The Sun Ultra 1, code-named “Electron,” was introduced in November 1995 and marked Sun’s transition to 64-bit computing. As the first desktop workstation based on the UltraSPARC processor, it represented a fundamental architectural shift that would define Sun’s product line for years to come. This machine bridges the gap between the classic pizza box era and the modern 64-bit future.
History
The Ultra 1 was a landmark machine in Sun’s history. The UltraSPARC processor introduced the SPARC V9 64-bit architecture, which offered significant advantages over the previous 32-bit implementations. The 64-bit address space was essential for applications dealing with large datasets, and the processor’s VIS (Visual Instruction Set) extensions provided hardware acceleration for multimedia and graphics operations.
The Ultra 1 came in several configurations, including models with SBus slots for backward compatibility and newer models with the UPA (Ultra Port Architecture) bus for high-performance graphics. This particular machine is a Creator model with UPA graphics, offering excellent 3D acceleration through the Creator framebuffer.
Despite being a revolutionary architecture, Sun maintained excellent software compatibility. Applications written for older SPARC systems could run on the Ultra 1 without modification, while new software could take advantage of the 64-bit capabilities when needed.
The Ultra 1 was popular in engineering, scientific research, and particularly in 3D graphics and animation work, where the Creator framebuffer’s hardware acceleration provided significant performance benefits.
Specifications
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Release Date | November 1995 |
| Model | Ultra 1 Creator 170E UPA SBus / Code-named Electron / Serial# 15663040 |
| CPU | UltraSPARC @ 167MHz |
| Architecture | Sun4u / OBP 3.35 |
| RAM | 192Mb |
| OS | Solaris 2.6 |
| Graphics | Creator FB 1280x1024@76 |
| Environment | Common Desktop Environment (CDE) |
| Disk Image | 36 GB SCSI / ZuluSCSI RP2040 |
Useful Documents
Ultra 1 Service Manual (PDF) - The official Sun service manual for the Ultra 1 workstation. Covers hardware installation, component replacement, and troubleshooting procedures for all Ultra 1 models.
Compile Time Comparisons - Benchmarking C++ compile times across vintage and modern hardware, including this machine.
cmacs: Cross-Platform Terminal Editor - A portable editor built on the same C++ library used for the compile time benchmarks.
CDE Keyboard Repeat Rate - Fixing the sluggish default keyboard repeat rate in Solaris CDE.
Resetting IDPROM on Sun Workstations - Procedure for reprogramming the IDPROM after a timekeeper chip replacement.
Locked Out: Clearing the Firmware Password - Bypassing a phantom firmware password caused by corrupt NVRAM in the timekeeper chip.
Last OBP Firmware Versions - Reference table of the final OpenBoot PROM versions available for each Sun workstation.
Sun Boot ROM and Firmware Images - Downloadable OBP and firmware images for Sun workstations and servers.
Sun Hardware Reference Guide - Comprehensive reference for Sun workstation hardware specifications and part numbers.
ZuluSCSI Overview - Overview of ZuluSCSI SCSI emulator boards used across the collection.
ZuluSCSI Disk Images - Setup and configuration of ZuluSCSI disk images for vintage workstations.
Disk Image
A bootable Solaris 2.6 disk image is available for this system, configured for use with ZuluSCSI SCSI emulators.
Download: HD3_Solaris_2.6_U1_PROTO_512.img.gz
SHA1: ed65a79a17656de92cf4609b0be49bdf69e758bc
For setup instructions, see the ZuluSCSI Disk Images overview. For image-specific notes (default accounts, network config, preinstalled compilers and GNU tools), see the Solaris 2.6 Disk Image Notes. Before booting, verify the SHA1 — see Image Security and Checksums.
Gallery
