Px-Brick - Silicon Graphics Origin 3900 User Manual

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Chapter 5

PX-brick

The PX-brick is a PCI-X based I/O expansion subsystem that connects I/O devices to
your server. The PX-brick supports both PCI and PCI-X protocol. PCI-X protocol enables
I/O devices to operate at clock speeds of up to 133 MHz, or 1 GB/s. This protocol also
enables I/O devices to operate more efficiently, thereby providing a higher sustained
bandwidth at any clock frequency.
This chapter describes the function and physical components of the PX-brick, and it
provides guidelines for configuring PCI cards in the brick. Specifically, it includes the
following information:
• "Product Overview" on page 80
• "External Components" on page 82
• "PCI and PCI-X Card Configuration Guidelines" on page 86
• "Technical Specifications" on page 88
Note: Throughout this chapter, the term "PCI card" refers to cards with PCI or PCI-X
capabilities. When necessary, distinctions between the cards are noted.
Note: For information about installing or replacing a PCI card, see "Installing or
Replacing PCI or PCI-X Card" on page 202.
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