SGI Onyx2

The SGI Onyx2, code name Kego, is a family of visualization systems developed and manufactured by SGI, introduced in 1996 to succeed the Onyx. The Onyx2's basic system architecture is based on the Origin 2000 servers, but with the notable inclusion of graphics hardware. In 2000, the Onyx2 was succeeded by the Onyx 3000, and it was discontinued on 27 June 2003. These systems ran either IRIX 6.4 or 6.5.

Models

Model	# of CPUs	Memory	# of graphics pipelines	Chassis	Introduced	Discontinued
Onyx2 Deskside	1 to 4	128 MB to 8 GB	1	Deskside	?	27 June 2003
Onyx2 Single Rack	2 to 8	128 MB to 16 GB	1 or 2	Single rack	?	27 June 2003
Onyx2 Multi-Rack	4 to 128	256 MB to 256 GB	1 to 16	Multi Rack	?	27 June 2003

Microprocessor

The Onyx2 used the MIPS R10000 microprocessor clocked at 150, 175, 180 and 195 MHz, later increased to 250 MHz, courtesy of a process shrink from 0.35 to 0.25 micrometres. Later 300 and 400mhz R12000, and 500mhz R14000 CPUs were made available.

Graphics subsystem

At the time of their introduction, the Onyx2 could be configured with the Reality, InfiniteReality or InfiniteReality2 graphics subsystems. Later, the InfiniteReality2E was made available and then the InifiniteReality3, in April 2000.

References

• Onyx2 Reality, Onyx2 InfiniteReality and Onyx2 InfiniteReality2 Technical Report, August 1998, Silicon Graphics