Apollo 060 or Blizzard 1260?

[Damion]

There are pros and cons either way. :-)

Max RAM Blizzard: 128 MB, 256 MB w/SCSI kit

Apollo: 32 MB in desktop, 64 MB in tower config

Apollo has crap (non-DMA) SCSI interface, Blizzard SCSI is much better.

Apollo has much faster custom chip access, and is probably better suited for AGA demos - only downside are the (very) few demos which require over 32 MB (in which case you can simply leave the case open while watching Starstruck).  Another benefit to the Apollo's faster chipset access - 5.1 MB/s raw read with Jens' IDE-FIX Express, vs around 2 MB/sec with the Blizz.

Apollo's FSB can be set to 1/2 CPU clock. This means rates over 80 MHz (possibly a bit more) are easily reached with a Rev 6 68060. The Blizzard is always 1:1 CPU/FSB, expect a maximum overclock of around 70 MHz, and the SCSI card may crap out when overclocked.

Blizzard has the option to use Piru's excellent BlizKick program. (Though some modules can be converted for use with RemApollo.)

I've owned both, and both are outstanding. I doubt you'd be unhappy with either. There would be an enormous boost over your current card. I'm very happy with my Apollo, since my A1200 exists only for demos, and AmiNetRadio while I surf on the PC. :-)

Bottom line:

If you're not going to overclock, want a nice stable card for general use with an excellent SCSI option, lots of RAM, go for the Blizzard.

If you want to watch demos, overclock, do CPU intensive tasks (like AmiNetRadio) shoot for the Apollo.

[Damion]

mauidj wrote:
Many mahalos.
Sorry for the dumb question...I'm just getting back into the Amiga fold.....but if I get the Apollo with no SCSI interface, how do I attach SCSI devices?
My 1200 is an HD model.
Told you it was dumb  :-)

I don't think you can, unless you find a PCMCIA SCSI interface (slow).

Best option IMHO with the Apollo card is the A1200's internal IDE, with the IDE-Fix Express adapter.

If you require SCSI, I would look for a Blizzard (the Blizzard SCSI kit is an add-on BTW, but not impossible to find).

[Damion]

mauidj wrote:
Many mahalos guys.

I think I will bid on the Apollo.
I've already got a Dataflyer XD so that takes care of my HD needs.
But the IDE-Fix Express sounds like a useful option for my future CDRW purchase.
Does $400 or so sound about right for an Apollo?

$400 is an "OK" price, maybe a bit high. Just make sure the 68060 is a full 50 MHz part (I believe some 75 MHz "LC" models exist).

[Damion]

Mahalo -D-.
I guess I now own an Apollo 060 with 32meg
Paid $330 for it...so seems like a fair deal.
Now I gotta get the black paint and get this baby going.

WOOT! :pint:

Congrats, I'm sure you will enjoy it.

[Damion]

DJBase wrote:

Another benefit to the Apollo's faster chipset access - 5.1 MB/s raw read with Jens' IDE-FIX Express, vs around 2 MB/sec with the Blizz.

I wonder where do people get this crap. In fact a B1260 does around 2 MB/s on the standard IDE port, with an IDEfix Express you can get up to 3.5 MB/s.

The Apollo has faster chipset access, sorry but it's a measurable fact.

I don't have my Blizzard anymore to test, but the same IDE-Fix Express unit yielded a little over 2 MB/s. The only variable is the "speedychip" option, I can't recall whether or not I had that enabled with my Blizzard card, so it's definitely possible it could be faster.

Anyhow, the fact remains IDE-Fix Express is faster with an Apollo card. SCSI add-on is the best option for Blizzard cards, anyway.

[Damion]

mauidj wrote:
Well I got the board but I can't get it to work.
Nubee question........Does it need drivers?
Also my board has a barrel battery which won't allow me to close the trap door.
I have not seen this before.
See the picture here....link
mahalo for the help guys  :-)
Aloha!

Drivers are needed, you can get the install disk here:

http://www.l8r.net/install/accel.html

Also, I can mail you a floppy if necessary, just shoot me a PM.

About the battery... :/ Yeah, some of them had a lower-profile coin type, it could be replaced or removed if you really want the cover on. I usually leave mine a bit raised in the back with the cover off anyway (extra airflow, it gets hot here in the summer).

[Damion]

Agreed, even my POS Apollo 1230 card has faster access than the 1260 card at 50 MHz, according to bustest. Overclocked it gets close, if not a bit faster in some tests (though only at > 80 MHz).

Anyway - if I mis-quoted the IDE speed it was unintentional. I sold the card years ago and may have remembered incorrectly.