Day 21: Retrocomputing Advent Calendar – SGI 02 #retrocomputing #firstcomputer #electronics

Day 21: Retrocomputing Advent Calendar – Silicon Graphics O2

The SGI O2, introduced in 1996 by Silicon Graphics (SGI), was a cutting-edge and futuristic workstation for multimedia and 3D graphics apps. It featured a modular design and the advanced Unified Memory Architecture (UMA), which allowed the CPU, GPU, and other subsystems to share memory. It was powered by MIPS RISC processors; the O2 first used the R5000 series and later supported the more powerful R10000 and R12000 series processors. Its specialized ICE (Image Compression Engine) chip provided real-time video compression and processing, making it popular in video editing and graphics-heavy industries.

The system utilized IRIX, SGI’s UNIX-based operating system, optimized for graphics and multimedia . Graphics were driven by the custom CRM graphics engine, supporting advanced features like texture mapping, anti-aliasing, and video overlay. The O2 also supported a wide range of peripherals, including SCSI-based storage, and had integrated audio, video, and imaging tools, appealing to creative professionals. Even though this monster was outstanding, the O2 was eventually overshadowed by competing platforms. Still, it remains a favorite in retrocomputing circles due to its unique architecture and contributions to multimedia computing… along with the SGI logo (the first one) and the case’s unique design.

Silicon Graphics logo, used until 1999, our post and archive.

Have first computer memories? Post’em up in the comments, or post yours on socialz’ and tag them #firstcomputer #retrocomputing – See you back here tomorrow!

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