Workstation PC 97

C H A P T E R   4

Workstation PC 97

This chapter presents the requirements and recommendations for network workstations under the Microsoft Windows family of operating systems.

Overview for Workstation PC 97

This section presents the key design features for Workstation PC 97. PC 97 Hardware Design Guide provides the first definition of this PC category for the "Designed for Microsoft Windows" logo program.

Although the design requirements for Workstation PC 97 can support running either the Windows 95 or Windows NT operating system, these requirements are optimized to support complex Win32-based applications, which usually run on Windows NT Workstation, for users whose principal computing work involves using mission-critical networked applications, engineering or scientific applications, or media-authoring or software development tools. Although Windows NT Workstation is used on standalone systems, the PC 97 requirements support the more common use of Windows NT Workstation as a platform for network productivity.

These are the key design issues for Workstation PC 97:

Important The system requirements defined in PC 97 Hardware Design Guide provide guidelines for designing PC systems that best run Windows 95 and Windows NT. These design requirements are not the basic system requirements for running the Windows operating system. Also, hardware features are described as Required, Recommended, or Optional for the "Designed for Microsoft Windows" logo program:

System Requirements for Workstation PC 97

This section summarizes the requirements for the basic components of Workstation PC 97 systems.

1. Minimum microprocessor:
Pentium-class 166 MHz or equivalent, or RISC-based processor

Required

Recommended: two or more microprocessors.

The minimum microprocessor capability is required to support the demands of the complex computational and graphics-intensive software that will be used on a Workstation PC 97 system. The processor requirement for RISC-based systems is one of the following:

If multiprocessor support is provided in a Workstation PC 97 system with x86-based processors, such support must comply with MultiProcessor Specification Version 1.4 or higher (available from Intel). An ARC- or ACE-compliant RISC-based system meets the requirements for multiprocessor support. Notice, however, that dual processors will never become a logo requirement.

2. L2 cache with 256K minimum, for Pentium-class processor

Required

Recommended: 512K cache.

The minimum Level 2 cache is required for performance on x86-based Workstation PC 97 systems. This requirement does not apply for a Pentium Pro-class system with a built-in L2 cache.

If multiprocessor support is provided with Pentium-class processors, each processor must have a separate L2 cache.

3. Minimum system memory: 32 MB

Required

Recommended: 64 MB. For multiprocessor systems, 64 MB minimum is required.

At least 28 MB of system memory must be completely available for the system to use and cannot be locked from use by the operating system. For multiprocessor systems, at least 60 MB must be completely available for the system to use.

Note This minimum requirement for memory available to the operating system does not preclude applications that use dynamically allocated memory for audio or video playback or other temporary uses of system memory.

4. Workstation PC 97 meets Basic PC 97 general system requirements

Required

This includes the following specific requirements, as defined in the "Basic PC 97" chapter in this guide:

Industrial Design Requirements for Workstation PC 97

This section summarizes the physical design requirements for Workstation PC 97 systems. These requirements are in addition to those related to the OnNow initiative for power-state indicators and easily accessible power switches.

5. All expansion slots in the system accessible for users to insert cards

Required

The expansion slots cannot be physically blocked by components or devices provided with the system. This does not exclude configurations that allow space for only half-height cards for some slots or passive back planes used for connectors, and so on.

6. Audible noise meets PC 97 standards

Recommended

A PC 97 system should be "silent" in the Sleeping state and as quiet as possible during active operations. Recommended test procedures and measurements will be documented by Microsoft.

The need to limit audible noise comes from the OnNow design initiative. A PC that uses OnNow technologies will be active even when not under direct operation by the user. These operations must happen silently so as not to interfere with other activities in the work site.

7. System and component design practices follow accessibility guidelines

Recommended

Accessibility design guidelines are provided in in this guide. These guidelines were developed in consultation with the Trace Research and Development Center at the University of Wisconsin. Notice that this recommendation will not become a requirement.

General Device Requirements for Workstation PC 97

This section defines the general requirements for devices on a Workstation PC 97 system. The requirements in this section apply for every device, whether it is present included in the PC system or provided as an add-on device.

8. Workstation PC 97 meets Basic PC 97 general device requirements

Required

This includes the following specific requirements, as defined in the "Basic PC 97" chapter in this guide:

Buses and Devices for Workstation PC 97

This section defines specific requirements for buses and devices provided in a Workstation PC 97 system, in addition to the basic requirement for supporting the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface specification, as defined earlier in this chapter.

System Buses for Workstation PC 97

This section summarizes the general requirements for system buses. Additional requirements are defined in Part 3 of this guide for particular buses.

9. Universal Serial Bus, with one USB port, minimum

Required

Universal Serial Bus (USB) provides a bidirectional, isochronous, dynamically attachable serial interface for adding peripheral devices such as game controllers, communications devices, and input devices on a single bus.

The USB implementation in the system must meet the requirements defined in USB specifications, plus any additional requirements for PC 97 defined in the "USB" chapter in Part 3 of this guide.

10. Support for other high-speed expansion capabilities

Recommended

Additional support for expansion capabilities can be provided using PCI v. 2.1, IEEE 1394, or CardBus, or other high-speed buses. Any expansion bus implemented in the system must meet the requirements defined in the related chapter in Part 3 of this guide.

11. If present, PCI bus meets PCI v. 2.1 and higher, plus PC 97 requirements

Required

If PCI is used, the PCI bus must meet the requirements defined in PCI v. 2.1 or higher, plus any additional requirements for PC 97 defined in the "PCI" chapter in Part 3 of this guide.

12. ISA expansion bus

Optional

If an ISA bus is implemented in a Workstation PC 97 system, all the requirements defined in the "ISA" chapter in Part 3 of this guide must be met.

Notice that including ISA in the system will probably require support for traditional keyboard, parallel, and serial ports. For requirements related to these devices, see the "Serial, Parallel, and Wireless Support" and "Input Components" chapters in Part 4 of this guide.

PC 97 requirements exclude using ISA as the bus for the graphics adapter. For Workstation PC 97, the network adapter is also excluded from using the ISA bus.

I/O Devices for Workstation PC 97

This section defines the general requirements for I/O devices. Additional requirements are defined in the sections titled "Graphics Adapter and Monitor for Workstation PC 97" and "Storage and Related Peripherals for Workstation PC 97" later in this chapter.

Tips for Selecting I/O Performance Components. For PC manufacturers who want to select high-performance components for Workstation 97 systems, these are design features to look for in I/O components:

13. Keyboard connection and keyboard

Required

Recommended: USB connection. The external connection requirements can also be met using a PS/2-style port or wireless capabilities in the system. For complete requirements for keyboard ports and peripherals, see the "Input Components" chapter in Part 4 of this guide.

14. Pointing device connection and pointing device

Required

Recommended: USB connection. The external connection requirements can also be met using a PS/2-style port or wireless capabilities in the system. For complete requirements for mouse ports and peripherals, see the "Input Components" chapter in Part 4 of this guide.

15. High-precision input device in addition to mouse

Recommended

Recommended: USB connection. For workstations that support engineering or CAD computing, a digitizer, drawing tablet, or other special pointing device is Recommended. Any pointing device included with the system must meet the PC 97 requirements for input devices.

16. Connection for external parallel devices

Required

Recommended: SCSI or external bus such as USB, IEEE 1394, or PC Card. This can also be provided as a parallel port with ECP mode capabilities. For complete requirements for parallel ports, see the "Serial, Parallel, and Wireless Support" chapter in Part 4 of this guide.

17. Connection for external serial devices

Required

Recommended: USB or PC Card. This can also be provided as a 16550A serial port. For complete requirements for serial ports, see the "Serial, Parallel, and Wireless Support" chapter in Part 4 of this guide.

18. Wireless capabilities in PC system

Recommended

If wireless capabilities are included in the system, PC 97 requirements must be met, as defined in the "Serial, Parallel, and Wireless Support" chapter in Part 4 of this guide.

19. CD-ROM or network adapter support for installing the operating system

Required

For Workstation PC 97, a network adapter included with the system is strongly recommended.

The PC 97 system must include I/O device support to allow the user to install (or reinstall) the operating system. For the Windows NT operating system, either a CD-ROM drive or network adapter must be included in the system, because Windows NT does not support installing the operating system from a floppy disk drive.

Note It is recognized that OEMs supply PC systems to corporations in situations where the customer will insert network adapters at the end-user site. Workstation systems designed for specific corporate customer features are exempt from this PC 97 requirement.

20. Audio support in PC system meets PC 97 requirements

Recommended

If audio is implemented in a PC 97 system, it must meet the minimum requirements defined in the "Audio Components" chapter in Part 4 of this guide.

21. Communications device provided with PC system

Required

The following device options can meet this requirement:

Note It is recognized that OEMs supply PC systems to corporations in situations where the customer will insert network adapters at the end-user site or where the customer has particular feature demands. Workstation systems designed for specific corporate customers are exempt from this PC 97 requirement.

Graphics Components for Workstation PC 97

This section summarizes the Workstation PC 97 requirements for graphic components, including graphics adapter and monitor.

Tips for Selecting Performance Components for Graphics Subsystem.
For PC manufacturers who want to select high-performance components for Workstation 97 systems, these are design features to look for in graphics components:

If the target use is the engineering desktop, the following should be considered:

22. Display adapter meets PC 97 minimum requirements

Required

As defined in the "Basic PC 97" chapter in this guide, the graphics subsystem must include the following support:

Recommended: Support for NTSC or PAL TV output. (This will not become a requirement for Workstation PC 97.)

For complete details related to basic graphics adapter requirements, see the "Graphics Adapters" chapter in Part 4 of this guide.

23. Hardware acceleration for 2D and 3-D graphics

Recommended

Various hardware acceleration features for 2D and 3D graphics can be implemented to improve overall graphics performance. For Workstation PC 97 systems that will support precise graphics applications, such as engineering or CAD software, graphics hardware 3D acceleration should support OpenGL capabilities built into the Windows NT operating system. Microsoft DirectDraw and Direct3D are used by applications to accelerate graphics display by providing direct manipulation of video display memory, hardware blters, hardware overlays, and page flipping.

For information about required and recommended features if hardware acceleration is implemented for 2D and 3D graphics, see the "Graphics Adapters" chapter in Part 4 of this guide.

24. Color monitor supports DDC 2.0 Level B and 800x600, minimum

Required

If a monitor is provided with a Workstation PC 97 system, it must meet the minimum capabilities defined for PC 97. For complete PC 97 requirements for monitors, see the "Video Components" chapter in Part 4 of this guide.

25. System supports MPEG-1 playback

Required

Microsoft provides operating system support through Microsoft ActiveMovie. For information about performance and graphics hardware requirements to support video playback, see the "Video Components" chapter in Part 4 of this guide.

Storage and Related Peripherals for Workstation PC 97

This section summarizes the requirements for storage devices for Workstation PC 97. For system requirements related to CD-ROM, see the "System Buses and I/O Devices for Workstation PC 97" section earlier in this chapter.

Tips for Selecting Performance Components for Storage. For PC manufacturers who want to select high-performance components for Workstation 97 systems, these are design features to look for in storage components:

26. Host controller for storage device meets PC 97 requirements

Required

Recommended to support multiple storage devices: SCSI host controller.

The host controller must meet requirements defined for the bus it uses; for SCSI or IDE controllers, it must also meet the requirements in the "ATA and ATAPI" or "SCSI" chapter in Part 3 of this guide.

27. Primary host controller supports bus mastering

Required

For Workstation PC 97, the primary host controller must support bus mastering, whether using IEEE 1394, IDE, or SCSI.

28. Workstation PC 97 meets storage requirements defined for Basic PC 97

Required

This includes the following specific requirements, as defined in the "Basic PC 97" chapter in this guide:

29. DVD-ROM drive

Recommended

Any DVD device included in a Workstation PC 97 system must meet the requirements defined for DVD in the "Storage and Related Peripherals" chapter in Part 4 of this guide.

Note If a Workstation PC 97 system includes DVD-Video support, the PC must also provide PC 97 playback support for DVD content, as defined in the "Video Components" chapter in Part 4 of this guide.

References for Workstation PC 97

The following presents some of the references, services, and tools available to help build hardware that is optimized to work with Windows operating systems.

Plug and Play specifications

http://www.microsoft.com/hwdev/pnpspecs.htm

Microsoft Device Driver Kits (DDKs) for Windows operating systems

Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) Professional membership

Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) specification

http://www.teleport.com/~acpi/

Power Management specifications for device and bus classes
Guidelines for audible noise and other OnNow technologies

http://www.microsoft.com/hwdev/onnow.htm

MultiProcessor Specification Version 1.4

Intel part number 242016002
Phone: (800) 8794683

Checklist for Workstation PC 97

System Requirements for Workstation PC 97
1. Minimum microprocessor: Pentium-class 166 MHz or equivalent, or RISC-based processor
Required
2. L2 cache with 256K minimum, for Pentium-class processor
Required
3. Minimum system memory: 32 MB
Required
4. Workstation PC 97 meets Basic PC 97 general system requirements
Required

Industrial Design Requirements for Workstation PC 97
5. All expansion slots in the system accessible for users to insert cards
Required
6. Audible noise meets PC 97 standards
Recommended
7. System and component design practices follow accessibility guidelines
Recommended

General Device Requirements for Workstation PC 97
8. Workstation PC 97 meets Basic PC 97 general device requirements
Required

Buses and Devices for Workstation PC 97
System Buses for Workstation PC 97
9. Universal Serial Bus, with one USB port, minimum
Required
10. Support for other high-speed expansion capabilities
Recommended
11. If present, PCI bus meets PCI v. 2.1 and higher, plus PC 97 requirements
Required
12. ISA expansion bus
Optional

I/O Devices for Workstation PC 97
13. Keyboard connection and keyboard
Required
14. Pointing device connection and pointing device
Required
15. High-precision input device in addition to mouse
Recommended
16. Connection for external parallel devices
Required
17. Connection for external serial devices
Required
18. Wireless capabilities in PC system
Recommended
19. CD-ROM or network adapter support for installing the operating system
Required
20. Audio support in PC system meets PC 97 requirements
Recommended
21. Communications device provided with PC system
Required

Graphics Components for Workstation PC 97
22. Display adapter meets PC 97 minimum requirements
Required
23. Hardware acceleration for 2D and 3-D graphics
Recommended
24. Color monitor supports DDC 2.0 Level B and 800x600, minimum
Required
25. System supports MPEG-1 playback
Required

Storage and Related Peripherals for Workstation PC 97
26. Host controller for storage device meets PC 97 requirements
Required
27. Primary host controller supports bus mastering
Required
28. Workstation PC 97 meets storage requirements defined for Basic PC 97
Required
29. DVD-ROM drive
Recommended