Sun Blade 150

Specifications

Processor

• CPU: UltraSPARC IIi (550 MHz or 650 MHz options)

• Cache: 512 KB L2 on-chip cache

Memory

• Maximum RAM: Up to 2 GB SDRAM with error correction

• DIMM Slots: Four PC133 168-pin DIMMs (128 MB, 256 MB, or 512 MB DIMMs supported)

Storage

• Hard Drive: Standard 40 GB ATA66 (7,200 RPM), expandable to two drives for up to 160 GB storage

• Optical Drive: 48x CD-ROM or optional DVD-ROM

• Floppy Drive: 1.44 MB manual-eject

Graphics

• Onboard Sun PGX64 graphics (24-bit 2D)

• Optional high-performance graphics cards:

  • Sun XVR-100 (2D)

  • Sun XVR-500 (3D)

Connectivity

• Four USB ports

• Two IEEE1394 FireWire ports

• Integrated Ethernet (10/100 Mbps)

• Serial and parallel ports

Expansion

• Three PCI slots (32-bit, full-size, 33 MHz)

Operating System

• Pre-installed Solaris versions (Solaris 8, Solaris 9, or Solaris 10)

Physical Dimensions

• Height: 4.6 inches (11.8 cm)

• Width: 18 inches (45.7 cm)

• Depth: 17.6 inches (44.6 cm)

• Weight: Approximately 26.9 lbs (12.2 kg)

Significance

1. Performance Improvements: The Sun Blade 150 delivered significant performance gains over its predecessor, the Sun Blade 100. It doubled the L2 cache size and improved compute-intensive application performance by up to 63% and graphics performance by up to 76%, making it suitable for demanding technical workloads6.

2. 64-bit Architecture: Its UltraSPARC IIi processor and Solaris platform supported both 32-bit and 64-bit applications seamlessly, enabling users to handle large datasets and complex computations without performance compromises6.

3. Graphics Capabilities: With optional high-end graphics cards like the XVR-500, the workstation catered to advanced visualization needs in MCAD/MCAE and GIS applications6.

4. Scalability: The ability to upgrade memory to 2 GB and expand storage capacity made it a flexible solution for evolving technical requirements56.

5. Cost Efficiency: Positioned as an affordable entry-level workstation, the Sun Blade 150 offered better price/performance compared to competitors like HP’s B2600 workstation6.

6. Reliability: Known for its mission-critical stability and compatibility with other Sun systems, it provided a dependable platform for long-term use in professional environments6.

The Sun Blade 150 exemplified Sun Microsystems’ commitment to delivering powerful yet cost-effective workstations tailored for technical computing markets.