Theoretically, any 3.3V or Universal PCI card can be made to work
in the SGI320. However, there may be other factors involved - such
as the workstation's proprietary architecture - that make a card incompatible
with the 320. Understanding the differences between the types of PCI
cards available is a good place to start.
Card Types
Three types of PCI cards exist: 5V, 3.3V and Universal. Not surprisingly
5V cards require a voltage of 5V to operate. Most older cards are
of this sort and can be physically identified by a gap in the front
part of their connector. In turn 3.3V cards require a voltage of 3.3V.
These newer cards are often 64-bit cards as opposed to 32-bit cards.
They too can be identified by a connector gap, this time to the end
of the card. Finally, Universal cards can operate both at 3.3V and
5V. Two gaps either side of the card differentiate them from the two
other types.
5V Card has front gap
in connector
###################### #### |
|
5V cards (front gap)
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Universal card (two gaps)
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3.3 Card has backgap in
connector
##### ##################### |
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Universal cards
have two gaps
#### ################# #### |
