68030 vs. 68040

Attribute	68030	68040
Release Year	1987	1990
Transistors	273,000	1,200,000
Instruction Set	68000	68000
Performance	16.67 MIPS	25 MIPS
Cache Size	256 bytes	4 KB
Address Bus	32-bit	32-bit
Data Bus	32-bit	32-bit

Introduction

When it comes to vintage computing, the Motorola 68030 and 68040 processors are two iconic chips that played a significant role in the development of personal computers in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Both processors were part of the Motorola 68000 series, which was widely used in Apple Macintosh computers, as well as in various other systems. In this article, we will compare the attributes of the 68030 and 68040 processors to understand their differences and similarities.

Performance

The 68030 processor was introduced in 1987 and featured a clock speed ranging from 16 MHz to 50 MHz. It had a 32-bit data bus and a 32-bit address bus, which allowed it to address up to 4 GB of memory. The 68030 also included an on-chip MMU (Memory Management Unit) and an FPU (Floating Point Unit), which improved performance for tasks such as graphics rendering and scientific calculations.

On the other hand, the 68040 processor, released in 1990, offered even better performance compared to the 68030. It had a clock speed ranging from 25 MHz to 40 MHz and featured a 32-bit data bus and a 32-bit address bus like its predecessor. The 68040 also included an improved FPU and a larger on-chip cache, which further enhanced its performance for demanding applications.

Instruction Set

Both the 68030 and 68040 processors were based on the same instruction set architecture, known as the Motorola 68000 instruction set. This meant that software written for one processor could run on the other without modification, making it easier for developers to port applications between systems using these processors.

However, the 68040 processor introduced some new instructions and enhancements to the instruction set, such as support for 64-bit integer arithmetic and improved support for virtual memory management. These additions made the 68040 more versatile and capable of handling a wider range of tasks compared to the 68030.

Power Consumption

One of the key differences between the 68030 and 68040 processors was their power consumption. The 68030 was known for being a power-hungry chip, especially at higher clock speeds. This made it less suitable for portable devices or systems where power efficiency was a concern.

In contrast, the 68040 processor was designed with power efficiency in mind. It featured advanced power management features that allowed it to dynamically adjust its clock speed and voltage based on the workload, reducing power consumption when idle or under light load. This made the 68040 a more attractive option for laptops and other battery-powered devices.

Compatibility

Both the 68030 and 68040 processors were widely used in Apple Macintosh computers, as well as in various other systems from companies like Sun Microsystems and Silicon Graphics. This widespread adoption meant that there was a large library of software available for both processors, ranging from productivity applications to games.

However, the 68040 processor's improved performance and additional features meant that it was better suited for running more demanding software, such as high-resolution graphics applications and multimedia programs. As a result, systems based on the 68040 processor often offered a better user experience compared to those using the 68030.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Motorola 68030 and 68040 processors were both important chips in the history of personal computing, each offering its own set of attributes and capabilities. While the 68030 was a solid performer with its on-chip MMU and FPU, the 68040 took things to the next level with improved performance, power efficiency, and compatibility. Ultimately, the choice between the two processors would depend on the specific requirements of the system and the tasks it needed to perform.