Apple, IBM, and Motorola are working on four versions of the PowerPC microprocessor simultaneously. Each version is designed to meet the needs of a different segment of the marketplace.
PowerPC 601 (MPC601)
The first microprocessor in the family is the PowerPC 601. The 601 will be in production in early 1994 and will be used in the initial midrange and high-end Macintosh systems.
PowerPC 601 features:
- 32-bit implementation of the PowerPC architecture
- 32-bit address bus
- 64-bit data bus
- Processor bus based on 88110 bus
- Available in two versions: a 66 MHz version and a 80 MHz version.
PowerPC 603 (MPC603)
The PowerPC 603 microprocessor will offer performance similar to the 601
in an even lower-power, lower-cost design. These features will allow Apple
to use the 603 in high-volume desktop Macintosh computers and PowerBook
models.
PowerPC 603 features:
- 32-bit implementation of the PowerPC architecture
- 32-bit address bus
- 64-bit data bus
- Processor bus based on 88110 bus
- Low power consumption
- Fully static logic with power-saving features
- 3.3 volt design
- Requires only two watts of power during full operation, one watt when only in active use.
- Available in two versions: a 66 MHz version and a 80 MHz version.
PowerPC 603e
| PowerPC 603e SPEC95 Benchmarks |
| Processor Clock/Bus (Mhz) | 150/50 | 166/55 | 180/60 | 200/66 |
| SPEC95* | 4.1 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 5.1 |
| SPEC95* | 3.0 | 3.3 | 3.3 | 3.7 |
*Estimated based on testing on engineering system configured as follows:
- Processor:603e
- Memory Type:Sync Dram
- Memory Size:64Mb
- L2 Type:Burst
- L2 Size:1Mb
- Controller/PCI bridge:Motorola MPC105
- OS:AIX v4.1.3
PowerPC 604 (MPC604)
The PowerPC 604 microprocessor will eventually replace the 601, allowing
Apple to offer even better performance in midrange and high-end Macintosh
computers.
PowerPC 604 features:
- 32-bit address bus
- 64-bit data bus
- Bigger pipeline
- Higher parallelism
- Advanced branching techniques for higher performance
| PowerPC 604 SPEC95 Benchmarks |
| Processor Clock/Bus (Mhz) | 150/50 | 166/55 | 180/60 |
| SPEC95* | 5.2 | 5.7 | 6.2 |
| SPEC95* | 4.4 | 4.9 | 5.3 |
*Estimated based on testing on engineering system configured as follows:
- Processor:604
- Memory Type:Sync Dram
- Memory Size:64Mb
- L2 Type:Burst
- L2 Size:1Mb
- Controller/PCI bridge:Motorola MPC105
- OS:AIX v4.1.3
PowerPC 604e
| PowerPC 604e SPEC95 Benchmarks |
| Processor Clock/Bus (Mhz) | 166/66 | 180/60 | 200/66 | 225/64 |
| SPECint95* | 6.7 | 7.37 | 8.21 | 8.82 |
| SPECfp95* | 6.3 | 6.2 | 6.7 | 6.99 |
*Estimated based on testing on engineering system configured as follows:
- Processor:604e
- Memory Type:Sync Dram
- Memory Size:64Mb
- L2 Type:Burst
- L2 Size:1Mb
- Controller/PCI bridge:Motorola MPC105
- OS:AIX v4.1.3
PowerPC 620 (MPC620)
The PowerPC 620 microprocessor will be a high-end product offering premium
performance and a full 64-bit architecture. It is being designed primarily
for high-performance workstations and servers.
PowerPC 620 features:
- 32-bit address bus
- 64-bit data bus
- Multiple levels of parallelism
- Will use a different processor bus