor of dogbone he may go to a search engine and follows the links until he finds information about birds, small animals, bones and other potential entertainment.

Gracie is a purebred, and she is methodical and meticulous with her approach. When she is looking for new flavors of bones, she starts at research institutions to read up on what will keep her coat glossy and her energy levels high, then she investigates who they list that make such products.  She wants to not only know what the bone will do once she eats it, but whether she'll want two or three more the hour after she eats it.

It's exciting to look for new places to visit on the Internet, especially because it is changing so quickly. Please, let us know how you found us.

  • Today's special: GigaByte 686LX or 686BLX motherboard with Intel Boxed Pentium II 333 MHz processor with MMX technology for $986.00.
  • Intel AL440LX, AL440LX no audio, and DK440LX motherboards are backordered at this time.
  • Reminder:

We do not accept orders with non-traceable email addresses such as @hotmail.com, @usa.net, @juno.com, @techie.com, @whome.com, etc.

Why? We want to make sure information is accurate and personal information is protected. If we receive an on-line request from a free email account, it is an automatic flag that the order may not be valid. The majority of on-line requests from these email accounts are fraudulent.

Also, we do accept orders from outside of the United States. If you would like to order, and your billing and shipping address are not in the US, please FAX your order to 209-550-4998. The request must be accompanied by a signature of the credit card holder, and contact FAX and voice number for the issuing bank.

We turn over fraudulent use of credit card information over to appropriate authorities.

We do not sell nor give away your  personal information.

February 17, 1998

Intel's Grove outlines spread of P6 architecture
  • Speculation on a new name for the Slot 2 Deschutes Family of processors.  Would you like to guess?

    Pentium Ultra, Ultra Snail or Super Snail, Pentium 3 or do you have another insight?

  • AMD called today to confirm that the production on the K6/266 is improving.  Their yield is better than what they were encountering before.  IBM is getting product, and Compaq is not receiving as much as they would like.  Therefore, it will still be a few more weeks before we see the K6/266.
  • The Super7 socket motherboards which will use the AMD processors with a 100 MHz external bus setting are expected to see a 50% improvement in cache performance.
  • AMD-K6/233 MMX enhanced Processors in a Box (retail) versions are available.
  • Happy Birthday Leanne!
  • We have extra Intel Boxed Pentium II 233 MHz and Boxed Pentium II 333 MHz processors in stock.
  • Hard drive breakthrough claimed  According to Seagate they can pack 10 to 20 times more data on a storage device with their Optically Assisted Winchester technology.

February 16, 1998

  • Email spamming by vendors is considered to be poor Internet etiquette.  We don't do it and we don't like companies that spam.

However, we are seeing an increasing number of people emailing us with a question that has also been sent to dozens (even hundreds) of other companies on the Internet.  Most of the answers are on the website: prices, product list, manufacturer's websites, etc.

Our policy in the past has been to not answer them.   It is difficult to distinguish between other companies sending us junk email versus the consumer sending us requests for information.  Recently we started to answer a few with inquiries as to why they felt it necessary to do this.  Sometimes we were tactful and other times blunt.  In our view, these messages are "strange."  

The defense by many consumers is that this strategy yields the best price and is simply competition.   We disagree. There are companies that require bids, and we see this as an obvious exception.

If you find it a pain for you to receive spam, then just think about the people here who receive hundreds of email messages every day!  Our policy has been to get people answers as quickly as possible; however, we can't do this if we are answering junk email.

If you disagree or agree with us, we'd like to hear from you.  Please let us know what you think.  Does spamming include a consumer or is the sidewalk only functional in one direction? webmaster@esc-tech.com .

  • Al and Gracie spent their Valentine's Day with their family.  We hope all of you enjoyed yourselves too.  In fact, due to all the closeness, it has been decided that they both need a little grooming and baths.  Al's toenails are being clipped and Gracie's hair is being shortened.
  • The computer industry is doing a bit of pruning and grooming too.  We've seen the Compaq-Digital megamerger, the Intel and Chips and Technology acquisition, and dozens of other mergers.  Change is definitely happening all around us.
  • Siemens sees rising chip sales
  • Sorry, we didn't mean to miss this article on the L2 cache on the slot 2 systems!

Intel Bets On Custom Cache Device For Slot 2 Platform

February 13, 1998

  • We primarily operate as a just-in-time inventory. Normally, when an order is placed, we purchase the requested product, and when it arrives at our facility we test it then ship it.

Today, we do have a few extra items in stock:

ABIT LX6 boards
ASUS TX97
Intel Boxed Pentium II 333 MHz processors
Intel Boxed Pentium II 233 MHz processor
Western Digital OEM 3.2 GB UDMA drive
Quantum Fireball ST 3.2 GB drive
Intel LT430TX motherboard

Please call 800-427-3726 if you are interested in any of these products. Saturday delivery is possible if the order is placed before 2:30 PM Pacific Time.

  • Today's special:
    IBM Deskstar 8 8.4 GB IDE hard drive $367.40
    Western Digital 5.1 GB IDE hard drive Retail pack $297.30
  • Black cats crossing the street, the witching hour, don't walk under a ladder , step on a crack you'll break your momma's back.  Yes, today is Friday the 13th.  Watch for Jason coming your way.
  • "Go ahead nerd.   Make my day."
  • Having trouble with your machine.  Try this website or go to this site for "live" help.

February 12, 1998

  • Reminder: If you'd like us to email your package tracking number when your product ships, please provide the information at the time of order.

We do not sell or give out your private information.

  • We do have extra Corsair 32 MB SDRAM modules in stock. They are on special for $71.50 while supplies last. Normal pricing is around $97. Why are we running them on special? Well, it's simple. We ran a weekend special about 2 weeks ago, when the special ended Monday morning, we had so many requests that we started the special again!
  • We have an extra tray AMD-K6/200 MMX enhanced processor in stock.
  • Question of the Day:

What companies are most likely to survive the industry wide shake-up of manufacturers?  I want to know, so I can decide which products to buy and have my warranties honored if I need them next year.  I don't want to pay for the research and development of short-lived products.  Why don't manufacturers understand that?

This is a great time for computer users and buyers.  'Competitive' is the operative, but understated (subtle?) word for understanding the computer industry's constant release of new products.  Change is constant.  New companies emerge with a "better idea," then, buyers flock to it, and a new competitor has taken its place in the market.  You can count on new product to replace the one you just bought. 

People keep coming up with new products for a better computer system based on the same model a company is already using, while another group of people are thinking of a better model, and a third group - the users - dream about their perfect system. These changes are obvious throughout the industry: new memory, processors, video, audio, mainboards, storage devices, and other peripherals.

    One idea is to make a 'system' easy enough to use so these systems easily blend into our lives and become productive tools. Hopefully and ultimately, decreasing the time we spend 'working' and increasing the time we spend with our friends and family. 

    'Ultimate' and 'proximate' are two words commonly used in scientific disciplines. How do the two approaches coordinate? How are people effected in the meantime? What are products really like in the meantime? How do companies plan to survive during the constant change? How do companies plan and pay for the extreme costs of project developments?

    It's this latter question of cost and paying for project developments that is one of the most pressing proximate issues for companies.  Each product's ontogeny is being challenged when an evolutionary view is used to understand the industry.  Initial planning, design, building the model, testing the model, revising the model, implementing the project, building the product, making those final touches, training, marketing, and using the product. It's thought, skilled-labor, and money intensive. The rate at which this development process occurs is phenomenally fast. Multiple people work for months to get a product to market. Then, that product is available for a shorter time than it took to develop it before a newer product surpasses it.

    Many of the articles on news.com, CNET, and Wired today focus on such investments and how video companies are projecting where the industry may be by the end of the year. These same cost pressing situations are also occurring with the new memory to be released for the upcoming Intel BX chipset, the shift from socket 7 to slot 1 and slot 2 processors, and the shift from CD ROM to DVD ROM, and then to DIVD next year.

    Change over a short period of time is  extremely expensive for everyone involved. Distributors, resellers, and users pay for the costs of this thought and labor intensive process. Sometimes losses are taken to move product. Other times, profit on an item may be a little higher to help pay for the costs involved in developing a new idea. Since we thrive in a financially based society, the real costs have to be addressed eventually.

    Remember, evolution is exciting. From a short term perspective, we see opportunities for new companies, growth in exisitng companies, new jobs, and improved products. Moreover, the industry continuing to work toward developing a seemingly effortless computer system.

  • Intel Graphics Chip To Make PCs Life-like Wired
  • Terror in the Graphics World: Intel Specter Looms
  • "As companies design faster and more sophisticated chips at an ever-increasing rate, graphics processors that only nine months earlier defined the premium class become second-tier. This dizzying speed of innovation makes it hard for companies to recoup the costs of developing their chips, analysts say. " -- www.news.com
    Ruthless Competition Rules The Market
  • "Additional MMX instructions will appear in the "Katmai" generation of Pentium II processors, which are due in 1999, said Richard Dracott, marketing manager for the processor division at Intel. Dracott surmised that Katmai processors which go into low-cost PCs may even obviate the need for a separate graphics chip. " -- new.com
    Intel's Entry Means Big Changes
  • DVD/3D Kit to Hit Market
  • Today's special is Quantum 8.4 GB Fireball SE hard drive. 
  • The new Intel BX chipset motherboards will use different memory from what is currently available on the market. These boards will require PC100 compliant memory. The memory is expected to be backward compatible with Intel 440LX chipset motherboards. The exception might be 64 MB modules for the Intel 440LX motherboard, which required special design.

PC100 compliant memory is expected to be released around early March.

  • Have you seen the Apple commercial where the snail is carrying the Intel Pentium II processor?

February 11, 1998

  • UPS told us today that their national tracking server is down for a while. Hopefully, it'll be up and running soon.
  • We have Intel Boxed Pentium II 333 MHz processors with ECC and 512K cache in stock.
  • Gracie and Einstein are enjoying the sunny weather today. Grandma even brought cookies in for everyone here at the shop, and the duo are thinking up new tricks to try to get a tiny bit. They can hardly wait for early summer when Grandma bakes her boysenberry pies....
  • In what city is ESC located?

Modesto is located in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California. It's home to many large companies as well as a large agriculture base. To the east rise the high Sierra Mountains. Just a short drive up Highway 120 is Yosemite National Park. To the west is the Coast Range and San Francisco Delta reg ion.

Our family originally came to California at the turn of the twentieth century. Papa (Grandpa and Great-grandpa), Mama, and six children rode over in a modified Chevrolet touring car and a Dodge touring car. The kids had cut the back seats off of cars to make room for the family and their belongings.  They had been living in Rocky Ford, Colorado and Shickly, Nebraska, but the lack of rain water for the fields prompted them to leave their farm.

The San Joaquin Valley offers some of the most fertile soil in the world. Walnuts, almonds, peaches, and grapes not only provided food for the family, but supplemental income. Agriculture is still a large force in the Valley. The Modesto area is also a fast, growing business and residential area. It is within a two hour commute to the Silicon Valley, and it's population is growing everyday.

For more information about ESC, please see www.esc-ca.com/html/esc.html. For more information about California history see, www.ca.gov.  

  • Can I use just one processor on GigaByte's 686DLX dual Pentium II motherboard?

Yes. The motherboard autodetects whether you are using one or two processors, and adjusts accordingly.

February 10, 1998

  • We have extra Quantum 3.2 GB drives in stock. We also have one Intel Boxed Pentium 166 MHz OverDrive processor with MMX technology. Please call us at 800-427-3726 if you are interested in the OverDrive.
  • We have been running a special on Corsair 32 MB SDRAM. We're also going to run a special this week on Crucial 16 MB EDO SIMMs.
  • Did you notice any changes to the webcart?
  • Intel Boxed DK440LX motherboards are not available at this time. Our major distributors do not have inventory on this product, and are hoping to get a few more pieces soon. Will they? One distributor commented that they may not be quick to stock many since the new BX chipset is to arrive this spring.
  • Al and Gracie have been rather quiet today.  Al is resting up from the storms.  Gracie finally has her head out from under the bed.  The rain has not helped her hairdo.

Did you know that Gracie is an Intel refugee?  Yes, she attended the parties when a project was completed - pig roasts and knows the Pentium chants. 

Al gets rather jealous when Gracie talks about "the old days."  After all, Al likes pigs too.  Come to think of it, Al likes anything that is edible. 

Hey there's an idea, a new chocolate bar in the shape of a Pentium II.  Naw.  Intel's put us on a diet - just a few boxed Pentium II 333 MHz   products, no cache in the Covington,  and only a few ISA slots.   Obviously they don't have time for a chocolate bar.

Wait!  Now Al is wishing for a Slot 2 version.   The "Big Al" chocolate bar in the shape of a Pentium II with 2 MB L2 cache.  That oughta make us all fat and happy.

Chipset Features
440BX 100 MHz
440GX addressable memory to 2 Gigabytes
440EX formerly 440LXR, for the Covington CPU
440JX formerly 440BX2, PIIX6, FireWire feature added
Camino DDR SDRAM and Direct Rambus support, 2 Katmai processor support

February 9, 1998

Microsoft Debuts DirectX 6.0

February 6, 1998

  • It's Friday! We hope everyone enjoys their weekend.
  • We have a couple AMD-K6/233 PIBs left in the Monday shipment. If you are interested, please call 800-427-3726. They are $185 each.
  • We have extra Intel LT430TX motherboards in stock.
  • We have extra GigaByte 686DLX motherboards available today. We also have an ASUS TX97.
  • Clients have declared today Connecticut day. We have had a high number of calls from from CT today. We've even had people from other parts of the country call because someone in Connecticut recommended they call us. Thank you!

February 5, 1998

"Financial news provider Bloomberg and techie news network CNET announced a deal on Wednesday to create several co-branded fin ancial news services, including News.com...." Wired

  • Here's another article about future processors:

" Intel, which says it will be making some announcements of its own at the ISSCC conference, says it expects to be launching 550-MHz chips for PCs by the end of this year." Wired

IBM Meets Digital on the 1,000-MHz Roof

  • We have another shipment of AMD-K6/233 MHz Processors In a Box on the way! Quanities are limited, so please call 800-427-3726 if you are interested.
  • Does the fan on the AMD PIB attach to the motherboard or the power supply?

The fan on the AMD Processors in a Box connect to the power supply.

Also, the fan is mounted on the processor.

  • There is limited availability on Intel Pentium OverDrive processors. We removed the 166 and 180 MHz OverDrive processors from our on-line order system until we have updated availability information.
  • We apologize for some of the strange shipping calculations on our shopping cart. We're still trying to fix some of the little bugs. In the meantime, a good reference is UPS's web site: www.ups.com. There, they have an on-line shipping calculator for pickup rates. Our zip code is 95356; we declare insurance (the invoice value); and we do require a signature to release a package.

February 4, 1998

Bill Gates hit by cream cake in Brussels

Late last Fall, AMD released their new Processor In a Box program, PIB, where AMD packages their AMD-K6 enhanced MMX processors with a heatsink and fan and honors a three year warranty on the product. The new program was developed for resellers and system integrators to install AMD's  processors in machines and be able to honor a warranty on the product. The new product has been extremely successful. Demand for the PIB has exceeded the supply, but AMD will improve supply in the reseller channel. We should see more K6/233 product at the end of February.

AMD officials say that they will release their new K6/266 processor through the PIB program in late March to early April. Currently, their new processor is available through Level 1 OEMs: IBM and Compaq. IBM and Compaq using AMD's new product in their systems demonstrates AMD's continuing success. 

  • We are now offering the GigaByte 686DLX motherboard. It is a dual Pentium II board, with SCSI on-board.
  • We have an extra AMD PIB K6/233 in stock. Please call 800-427-3726 if you are interested.
  • Overdrive processors currently available: Intel Pentium 200 MHz OverDrive with MMX technology. Estimated time of arrival of the 166 and 180 MHz OverDrive processors...hopefully, soon. Many distributors are not expecting new shipments of the Intel Boxed Pentium 166 MHz Overdrive processor.
  • Many distributors in the Silicon Valley have told us that they have been short staffed the past two days. Some of their employees have not been able to get to work because of the severe weather conditions. Our thoughts are with those who's homes are threatened and have been damaged this season.
  • Local Central and Northern California weather and river information. monsoon.water.ca.gov

February 3, 1998

  • Corsair SDRAM prices dropped.
  • Crucial memory prices dropped.
  • We received a few more AMD-K6 PIB 233 MMX processors. We are offering the processors at $185 each. Please call 800-427-3726 to order.
  • The 440LX-R chipset will apparently only allow 2 DIMM sockets and 3 PCI slots.  Now Intel calls this chipset "Cost Reduced" but we call it "Restricted."  Al and Gracie call it something else.
  • IBM joins the 1,000-MHz club

February 2, 1998

  • More about ATX 2.01 specifications:

www.developer.intel.com/design/motherbd/atx.htm

www.teleport.com/~atx

  • Intel Boxed Pentium II 333 MHz with MMX technology processors should arrive at authorized distributors between this week and the next week.
  • We are adding the Toshiba 32 X IDE CD ROM.
  • ASUS T-10AB cases are backordered until the end of February. A new shipment is expected to dock in the U.S. in about two weeks.
  • Intel Pentium OverDrive units are in limited supply.
  • Pentium motherboards that will take advantage of AGP are starting to arrive on the market. We'll see more information within the month; keep watching What's New.
  • Alpha chips zoom to 1000 MHz
  • Gracie is practicing her version of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star":

Twinkle, twinkle little star,
How they wonder who I am
Up above the world so high
I'm a diamond in the sky

Al's version is a little more crude. We won't reinforce that though.

Lora -
What Is New

January 1998

January 30, 1998

  • AMD Slot A will use Digital's EV-6 interface.  Byte's February article is a must read!

  • Special weekend prices for Corsair Microsystems Grade A memory. 
    32 Mb SDRAM $71.40
    64 Mb SDRAM with ECC $252.00

  • Why does ESC operate as a just-in-time inventory?

ESC operates as a just-in-time inventory. This means that as you request products from us, we bring an item in specificially for your order. We work closely with manufacturers and distributors, this allows us access to product all over the world. When the product arrives at our facility, we assemble, configure, and test your corresponding components before we ship them to you.

Over the years, we have learned that this model allows us to be the most flexible. Computer components are commodities. Their prices change daily and sometimes even hourly. With this just-in-time inventory model, we are able to offer you products at their current market value. When a new revision of a product is released, we are able to purchase it without having to dump older revisions. When prices drop, we are able to sell the newly purchased products at a lower price.

When should I expect to see my order?
other frequently asked questions about esc

  • We are curious if anyone would like to explain to us the code names Mendocino and Covington.  Are these rivers in Oregon?   We were waiting for code names like Umatilla, Wallowa, or Klaskanine.  If you are going for counties, what about Crook or Klackamas?  Opps, strike that last county.
    This is the quote from Techweb (January 27).
    "Microprocessors using reduced Level 2 cache integrated on the chip, code-named Mendocino, will make their appearance in the second half of the year in 300-MHz and 333-MHz iterations. Pricing and specific ship dates were unavailable."
    Or this quote from Techweb (January 19)
    "By the fourth quarter, Intel will unveil Mendocino-a Pentium II with 128 Kbytes of L2 cache integrated into the CPU-positioned toward the low end of the $1,000 to $1,500 market, according to the document."

  • Counterfeit ASUS motherboards are hitting the market.   These can be identified by the older components on the motherboard.  These boards sell for about 10% or more lower than the market.

  • PIIX is Intel's abbreviation for PCI- ISA/IDE Accelerator Chip.  This part of the chipset controls the expansion buses and hard disk interfaces.

  • Intel Pentium II 333 MHz Boxed processors have not arrived.  Distributors are stating Intel has not shipped product to them.   Estimated times have now slid to the second week in February.

January 29, 1998

  • 10:45 AM update:  Yesterday's tears from Al and Gracie must have touched a soft-spot with AMD.  We have been told a limited number of AMD K6/233 PIB processors will be shipped to us.  We are going to offer these at $185.00 each.

  • Congratulations to AMD.  PC Magazine has awarded AMD the Technical Innovation Award for 1997.

  • We should start to see an increase in availability of the AMD-K6/233 enhanced processor with MMX technology soon.

  • Corsair 64 Mb ECC SDRAM is on special today.

  • Intel Pentium 166 MHz OverDrive processors are not available at this time. Distributors are not expecting new shipments beyond what they have already committed to.

  • Distributors are still waiting for their first shipment of Intel Boxed Pentium II 333 MHz processors.

  • Our website www.esctechnologies.com is still undergoing some hardware changes. Other product sites available are: www.esc-tech.com and www.esc-technologies.com. Tech support is at www.esc-ca.com.

  • Guess what? We have been updating an entire section for quite a few weeks about processor roadmaps and we just discovered that it wasn't linked in to the rest of the site! We'll fix it as soon as possible.

January 28, 1998

  • Happy Birthday Bob!

  • Al and Gracie are in tears today.  AMD yields for the K6/200, K6/233, and K6/266 are just not high enough to meet demand.  The good news is that AMD has been working hard on improving the yields.  It takes 68 days from start to socket ready - so let's all mark our calendars. The big wave of K6/266 processors will probably be in April.   Hopefully not April 1, 1998.

  • Covington is coming.  This processor is the Pentium II Junior; A cacheless Pentium II 266 MHz.  It it is expected to be released in April of this year.  Al and Gracie still think of this processor as a CPU on a diet.

  • This morning's special: Corsair 64 Mb ECC SDRAM for $285 each.

January 27, 1998

  • AMD K6/233 PIB (Processors in a Box) have a printing error.  The fan states I/O voltage of 3.3 volts and Vcore of 3.4 volts.  This is not correct.  The proper Vcore is 3.2 volts.  The processor may fail at the higher voltage.

  • Wanting and expecting more power from a computer doesn't have to mean buying a whole new system. Today's special is for those of you who are upgrading that older Pentium machine.

  • Question of the day: Is the Pentium II 333 MHz with MMX technology the Deschutes?

Yes. Deschutes refers to the 0.25-micron process.  Since the Pentium II 333 MHz is manufactured using the 0.25-micron process, yes, it is a Deschutes processor. Of course, there will be future processors with more advances.

  • We will start seeing AMD-K6 enhanced processors shifting to 0.25-micron with their new K6/266 MMX enhanced processor. Currently, IBM and Compaq are or will be offering systems using this desktop processor. The small OEM and reseller channel will be able to buy the new processors later this spring. Notebooks with the AMD-K6/233 may use the new  .25-micron.

  • According to Intel and several other manufacturers, "Wake on LAN requires a power supply with 5 volts stand by (Vsb) capable of sustaining 720mA."  You can check your power supply by looking at the label.   Do not use this feature if the power supply does not support the Vsb of 0.8 amps.

  • Intel's next chipset may require a heatsink and fan.   This fan should not be removed.  There may be BIOS features which change the thermals on this chipset.

  • This table was provided to us so that we could understand the bandwidth of L2 Cache on a Pentium II processor.  We thought we should pass it along to you.  Now try that with a socket7 processor.

Processor
Speed		 L2 Bandwidth
400 MHz 8 bytes * 200 MHz = 1.6 G/s
350 MHz 8 bytes * 175 MHz = 1.4 G/s
333 MHz 8 bytes * 166 MHz = 1.3 G/s
300 MHz 8 bytes * 150 MHz = 1.2 G/s
266 MHz 8 bytes * 133 MHz = 1 G/s
233 MHz 8 bytes * 166 MHz = 928 MB/s

  • Please take note of the title below (Inside Intel by Tim Jackson). Then, see our section "Inside Intel" that gives Intel product updates for the past two years.

January 26, 1998

  • Happy Birthday Loren.

  • We'd like to clarify our statements on the AL440LX motherboard from Intel.  The AL440LXG, the Atlanta motherboard packaged with the ATI Expert @ Work, will no longer be offered.  This was a promotional package.  The AL440LX motherboard will still be available for a little while longer.

  • Compaq purchases Digital.   Annual revenue expected to top 37 billion dollars.  Compaq is now ranked as the third largest computer company in the world.

  • AMD dropped pricing.  The sad news is that there is little to no product in the reseller channel.  Compaq signed a agreement (after IBM's exclusive for January is over) for the AMD K6/266.  Therefore, we will not see the product until after March.  The PIB (boxed) K6/200 are back ordered.  It will also be March before we see them.  The K6/233 will be erratic in availability.   One authorized distributor was given a whopping four processors on their next shipment!

  • ABIT Taiwan is on vacation from January 24, 1998 until February 1, 1998.  They are celebrating Chinese New Year. Gigabyte is also on vacation.

  • PC-Hardware FAQs were updated January 16, 1998.   This update is now on our website.

  • Congratulations to the Denver Broncos.  It was a great SuperBowl game.  Al and Gracie were biting their nails all the way to end.

  • Prices were lowered today for many of the Intel processors. 

  • The Intel Pentium II 333 MHz with MMX Technology boxed processor was announced today. 

  • Intel releases information to the press on the 440LX-R chipset.  We'd like to point out the last sentence in the article, specifically the last two words, "or pricing."

  • For specifications on the new MicroATX form factor you should go to teleport's website.

January 23, 1998

  • For those of you who have been asking about GigaByte's new dual Pentium II motherboard, 686DLX, we are still running it and have not introduced a price yet. We will keep you posted.

  • AMD plans to introduce the AMD-K6 3D MMX Enhanced processor with initial clock speeds of 300 MHz and up to 400 MHz.  We do not have the details for the time frame.

  • We received a fax stating, "Cyrix has the rights to the plans and other intellectual property necessary to make processors based on Intel's Pentium II design."  This is a result of National Semiconductor's cross-licensing agreement with Intel.

  • This CNet article states the Deschutes will be officially announced on Monday.  Their pricing structure is very interesting.   Apparently the trade is now telling the resellers what price they can sell a product.  Very interesting.  We'd love to buy the product for the pricing they are stating.  Here is a great example of the tail wagging the dog.

http://www.news.com/News/Item/0,4,18402,00.html

January 22, 1998

  • Guess what arrived this morning? We received our first GigaByte 586SG motherboard! It's on the bench running now, and we'll post preliminary results as soon as we can. The board is GigaByte's new socket 7 motherboard with AGP slot on board. Price estimate is just over $100. The board will be in mass production in February. 

  • The generic memory prices have dropped considerably these past few months. You can buy 32 Mb of EDO memory for your Pentium machine for less than dinner and movies for your family. At the same time, you are telling us that you want TX or Pentium II systems. The TX boards and Pentium II boards use a different kind of memory. Should we continue offering generic SIMMs for a while yet? Our dropping of the product is immanent. We will still offer Grade A Micron SIMMs, but we are seriously considering dropping generic SIMMs. Please, let us know what you think.

January 21, 1998

  • "AMD - 3D Technology will lead visual computing revolution," says Jerry Sanders. AMD plans to introduce the AMD-K6 3D MMX Enhanced processor with initial clock speeds of 300 MHz and moving to 400 MHz. Keep watching for more information.

  • We've had multiple questions about the availability on the Intel Boxed DK440LX motherboard. It's our understanding that there have been a few manufacturing difficulties so production is slow. However, there are boards available on the market, and more product is also on it's way!

  • We hav e a few extra AMD K6/233 enhanced processors with MMX technology. Please call 800-427-3726 if you are interested in purchasing one.

  • How do I decide what to buy for my home and business use?

There are hundreds of computer manufacturers and systems integrators. Each company offers a slightly different product. How do you go about finding what you need to upgrade your existing system, what you'd like to replace it with, and decent pricing and value for that product?

www.esc-ca.com/html/places.htm outlines some consumer information to help you answer these questions.

www.esc-ca.com/html/upgrade.html walks you through many of the issues you'll need to consider when buying new parts.

  • Yesterday's Intel training was interesting. Intel has a series of new products to be released this year. The  products range from microprocessors to working with internet connectivity. The constant push for making technology simple to use, so that it doesn't interfere with our lives while benefiting our lives, progresses by reaching even higher standards of performance. It's hard to tell when new products are used as strategic market positioning and when they will in fact contribute to  your enjoyment and practicality.

  • Watch for release dates and information about these new Intel products, among others:

Intel's Seattle and Nightshade are two motherboards that will operate with future Intel processors using a future chipset. 

The Intel Express 3D will be the first graphics video card offered by Intel.  It uses the i740 graphics chipset. 

Pentium II processors will be faster.

January 20, 1998

  • Some distributors have preliminary pricing posted on their Boxed Pentium II 333 MHz processors. Availability will be limited at first.  The official product announcement is Sunday, January 25, 1998.  Pricing looks like it will be $860.41 each.

  • A sample of GigaByte's 586SG board should arrive next week. The board will enter mass production in February. We have orders in for the first release.

  • Phone conversations with vendors indicate that Intel is expected to release Pentium II 350 MHz through 400 MHz between March and April of this year. We look forward to seeing these processors, as well as other future Intel products.

  • Tray AMD-K6/233 MHz processors are available today in small numbers. Please call if you are interested.

  • Processors in a Box AMD-K6/233 and AMD-K6/200 MHz enhanced processors with MMX technology are still in short supply. We expect availability to be tight through February. Remember, AMD's K6/266 will only be released through IBM until next month.

  • We are still testing the GigaByte 686DLX, dual Pentium II motherboard. We will post pricing as soon as possible.

  • Pricing on ASUS's new dual Pentium II motherboard without SCSI is now available. We have not received any P2L97-D boards yet.

January 19, 1998

  • Tomorrow is a scheduled meeting with Intel representatives.  Since the Pentium II 333 MHz processor in the boxed program will not be "officially" announced until next week, we are curious if they will let us know the "new name" for the processor.  Is this processor going to be named the Pentium 3? or is that a separate / future processor for the 100 MHz bus set for April - maybe? Or are we all going to be suprised by a 440BX chipset announcement?
    Al and Gracie have been debating this nomenclature.  We still believe Intel needs to promote the MMX Technology in whatever the new product is named.  Since the 0.25 micron fabrication is unique, cache speed is faster.

  • Have you noticed that major OEMs are coming up with names to describe building the system you want before they ship it to you? Configure-and-shipTM sounds familiar to us.

  • Build To Order Baffles Compaq, Others

  • Today's special find: Corsair 64 Mb ECC SDRAM $312.36.

  • Now that the price points have shifted to the Pentium II 233 MHz processors being less expensive than the Pentium 233 MHz processor, we're seeing an increased interest in ways to upgrade an existing machine. One of the easiest ways to find out information about your existing system is to look at your original invoice and the motherboard manual.

  • Intel's Deschutes Chip Gets Major Vendor Backing

  • Next Pentium II Due This Month

  • Remember, the Pentium II 333 MHz processor is available in tray form. The Boxed processor will be available January 26th.

  • Why has processor pricing bounced around this past week?

Processors are commodities. If product is available, the prices usually remain stable until there is a new product release. When a new product is available or about to be available, we see the prices drop. When a product is in high demand and short supply, we see high prices.

Intel is about to officially announce and release their new Pentium II 333 MHz processor: the long awaited Deschutes. OEMs and vendors who have inventory are raising and lowering their selling prices for processors. These companies have 1 week to clear inventory before Intel adjusts pricing to authorized distributors.

We operate as a just-in-time inventory. This means that as people purchase product from us, we purchase product from distributors.

January 16, 1998

  • Weekend special find: Corsair 32 Mb SDRAM. OK,  we decided to give you a New Year bonus. Memory prices increased dramatically this week. However, we recognize that your price point is lower than the current market costs. We adjusted Corsair 32 Mb SDRAM non-ECC orders from Friday to $85 for quantities 1 and up. We'll hold this special price through the weekend. This special stops at the opening of Monday's business day at 8:30 am PT. You may order online.

  • Bob's mom posted this on his office door on one of her visits to the shop. We think it seems appropriate for the computer industry and users too:

  • Golden Rules for Living:

  • If you open it, close it.
    If you turn it on, turn it off.
    If you unlock it, lock it up.
    If you break it, admit it.
    If you can't fix it, call in someone who can.
    If you borrow it, return it.
    If you value it, take care of it.
    If you make a mess, clean it up.
    If you move it, put it back.
    If it belongs to someone else and you want to use it, get permission.
    If you don't know how to operate it, leave it alone.
    If it's none of your business, don't ask questions.
    If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
    If it will brighten someone's day, say it.
    If it will tarnis h someone's reputation, keep it to yourself.

  • Today's business special find: Corsair 32 Mb SDRAM.  A discounted price in quantities 10 or more $95.

  • We received a few extra AMD-K6/233 processors this morning. Please call if you are interested in purchasing one with other components.

  • Guess what? Al has put on his boots and is busily playing in the mud puddles.  Gracie insists that she will not get her feet wet and still remains at home.  These two dogs remind us of people's attitudes about new technology.  Companies introduce a pouring rain of new products.  Some of us rush out into the rain and buy the "latest" and others of us wait and see.  Some people are like Gracie and just wait until the rain is all gone.

  • The Deschutes processor is an example of people's purchasing interests.  Are you going to wait or invest in the technology today? The 333 MHz unit is the fastest processor Intel builds.

  • Now, here is a press release posted on ZDnet:

``Seagate is executing plans to improve its competitive position through continued improvements to operational productivity and cost reduction -- specifically asset and employee utilization,'' the company said in a statement.

January 15, 1998

January 14, 1998

  • AMD processors are not available in the channel today. We will keep you posted on product updates. It's is our understanding that AMD-K6 processors are being heavily allocated to OEMs and therefore short in the reseller channel. We were told this situation will continue throughout February.

  • It's still raining in Modesto.  Al is still on his blanket and Gracie has refused to come to work.  She doesn't want to get her hair wet.

  • We hope that the levy system holds in Sutter County.   In listening to the news reports there seems to be some difficulties in the same place the levy broke last year.

  • We've been running the Giga-Byte GA686BLX motherboard on the bench for the past two days.  The results match our expectations.  The Giga-Byte boards provide the most consistently high scores in Graphics.  Therefore we are offering a special bundle:  GA686BLX+PII 333 MHz + 32 Mb Corsair SDRAM = $1275.00 while supplies last.

  • AMD-K6/266 enhanced processor release into the reseller channel is expected after this quarter. We are currently working with AMD to get more information.

  • Did you notice that an Intel Pentium II 233 MHz with MMX technology is less expensive than a Pentium 233 MHz with MMX technology?

  • We were discussing return rates of Pentium II motherboards. Barring the first release of the ASUS P2L97 motherboard that was jumperless (we received the first two serial numbers in the sequence), we have not had returns on ABIT, ASUS, AOpen, Intel, GigaByte, nor Micronics boards. We are extremely impressed with the quality of Pentium II motherboards with which we work.

  • If you would to use our on-line ordering system, please use a traceable email address. We do not accept orders from @hotmail.com, @iname.com, @techie.com, @juno.com, @bigfoot.com, and other free email accounts that may or may not be valid.

January 13, 1998

FTC won't block Intel and CT merger.

Intel Unveils Two Pentium Processors

DRAM Prices Showing Signs Of Recovery

Supply Still A Problem As AMD Hones K6

  • Is there an AT Case that you really love and don't want to get rid but you still want to upgrade to a Pentium II motherboard?   Take a look at the GA-686BLX.  This motherboard supports the 233 - 333 MHz Pentium II with MMX Technology Processors.
  • In-Win Full size ATX with 300 watt power supplies are still not available.  The ship has not docked and cleared customs.  It will be the beginning of next week before the product is available from In-Win.  We do have 235 Watt Power Supply Full Size ATX units available.
  • Al and Gracie are glad it isn't raining.  Al can finally catch up on his sleep and Gracie can go outside in the sunshine.
  • We are all waiting for today's ruling regarding MS and the DOJ.
  • There is an update on the utility for determining chipset information.   This website is an excellent resource for chipsets.

January 12, 1998

  • We have been a bit suprised by the response that we will be carrying the IBM Deskstar Drives.  We are doing our best to get the information on the website and you will notice that it is now on the shopping cart.

  • It is raining so hard that the other side of the road cannot be seen.  Gracie wouldn't come to work and Al is hiding next to Layne's feet.   He hates the rain.  Worse is that he hates the thunder.  We'll have four more days of this type of weather.  Small stream flash flood warnings have been placed into effect.  Doesn't this remind you of last year?

  • Al and Gracie are glad they are not stuck in the snow storms on the east coast.  Al hates the cold (that's why he collects blankets) and Gracie prefers the Arizona weather.   We all hope everyone is safe and warm.

  • In terms of the Winstone 98 business scores, the ABIT LX6 nudged out the competition.  However, the GigaByte GA-686LX has come out on top in regards to the High End Winstone 98.

  • The Vcore on the 333 MHz Pentium II with MMX Technology Processor is 2.00V.

January 10, 1998

  • Did you notice that the year changed?  Some of you may have seen yesterday's 1997 mistake but did you notice that we snuck in a new VeriSign Certificate?  That's right, you can now shop using our webcart and feel confident that we have done what we can to keep your purchases private.

  • We also have snuck in a picture of Al and Gracie.  After receiving email asking for pictures, we decided to put them up for a little while.  No sunglasses and hats please.

    • And since we were being so sneaky, we thought that the IBM storage devices added to our product line should get announced quietly and that the faithful readers of this section would be the first to know.  So, now you know.   Pricing, specifications, and integration into the webcart will happen next week.

  • By the way, what are you doing reading this?   You should be hugging your kids, family, friends, and significant other.  Oh.   It's a rumor that you are looking for?  Ok, well, the latest on the ABIT LX6 motherboard working with the Intel 333 MHz Pentium II with MMX Technology Processor is true.  By setting the BIOS to user defined, and the clock multiplier to 5, the processor is properly seen.  Now you can go hug people.

January 9, 1998

  • Not only are generic memory prices going up other suppliers are saying their prices will also increase.

  • Are you looking for an easy way to store and transport files? Iomega's Zip drives are handy means of moving files between home and work. Computer design artists in Phoenix, Arizona tell us frequently that they love using their Zip ATAPI drives to store their large images.

  • We now offer IBM Deskstar 6.4 GB and 8.4 GB IDE hard drives. These IBM drives feature large capacity UDMA/33 storage. They are the  fastest IDE drives currently available in the industry.

  • We offer individual components as well as configured barebone systems. You choose your components, then we'll assemble, configure and test corresponding items before we ship them to you. This added service assures quality components. We do not charge an extra fee for this service.

  • Einstein and Gracie watched cloudbursts today. Einstein had a few ideas from watching Pooh with the kids this morning. He dreamed of singing, "I'm a little black rain cloud, pay no attention to me," as he tried to sneak donuts.

  • We rearranged a few things on the on-line shopping system today. We apologize for any inconvenience.

January 8, 1998

  • Generic memory prices are going up again. We received messages from multiple vendors that their costs went up about $10 today, and are expected to increase again tomorrow.

  • The AMD K6 266 is sampling to OEMs.  No, AMD has not made these available to us.  We are trying to contact them to see if we can get them.  If you are interested in this product then please let AMD know that you want us to offer this product soon.  Otherwise, the wait may be until the end of this quarter.  If you do contact them then please be polite.

  • We have managed to get access to several more 333 MHz Pentium II with MMX Technology Processors.  We are keeping our price at $995.00 while this supply lasts.

  • Al and Gracie have been watching the construction in the main office.  Henry, the telephone man, decided to add a skylight to the ceiling and the repair is being started today.

  • Last year on this date, was the introduction by Intel of the Pentium Processors with MMX Technology.

January 7, 1998

  • We'd like to update the In-Win enclosure story.   We decided to have a driver go into the bay area and pick up our cases.  We just couldn't wait.  Yes, we hate delays too.  Actually some of us are more like little children around a Christmas Tree when the UPS and FedEx drivers arrive in the morning.  Well, okay some of us are more like a wild pack of animals.

  • Layne's favorite computer journal on the internet recently wrote a question we had asked earlier.  What's going on in Vienna Virginia?   Well, as was explained to us, Tyson's Corner is the home of some rather large corporations which serve our government.  But even funnier than Tyson's Corner showing up in large numbers is the fact that there are people coming from Comedy Central.  Are you looking for new material?  Al and Gracie have a whole doghouse full.

  • A funny thing happened to Al and Gracie while they were on their way to the newsgroup forum, (da dun dun).  It seems that Intel has already announced that they are discontinuing the AL440LX. Funny, didn't they just introduce it? Say good night Gracie. Bark.

  • After reviewing product sales, the ASUS P2L97 motherboards were the hottest selling Pentium II motherboards for the month of December.   Overall sales were ranked ASUS P2L97, ABIT LX6, Intel AL440LX, and GigaByte LX.

  • There are only a few OEM Intel Pentium II 333 MHz with MMX Technology Processors available.  After these are gone, it will probably be quite some time before we see any more.  The official release date should be at the end of January.  You may have noticed some companies have been raising their prices over the past few days.  This is due to constraints placed by suppliers.  We are holding our price at $995.00 for today.

  • Einstein and Gracie are anxiously waiting for more benchmarks using the Intel Pentium II 333 MHz with MMX Technology Processor.  Winstone98 scores using the P2L97 show the incremental increase.  The Deschutes processor requires the BIOS upgrade on both the P2L97 and P2L97DS motherboards.  We hope to complete the ABIT LX6 testing today.

  • You may have noticed some re-arranging on this webpage yesterday.  We are attempting to find the easiest way to layout the What's New section so that load time is faster.  The old layout keeps each month together, however, this leads to 40-60K files.  Instead we will put the most recent day's information here and then provide a link to the prior days for the  month and past months.

  • Our shipment of In Win cases did not arrive this morning. Hopefully, they will arrive tomorrow.

  • Reminder: We operate as a just-in-time inventory. When a customer requests a product, we will verify banking information and funds, purchase product for the request, when the products arrive we assemble and test corresponding items, then ship the product. We do not begin ordering your product until the funds are authorized by your bank. Please verify your funds before you purchase.

  • If you need to return an item for non-defective reasons, we have a 15% restocking fee. The items must be in resalable condition. If you need to return an item for defective reasons, please ship your product back then we will proceed. Please read our policies section for detailed information.

Tuesday January 6, 1998

  • OEM packaging for Microsoft's Windows 95 is being changed.  The packages will be in brown boxes.  In addition, as of December 31, 1997 a new company was formed by Microsoft Licensing in Nevada.  This new company will handle OEM products for Microsoft.

  • In order for the ASUS P2L97 motherboard to recognize the OEM 333 MHz Pentium II with MMX Technology, a BIOS of 0105 is required.   Otherwise the motherboard appears to be dead and there will not be video.  The Deschutes designation withi n the BIOS is interesting too.  We could not get Winstone97 to run properly, however Winstone98 ran fine.  The incremental increase in performance is exactly what all of us expected.  Using the ASUS P2L97, the 300 MHz scores 27.3 units and the 333 MHz scores 28.2 units.  High end scores are 31.2 units and 33 units respectively.

  • According to PC Week, the official announcement for the Intel Pentium II 333 MHz CPU is January 26, 1998.  The Boxed product should be available on that day.

  • Intel representatives have been rather concerned regarding our offering the OEM Pentium II 333 MHz with MMX Technology prior to their announcement.  Several companies are now offering the product.

Monday January 5, 1998

  • Today's specials:

AMD-K6/233 Tray processor $185.00
Corsair 32 Mb SDRAM $90.00 each
Corsair 64 Mb ECC SDRAM $333.00 each

  • Intel Boxed Pentium Overdrive units are available
    today. Distributors now have Pentium 166, 180, and
    200 MHz Overdrives with MMX technology. Go to
    www.intel.com/overdrive/index.htm for detailed
    information.

Friday January 2, 1998

  • Intel Product Selector Guide can be found on the Intel website.   It's raining today so you can all guess what Al and Gracie are doing. Al is hiding, and refusing to go outside. Gracie is wishing that she had rubber boots and an umbrella.  

  • A limited supply of Intel Boxed Pentium 166 and 200 MHz OverDrives with MMX technology are available. Intel's new DK440LX and R440LX motherboards are available. Since they are relatively new products, we have about a 2 week lead time. 

  • We saw SIMM prices jump a couple of dollars on Wednesday. We don't know if that was because of end of year, or anything more long term. 

  • Intel Pentium II 333 MHz processors are available in tray. The Boxed product has not been released yet. 

Thursday January 1, 1998

  • Happy New Year!

  • We will reopen on January 2nd.

Lora -
What Is New

December 1997

Wednesday December 31, 1997

  • We hope all of you have a wonderful New Year.
  • Yesterday we received multiple calls regarding the differences between Pentium processors with MMX technology and Pentium II processors.

Let's try to clear up some of the confusion:

Pentium motherboards use Pentium processors. The motherboard has a spot for socket 5 or socket 7 (more recent boards use socket 7). If you are upgrading an older motherboard, pull out your manual and find out what type of processor it supports.

If you are buying a new Pentium motherboard, you will most likely choose an Intel Pentium with MMX technology or an AMD-K6 enhanced processor with MMX technology.

Intel ends support of the Pentium line this year. AMD is planning on switching over to a slot processor also. (Not as soon as we'd like them to though.)

Pentium II motherboards use Pentium II processors. This is referred to as a slot 1 processor. Pentium II processors also have MMX technology. Although, Intel doesn't seem to heavily promote this. Pentium II systems are current technology.

  • Intel Boxed OverDrive Units are backordered.
  • If you've been waiting to buy your AMD-K6/200 enhanced processor with MMX technology Processor in a Box, we have extra in stock. The product is on allocation through distribution. AMD honors a 3 year warranty on this product and it ships with a heatsink and fan.
  • Al and Gracie have been expanding their interests. Today's topic: cows. There is a pasture near the new ESC building, and these two have been checking it out. Al has decided that cows smell worse than his blankets. Gracie emphatically agrees. She sneezed as soon those spotted creatures' perfume filled our air.  Al was a bit miffed and thought he should go cow tipping at night.  We think his attention should be geared toward Texas Longhorns and those Dakota cows instead of our friendly California bovines.
  • Thinking about tips, we heard from a nice gentleman who was beta testing the AMD K6 + 300 MHz.  He expressed his pleasure with the CPU and is looking forward to being able to try it on an AGP socket 7 motherboard.
  • Intel is still in search of markets. It seems they have adopted a shotgun approach. Just throw out a bunch of ideas and see who will get excited. Of course, they "leak" the ideas to unsuspecting news gatherers and then watch the newsgroups. We've developed a multbillion dollar "whiiippee" scale to measure the impact of the Intel leaks.

    On a scale of w-h-iiii-pp-ee, w is the best and ee is the lowest.

    There are rumors that Intel is planning to remove features from the socket 7 430TX chipset for a new market. In terms of a stripped out 430TX chipset, our mini-survey scored the idea an "ee". Since Intel is dropping prices on the Pentium II why would anyone buy a socket 7? The motherboard prices are almost equal as it is.  Therefore the cross over point is already here.

    Another rumor is that Intel is going to introduce a low-end, single-processor, Pentium II 440LX chipset. A stripped down 440LX AGPset (the 440LXR) gets a score of "pee."  (The R in LXR supposedly stands for "restricted.") Who is the target audience? Hmmm. Probably cows. 

    Instead of stripping gadgets out of the chipsets, how about creating and supporting products that are even more useful and productive, not limiting? Besides, it always hurts to tell someone that the stripped down machine that they paid good money for has to be significantly upgraded to handle the latest operating system or software.

    Pentium 3 and Pentium 4 microprocessors get a score of "iipee". We can't wait to see these things working. The operative word being "working."

  • What do you think Microsoft's New Year's resolution will be? Will it involve milking cows too?

Tuesday December 30, 1997

  • Guess what finally arrived this afternoon? The remainder of the AMD K6-200 PIBs. We even have extra   available.
  • If you place an order with us this week and need an invoice prior to the end of the year, please let us know and we can fax you a copy for your tax records.
  • We've had multiple questions about the Pentium II 333 MHz processor. The product is available for $995.63. You will need to purchase a fan/heatsink assembly to get the one year warranty.  Please call to place your order.
  • New GigaByte motherboards have been announced.

The GA-586SG is a socket 7 with AGP using the SIS chipset.  We are expecting samples to be available in January.
The GA-686SLX is available in sample only.  Shipping in January.
The GA-686LX2 is expected around the beginning of February.
The GA-686BLX is available
The GA-686DLX is expected the first week of February.

  • Please remember that the Chinese New Year's celebration will mean that motherboard manufacturers will be on holiday for 2 weeks in January.  This means that product shortages will most likely occur.
  • UPS will not be picking packages up tomorrow.  Instead we will take them to the station.
  • Remember, we operate as a just-in-time inventory. This means that we purchase products specifically for individual orders. When the products arrive at our facility, we assemble motherboards, CPUs, memory, case units, configure, and test the corresponding items together.
  • The R440LX and DK440LX are available. We do need a lead time for these products of about 2 weeks.
  • Corsair 32 MB SDRAM is still on special for $95 each.
  • Al and Gracie are enjoying their holiday.   Al is gaining his typical weight around the midsection.  Gracie has managed to maintain her petite body shape.  The new blankets given to Al are already smelly as he has managed to drag them from room to room.   Gracie's new scarfs are still just as clean as when she  opened the packages.  Obviously she is the neat and tidy one too.  Both would like to thank everyone who emailed them holiday wishes and for all of the packages that arrived in their honor.  We hope you are having a wonderful holiday season.

Monday December 29, 1997

  • We hope everyone had a pleasant holiday, and are looking forward to the new year.
  • Unfortunately, Federal Express shipped some of our packages to another city. We thought we had it cleared up last Wednesday, but it looks like it'll take a little longer before the packages arrive. One of these packages is full of Processors in a Box AMD-K6/200s. We apologize to all you who have waited for these processors. We'll get them to you as quickly as possible.
  • Intel dropped their prices on Boxed and OEM Pentium II 233 MHz processors. Quantity 1000 dropped by 33%. We will let you know as soon as distributors adjust our cost. In turn, we will drop our prices.

Tuesday December 23, 1997

  • Do you know the difference between Monday and Wednesday?  Neither do we!  Please excuse the delays in updating our website.
  • We decided that Einstein's wish of a new dog house could come true. He was a good pooch this year. We are now in our new location.  Well, half of our equipment arrived safely.  The other half will hopefully arrive soon. The move has created interesting situations, i.e. "Where is my monitor? my mouse? my chair?! Then how can I fix the website?"  Well, now that the monitors ha ve been unpacked we can let you in on what is happening with Al and Gracie.
  • Al and Gracie have been packing and unpacking. All of Al's blankets arrived safely.

    Our new address is 4412 Northstar Way Modesto California 95356. Our 800 number remains the same with several new 800 numbers being added soon.  (AT&T goofed and didn't make the changes until this morning.  Thank you Libby for helping us!). Our FAX number is now 209-550-4998.

  • Some of you are asking us why we moved.  The most obvious is that we needed more space.  The other reason is we are now closer to family.  Remember how 'Mom' started helping out at the shop a few years ago? She'd bring us lunch and help pack a few boxes. Now, she's the head of shipping. Now that we're in Modesto 'Grandma' has been bringing us lunch. What will she start helping out with?
  • Of course, we want to thank those who were helpful throughout the years. Carl K. for being oru German translator and filling in part time when we needed him; Mike W. for all his ideas; Brad, Charlie, and Gary for fantastic service with UPS (they're the ones to thank for making sure your packages were delivered); The Box Store for our last minute tape and anti-static bubble wrap; Gary who kept Einstein and Gracie healthy; and Betty at Lee's Canton Restaurant and Linda and Don at Four Season's Deli who kept us well fed.
  • Our new space is housed in a 23,000 square foot building, Building 3 of the North Modesto Industrial Park. Our neighbors include James Gasket Inc and several other hundred fine businesses.
  • Our UPS pickup times are earlier than up north, 3:30 pm.   Federal Express seems to be arriving a bit later in the morning.
  • Our shipments for AMD Processors in a Box have still not been consistent.  One of our suppliers explained that our shipment went to New York by mistake.  Then it was returned via UPS Ground - oops.  We have been promised that we will see them today.  We sure hope that we see them today.
  • Our new building has already gone through many changes since we moved in. Pacific Bell installed new phone lines. A Pac Bell man also decided to renovate a ceiling. He slipped off a beam in the loft area above the offices and fell. Thankfully, Henry is OK. This new syklite addition helps keep air circulating.
  • We thank everyone for their patience and consideration as we shipped as many packages as possible before the holiday. Bob is still on the road going for will-call at distributors picking up your last minute packages.
  • Einstein and Gracie are in the holiday spirit. Einstein is howling, "jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle Al the way...." Gracie is teaching us her version of "Silent Night" (she sings along when the song is on the stereo). Rude Rudy, the kids' cat, is actually being nice to Gracie during this time of year. He's only tried to bite her a few times. Henrietta, Gracie's friend who is a desert tortoise, is snuggled up in her underground-home with visions of sugarbeets dancing in her head. We kept thinking that we'd have another holiday dog arrive at the shop this year. Remember Daisy who planted herself at our shop last Thanksgiving? Daisy is all ready for Hanukkah to begin at Joanie's house.
  • Intel Pentium II 333 MHz processors should  be available after December 31, 1997.

Wednesday December 17, 1997

Tuesday December 16, 1997

  • Reminder: UPS guarantees Overnight (Red) shipping during the holidays. They will do their best to deliver other services on schedule. Normal shipping will resume after December 25, 1997.
  • A few conversations today with vendors reminded us about product availability at this time of year. Many companies drop prices to dump product, hoping to increase 4th quarter earnings. Part of this may be why we're seeing memory prices drop. We're also seeing lower prices on AMD-K6 processors. Rumor has it that AMD products will be extremely tight in the channel after the end of this year through January. You know what that means...prices are already rising again.  A few Intel OEM Pentium processors also increased slightly in price.
  • Do you have all your holiday shopping done? Einstein and Gracie haven't started. We have a feeling that they'll go to the feed store and buy bones for each other. Einstein really wants a new doghouse. Do you think he's been good enough?
  • A limited supply of Intel Boxed Pentium II 300 MHz processors are available to us.
  • Corsair has extra 32 Mb SDRAM in stock so we're running a special. 32 Mb SDRAM, 10 ns and 100 MHz components are $95 each. Supply is limited and price is subject to change.
  • We have extra Intel Boxed Pentium 166 MHz OverDrive units in stock.
  • We received extra AMD-K6/233 processors.
  • Did you notice that we added Micronics motherboards?
  • We operate as a just-in-time inventory. This means that when an order is placed, we bring the products in for that order. Once the products arrive at our facility, we assemble, configure, and test your products then ship them to you. You may choose delivery methods offered by UPS and Airborne.

Monday December 15, 1997

  • If you're looking for memory before the holidays, you may want to call Crucial Technology, a division of Micron. You can purchase their grade A SIMMs and DIMMs directly at 888-363-2562.
  • Remember, next week is a short business week. We will be open Monday and Tuesday.

Friday December 12, 1997

  • Einstein and Gracie are staring out the windows, but they can't even see across the parking lot this morning. Heavy fog is in the Sacramento valley. It must be December!
  • Have you read our letter from ESC Technologies' family?
  • The #1 question we receive the most over phone and email is:

    I'm not sure what steps I need to take to upgrade my older Pentium. Do you have suggestions?

    We put together a little essay  to help you.
  • What board do most of our customers choose to use with their AMD-K6 MMX enhanced processor? GigaByte 586TX3 or GigaByte 586ATX3
  • A large shipment of ABIT LX6 boards arrived. Another will arrive next week. Reserve your board today.

Thursday December 11, 1997

  • AMD-K6 3D processors will be introduced at 300 MHz and then 350 MHz (first half of 1998).
  1. Socket 7 and Super7 platform
  2. AMD-3D technology, supported by Microsoft DirectX
  3. 9.3 million transistors
  4. 81 square millimeters die size.
  • AMD-K6+ 3D will be run up to 400 MHz (second half of 1998)
  1. Super7 platform
  2. 0.25- Micron Process
  3. 256K L2 cache
  4. optional L3 cache
  5. 21.3 million transistors
  6. 135 square millimeters
  • AMD Super7 Initiative will have a 100 MHz frontside bus and AGP support.
  • Watch for Intel price drops on the Pentium II processors.   Rumors are decreases as early as December 28, 1997 instead of February, 1998.
  • So we'd like to know how many people live in Vienna Virginia?   It seems that over 1500 of you know about us or is it one person with over 1500 connections?   We'd like to welcome all of you to our webdome, our little doghouse on the web. 
  • And all of you in college, don't you have finals soon?   Shouldn't you be studying?
  • Which college accesses this website the most?  MIT?   Harvard?  Stanford?  You might be surprised.  It's Ohio State University.  Yes, that's Al's birth place.  Go Buckeyes.   These young men and women are the number one webheads in our hearts. (At least in Al's. Gracie on the other hand attended other colleges and universities. She is a purebred, you know.)
  • Which computer company reads our website more, AMD or Intel?   Nope neither one.  It is Dell.  In fact some of their employees have been purchasing from us (shhh, don't tell Michael).
  • How many support technicians does it take to solve a computer problem?  Three.  The first to tell you to download the 'new' BIOS file and flash utility from the web.  The second to tell you that the one on the web is an old version because they just released a new one.  And the third to send you the replacement board after their 'new' BIOS version destroyed your original mainboard.
  • Writing about technical support arrogance.... we've discovered that Micronics actually returns phone calls! Some other companies rarely return calls while most others 'forget' or are just too busy for little ole resellers.  Check these guys out.  After Micronics spent years being snobs,  there seems to be some hope that they understand that the resellers are the backbone to our industry.  Go Micro-NICs.  
  • The SuperNova effect is a common encounter in the computer reseller industry.  Company A convinces resellers to offer a product.  The product is a hit.  Company A grows.  Then the company begins to focus on OEMs at better prices.  The reseller can't compete and says "Company B has a product and treats me better.  Good bye."  Now, Company A tries to sell direct.  Company A ultimately fails.  Company B, of course, commits the same cycle, but there is always hope for Company C to lure the resellers.

    The irony in all of this is that the same support technician will work for Company A, then B, C, and D.  Each time these techs will take their bad learned behavior with them.  Our advice to support techs: 'Quit trying to get us off the phone quickly - instead concentrate on getting the problem solved.'  We promise to not call back if the problem is solved.  Well, maybe just to say,   "thank you."  (Enough of the soap box stuff)
  • Holiday cheer to everyone reading today - have a great day!
  • Did you read Infoworld's article on page 6 of the December 1, 1997 issue?  We've been meaning to tell you about it.  This article lists a 'road map' for the Intel processors and chipsets.   What is interesting is that the 440BX is to be enhanced second quarter of 1998 with IEEE 1394 support. 

    Now are they really going to keep the same name for the chipset?   How are we going to know if the FireWire (FastWire !!  - I don't want my computer to catch on fire!) support is in the chipset? Well??  Did anyone else notice this? 

    Layne is convinced that Intel hates marketing.  Between unpronounceable rivers and colorful bunnies, they should just give up and hire Microsoft.  Let's put Billy Bob in a bunny suit and watch him bounce around.  It might be kinda cute.  Well, for a moment or two.  Unless, of course, Billy Bob is too busy in his new game chair (which is run by an AMD-K6).

Wednesday December 10, 1997

  • AMD is expected to ship AMD-K6/233 PIBs to distributors next week. The availability is limited. How many do you want?
  • We updated our 'about esc' section again.
  • We have OEM AMD-K6/233s in stock.
  • We received extra Intel Boxed AL440LX with audio boards.
  • We added Micronics Motherboards to our product line! We picked up the Tigercat and the Spitfire EX Pentium II motherboards.

Tuesday December 9, 1997

  • Al and Gracie have been working overtime.   Al's new blanket has already been chewed.  This morning he headed for the sunshine coming through the front window.  He's been sleeping and barking there all day.  After several days of rain, he's much happier.  In case you didn't know, Al hates the rain.  He will not go outside if there is even a hint of rain.   Gracie, on the other hand, expects to be carried while it is raining. Actually, she would love to be carried all the time.
  • The large number of orders for this holiday season have meant extra hours of work.  UPS Shipments are behind.   We certainly appreciate everyone's patience.
  • The first zip drives arrived for testing.

Monday Dece mber 8, 1997

  • We added Iomega ATAPI and Zip Plus drives to our product line to be used with barebone systems.
  • AMD Processors in a Box (PIB) are still slow to arrive. We will wait until we see our next shipment before we accept more orders. Please keep watching this page for availability updates. Our AMD distributors expect to see a shipment at the end of this week of the PIB K6/200s.
  • We hope to see the first shipments of AMD PIB K6/233s next week. We’ll have pricing for you by the end of this week.
  • Intel Boxed Pentium 166 and 180 MHz Overdrive units are still backordered. We received a surprise shipment of 166 Overdrives from one of our distributors this morning.
  • We added Teac 32x IDE CD ROMs to our product line.
  • Resellers: Pricing for Corsair and Crucial memory is posted at www.esc-tech.com/reseller/product/prcres.htm. If you haven’t set up an account with us, fax your company information and a copy of your seller’s permit to 530-671-6780. Please include an email address.

Friday December 5, 1997

  • From December 12 through December 25, UPS guarantees remain in effect only for Early AM, Next Day Air and Next Day Saver.  UPS makes every effort to deliver all packages as scheduled for all classes of service. 
  • The Micronics Spitfire dual Pentium II with on board SCSI arrived for testing today.  We will offer the Micronics Tigercat, single Pentium II.
  • Are you having difficulty with your AMD working on your motherboard?  Revision B of the K6 200 and K6 233 can cause problems on certain motherboards.  The latest revision is C.  Be careful.  This isn’t a “problem” created by AMD.  We are letting you know that you should follow AMD’s recommendations.  Going outside of their list can cause you headaches.  After all, you wouldn’t put an Intel Pentium on a 486 and expect is to work, would you?
  • We follow the FTC guidelines for telephone order companies.  All of our policies match or exceed the expectations of our government.  These rules can be confusing and easily misinterpreted. 

    The worst disservice to consumers came about by horrible mail order companies that would charge credit cards without ever shipping product.  This created the view that credit cards can’t be charged until the product ships.  This isn’t the guideline, though.  The rules are that the company must properly inform you when the product will ship based on the terms of payment.  The company must also provide you with the option to cancel if the product doesn’t ship in that time frame. 

    We read one merchant discussing his company’s losses openly on the internet.  We’d love to see other merchants speak up against the policies of the credit card clearing houses.  We believe open discussions from both the consumer advocacy groups and business groups might point to the fact that  the banks are making a lot of money from using old rules with e-commerce.

    There is no such thing as an instant electonic transfer.  Some banks take up to 72 hours to transfer money.  This is 3 business days.  In other words it could stretch up to a week;  if there are holidays and weekends the days can increase even more.

    CyberCash uses an FDIC bank - Smart Cards have the money on the card - but some others actually put the money on your hard drive.  Credit card clearing houses use FDIC banks, but they sometimes appear to keep the money in their sweep account long before a merchant may see that money. 

    The point?  Once the money has reached us, we will ship you the product.  If you use a credit card that doesn’t release the funds for one week, there will be a delay in you receiving your product beyond the time when a product is received by someone using a faster releasing credit card.

    The best policy is to protect yourself.  Know where your money is.  Love your family.  Hug your kids, your pets and your neighbors.  Be honest and follow your heart.  After all, sneaky people can ruin your day, but they can’t ruin your life unless you let them.
  • Pentium II Processors running at 333 MHz are expected to arrive the last week of December.
  • Boxed 166 MHz OverDrives are presently not available.  Boxed Pentium II availability has improved greatly.
  • Availability of the Toshiba 24x CDROM has decreased.  We are now offering the Teac’s 32x CDROM.
  • We have been working on Active Server Pages.  The intranet now houses several new databases which are tied together with ASP.  After internal testing we will release this work to everyone. 
  • Al and Gracie are ready for Christmas.  Al is hoping for a large dog bone and a new blanket.  Al is also hoping for a new Pentium II notebook from ASUS.   We explained to him that ASUS is first releasing these to the OEMs.  They wont reach general distribution until the end of December - after Christmas.  Gracie is wishing for a new bow for her hair, purple and lady like.  She’s also hoping for a digital camera.  Both would love winter jackets.  Any businesses that care to provide a jacket with logos?
  • Everyone in the ESC family hope you have a great weekend.

Thursday December 4, 1997

  • Question of the day:
    I ran Wintune 97 and my video speed is not very good.

    Wintune97 is a shareware utility that can quickly identify bottlenecks and potential problems.  Resolution, Color Depth, and drivers will greatly influence the speed of your video card.  In looking at a few combinations:  Using a P2L97, 266 MHz P2MT, IDE drive, 64 Mb SDRAM.  We changed the video cards and drivers.  We kept the cards at 256 color, 800x600 resolution. ATI 3D Rage II PCI card ran at 42 MP/s.  ATI Expert@work 4 Mb AGP video card ran at 52 MP/s, and the ASUS V3000 APG 4 Mb ran at 106 MP/s.  At first glance the ASUS looks exciting.  However, the cached speed drops in half on the ASUS card. Instead of 76-81 MB/s it is only 43 MB/s. 

    So what does this mean?  The greatest mistake any one can make is to only look at one benchmark.  Consider Winstone97, Wintune97, Coretest, Adaptec’s utility, and compare your results to a database of others.  Look at Tom’s Hardware, System Optimization, Anand Tech site, Tweak It, The-View, Motherboard Homeworld, and other excellent resources on the internet to learn more about optimizing your system.  Choose the components based on your environment.  This can make all the difference in the world.  If you run small graphic files, then you want the video speed high and the cached speed is not that important.  If you run large graphic files, then you want the cached speed and the video speed as high as possible.

Wednesday December 3, 1997

  • We have decided to offer the Abit LX6 with certain conditions.  Users looking for a simple configuration may consider this board an excellent choice, i.e ATAPI devices, EIDE hard drives, AGP video.  If you plan on using multiple internal devices as well as SCSI devices, then make sure that you know your interrupts.  The system BIOS isn’t very forgiving.  Manual control within the BIOS for plug and play devices does not exist. 0; The options are to control devices through a plug and play configuration utility or through the operating system.  Fortunately, the BIOS has an option to force the update of the ESCD.

    3Com 3C509b is an ISA card that we use for testing.  Under NT Server 4.0 we were able to force the IRQ and address only by reinstalling the OS.

    The Toshiba 24x speed had to be set for Master in order for the BIOS to see it.  Some boards allow the default setting.  The Intel AL440LX has the same restriction.  If you don’t see your CDROM, then double check these jumpers.  Also make sure the BIOS is set for AUTO.

    Corsair has a part designed for the AL440LX.  The part ends in LX.  Using this part with the Abit LX6 board consistently gave greater performance under Winstone97 relative to the AMC or Corsair “regular” SDRAM.

Tuesday December 2, 1997

  • Rumor update:

    Intel Processors to be released:
    266 MHz Pentium Processor with MMX Technology
    333 MHz Pentium II Processor (MMX Technology)
    Pentium Lite - Cacheless Pentium II (Al and Gracie are hoping this isn’t a diet version)
    Pentium 3 and Pentium 4

    AMD processors
    AMD K6 3D
    AMD K7 (slot A)

    700 MHz Alpha processor
  • Intel Boxed Pentium 166 MHz Overdrive processors are backordered. (3 pm)
  • AMD is hoping to release their new AMD-K6/233 Processor In a Box (PIB) in the next couple of weeks, perhaps as soon as the end of next week. We’ll have pricing for you once the product is released. AMD honors a 3 year warranty on their new PIBs, and the processor is packaged with a fan.
  • AMD-K6/200 MHz processors increased in cost today. Why? The product has been on allocation. And today, vendors only have a few processors available.
  • AMD-K6/200 Processors In a Box (PIB) and tray K6/233s are also on allocation. Prices and availability are not stable with these products either.
  • We have a few AMD-K6/233 processors in stock.
  • OEM Intel Pentium II 266 MHz processors are readily available in the market.
  • We have Intel Boxed AL440LX motherboards with audio in stock.
  • Holiday reminder: Normal order processing time is approximately 5 to 7 business days from the time of bank authorization and payment to the time you receive your product. During this holiday season, our processing time is estimated to be 7 to 10 business days for most orders. Barebone workstations will probably fall 10 to 13 business days. We will get your products to you as quickly as possible. If you would like for us to email you a tracking number when your package ships, please provide a valid email address at the time of order.
  • Our credit card clearinghouse asked us to remind you that the time from a credit card authorization to the time of transfer of funds may take up to 72 hours. They are working as quickly as possible, but the increase of credit card use during the holidays has made processing a bit slower than normal.
  • FTC’s holiday shopping tips.

Monday December 1, 1997

  • We hope everyone enjoyed their long weekend. Einstein and Gracie ate too much this weekend, and are still sleeping it off.
  • Intel Boxed Pentium 180 MHz Overdrive processors are backordered again. We do not have an estimated time of arrival. We’ll let you know as soon as we have an eta.
  • A limited supply of Intel Boxed Pentium II 300 MHz processors are available.
  • Intel Boxed R440LX motherboards are starting to come into the authorized distributor market. A few distributors have told us that they are ordering the product in as companies buy from them. Therefore, there is a delay on availability of the product.
Lora -
What Is New

November 1997

Friday November 28, 1997

  • A few of us are working in the business office today.  If you have questions, please email us and we’ll answer as quickly as possible. Technical support wll resume on Monday. Orders may be placed on-line.
  • Reminder: If you place an order with us and would like for us to email you a tracking number, please provide a legitimate email address. We do not accept on-line orders from non-traceable email addresses (such as @hotmail.com, @usa.com).
  • ABIT LX6 boards are on their way to our facility. The boards should arrive Monday morning.

Thursday November 27, 1997

  • Over the river and through the cities, to Grandmother’s house we go. Einstein and Gracie know the way to point their noses through the white and drifting fog....
  • Happy Thanksgiving.

Wednesday November 26, 1997

  • Holiday notice: We are closed for Thanksgiving holiday. We will resume normal business days Monday, November 1, 1997. Enjoy your holiday.

Tuesday November 25, 1997

  • We’ve received an increasing number of questions about DVD ROM drives. “When will they be compatible with all CDR’s?” “When will the price point be a purchasing reality for most people?” “When will they combine reading with a DVD drive and writing to a CD-R for storage?” All of these questions are from eager users of technology, who are awaiting the time when a good concept turns into a complete, useful product. As with all new technology, industry standards are being established so the concept doesn’t turn into a marketing and consumer nightmare.
  • Video stores now have DVD ROMs featuring your favorite movies, ready to rent or buy. Software designed for these drives is, for the most part, on the horizon. The total merging of computer and television entertainment and storage is a few years off, but the excitement about a developing concept is now. Are you paying attention Sony and Toshiba?
  • We’re adding AMD’s Processor in a Box product to our line. The PIB carries a 3 year warranty by AMD and is packaged with a processor fan. Currently, all AMD processors are on allocation, including the AMD-K6/200 PIB. Limited quantities are available. The AMD-K6/233 PIB is expected to be available in late December.
  • Iomega’s Zip 100 drives is one of the most popular storage devices currently used. Is it a product you’re interested in having us offer? Please let us know.
  • Intel Boxed Pentium 166 MHz processors with MMX technology are backordered.
  • We’re a little short staffed today. We appreciate your patience as we answer questions and email as quickly as possible.
  • Reminder to businesses: If you need product by the end of the year, our order processing time is running approximately 7 to 10 business days from the time of payment to the time you receive your product.
  • If you are interested in purchasing product, and live outside of the US, please fax your order to 530-671-6780, along with your order information, billing information, and a signature of the card holder. (Some areas have had difficulty FAXing using our new area code. If you have trouble, try 916-671-6780.)

Monday November 24, 1997

  • This afternoon Abit confirmed that we’ll receive LX6 boards this week. Their first shipment is supposed to be ready to ship to resellers tomorrow.
  • We asked Abit about the timing on the new LX6M motherboard. Abit’s USA office is not sure about timing at this point, but assume it will be ‘a while.’
  • Intel Boxed Pentium 180 MHz with MMX technology Overdrive units are now available.
  • Intel Boxed Pentium 166 MHz with MMX technology drives are still on backorder with Intel at many of our distributors. They expect to receive shipments toward the middle of December.
  • We have two Intel Boxed Pentium Pro 200 MHz processors available.
  • We have AMD-K6/233 processors available.
  • We have Intel Boxed AL440LX with audio motherboards available.
  • Reminder: We close at noon on Wednesday the 26th and will be closed Thursday the 27th. We haven’t decided whether or not we will be open on Friday. UPS is not delivering on Thursday or Friday.

Friday November 21, 1997

  • Did you hear about Iomega’s booth at Comex?  Our representative told us that they had the *best* entertainment.  It was great that they knew he was a celebrity.  Later he found out they were treating everyone as a celebrity.
  • The best Comdex presentations were on Quick Cams.  Too bad our representative missed the name of the company that had the best release.
  • There are some new pdf files on the website.  You will need the Adobe Acrobat reader.
    http://www.esc-ca.com/pdfs/586dx.pdf
    http://www.esc-ca.com/pdfs/686dlx.pdf
    http://www.esc-ca.com/pdfs/686blx.pdf
    These are for the Giga-Byte motherboards.
  • We were told today that we are Corsair’s number one individual sales distributor.  We’d like to thank everyone who has put their trust in us.
  • Today we received a package from the local Chamber of Commerce.  It was an emergency evacuation planning guide.  A few minutes later, we received a package from the Mayor of Toronto.  She was inviting businesses to relocate to Canada.  Is there a message here?

Thursday November 20, 1997

  • Al and Gracie would like to thank Intel for the new colorful T-shirt.  It is already buried with the other blankets and shirts.
  • Our website has been operating under a blanket Digital ID for its security.  Verisign will be assigning our website its own Digital ID.  Watch for the graphic.

Wednesday November 19, 1997

  • We stated earlier that we were not going to Comdex.  Well ...  we sent a representative after all.  Unfortunately, he hasn’t checked back in since he left.  So we hope everything is fine.  Just look for the nerd in one of our T-shirts.  If you find him, please ask him to call home.
  • Abit LX6 orders are being accepted.  However, most of Abit representatives are at Comdex.  The delivery times have slid.
  • Intel Boxed 166 MHz processors with MMX Technology are still backordered.  Some places are stating backorders of over 4,000 units.
  • Al and Gracie spent the day working inside today.  According to Gracie, “Rain is the pits because it messes up my hair.”  Al, on the other hand, just shakes it off.  We expect more rain so please stop the El Nino dances.
  • Lora got in trouble this weekend for clipping the camellia bushes.  Just thought you might want to know that little tid-bit.
  • We are looking at a “new” enclosure.  The 02J midtower is “very similar but different” to the In-Win.  It also houses a slide in tray (hint). We will add the picture and pricing later this week.
  • Oh, you mean y ou are reading this for computer information?  Well, DVD drives are presently 8x drives.  Watch for 12x drives to enter the market soon and watch all of us buy one.  OR Technology, a marketing company, apparently went belly up.  Therefore, look for Teac and Panasonic to introduce the a:drive under their own label sometime.
  • T.V. Commercial idea for AMD.  Al and Gracie are teathered by a person in safari clothes.  Gracie asks Al “What are we doing out here?” Al replies, “Bunny hunting.”   Okay.  Now for all you bunny lovers.  The same commercial with Al saying  “Ah look at all those cute polyester bunnies”  Gracie replies “Yeah, well I’m cuter than those colorful bunnies and I’m more Graceful”  If you understand this joke then you are definitely a nerd.  If you didn’t understand this joke, then you are probably in marketing.

Tuesday November 18, 1997

  • Our server in Arizona ran into some problems at approximately 7 pm last night.  The server was rebooted and brought back up on line by 7:45 pm.  Our server in Florida also had problems last night and was unavailable from just after midnight until 4 am.  Please excuse the inconvenience.
  • Al and Gracie are working with UPS on our shipping rates.  Presently we are making sure that all of our packages are insured, carry a delivery confirmation, allow residential deliveries, tracking information, and arrive in a timely fashion.  We lower the charges for shipping in the UPS zone 8 or zone 2.  New companies on the web may choose to offset UPS charges even more than we do, giving the appearance of low shipping rates.  You should always make sure that all UPS protections are made on your valuable shipments.
  • Ever heard of the Device Bay Specification?  You will hear more and more about it.  IEEE1394 is the I/O connection that will allow drive devices to be hot swapped and recognized “automatically” by the system.
  • Are you looking for Pentium Pro 200’s that match?  We have two boxed Pentium Pro 200’s that have the same s-spec number.  The S-Specs are SL23M. These will probably be the last two we’ll see.

Monday November 17, 1997

  • Comdex Week.
  • Thousands of visitors flocked to our neighborhood this weekend. Many of them honked as they arrived in town. Geese, swans, ibis, egrets, ducks, and other migratory birds are stopping in the Yuba City area on their way to warmer areas.
  • We received a few calls last week concerning difficulties customers are experiencing when installing ATX style AOpen motherboards in Enlight cases with ATX power supplies that do not have a power switch and a momentary switch. These power supplies only have one switch and does not seem to be adequate to boot the system. We’ll keep you updated. For now, you may want to find another power supply if you’re interested in using the AOpen board.
  • ABIT told us that they’re releasing their new Pentium II board “around Comdex time. “ We’ll let you know when we receive our first shipment.
  • Intel Boxed Pentium 180 MHz OverDrive processors are still backordered with our distributors. 166 and 200 MHz Overdrive processors are still available.
  • We have extra Intel AL440LX with audio only and ASUS TX97-X in stock.

Saturday November 15, 1997

  • Hey, we said go play with the kids. Have a good weekend.

Friday November 14, 1997

  • “Hey, your What’s New hasn’t been updated regularly this past week. What’s goin’ on?” We appreciate everyone who has checked in with us. We’ve been busy playing with the new Intel AL440LX motherboard. We’ll post all results as soon as we can. 
  • Yes, Intel’s non announcements concerning cacheless Pentium II CPUs and higher clock speed Pentium IIs are circulating again.  We are also reading about wonderful price drops (February of course).  Meanwhile the competition is heating up in the 300 MHz arena.  Expect the 400 MHz to be introduced first quarter and push the pricing down on the 300s.  (Like that took some heavy thought.)
  • Have you visited Apple’s new webstore? You read about it all this week, right?  You mean you didn’t care to even look?  Well, we believe the webmasters deserve a compliment or two. Al gives the site 2 paws up.
  • Abit’s LX6 Pentium II motherboard has still not arrived for testing.  Abit USA had hoped to ship small quantities this week.  Hopefully, it will happen next week.
  • Einstein and Gracie have been staying in their beds (yes, they have soft, cushy beds) because it’s been raining.
  • Intel Boxed Pentium 166 MHx with MMX technology processors are backordered with Intel authorized distributors. Distributors hope this is temporary (a couple of weeks), however we know that their backorders are growing. We will keep you posted on availability.
  • ASUS T10AB ATX enclosures are in short supply.  Two of our major suppliers have stopped offering the product line.  We will provide more information when it is available.
  • We have extra ASUS TX97-X boards in stock.
  • We updated our company profile information. Have you read the letter from ESC Technologies’ family? Or have you kept tabs on the event calendar?
  • Well, for those of you traveling to Las Vegas, please be careful.  No, we aren’t going.  Instead Al and Gracie are going to enjoy the week in beautiful Northern California.  The rest of us are going to try to catch up on all our work.  We’d like to thank everyone for their patience as we enter the time of year many people believe is “the happiest.” Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Al the Way. 
  • What?  You are still reading this?  How about if you turn off the browser and give your kids a hug.  Remember not to squeeze too tight - but just right.  And have a great weekend!

Wednesday November 12, 1997

  • Intel Boxed Pentium II 300 MHz processors are in short supply.
  • We’re cleaning up a few of the older spec sheets that are still posted on our site. Many of the specs for the boards that we no longer offer have been removed.

Monday November 10, 1997

  • Our area code in the Yuba City area changed from 916 to 530. Our main phone number is now 530-671-7444 and FAX is 530-671-6780. Our 800 number is still 800-427-3726. We’re updating the site to reflect the area code change.
  • Pricing is posted on the ASUS P2L97-DS board.
  • We received a few Boxed AL440LX boards with audio and graphics. The Boxed audio only board is still a little more difficult to get, but is available in small numbers.
  • Remember, Intel honors a three year warranty on their new Boxed motherboards.
  • We rearranged some of the web pages. We hope the changes make it easier for you to navigate through the site and webcart.

Friday November 7, 1997

  • Al and Gracie hate junk email.  Here are a couple of websites dedicated to anti-spaming. 
    http://www.junkmail.org/scamspam/
    http://www.ot.com/~dmuth/spam-1
    http://www.csn.net/~felbel/jnkm ail.html
  • The ASUS P2L97-DS motherboard benchmarked well relative to other LX AGPset motherboards.  Business Winstone97 for a 233 is 72 units, 266 is 77 units, and the 300 MHz is 80.3 units.  The test conditions were NT Server 4.0, service pack 3, Matrox Millennium 2 Mb, Quantum 2.1 Gb udma drive, and 64 Mb Corsair SDRAM.  BIOS was kept at the defaults.
  • The AL440LX motherboard benchmarks were also completed.  Business Winstone97 for a 233 is 73.2, 266 MHz is 77.5, and the 300 MHz is 81.3 units.
    We will post the complete benchmarking numbers in a couple of days.

Thursday November 6, 1997

  • For those of you who are still going to www.einsteinscomputer.com addresses, please change over to www.esc-technologies.com. We would like to drop the einsteinscomputer.com domain name before the end of this month.
  • The Intel DK440LX motherboard is expected to be released toward the end of December to the beginning of 1st quarter ’98.
  • Intel’s new R44LX is not shipping in quantity yet. Distributors expect to see an increase in numbers around the end of November. We’ll keep you posted.
  • Reminder: For those of you who do not live within the United States, please fax orders to 916-671-6780 along with a signature of the card holder. Please provide contact phone number at the delivery address for UPS and email address that is a valid, traceable address.
  • We do not accept orders from @hotmail.com. Please provide an alternative, valid email address. All fraudulent activity and intent to deceive is turned over to appropriate authorities.

Wednesday November 5, 1997

  • Intel projects 13 million Pentium II processors will be sold this year.  In 1998 the number will increase to 43 million Pentium II chips.  Now, we only need to convince everyone to get those CPUs from us.
  • See the date on the bottom of this page? Well, this morning it said, “November 22, 1997”.  We only realized this mistake when we received this email from a client:
    “You have succeeded in breaking your namesake’s rules. Einstein said that spacetime was curvilinear. You have managed to update the “What’s New” page from 18 days in the future. Would you please email me the list of the 10 most active stocks on the NYSE for November 21 (yesterday)? Or perhaps the winner of Thursday’s sixth race at Hollywood Park . Many thanks in advance.” -- A.C.
    Thank you, A.C. for pointing out our mistake. We’ll just have to wait to see what November 21, 1997 will bring. Einstein and Gracie hope it’s lots of bones....
  • Intel Boxed Pentium 180 MHz Overdrive unit is still backordered. We will let you know when Intel is able to ship more to distributors.
  • Fed Ex shipments didn’t arrive yesterday. We received a call from them this morning that some of our boxes will arrive this afternoon. We’ll get your product out to you as quickly as possible.

Tuesday November 4, 1997

  • Yesterday, AMD announced a boxed processor product based on the AM-K6 MMX enhanced processor. The PIB (Processor In a Box) includes the AMD-K6/200 or 233 with a heatsink, thermal grease, and fan attached to the processor. The product comes with a 3 year limited warranty. We’ll let you know about eta’s as soon as we can.
  • Crucial dropped their Grade A memory prices again. The price change shows a drop in cost of product and also takes out the shipping charge, which used to be included. For current pricing see: www.micron.com/crucial/escprod.html
  • When we spoke with ABIT this morning, they said they’re hoping to ship their new LX6 Pentium II motherboard next week. “Go ahead and take orders.”
  • We’re still making a few changes to our main page. We appreciate your patience. A few little changes here and there were made to other pages too.
  • Internic moved www.esc-ca.com from one ISP to another last night.

Monday November 3, 1997

  • Al and Gracie had a great Halloween.  Both managed to trick everyone into thinking they were humans dressed up like dogs.  Al painted a zipper onto his back so it looked like he was wearing a costume.  Gracie color dyed her hair.  She wanted to pretend she was “Disney’s Shaggy Dog”.
  • Have you noticed that the domain name esc-ca.com is acting weird?  Yes, we are changing ISPs.  The transition has been rough but hopefully all of the paperwork is done now.  It should all smooth out.  The new IP address is 209.130.6.29.
  • Intel’s DK440LX motherboard probably wont be seen until the end of this quarter or the beginning of the 1st quarter of 1998.
  • We’ve noticed over the last two weeks a dramatic increase in interest in the 64 Mb SDRAM modules from Corsair.  Corsair states that they will keep up on the demand and typical lead times will remain in effect (5 - 7 days).  They are also very happy about the increase in business and would like to thank everyone.
Lora -
What Is New

October 1997

Thursday October 30, 1997

  • Al and Gracie visited Henrietta the other day.  She’s a tortoise.  No, not the tortoise from the story “The Tortoise and the Hare”  Henrietta lives in a small wooden box and loves to eat rose petals.  Al thought her life seemed a bit slow.  “What?  You don’t have a computer in that box?”  “Where’s the fiber, the T1 line, the Cisco router?”  Al knows his servers are using redundant T3 lines and multiple T1 lines.  Braggart.  Yet, Al’s owner still uses that same 14.4 modem. 
  • Al and Gracie were discussing the number of bytes served so far this year.  According to Al, it’s over 11 billion bytes.  Gracie insists his math is a bit low by about a half a billion.  She agrees that server statistics are never accurate enough to know who is watching - but Gracie thinks he subtracted too much for people just reloading the same web page. (click - reload)
  • According to Abit, the LX6 will not be available for testing until the middle of November.
  • Crucial Technology updated their product and pricing links again. Plus, they added laptop memory. You may still order at the same place. Remember, if you order directly from Crucial, they pick up the shipping charge.
  • We have one T2P4S in stock.
  • We updated the way our example workstations are displayed. We hope it’s easier to read.
  • GigaByte’s 586ATX3 board has USB on board. We’ll add this to our product line. It is the same price as 586ATX2.
  • The GigaByte 686DLX will be released around Comdex time. We’re hoping to receive a sample board next week.
  • A component used to make 64 and 128 Mb SDRAM were short in last week’s market. Corsair and Advantage are continuing to receive shipments of these parts, although all companies may experience some delays throughout the remainder of the year.
  • We receive requests each day about memory for a Micronics, Gateway, Dell, Compaq, and other machines. You may go to Corsair  (www.corsairmicro.com), Crucial (www.micron.com/crucial/escprod.html), or Advantage Memory (www.advantagememory.com) to find part numbers. If you give us the part number, we can give you pricing information.

Wednesday October 29, 1997

  • The ASUS P2L97-DS arrived for testing.

Tuesday October 28, 1997

  • IBM buys back stock
  • Intel Pentium II 300 MHz Boxed Processors are on allocation.  Intel is expected to increase the size of shipments in November.
  • Several readers ask us weekly for RMA information.  Several months ago we made a policy change.  Components with RMA’s greater than a particular percentage were dropped from our product offerings.  We were already being careful, but we expanded the rules for acceptance into our product line. 
    Therefore, instead of listing each component’s RMA separately, we’d like to clarify why particular products are dropped from our product line.  Over the years we have learned that the markup for a product must equal at least 3 times the RMA rate.  Regardless of the volume, this formula holds for profitability.  One third represents purchasing replacement product, two thirds for overhead and profit.  For example, if the RMA rate rises above 5 percent, the markup for the product must be greater than 15 percent. 
    For motherboards, the RMA rate must be below 3 percent.  Very few motherboard manufacturers reach this goal; ASUS, AOpen, Gigabyte, and Intel have reached this marker consistently with second or third revisions of a model.  First revisions of all motherboards have much higher RMA rates. 
    For processors the RMA rate must be below 1 percent.  Intel and AMD Processors are significantly below this rate.
    For hard drives, the RMA rate is a different factor.  Western Digital works directly with post sales RMAs.  Therefore our numbers may not be accurate.

Monday October 27, 1997

  • Technical stocks are taking a beating.
  • Intel boxed processors drop in price.  Price drop ranges from 20-30 percent.
  • Intel boxed motherboard prices are lowered.
  • We added more instructions for installing Windows 95 OSR2.

Friday October 24, 1997

  • Western Digital Retail drives are available. Capacities we offer are 4.3 Gb, 5.0 Gb, and 6.4 Gb.
  • All orders for the boxed processors taken today and this weekend will have the price protection for the expected Intel price drop, October 26.  We will adjust your invoice total after we have the final figures from Intel.
  • Intel Pentium 180 Mhz Overdrive processors with MMX technology are past due at distributors.
  • Have you checked out our new Pentium II motherboard comparison chart?
  • We updated our “about esc” info.
  • Lora will be gone until Wednesday.
  • Are you watching the stock market today?  The announcement by Intel concerning Flash Memory sure has the tech stocks moving.
  • To update the PC Power & Cooling Fan - K1.  A 5/64” hex bit can be used to remove or attach rivscrews.

Thursday October 23, 1997

  • Super7 is the term AMD designates for their extension of the socket 7.  The details from AMD suggest a 100 MHz bus and 100 MHz interface to the L2 cache.  There is also talk of adding 24 instructions, creating a superscalar MMX unit.  Intel’s MMX-2 instructions will probably be in the Katmai, expected in 1999.
  • Slot A is a code name for the slot 1 compatible package expected in the AMD K7.
  • The IA-32 and IA-64 terms keep hanging around in the press.  Did you know that the IA stands for Intel Architecture?  There has been a subtle separation of Intel’s Merced (IA-64), the first chip (and associated chipsets) to be released in 1999, and a second chip (twice as fast and 0.18-micron) to be released in 2002.
  • The AMD K6 3D may roll out as early as the first half of 1998.
  • All orders for the boxed processor products taken today and tomorrow will have the price protection for the expected Intel price drop, October 26.  We will adjust your invoice total after we have the final figures from Intel.
  • Al and Gracie were fighting over where to bury their bones in the back yard.  Since Al is the larger dog, his growl can be a bit fierce.  It’s low pitched and very short lived.  There is the warning and then the teeth.  That is why he is the guard dog.  Gracie, on the other hand, is bossy.  She’s little, gets picked on by the cat, and has decided to ‘talk back’ when UPS gives her only one bone instead of two. Her growls almost sound like a bawling out.  Resellers these days seem to be growling too.  Dell is barking that it has the best business model, Gateway is growling that it has the best price, and etailers are marking their territories on the internet.  We aren’t too sure if this business has gone to the dogs, but we hope everyone can at least keep a bit of humor.
  • After giving Intel some pokes, we thought we might want to congratu late them for their attempts to get information to their resellers.  Last night we spoke with a representative who described yesterday’s dealer meeting as carnage (scavengers being resellers and Intel being attacked).  We may give them a tickle or two, but carnage seems a bit extreme.  We hope the Intel representatives have a much better day today.
  • Users of the AOpen AP5T-3 should be careful not to combine it with the Trident TGUI9680-1 Chipset based VGA cards.
  • As a reminder to some of you - the domain name einsteinscomputer.com will no longer be accessible in a short time.  Instead please use esc-tech.com, esctechnologies.com, esc-ca.com, or esc-technologies.com.  We extended the time of the domain for an extra two months, but the time is about over.  Please, fix your bookmarks.

Wednesday October 22, 1997

  • AMD plans to release an AMD-K6 266 MHz in December and a AMD-K6 / 300 MHz toward the end of 1st quarter ‘98. AMD-K6 3D and AMD-K6+  3D are on the horizon (when? we don’t know yet). AMD-K7 is expected to be introduced in ‘99.
  • Intel is planning on releasing a series of new LX boards: AL440LX, R440LX, DK440LX, MB440LX, and RC440LX. Marketing for these boards is aimed at small business intranets. The AL440LX, DK440LX, and R440LX will be introduced through the Boxed program. Intel will honor 3 year warranties on these boards. The DK440LX is an entry level server. The R440LX is an dual all purpose server. The MB440LX is a dual board that is I2O ready. The RC440LX is intended as a small mid-sized entry server marketed for internet and mail servers.
  • Intel Boxed Pentium II 266 MHz processors with ECC are expected late this quarter. Again, Intel Pentium II 333 Mhz are expected to be released the first half of ‘98.
  • Don’t be surprised if you open your Boxed Pentium and it doesn’t have the samplers. Intel removed the MMX technology samplers temporarily from all SKUs of Boxed Pentium processors with MMX technology beginning October 6th.

Tuesday October 21, 1997

  • Digital versus Intel versus the world.  This topic seems to be in every trade magazine.  Will Digital move forward with the 750 MHz Alpha processor?  A Mitsubishi representative commented that he didn’t expect Intel to get the Alpha chip.  Will Intel delay the slot 2 until 3rd quarter?  Why are the Gateway ads still talking about Pentium® processors?  Will Al and Gracie ever agree on the lifespan of the socket 7?  Yes, these are exciting times.
  • Now enters Microsoft’s woes.  The 1 dollar a day fine.  Opps, make that the 1 million dollars a day fine for alleged antitrust violations.  Eh, what’s the difference to Microsoft?  Seems that their stock went up after the announcement.  Go figure.
  • Thinking of unknowns, we have not seen the 300 MHz AMD K6.  Apparently this processor keeps up with some of the Intel P2MTs.  Despite AMDs financial lose we are all pulling for them to produce faster and cooler CPUs.
  • Happy Birthday Larry.
  • Albert is slobbering over a 1941 Ford Business Coupe street rod.  It seems that Al is excited about the wide whitewall tires.  Hmmm... it has all the modern amenities.  If you would like more information, call HiPoint Auto Sales at 916-671-1217.   This place even makes deliveries.
  • Nerd joke:  “What did the guy say when his parrot flew away?”  Polly gone.
  • Question of the day.  Do you offer dual Pentium II motherboards?  Can I get a Quad Pentium II motherboard?
    The ASUS P2L97-DS will be available in the next couple of weeks.  We are still searching for one to benchmark. 
    The LX AGPset from Intel will only operate up to 2 processors.  If you are interested in mainboards wtih more than 2 processors, then you will need to look at the pentium pro motherboards.  Intel has even announced licensing of the 8-way pentium pro processors.  In terms of the P2MT, you will need to wait for the 450NX AGPset.  Hurry up and wait.

Monday October 20, 1997

  • Interesting article: “Intel Competitors Have New Vision For Socket 7”
  • Einstein is back and he has a new keyboard.  This one has been modified for his larger paws.  The keystoke timing is also different than the ones we use.  The natural keyboard from Microsoft may be ergonomic for our shapes and sizes but not for Albert;  his paws don’t bend the same way as ours bend.  Neither does his tail.  In fact, he’d like to thank everyone who sent him a get well card or email.  Presently, Einstein is snoring in his box.  His tail is still a bit tender and bent.  After the pickup door slammed on his tail.... he’s glad it is all behind him now.
  • During his travels through Bakersfield, a van load of people passed by Einstein.  They hung out the window saying “here puppy, puppy.”  Luckily Einstein’s fame hasn’t gone to his head.  He just stared.  He was busy thinking about a new book he is reading, The 500 year delta (ISBN 0-88730-838-4). This book written by Jim Taylor and Watts Wacker has him fascinated.  Maybe the authors are right and we are entering the age of chaos or maybe Einstein is just being overly anxious.  Then again, how would you feel if your tail was caught in a jam?
  • But not all of the talk today should be about Einstein.  Gracie has also been busy working.  Lately she’s tried to explain “just in time” inventory. It seems the whole industry has moved to this concept.  First, you place the order.  Then we place the order with the manufacturer or supplier.  The manufacturer makes the product or the supplier buys the product. We receive the product, review the product and then ship it to you.  This takes time and patience.
  • The new PC Power & Cooling P2MT fan arrived today.  There are two ways to attach the unit to the processor package.  One way is to use Rivscrews.  The other method is a double sided tape.  Since many of you don’t have the tool for the screws, that leaves you with using the tape.
  • Have you read about Direct Rambus?  RIMMs are the future memory modules.  According to Rambus they will have modules operating at 800 MHz.  The downside is that a heat sink will be required.
  • A US judge has approved a deal whereby Intel will have to pay a $50 rebate to round-about 600,000 people in the States who bought OverDrives in 1995.  You might want to get out your receipt and contact Intel on this one. 
  • For those of you interested in the Abit IT5H revision 2.0, we are receiving a limited quantity.  If you would like the motherboard, please give us a call at 1-800-427-3726.
  • Happy Birthday Larry.

Friday October 16, 1997

  • So you’re asking, “What happened to Thursday’s What’s New?” Well, Einstein and Gracie were busy working on systems in the tech room. Rod was gone for the day.
  • We updated our policies section.
  • Einstein and Layne will be gone today. They’ll be back Monday.
  • Have you seen the little banners on our CPU and board pages? When we dropped th e banner exchanges we posted these rotating, internal links. (The banners aren’t working on esctechnologies.com and esc-technologies.com yet. We’ll fix them as soon as we can.)
  • Historically, Intel reduces their prices to distributors every 3 months. The next price drop is around October 30th to the beginning of November. We will let you know how our prices are changed as soon as we can. Typically, Boxed Processor price reductions are anywhere from no change on new items (i.e. Pentium II 300 MHz up to 20% on older items (i.e. Intel Pentium 166 with MMX technology).
  • Intel Boxed Pentium OverDrive 166 Mhz, 180 Mhz, and 200 Mhz processors with MMX technology may be used for upgrading your old socket 5 or socket 7 motherboard. Also, one of the least expensive way to upgrade an exisiting machine is to add more memory.

Wednesday October 15, 1997

  • We have an extra ASUS TX97-XE without audio in stock.
  • Yesterday residents and companies in the SIlicon Valley were watching the wildfire on the range east of Fremont.
  • This morning Einstein’s tail was broken in a pickup truck door. He’s now resting in his bed, trying to not wag his tail.

Tuesday October 14, 1997

  • AOpen AX5T-3.1 boards arrived. We will post results as soon as possible.
  • ABIT is releasing an extremely small number of IT5H rev 2 boards. If you are interested, we will place an order with ABIT for you. We appreciate your patience. Since Intel announced the end of life of the 430HX chipset, ABIT is working on alternatives.
  • We have extra Intel AN430TX motherboards arriving later this week, as well as extra ASUS T2P4 motherboards.
  • We received more ASUS AGPV3000 video cards. These extra video cards are available.
  • Have you seen our new, little banner links?

Monday October 13, 1997

  • More ASUS P2L97-S boards arrived.
  • We’re working on our installation guide. In the meantime, we have a few steps outlined for your use. It may be helpful to read them before you begin installing your components.
  • SuperMicro cases finally arrived. We appreciate everyone’s patience while we waited for the backorder to arrive.
  • Intel Boxed AL440LX board is still expected the last week of the month. We have noticed that OEM boards are on the market, but remember that Intel honors a 3 year warranty on their Boxed board whereas they do not honor a warranty on the OEM board.
  • ABIT is shipping their IT5H board rev 2.0in extremely small quantities. This board revision will have a short life since Intel announced end of life of their HX chipset.
  • AOpen AX5T-3 boards are still in the Q&A stage. We will let you know when AOpen releases the board to distributors.

Friday October 10, 1997

  • Today must be ASUS day.  We have ASUS P2L97-S motherboards in stock.  We also received more AGP V3000 Video Cards.  Other products include ASUS T2P4 and T2P4S mainboards.
  • Did you know that ASUS and GigaByte mainboards use the same PCB manufacturer?  In fact, the PCB company only makes them for ASUS and GigaByte.
  • We’d like to thank everyone who is looking at the books section of our website.  We’ve noticed a growing number of people interested in this area.  If you have read a particular book and would like to write a review then please let us know.  If it is well written and Al and Gracie enjoy reading it, then we will post it for others to read too.
  • Writing about Al and Gracie ... Albert is watching the stock market closely.  He doesn’t quite follow the logic that strange humans pervade.  His food bowl is full in the morning and full at night.  So why all the complaining in the press?  Sounds like a bunch of sour grapes.  In fact, he’d personally like to thank all of you for the wonderful feeling he gets from a full belly.  His only concern is that Gracie keeps trying to steal his food.  Now he just sleeps on top of the food bowl.
  • Gracie on the other hand is just scratching up a storm.  Seems she is itching to tell everyone about the GigaByte 686LX.  This mainboard matched with 266 MHz P2MT CPUs scores 79.7 Winstone97 units for overall business.  The testing was done with NT Server 4.0, 64 Mb Corsair SDRAM, Quantum 2.1 Gb UDMA hard drive, 800 x 600 resolution on the Matrox 2 Mb PCI video card.  The BIOS settings were default.
  • Have you looked at the information on the DK440LX mainboard?  Check out the Intel website for more details. This Intel motherboard is a proprietary ATX form factor dual P2MT board. Other features include an on board NIC (10/100) and on board audio.  It has a limited three year warranty.  The feature that stands out is the 1 Gigabyte of maximum EDO memory or 512 Mb SDRAM.  This should make an excellent entry level intranet server.

Thursday October 9, 1997

  • Preliminary benchmark results on AOpen AX6L-1 motherboard: Winstone97 business overall with a P2MT 233 MHz is 72; with P2MT 266 MHz is 76.7; and P2MT 300 MHz is 80. We were able to mix Corsair 64 Mb and 32 Mb with Advantage Memory 32 Mb DIMMs (Toshiba on AMC).
    Also, since this is a CPU jumperless board, the clock multiplier needs to be set for the CPU in the Award BIOS.
  • We have ASUS T2P4 motherboards in stock. Please call if you are interested. ASUS TX97 series boards are still rare. Hopefully, the situation will improve soon.
  • Reminder: Intel lowers their prices on Boxed products to distributors once every three months. The next expected change is the last week of October/first of November. Historically, we see changes anywhere from 5% to 20% on lower end products. We do not expect a change on Pentium II processors this time. We’ll see....
  • We have ASUS AGP3000 video cards in stock.
  • ABIT released a very small number of IT5H rev 2.0 last week. They will receive a few more next week. Hopefully, we will receive a few of these next boards. It is our understanding that ABIT is being cautious with the quantities on the market so they can make sure everything is going well with their product. We applaud them for this approach.

Wednesday October 8, 1997

  • We’ve had difficulty updating our pricing pages today. The Pentium II 300 MHz & 4x32EDO are still incorrect ($166 some odd dollars for 1 piece of 16 Mb generic EDO seems a bit excessive) on some sites. We’ll get it straightened out as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconvience and confusion.
  • Reminder: Intel Pentium chipsets 430HX, 430VX, and 430TX support up to 66 Mhz. Settings beyond these are not intended for use by chipset design, nor by board and processor manufacturers. Using these settings is considered overclocking and voids your warranty with ESC and with manufacturers. Using these settings also adds stress to the motherboard, and can result in extreme damage to your system.
  • AOpen AX5T-3 motherboards are not available for shipping yet. We are still waiting on our shipment. We will keep you posted on availability.
  • Interesting articles:
    Chip Business Slowing Down;
    one about AMD ‘s production (It sounds like AMD needs to once again come up with a high performance processor that can compete against future Intel products. They certainly did so with the AMD-K6 at first release. We’ll look forward to future processors.);
    and Intel & DEC Alpha.
  • Intel was to announce yesterday a new chip aimed at network servers. The I/O processor (input/output) will be available with Intel System partners’ servers. Shipments are expected to begin in the next 3 months. This new I/O processor is to fill a market in addition to Intel’s Pentium and Pentium II processors.

Tuesday October 7, 1997

  • AMD-K6/233 processors are in extremely short supply.
  • Remember that AMD recommends that you only use AMD-tested motherboards listed on www.amd.com with an AMD processors. Motherboards not listed may often work with the AMD-K6 processors, but often have inadequate power supplies or insufficient capacitors. Moreover, they frequently use do not use a switching voltage regulator. Even if the motherboard works initially, insufficient, low-cost components often cause reliability & stability problems. (paraphrased from AMD reseller fax)
  • AOpen AX5T-3 boards should be available through distributors toward the end of this week.
  • GigaByte 586TX3 boards are available in the market.

Monday October 6, 1997

Friday October 3, 1997

  • We’d like to welcome everyone who has discovered us from the Intel website link.  For those of you who didn’t know, Intel recently added our company to their website as a place to purchase OverDrive Units. 
  • Question of the day.  I see that the motherboard I want has 7 slots plus an AGP.  The case I want only has seven ‘cut outs’ for my motherboard expansion slots.  What do I do?
    LX chipset boards on the market with the AGP slot do not exceed the seven places for the case.  First, most of the mainboards have lowered the number of ISA slots.  Second, If you look carefully at the motherboard there is a sharing of space between one of the ISA slots and the PCI slot next to it. 
    As a reminder, the components on the PCI card face the opposite direction of the ISA cards.  In other words, the ISA components face the PCI components.  Therefore, people in the industry call this space “shared.”   In fact, you will either use a PCI card or an ISA, but not both in this ‘shared space.’
    Once you have counted the usable number of ISA, PCI, and AGP slots then you will see that the number does not exceed seven.
  • An excellent reminder was provided to our technical support staff today.  There is a known conflict between the AMIBIOS and Adaptec BIOS version 1.25.  If you use Adaptec SCSI BIOS 1.23 you should be fine.
  • Please accept our apologies for those of you using the shopping cart these past three days.  We were uploading new images to make things easier.   It seems that the shopping cart is ‘locked out’ each time we were uploading files.  Therefore, unknown to us, some of you were knocked off.  

Thursday October 2, 1997

  • Question of the day.  Why should I purchase a Pentium® II with MMX Technology (P2MT) when I read that the AMD or Cyrix socket 7 CPUs are just as fast?
    First, the statement that the socket 7 CPUs are just as fast as the P2MT is not correct.  There are environments in which the socket 7 solution becomes close to the slower slot one CPUs, for example, integer performance measured by Winstone97.  Floating point and graphics environments, on the other hand, do much better with the P2MT. Using a P2MT will provide faster, real time video and image editing as well as PC entertainment with MPEG 2 video, AC-3 audio, and DVD media.
    Years ago, the argument for moving to a Pentium from a 486 was the focus of discussions.  The 60 and 66 MHz CPUs were actually slower than some 486 systems on the market.  Eventually, with newer clock speeds, it became clear that the Pentium CPUs provided the faster solution.  Prior to the 486, was the 386 argument.  Prior to that... well, you get the picture.
    With the introduction of the P2MT 300 MHz, there should not be any doubt that the faster performance is on the slot one.   Marketing aside, graphics have become extremely important to many people using their PCs.  The P2MT and AGP smooth out graphic images.  Presently, AGP is only on the slot one mainboards.  Other companies are considering AGP for the socket 7, but Intel will most likely not provide this chipset.
    In addition, this doesn’t imply that the P2MT is the only solution you should consider.  Overall cost of the system is extremely important.  If you earn money with your PC, then your ROI is greatest with the P2MT.  If you are using your machine for entertainment, eventually, you will move to the P2MT environment.  It only becomes an issue of when you decide to make the change. 
    If you change parts annually, then you should strongly consider making the move to the P2MT.  In other words, if you plan on keeping the machine for at least a year - and will never add new software - you can look at the socket 7 mainboards.  However, if you plan on keeping the machine for at least a year - and will add new software - you should only look at the P2MT.
    Please realize, we still know people who use CPM machines.  They do the job - and that is what is important to that person.  We are also not implying that RISC based CPUs are not excellent for people to consider.  We are only pointing out that the P2MT is much more viable than seen in the press.  It is our company’s position that the socket 7 has reached its end of life.
  • ASUS P2L97-S boards arrived today. We thank those of you who have been patiently waiting for the shipment. We now have a few extra boards in stock. We also have the new AGP 3000 video card ready to ship.
  • We have a GigaByte 686LX board in stock.
  • If you are planning on using an Intel Pentium processor with MMX technology, we have an AOpen AX5T-2 in stock. The board is $117.
  • Gracie and Einstein are playing in the puddles this morning. We had a small storm last night. Who volunteers to give them a bath?

Wednesday October 1, 1997

  • SuperMicro cases are still backordered.
  • AMD K6 233 processors are scarce on the market, and the price is high.
  • We adjusted the misprint on the GigaByte 686LX board benchmarks.
  • We are an executive partner with Crucial Technology, a division of Micron Technology. If you are looking for Grade A major-on-major memory, you may call Crucial directly at 888-363-2562 and they’ll take care of the shipping costs to you.
  • Intel Boxed AL44LX motherboards’ estimated time of arrival to Intel authorized distributors has been changed to the middle of October to early November. We will let you know if we see the boards before this time.
  • Intel Boxed Pentium II 300 MHz processors’ estimated time of arrival to Intel authorized distributors has been changed from today to the middle of October to early November.
  • Yesterday’s meeting with Intel provided some insight into the future direction of processors and motherboards. 
    Intel annouced that the Pentium I I with MMX Technology at 333 MHz CPU will arrive sometime in the 1st half of 1998.
    A n Intel representative confirmed Intel’s direction with the higher bus chipset.  They also confirmed that the slot 2 and slot 1 configuration will both be available in the market.  The slot 2 does not replace the slot 1.
    An Intel representative also helped us understand the Pentium Pro availability issue.  According to Intel, they are expecting dealers to “order” these processors.  In a 3-4 week time period Intel will “build” these CPUs for the orders.  They have not abandoned the socket 8.
    Now, you were curious about sustained transfer rate on the SDRAM modules.  A nice Intel representative reviewed the calculation.  An SDRAM module has a memory cycle of 10ns and 64 bits of addressing.  Therefore, 64 bit /8 = 8 bytes per 10ns.  This works out to 800 Megabytes per second.  Now, the DDR SDRAM II is twice this rate, or 1.6 Gbytes per second.  Still confused?  Try this link.
  • Thinking of Pentium II with MMX Technology CPUs....  Please notice how this is designated.  Intel doesn’t directly refer to the Pentium II processors as using MMX technology. In fact, many of their ads don’t even mention that there is MMX Technology inside this particular family of CPUs. 
    Curiously, Intel has spent millions trying to promote this technology, yet many dealers don’t even know the Pentium II has the MMX Technology.  After pointing this out to Intel, one representative said that stating it more clearly is “a good idea” and another one said “No, absolutely not.” 
    Consumers love to use nicknames, catch phrases, sound bites, etc.  Consumers also decide what to call this family of CPUs.  After all, one year ago we were told that using the term ‘classic’ when referring to a Pentium processor without MMX technology would never be accepted within Intel.  Hmmm.  So, we’ll talk about the PPMT and the P2MT.  That should do the trick.
  • Intel introduced its Boxed Server Motherboard, the Redwood.  Oops.  Make that the R440LX motherboard.  Sorry, we can’t use nicknames.  This is an entry level dual P2MT motherboard with on board Ultra SCSI, 10/100 NIC, and 1 Mb sVGA.  The cool feature for this board is the FRB - Fault Resilient Booting circuitry.  If one processor fails, the board can still boot.
  • The Intel 82443LX PCI/AGP controller is labelled PAC.  The other chip is labelled PIIX4 (pronounced Pick).  Yes, that’s right.  It’s PIIX and PAC.  Now who says Intel doesn’t have a sense of humor?
  • We’ve saved the best news for last.  Intel’s new Boxed motherboards will have a three year warranty.  But wait, there is more.  Intel also started a cross-shipment program if you need a board replacement for the VS440FX, PR440FX, the PD440FX, and the AL440LX  mainboards.
Lora -
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