NE-512
User Benchmarks
| Model | Type | Score | Seq. Read MB | Seq. Write MB | Read 4k64QD | Write 4k64QD | Read Access msek. | Write Access msek. |
| NE-512 | 512 | 3743 | 1471 | 1328 | 517.58 | 393.78 | 0.07 | 0.02 |
| NE-512 | 512 | 3530 | 1458 | 1374 | 301.62 | 259.56 | 0.07 | 0.06 |
The measurement of the NE-512 was carried out on Windows. Similar read and write speeds could certainly be achieved with the NE-512 under Linux and MacOS. Of course, the correct hard drive driver should be installed and the correct interface for the NE-512 should be used.
The NE-512 is an Ethernet controller chip developed by NEC. This chip was particularly popular in the 1990s for implementing Ethernet network interfaces in computers and network devices. Here is a detailed overview of the NE-512, including technical details, features and application areas:
Technical details:
1. Chipset:
- Manufacturer: NEC
- Modell: NE-512
2. Interface:
- Network interface: Ethernet 10BASE-T (10 Mbps)
- Physical layer: According to the 10BASE-T specification, which defines transmission over twisted pair cables.
3. Compatibility:
- The NE-512 is compatible with the IEEE 802.3 for Ethernet and IEEE 802.3u for Fast Ethernet standards.
4. Bus interface:
- Type: ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) or VLB (VESA Local Bus), depending on the specific version and application. The ISA bus interface was widely used in personal computers in the 1990s.
5. Chip size:
- The NE-512 is designed as a single-chip solution that can be integrated into various standard computer hardware.
6. Additional components:
- PHY (Physical Layer): Contains the transceiver circuit for the physical connection.
- MAC (Media Access Control): Responsible for media access control at the Ethernet layer.
Features:
1. Ethernet communication:
- The NE-512 enables communication over an Ethernet network at a speed of 10 Mbps (10BASE-T), which was sufficient for most network applications in the 1990s.
2. Auto-Negotiation:
- Support for automatic negotiation of connection parameters to ensure the best possible connection speed and quality.
3. Interrupt-controlled transmission:
- Use interrupts to efficiently process network data to minimize CPU load and optimize performance.
4. Error correction and buffering:
- Includes error correction mechanisms and buffering to ensure reliable data transmission and reception.
5. Boot ROM Support:
- Ability to integrate a boot ROM to support booting from network resources (PXE boot functionality).
Areas of application:
1. Desktop-Computer:
- The NE-512 was commonly used in desktop computers to provide Ethernet networking capabilities, especially in the days before the widespread use of integrated network cards.
2. Network adapter cards:
- Many network adapter cards built into PCs used the NE-512 chip as a central component for Ethernet communication.
3. Printers and other peripherals:
- In the 1990s, some network printers and other network peripherals may also have used the NE-512 chip to provide network connections.
4. Embeddable systems:
- The NE-512 could also have been used in embedded systems where Ethernet connectivity was required.
5. Industrial and office applications:
- Ideal for industrial and office applications where a reliable Ethernet connection was needed to communicate with networks and servers.
Conclusion:
NEC's NE-512 is a historically significant Ethernet controller chip that played a key role in the development of networking capabilities for computers in the 1990s. With its support for 10BASE-T Ethernet and its integration into various network cards and devices, the NE-512 helped introduce Ethernet technology into mainstream computer use. Despite advances in networking technology and the development of faster and more efficient controllers, the NE-512 remains a significant piece of computer technology history.
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NE-512 and the compatible operating systems
Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019, 2016, ... or 2008 and higher
Windows 12, 11, 10 or Windows 7 and higher
Linux (various distributions)
macOS (from version 10.6)
Please note that the exact functions and areas of application may vary depending on the firmware version and configuration of NE-512.
The NE-512 is a reliable disk in case of problems, failures, file loss and other errors, check the drivers of the NE-512 regardless of whether it is under Windows 12, 11, 10, etc. or Linux and Apples macOS.