X
Warning for Samsung, Pixel PhonesBayonetta PrequelStreaming March MadnessResident Evil 4 Remake8 Signs of Sleep ApneaWrong Idea About AICheap Plane Tickets5 'Toxic' Food Additives

Compaq computers to test new connection technology

The PC maker releases its first prototype computers to let hardware companies start testing a new connection technology called PCI-X.

stephenshankland.jpg
Stephen Shankland
stephenshankland.jpg
Stephen Shankland principal writer
Stephen Shankland has been a reporter at CNET since 1998 and writes about processors, digital photography, AI, quantum computing, computer science, materials science, supercomputers, drones, browsers, 3D printing, USB, and new computing technology in general. He has a soft spot in his heart for standards groups and I/O interfaces. His first big scoop was about radioactive cat poop.
Expertise processors, semiconductors, web browsers, quantum computing, supercomputers, AI, 3D printing, drones, computer science, physics, programming, materials science, USB, UWB, Android, digital photography, science Credentials I've been covering the technology industry for 24 years and was a science writer for five years before that. I've got deep expertise in microprocessors, digital photography, computer hardware and software, internet standards, web technology, and other dee
See full bio
Compaq Computer has released its first prototype computers to let hardware companies start testing a new connection technology called PCI-X.

PCI-X was developed by Compaq, Hewlett-Packard and IBM as a way to double the speed of the current PCI data pathway. The companies announced the technology in September 1998, and Intel eventually signed up to support it as well.

However, PCI-X is late. Compaq originally projected it would arrive in 1999. A long list of corrections has been compiled since the first version of the specification was released.

Not surprisingly, early 2001 is the most recent projected arrival date.

Compaq has released a developer kit--an upgrade to its Proliant 8500 servers--that lets hardware makers such as those that build network cards work with PCI-X. However, the PCI-X system runs at only 100 MHz, slower than the promised top 133-MHz speed of the technology.