Dragon, lack of performance

[Piru]

elbox claims that most of the unmodified 68k software runs at speed between 040 and 060 (because of the emulation)

source

Wasn't the claim that it would run existing software several times faster than 68060 50Mhz? If the thing requires custom coldfire software, what is the point?

[_yak_]

Since it was my post that was quoted I would just like to point out that this is just a translation of things I saw posted on polish ppa.pl site. It was explicitly mentioned, that they didn't saw any tests but it was stated by Elbox representative.

[Piru]

Fair enough. Lets hope someone just misunderstood something at some point. Else this Dragon looks rather pointless exercise.

[_yak_]

I've gathered some things that was said by Elbox in the first two videos. I've posted this here.

[krize]

New hardware, use new ram, use agp gfx card etc etc.

Lets see now..

_yak: Thanks for the explanatin for the vidoes

[Crumb]

The machine shown in the videos seems to be quite slow opening drawers and displaying jpegs in AWeb. It seems to be several times slower than my 060/50, it even seems slower than my 040/30...

[CannonFodder]

There are also some talks about using AROS on CF. Marcik on PPA.pl said Elbox told them that they are working on it for some time now. For example on the possibility to use the A1200 chips from it.

Native coldfire compiled AROS, or 68k compiled?

Native would be cool if it can access the AGA chips and JIT the 68k apps.

[_yak_]

@Crumb

The drawers were on a flash pen-drive. However, it was said that it runs at Hi-Speed (USB 2.0). I don't know how fast it should be, I'm just a messenger .

@CannonFodder

I think the reason they thought about AROS was to compile it for CF directly (to gain its max speed), if they want a 68k OS, they have AmigaOS.

[humppa]

I would not risk making any statement regarding performance before either getting any first hand info from the show or before looking at some benchmarks and real-world testcases published by some "independent sources" (e.g. neither Elbox, platon42 or E3B).
At least I would never judge about performance just by looking at some fuzzy videos of a language that I don't speak.

Btw, was there any estimated price mentioned already? This is were it all finally depends on. Just look at Ebay prices for a Blizzard 1260 (up to 250 EUR!).  

[_yak_]

@humppa

Btw, was there any estimated price mentioned already?

Again, it was reported on PPA.pl that Elbox said during the meeting that the prices on their website are correct, i.e. 349 EUR (VAT excluded). The website also mentions some special offers for Mediator users.

BTW, I speak that language but would not risk making any statement regarding performance too . Let's wait for some real benchmarks.

[humppa]

Again, it was reported on PPA.pl that Elbox said during the meeting that the prices on their website are correct, i.e. 349 EUR (VAT excluded).

Ok, thanks. I think they mentioned something about some sort of "exchange program" or discounts for Mediator-owners?!

edit: Doh, it's on the same website:
"As soon as the DRAGON 1200 sales starts, registered owners of Elbox MEDIATOR PCI busboards for Amiga 1200 computers will receive a special incentive upgrade offer."

Let's wait for some real benchmarks.

Amen to that.

[ChaosLord]

How do I port my game Total Chaos AGA over to ColdFire?

I wrote it in SASC + asm.

I can hand translate the asm parts myself.

But how do I recompile the C code?
My SASC has no Target=ColdFire option.  :-?

A 266 Mhz version of Total Chaos, using 266 Mhz ram, would r0xx0rize the scene! :-D

[Colin_Camper]

If it doesn't run at least as fast as a '60 at 200Mhz I really don't see the point.

If the software needs a recompile - hell - use Aros!   :-D

[itix]

My SASC has no Target=ColdFire option.

You dont use SAS/C but GCC instead.

[Damion]

Piru wrote:

elbox claims that most of the unmodified 68k software runs at speed between 040 and 060 (because of the emulation)

source

Wasn't the claim that it would run existing software several times faster than 68060 50Mhz? If the thing requires custom coldfire software, what is the point?

Well Piru you were 100% correct about performance issues with Coldfire, not surprising considering your background and experience. It's disappointing that Coldfire isn't more compatibile.

I'll keep my opinions about Elbox to myself, BUT I have to say it is cool to see some new hardware, even if it's not something I'd be interested in personally. (I know it'll never happen, but I still think an '060 based A1200 "trapdoor" card with simple onboard gfx/DDR slot would be the shiznit...)