🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <38299@iuvax.cs.indiana.edu> sl197009@silver.ucs.indiana.edu (Chima Echeruo) writes:
>
>I have read many "experts" saying that the 286 is far slower than a 386.
>I have a 20Mhz 286 and I am yet to find a DOS computer in my college that
>performs faster than the 286 running DOS.

Have you ever tryed a 20MHz 386?  It won't be whole lot faster (1.5x), but
some.  According to some articles I've read, a 16 MHz 286 and a 16Mhz
386SX run very close to the same speed, sometimes with even the 286
being very slightly faster.  When you buy a 386SX, you are not buying it
for the speed, but for the POWER behind a 386 architechture.  If you
want speed, go to a true 386 sometimes known as the 386DX.  
Besides, if you get a 20Mhz 286 you are already paying a lot for the
extra 4MHz. 

>
>I have read in Byte that there are going to be versions of the 286 at 25 Mhz.
>Is this true?

I don't know, but why try to beat a dead horse.  

>
>If it is, won't a 25Mhz 286 outperform an equivalent 386 while in real mode?

Not a true 386 (DX).  A ture 386, performs many of the same instructions
a 286 does in fewer clock cycles, Not to mention, a 387 is MUCH faster
than a 287. Also a 386 when in 386 protected mode can hanle true 32 bit
quantities, which makes it much faster when using software written for
the 386, like AutoCad 386, WINDOWS 386, and soon to be out, OS/2 Ver
2.0, and finally any flavor of UNIX specifically designed for the 386.
Sometimes a 286 can beat a 386SX at the same speed, or obviously at
a faster rate, but is the extra approx 5% speed difference worth wasting
your future computer investment over?

>The only feature that bother me in the 286 is it's lack of "flat memory" and 
>also a lack of 286 specific software.
>

Also it's lack of Virtual '86 mode allowing true multitasking of real
mode DOS applications, and lack of special memory mapping
features.


>I do not think that the 286 is dead, maybe it is not the state-of-the-art in
>computer technology but it provides a very *fast* system for the average
>computer user. If the SX does not go past 16Mhz, I do not see the benefit for
>upgrading to a 386sx.

In one of the latest PC World magazine's I just saw a blurb saying that
Intel announced a true 20Mhz 386SX!!!!!!!!!!!! I own a 286 and hate it.
I'm going to upgrade my mother board to a 386SX as soon I can.  It will
probably cost me a total of $300-$400 dollars to do that.  Hell, I've
spent more than that on a single piece of software a couple of times.
Actually in my case I need to upgrade the memory also, and my current
motherboard only accepts up to 1MB.  To get a memory board alone would
cost $200 for a good one.  I would rather spend it upgrading my system
to a 386SX that can handle the extra memory, and not be limited to the
8Mhz bus speed that the memory expansion board would be.  Also in
getting a 386SX, I can use any of a number of software packages that can
use the 386's ability to map protected memory directly into the DOS area
to emulate LIM EMS 4.0, that so many DOS applications require!

As for as this thread is concerned, the whole point of this disccussion
is whether you should buy a 286 or a 386 if you are buying a new system.
Again, the extra $100-$200 dollars spent on a 386SX clone (or better)
running at 16MHz around $900-$1100 compared with a 12Mhz 286 clone,
around $700-$900 is VERY WELL SPENT, and peanuts compared to costs you
will incure while owning a computer system!!!!!!!!!!!

As far as the 286 being dead, well its not dead, but why go with
80's tech. when the rest of the world will be going into the 90's for
such a small amount more. Also pure speed/$ isn't everything!  What runs
at that speed IS!!!!!! DOS is from the DARK Ages, OS/2 ver 1.x will be
pressed to it's limits even faster than DOS did. 

>
>When the 586 is ready for shipping by Intel, we will hear again how the 386
>is brain-damaged and not able to run the lastest sofware that is emerging.
>

Agreed, but don't you think the 8086 is brain damaged.  When everybody
saw the IBM AT with its 286, everybody asked who needed it,  'the 8086
can run all the software out there!  Who needs it? '  It all depends
on your point of view.  This is called progress! 

>When MicroSoft came out with OS/2, PC/XT owners were advised to can their
>machines and lay down the cash for a 286. After three years not much has been
>-------------
>Chima Echeruo
>sl197009@silver.ucs.indiana.edu 
>-------------------------------

Personally that's why I bought my computer, and will for ever buy my
computers for a life span of about 3 years.  To spend vast amounts on
the latest, most expensive equipment is a waste.  That's why I'm getting
a 386SX.  And can't wait till 486's and 586's drop in price.  Buy that
time I will have saved enough money to get them, and with the 386SX, I
can't be limited to software I run (at least for a year or so).

The above opinions are clearly my own.  They are not ment as a flame.

	Dean