diff --git a/blog/2015/02/22/README.md b/blog/2015/02/22/README.md index 7d22f9179..4f041f126 100644 --- a/blog/2015/02/22/README.md +++ b/blog/2015/02/22/README.md @@ -10,12 +10,12 @@ post it. A Compaq DeskPro 386 test configuration is displayed below. It's located at: -> [/devices/pc/machine/compaq/deskpro386/ega/1152Kb/](/devices/pc/machine/compaq/deskpro386/ega/1152Kb/) +> [/devices/pc/machine/compaq/deskpro386/ega/2048Kb/](/devices/pc/machine/compaq/deskpro386/ega/2048Kb/) The configuration doesn't run, and the debugger can't disassemble 80386-specific code yet, but this is what I will be using to test and debug my changes over the next few months. -[Embedded DeskPro 386](/devices/pc/machine/compaq/deskpro386/ega/1152kb/machine.xml "PCjs:deskpro386-ega-1152k::uncompiled:debugger") +[Embedded DeskPro 386](/devices/pc/machine/compaq/deskpro386/ega/2048kb/machine.xml "PCjs:deskpro386-ega-2048k::uncompiled:debugger") *[@jeffpar](http://twitter.com/jeffpar)* *February 22, 2015* diff --git a/blog/2015/02/23/README.md b/blog/2015/02/23/README.md index be0a354e5..4013b9fff 100644 --- a/blog/2015/02/23/README.md +++ b/blog/2015/02/23/README.md @@ -92,8 +92,8 @@ According to [OS/2 Museum](http://os2museum.com) proprietor Michal Necasek, the Fortunately, my 80386-B1 CPU is also marked with a "ΣΣ" (double sigma), which is how Intel marked parts that tested safe for 32-bit multiplication. Some 80386 CPUs suffered from a manufacturing defect that -could occasionally result in multiplication errors; defective parts that Intel caught were marked with "16 BIT S/W ONLY" -instead of the double sigma. +could occasionally result in multiplication errors; defective parts that Intel caught were marked with +"16 BIT S/W ONLY" instead of the double sigma. The only other information I have about revision levels comes from a March 30, 1987 document titled "**80386-C0 STEPPING INFORMATION**": @@ -101,7 +101,9 @@ The only other information I have about revision levels comes from a March 30, 1 80386-C0 component identifier readable in DH after reset: 03H 80386-C0 revision identifier readable in DL after reset: 04H -However, the document does not indicate how a 80386-C0 part was marked. +However, that document does not indicate how a 80386-C0 part was marked, and I've found very little other +information on the C0 stepping; it may have been quickly superseded by the D0 stepping, which used revision +identifier 0x05. ### Errata @@ -164,8 +166,60 @@ plus the two errata from April 30 (#18 and #19), along with the following new er This brought the total number of 80386-B1 errata to 21. There was also a manufacturing problem that caused 32-bit multiplications to fail on some parts, which Intel -publicly acknowledged in September 1987. The problem affected the B1 stepping; it's unknown whether other -steppings were affected as well. +publicly acknowledged in April 1987. + +From the San Jose Mercury News, April 11, 1987: + + INTEL DISCOVERS A BUG IN ITS NEW 80386 CHIP + Author(s): CHRISTOPHER H. SCHMITT AND JIM BARTIMO, Mercury News + Business Writers Date: April 11, 1987 Section: Business + + Intel acknowledged Friday that a bug has cropped up in its new flagship microprocessor chip. + + Microprocessors serve as the electronic brains of devices ranging from personal computers to + home appliances. + + Intel said the bug in its 80386 microprocessor produces incorrect answers when the chip + performs certain mathematical operations. "When you multiply one 32-bit number by another + 32-bit number, you get the error," said Intel spokesman Jim Jarrett. A 32-bit number is one + that utilizes the full data path of the chip. + + However, operating system software that would let the chip fully use its 32-bit characteristics + is still being developed, so the problem shouldn't immediately affect personal computer users. + Microsoft Corp. of Redmond, Wash., has announced its intention to deliver in early 1988 a 32-bit + operating system known as OS/2. + + Even when using the 32-bit capabilities of the chip, the possibility of an error is "rare," + Jarrett said. + + Spokesman Bruce LeBoss said not all of the 100,000 80386 chips Intel has produced so far are + affected, but he declined to elaborate. Intel is sticking with a previously announced estimate + that it will sell from 500,000 to 1 million 80386s this year. + + To address the problem, Intel said it is notifying computer companies and other customers and + extending the chip's warranty from one to two years. Anticipating that it will replace some + 80386s already in the field, the company charged off an undisclosed amount to cover the + expense. One analyst estimated the charge at about $7 million. + + Intel will test the chips it has already sold to determine which ones have the bug. But it will + not replace the chips for free. Instead, Intel will work with customers on an upgrade program. + + Intel said it will be up to individual computer makers to work with consumers who have + purchased machines using the 80386 chip. + + The problem may be most acutely felt by Houston-based Compaq Computer, which so far has + been the biggest producer of 80386-based computers. Compaq said it will disclose by early + next week plans for coping with the possibility that versions of its Deskpro 386 computer model + contain flawed chips. + + The bug may cause some shortages of the 80386. The problem won't be fixed until July, so the + only guaranteed chips are those that have already been produced and have passed Intel's test. + "Everybody wants perfect chips and we'll have fewer of those to go around for a while," Jarrett + said. Analysts indicated that in the long run, the bug is more likely to be embarrassing than + anything else. "You have a complex chip here," said Daniel Klesken, an analyst for Montgomery + Securities in San Francisco. "One should not be surprised that (problems) happen occasionally." + +The problem affected the B1 stepping; it's unknown whether other steppings were affected as well. What follows is some additional information about early 80386 processors from various online sources. diff --git a/devices/pc/machine/compaq/deskpro386/ega/1152kb/machine.xml b/devices/pc/machine/compaq/deskpro386/ega/2048kb/machine.xml similarity index 74% rename from devices/pc/machine/compaq/deskpro386/ega/1152kb/machine.xml rename to devices/pc/machine/compaq/deskpro386/ega/2048kb/machine.xml index 367ea94ce..d295cda4e 100644 --- a/devices/pc/machine/compaq/deskpro386/ega/1152kb/machine.xml +++ b/devices/pc/machine/compaq/deskpro386/ega/2048kb/machine.xml @@ -1,12 +1,13 @@ - + - + + - +