SGI Octane: What can a $30,000 computer from the 90's do ?
RetroBytes・16 minutes read
SGI was a leading computer company known for powerful systems like the Octane 2 and their role in the 3D animation industry, with machines used in popular films. However, their decline was due to factors such as the rise of PCs with 3D cards, the increasing power of CPUs, and challenges with Intel's Itanium, leading to bankruptcy in 2008.
Insights
- SGI, a leading computer company in the 1990s, gained prominence for its powerful systems like the Octane 2, utilized in game and film development, establishing itself as a key player in the graphics workstation industry.
- Despite its initial success, SGI's decline was triggered by factors such as the emergence of PCs with 3D cards, increasing CPU power, and the popularity of Linux, compounded by a failed transition to Intel's Itanium, eroding trust in their MIPS-based systems and ultimately leading to bankruptcy in 2008.
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Recent questions
What type of systems did SGI produce?
Super powerful systems like Octane 2.
What was SGI's reputation in the computer industry?
Known as a graphics workstation company.
What was the significance of SGI's adoption of the MIPS CPU?
Enhanced machines' capabilities.
How did SGI contribute to the film industry?
Widely used in 3D animation, films like Toy Story.
What factors led to SGI's decline?
Rise of PCs with 3D cards, popularity of Linux.
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Summary
00:00
SGI: Innovating Graphics Workstations in 1990s
- SGI, a prominent computer company in the 1990s, produced super powerful systems like the Octane 2, used for developing games and films.
- SGI initially manufactured raster terminals, later transitioning to standalone computers running System V UNIX, leading to a reputation as a graphics workstation company.
- SGI adopted a new RISC CPU from MIPS, enhancing their machines' capabilities, with the Iris 4D being the first to utilize the MIPS CPU.
- SGI excelled in various sectors like mathematical modeling, scientific visualization, airport security, and film production, becoming a preferred choice for animators.
- SGI machines were widely used in the 3D animation industry, contributing to films like Toy Story, A Bug's Life, and Antz.
- SGI's Flame by Discrete Logic was utilized for editing films, even in critically panned movies like Super Mario Brothers.
- SGI introduced derpy elements with its machines, like juggling balls with the Indy and a music CD with the Octane.
- SGI's range included desktop workstations, massive desk-side machines, rack-mount servers, and low-cost versions like the Indy and O2.
- SGI's graphics capabilities attracted Nintendo's attention for creating a more powerful graphics chipset for the N64, leading to the use of SGI Onyx machines for development.
- The Octane 2, a powerful workstation, was used for editing, featuring a modular construction, powerful graphics card, and a range of add-on cards like a fiber channel card and Ethernet card for connectivity.
12:11
SGI's Decline and Bankruptcy Due to Itanium
- Footage from a tape is transferred to the SDI machine using the SDI input on the SGIS video I/O board, taking the same amount of time as the footage's duration.
- The cost of an Octane system with a Flame license, storage array, etc., was $399,198, equivalent to $677,931 today or £495,000. Without additional components, the Octane system cost $30,000, which is now just above $50,000 or £37,000.
- SGI's decline was influenced by the rise of PCs with 3D cards, the increasing power of CPUs, and the popularity of Linux, which allowed for cost-effective clusters of machines.
- SGI faced challenges due to embracing Intel's Itanium, which failed to deliver promised performance gains, leading to a loss of confidence in their MIPS-based systems and eventual bankruptcy in 2008.
