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Service Hints & Tips |
Document ID: DJON-3G8RWD |
PS/1 - What are the Main Differences Between a 286 and 386SX Processor?
Applicable to: United States
1. The 386SX processor is much faster than a 286 processor due to the increased CPU speed and enhanced instruction set. The increase in speed is attributed to the ability of the PS/1 386SX to use a crystal that oscillates at a faster speed. This "Speed" is measured in MegaHertz (MHz). The MHz rating is an indication of how many machine cycles occur per second. The higher the number for the MHz rating, the faster the computer runs. Each computer instruction takes one or more cycles to complete. An instruction is a command sent by software to the computer in order to process information. Each instruction only does part of a complete task. Therefore, when you save a file in Microsoft Works, many instructions are actually being performed with the click of a button. Since each of these instructions takes one or more cycles, and the machine cycle of the 386SX computer is faster, the software you use will run faster.
2. The 386SX is capable of running multiple applications concurrently. The ability to run more than one program concurrently is called multi-tasking. Multi-tasking is a step beyond task switching. Task switching is the capability given by DOS 5.0 and Microsoft Windows (when Windows is not in enhanced mode). Task switching is the ability to have more than one application started at a time. However, task switching only allows the user to go back and forth between programs. The programs that are not being used will not actually be running on the computer's processor. A computer with a 286 processor can perform limited multi-tasking using an operating system such as OS/2. The 286 processor's time is divided among the programs running in protected mode (OS/2 programs) and the one DOS application (if one has been started). This is known as time slicing. On a 386SX, multiple virtual 8086 sessions can be created. This means that in addition to OS/2 programs running simultaneously, DOS applications can too. An operating environment, like Microsoft Windows, or an operating system, like OS/2 version 2.0, allows each program (whether DOS application, Windows application, or OS/2 application) to run simultaneously on the processor. This can be a great advantage for people who work on several applications at a time and need each application to be running in order to complete a task.
3. The 386SX has an extended instruction set which allows for more powerful programs to be written for it. The extended instruction set is not a visual enhancement to end-users. It allows programmers to create more powerful applications. End-users will see the effects of these advantages through more powerful programs and efficient use of the 386SX.
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Hint Category |
Processors | |
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Date Created |
17-04-97 | |
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Last Updated |
29-10-98 | |
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Revision Date |
28-10-99 | |
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Brand |
IBM Aptiva | |
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Product Family |
Aptiva, PS/1 | |
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Machine Type |
2011, 2168, 2121, 2123, 2133, 2155 | |
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Model |
C01; C34; M01; NEA; T35; U35; A62; A82; A94; B82; C42; C92; G42; M82; S92; 081; 087; 131; 137; K37; N31; N81; 11E; 13T; 14C; 16E; 17A; 18A; 18T; 19C; 21C; 23C; 28A; 46M; 51D; D50; G11; G13; G43; G46; G46; G49; G49; G50; G53; M40; M40; M46; M46; P11; P13; P43; P50; P53; R04; R05; R06; R09; R38; R42; R43; R44; R84; R86; R87; RO3; S11; S13; S43; S45; S45; S47; S47; S48; S48; S50; S53; W11; W13; W42; W42; W43; W45; W45; W50; W53; 20E; 22T; 24C; 24M; 28V; 39E; 41T; 43C; 45V; 48E; 50T; 52C; 55V; 72E; 74T; 76C; 78C; 79C; 81A; 82E; 84T; 86C; 87C; CC1; D53; G14; G44; G52; G54; G72; G76; G78; G82; NM1; P14; P44; P57; P71; P74; P76; P78; P84; R14; R15; R16; R17; R18; R51; R52; R57; R58; R62; R63; R67; R71; R89; R93; R96; R97; S14; S44; S50; S54; S70; S75; S76; S78; S80; W14; W44; W48; W54; W67; W76; W77; W78; Z33; 28V; 31E; 33T; 37C; 38C; 51E; 54T; 56C; 57C; 88V; BB1; G57; G87; OR1; OR3; OR4; OR5; P89; R28; R29; R31; R74; R78; R82; R98; S55; S85; SR1; US1; W52; W82 | |
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TypeModel |
2011c01 | |
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