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{{Short description|Supercomputers}}
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[[Image:SGI-onyx.jpg|thumb|Deskside Onyx]]
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2015}}
[[Image:SGI-onyx-ports.jpg|thumb|Onyx IO Ports]]
{{refimprove |date=September 2017}}
The '''SGI Onyx''', code named '''''Eveready''''' (deskside models) and '''''Terminator''''' (rackmount models), is a series of [[visualization (computer graphics)|visualization]] systems designed and manufactured by [[Silicon Graphics|SGI]], introduced in 1993 and offered in two models, deskside and rackmount. The Onyx's basic system architecture is based on the [[SGI Challenge]] servers, but with the notable inclusion of graphics hardware. The Onyx was employed in early 1995 for [[Software development kit|development kits]] used to produce software for the [[Nintendo 64]] and, because the technology was so new, the Onyx was noted as the major factor for the impressive price-tag of $250,000 for such kits.<ref>''Gaming Gossip''. [[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]. Issue 69. Pg.52. April 1995.</ref> The Onyx was succeeded by the [[SGI Onyx2|Onyx2]] in 1996 and was discontinued on 31 March 1999.
{{Infobox information appliance
| name =
| aka =
| logo =
| image = SGI-onyx.jpg
| caption = Deskside Onyx
| developer =
| manufacturer = [[Silicon Graphics, Inc.]]
| family =
| type = Graphics supercomputer
| generation =
| releasedate = {{Start date|January 1993}}
| lifespan =
| price = {{ublist|{{Currency|119,900–594,900|code=US|passthrough=yes}} (with VTX graphics)|{{Currency|159,900—634,900|code=US|passthrough=yes}} (with RealityEngine2)}}
| discontinued = {{End date|1999|03|31}}
| unitssold =
| unitsshipped =
| media =
| os = [[IRIX]] 5.0–6.5.22 (for R10000 CPU models)
| power =
| soc =
| cpu = [[R4400|MIPS R4400]], [[R10000|MIPS R10000]]
| memory = 64 MB to 16 GB
| storage = Up to 30 GB internal disk; expandable to 2 TB total storage
| memory card =
| display =
| graphics = {{ublist|[[RealityEngine#VTX|VTX]]|[[RealityEngine#RealityEngine2|RealityEngine2]]}}
| sound =
| input =
| controllers =
| camera =
| touchpad =
| connectivity =
| currentfw =
| platform = [[MIPS architecture|MIPS]]
| service =
| dimensions =
| weight =
| topgame =
| compatibility =
| predecessor = [[SGI Crimson]]
| successor = [[SGI Onyx2]]
| related = [[SGI Challenge]]
| website = {{URL |https://web.archive.org/web/19970605012949/http://www.sgi.com/Products/hardware/Onyx/Products/sys_lineup.html}}
}}
⚫
[[File:SGI-onyx-ports.jpg|thumb|Onyx IO Ports]]
'''SGI Onyx''' is a series of [[visualization (graphics)|visualization]] systems designed and manufactured by [[Silicon Graphics|SGI]], introduced in 1993 and offered in two models, deskside and [[19-inch rack|rackmount]], [[codename]]d Eveready and Terminator respectively. The Onyx's basic system architecture is based on the [[SGI Challenge]] servers, but with graphics hardware.


The Onyx was employed in early 1995 for [[Software development kit|development kits]] used to produce software for the [[Nintendo 64]] and, because the technology was so new, the Onyx was noted as the major factor for the impressively high price of {{USD|100,000}}<ref name="Edge #7">{{cite journal | title=Silicon Graphics: showing off | magazine=Edge | issue=7 | date=April 1994 | pages=18–19 | url=https://archive.org/stream/EDGE.N007.1994.04/EDGE.N007.1994.04-Escapade_4900px#page/n17/mode/2up | accessdate=December 14, 2015}}</ref>–{{USD|250,000}}<ref>''Gaming Gossip''. [[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]. Issue 69. Pg.52. April 1995.</ref> for such kits.
== Microprocessor ==
⚫
[[Image:SGI-ip19.jpg|thumb|IP19 with quad R4400s.]]
⚫
The deskside variant can take one CPU board, and the rackmount variant can take up to six CPU boards. Both models originally used the IP19 CPU board with one, two or four [[MIPS architecture|MIPS R4400]] [[microprocessor]]s, initially with 100 and 150 MHz options, later increased to 200 and 250 MHz. Later, the IP21 CPU board was introduced, with one or two [[R8000]] microprocessors at 75 or 90 MHz; machines with this board were referred to as POWER Onyx. Finally, SGI introduced the IP25 board with one, two or four [[R10000]] microprocessors at 195 MHz.


The Onyx was succeeded by the [[SGI Onyx2|Onyx2]] in 1996 and was discontinued on March 31, 1999.
== Graphics subsystem ==
⚫
The Onyx initially used the RealityEngine2 or VTX graphics subsystems, and later, InfiniteReality, which was introduced in 1995.


==CPU==
=== RealityEngine2 ===
⚫
[[File:SGI-ip19.jpg|thumb|IP19 with quad R4400s.]]
The [[RealityEngine|RealityEngine2]] was the original high end graphics subsystem for the Onyx and was offered in two models. The deskside model had one GE12 board with 12 GE (Geometry Engine) processors, up to four RM4 boards, and a DG4 board. The rackmount model differed by supporting four RM4 or RM5 boards, but was otherwise the same.
⚫
The deskside variant can accept one [[CPU]] board, and the rackmount variant can take up to six CPU boards. Both models were launched with the IP19 CPU board with one, two, or four [[R4000#R4400|MIPS R4400]] CPUs,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://irix7.com/techpubs/007-1733-070.pdf|title=POWER Onyx™ and Onyx Deskside Owner’s Guide}}</ref> initially with 100 and 150&nbsp;MHz options and later increased to 200 and 250&nbsp;MHz. Later, the IP21 CPU board was introduced, with one or two [[R8000]] microprocessors at 75 or 90&nbsp;MHz; machines with this board were referred to as POWER Onyx. Finally, SGI introduced the IP25 board with one, two, or four [[R10000]] CPUs at 195&nbsp;MHz.


==== VTX ====
==Graphics==
⚫
The Onyx was launched with the RealityEngine2 or VTX graphics subsystems, and InfiniteReality was introduced in 1995.
⚫
The VTX graphics subsystem was a cost reduced version of the RealityEngine2, using the same hardware but in a feature reduced configuration that could not be upgraded. It consisted of one GE10 board with six GE (Geometry Engine) processors, an RM4 board and a DG2 board.


=== InfiniteReality ===
===RealityEngine2===
The [[RealityEngine#RealityEngine2|RealityEngine2]] is the original high-end graphics subsystem for the Onyx and was found in two different versions: deskside and rack. The deskside model has one GE10 (Geometry Engine) board with 12 Intel i860XP processors, up to four RM4 or RM5 (Raster Manager) boards, and a DG2 (Display Generator) board.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=http://sgistuff.net/hardware/graphics/realityengine.html|title=sgistuff.net : Hardware : Graphics : Reality Engine|website=sgistuff.net}}</ref> The rack model differs by supporting up to three RealityEngine2 pipes (display outputs) vs the single pipe of the deskside.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sgistuff.net/hardware/systems/challengeonyx.html|title=sgistuff.net : Hardware : Systems : Challenge / Onyx|website=sgistuff.net}}</ref>


====VTX====
The [[InfiniteReality]] succeeded the RealityEngine2 as the high-end graphics subsystem for the Onyx when introduced in 1996. It was offered in two models, the deskside model consisted of a GE12 board with GE11 geometry engines, one or two RM6 boards and a DG4 board while the rackmount model differed by supporting up to four RM6 boards.
⚫
The VTX graphics subsystem is a cost reduced version of the RealityEngine2, using the same hardware but in a feature reduced configuration that can not be upgraded. It consists of one GE10 board (6 Intel i860XP processors vs 12 in RE2), a single RM4 or RM5 board, and a DG2 board.<ref name="auto"/>


===InfiniteReality===
⚫
== References ==
[[InfiniteReality]] succeeded RealityEngine2 as the high-end graphics subsystem for the Onyx when introduced in 1996. As with RealityEngine2, two versions correspond to the form factors of the Onyx. The deskside version consists of a GE12 board, one or two RM6 boards (limited due to the amount of cooling the deskside system provides), and a DG4 board. The rack model increases the number of RM6 boards supported to four per pipe and allows up to three pipes to be installed resulting in an Onyx rack with a maximum of three GE12 boards, three DG4 boards, and twelve RM6 boards.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sgistuff.net/hardware/graphics/infinitereality.html|title=sgistuff.net : Hardware : Graphics : Infinite Reality|website=sgistuff.net}}</ref>

== Usage ==
An Onyx system with RealityEngine2 graphics was used by [[CBS News]] for a broadcast of real-time election results. The broadcast had 3D graphics that were generated live that had updated news feeds in real time. This required the video to be composited live in 3D for the viewers, which was done using an Onyx system. This is one of the first examples of a real-time 3D video compositing system used in a television broadcast.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CBS and SGI |url=https://archive.irixnet.org/siliconsurf/news/cbs_sgi.html |access-date=2023-12-25 |website=archive.irixnet.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Chan |first=Curtis |date= |title=Strictly TV - SGI and CBS |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Broadcast-Engineering/BE/90s/BE-1994-12.pdf |magazine=Broadcast Engineering |location= |publisher=Intertec Publishing |access-date=}}</ref>

{{SGI computer timeline}}

⚫
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

⚫
* POWER Onyx and Onyx Deskside Owner's Guide (document number: 007-1733-070)
==Further reading==
⚫
* POWER Onyx and Onyx Rackmount Owner's Guide (document number: 007-1736-060)
⚫
* POWER Onyx and Onyx Deskside Owner's Guide (document number: 007-1733-070).
⚫
* POWER Onyx and Onyx Rackmount Owner's Guide (document number: 007-1736-060).

{{Silicon Graphics}}


[[Category:SGI visualization|Onyx]]
[[Category:SGI visualization|Onyx]]
[[Category:Computer-related introductions in 1993]]
[[Category:64-bit computers]]

Latest revision as of 23:59, 4 May 2024

Deskside Onyx
ManufacturerSilicon Graphics, Inc.
TypeGraphics supercomputer
Release dateJanuary 1993 (January 1993)
Introductory price
  • US$119,900–594,900 (with VTX graphics)
  • US$159,900—634,900 (with RealityEngine2)
DiscontinuedMarch 31, 1999 (1999-03-31)
Operating systemIRIX 5.0–6.5.22 (for R10000 CPU models)
CPUMIPS R4400, MIPS R10000
Memory64 MB to 16 GB
StorageUp to 30 GB internal disk; expandable to 2 TB total storage
Graphics
PlatformMIPS
PredecessorSGI Crimson
SuccessorSGI Onyx2
RelatedSGI Challenge
Websiteweb.archive.org/web/19970605012949/http://www.sgi.com/Products/hardware/Onyx/Products/sys_lineup.html
Onyx IO Ports

SGI Onyx is a series of visualization systems designed and manufactured by SGI, introduced in 1993 and offered in two models, deskside and rackmount, codenamed Eveready and Terminator respectively. The Onyx's basic system architecture is based on the SGI Challenge servers, but with graphics hardware.

The Onyx was employed in early 1995 for development kits used to produce software for the Nintendo 64 and, because the technology was so new, the Onyx was noted as the major factor for the impressively high price of US$100,000[1]–US$250,000[2] for such kits.

The Onyx was succeeded by the Onyx2 in 1996 and was discontinued on March 31, 1999.

CPU[edit]

IP19 with quad R4400s.

The deskside variant can accept one CPU board, and the rackmount variant can take up to six CPU boards. Both models were launched with the IP19 CPU board with one, two, or four MIPS R4400 CPUs,[3] initially with 100 and 150 MHz options and later increased to 200 and 250 MHz. Later, the IP21 CPU board was introduced, with one or two R8000 microprocessors at 75 or 90 MHz; machines with this board were referred to as POWER Onyx. Finally, SGI introduced the IP25 board with one, two, or four R10000 CPUs at 195 MHz.

Graphics[edit]

The Onyx was launched with the RealityEngine2 or VTX graphics subsystems, and InfiniteReality was introduced in 1995.

RealityEngine2[edit]

The RealityEngine2 is the original high-end graphics subsystem for the Onyx and was found in two different versions: deskside and rack. The deskside model has one GE10 (Geometry Engine) board with 12 Intel i860XP processors, up to four RM4 or RM5 (Raster Manager) boards, and a DG2 (Display Generator) board.[4] The rack model differs by supporting up to three RealityEngine2 pipes (display outputs) vs the single pipe of the deskside.[5]

VTX[edit]

The VTX graphics subsystem is a cost reduced version of the RealityEngine2, using the same hardware but in a feature reduced configuration that can not be upgraded. It consists of one GE10 board (6 Intel i860XP processors vs 12 in RE2), a single RM4 or RM5 board, and a DG2 board.[4]

InfiniteReality[edit]

InfiniteReality succeeded RealityEngine2 as the high-end graphics subsystem for the Onyx when introduced in 1996. As with RealityEngine2, two versions correspond to the form factors of the Onyx. The deskside version consists of a GE12 board, one or two RM6 boards (limited due to the amount of cooling the deskside system provides), and a DG4 board. The rack model increases the number of RM6 boards supported to four per pipe and allows up to three pipes to be installed resulting in an Onyx rack with a maximum of three GE12 boards, three DG4 boards, and twelve RM6 boards.[6]

Usage[edit]

An Onyx system with RealityEngine2 graphics was used by CBS News for a broadcast of real-time election results. The broadcast had 3D graphics that were generated live that had updated news feeds in real time. This required the video to be composited live in 3D for the viewers, which was done using an Onyx system. This is one of the first examples of a real-time 3D video compositing system used in a television broadcast.[7][8]

SGI timeline[edit]

SGI PrismSGI Origin 3000 and Onyx 3000Origin 2000SGI ChallengeOnyx 300Onyx 2SGI OnyxSGI CrimsonSGI AltixSGI Origin 200SGI Indigo² and Challenge MSGI TezroSGI Octane2SGI OctaneSGI Indigo² and Challenge MSGI IRIS 4DSGI FuelSGI IndigoSGI IRIS 4DSGI O2SGI O2SGI IndySGI IRIS 4DSGI IRISSGI IRISSGI IRISVisual WorkstationSGI IRISSGI IRIS

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Silicon Graphics: showing off". Edge (7): 18–19. April 1994. Retrieved December 14, 2015.
  2. ^ Gaming Gossip. Electronic Gaming Monthly. Issue 69. Pg.52. April 1995.
  3. ^ "POWER Onyx™ and Onyx Deskside Owner's Guide" (PDF).
  4. ^ a b "sgistuff.net : Hardware : Graphics : Reality Engine". sgistuff.net.
  5. ^ "sgistuff.net : Hardware : Systems : Challenge / Onyx". sgistuff.net.
  6. ^ "sgistuff.net : Hardware : Graphics : Infinite Reality". sgistuff.net.
  7. ^ "CBS and SGI". archive.irixnet.org. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  8. ^ Chan, Curtis. "Strictly TV - SGI and CBS" (PDF). Broadcast Engineering. Intertec Publishing.

Further reading[edit]

  • POWER Onyx and Onyx Deskside Owner's Guide (document number: 007-1733-070).
  • POWER Onyx and Onyx Rackmount Owner's Guide (document number: 007-1736-060).
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