Artifact Details

Title

FX/8 Superminicomputer CPU

Catalog Number

X1544.98A

Type

Physical object

Description

The Alliant FX/8 was a computer designed to compete with the VAX family of computers from DEC. It ran UNIX and allowed for up to eight CPUs to be installed in a single cabinet. It offered high-performance in numerically-intensive applications. The FX/8 formed part of a new category, the 'minisupercomputer,' and was frequently referred to as a "Crayette."

This item comprises four pieces: A: CPU (3 Processing Elements); B: I/O Unit / Concentrator; C: Video monitor; D: Keyboard.

CPU requires 120/208VAC 3 phase, 24A, 60Hz.

At time of introduction, the FX/8 had no graphics: the master console and all user terminals were 24 x 80 ASCII terminals. Soon thereafter the Raster Technologies Model One was added to provide high performance graphics. Much later, after Alliant acquired Raster Technologies, the VFX/40 and VFX/80 were added to the product line which had very high performance graphics based on the RT GX/4000.

First FX/8 shipped with no high-speed CPU (only I/O processors) to David Kuck, University of Illinois, May, 1985. First FX/8 shipped with CPUs to David Kuck, University of Illinois, July, 1985. Both were announced Tuesday, July 23, 1985.

There are two stickers on the CPU unit that read, "NOT AUTHORIZED FOR PROCESSING OF CLASSIFIED INFORMATION."

Date

1985

Manufacturer

Alliant

Place Manufactured

U.S.

Identifying Numbers

Model number B511.2
Other number FX/8 On front name plate
Serial number B511-304

Dimensions

overall: 43 5/8 in x 28 1/4 in x 34 3/8 in

Category

Digital computer/supercomputer

Lot Number

X1544.98A-D