VAX Versus a Raspberry Pi Zero W
I've been using a Raspberry Pi Zero W, named squip, as a utility and "jump" server, connecting to it via ssh from various locations. For $10, it gets the job done.
It got me wondering: how does this compare to the old VAX? I found an old manual I had, Introduction ot VAX/VMS, from Miami University Academic Computer Service. It indicated that the system was a VAX 6000-410. I started to pull specifications where I could. Most of what's listed below represents the manufacturer's spec sheet of what it could support, not necessarily what was installed when I was using it in 1991-1992. The details for squip should be fairly accurate.
There are architectual differences that make this a less than apples-to-apples comparision. In addition, I never found any solid benchmark results in common for both systems (or at least a good one for the VAX that I could also run myself). Also, remmeber that squip is baically just me; typically, there were ten to thirty users on miavxi at a given time.
| Manufacturer | Digital Equipment Corporation | Raspberry Pi Foundation |
| Model | 6000-410 | Zero W |
| Year Introduced | 1989 | 2017 |
| Operating System | VMS | Raspbian GNU/Linux 8.0 (jessie) |
| Processor(s) | Per Specification: Up to 6 KA64a processors, 35.71 MHz each |
Broadcom BCM2835, Single-Core, 1Ghz (1000 Mhz) |
| Memory | Per Specification: Up to 256 MB |
512 MB |
| Storage | Per Specification: Onboard: up to eight (8) RA90 Disk Drives, 1.2 GB formatted capacity each Can also access external storage. |
Per Specification: Up to 32 GB Micro SD Card As Configured: 32 GB Micro SD Card Can also access external storage. |
| Diminsions | 154cmx78cmx78cm (HxWxD) 341 kg |
0.5cmx8.5cmx5.7cm 0.031 kg |
| Power Supply | 1400 watts | 5 watts |
| Cost (estimate) | $129,000 (1991) Based on the "old" cost to upgrade from a 410 to a 510 $233,500 in 2017 dollars |
$10 Base unit $5.52 in 1992 dollars |
| Photo | A VAX 6000 series: |
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