The IBM PowerPC - IBM's Microprocessor Revolution

About this Artwork

This artwork is a mixed media display celebrating the IBM PowerPC. In 1991, a consortium of IBM, Motorola, and Apple developed the PowerPC Reference Architecture as an open RISC microprocessor specification. Taking IBM's existing POWER Architecture used in its RS/6000 computers, the team developed an incredibly flexible processor that could handle a wide range of applications from low-end embedded processing to high-end performance computing. The PowerPC was used in the Apple Power Mac to replace the aging 68000 architecture. It was used in IBM's own PS/2 microcomputers as well. Over 1700 companies licensed the architecture for varied uses in hand-helds, network equipment, controllers, and high-end computers. In 2001, Nintendo introduced the GameCube based on a custom PowerPC, code-named Gekko. The PowerPC went on to become the heart of all major game consoles in the 1990s.

This artwork includes 3 major items. It has a large image of an IBM PowerPC chip. On the back are the artist’s signature and a narrative describing the artwork and the PowerPC. The artwork includes an IBM PowerPC 601 chip. 

Framing: 

The artwork is framed in an 11"x14" black shadow box frame, with glass. All framing materials are acid-free. A narrative about the artwork that includes the artist’s signature is placed on the back of the artwork.

Please note:  The look of the artifacts in the artworks may vary, each piece is unique.