IBM IntelliStation POWER 185 Overview General Description Released in 2006 after the IntelliStation POWER 285. Uses PowerPC 970 processors (sometimes confused as POWER5, closer to POWER4). Uses DDR1 memory, a step back from the DDR2 and POWER5+ in the 285. Based on the IBM System p5 185 (7037-A50) hardware modified to create the IntelliStation 185. Intended as a lower power, quieter workstation compatible with AIX. Primarily used in government and engineering firms in the U.S. and Japan. Supports hardware virtualization in firmware, distinguishing it from Power Mac G5s using the same CPU. Processor Details Runs the PowerPC 970MP "dual-core" chip in single-core mode (undocumented). To simulate dual-core, two single-core 970MP chips can be installed. Approach reduces thermal requirements and allows smaller cooling solutions. Product History and Design System p5 185 (7037-A50) predates the IntelliStation 185 (7047-185), which has a thicker front bezel. The 7037 chassis design inspired by IBM IntelliStation 9228. The System p5 185 sold poorly and was discontinued in 2007. IntelliStation 185 was sold until 2009. The IntelliStation 185 focused on quiet operation; heavily foam-lined internally to reduce noise. Noise performance is significantly better compared to similar IBM Systems like IntelliStation 285 or RS/6000 7382. Intended Use and Market Designed as a workstation specifically for CAD and industrial design under AIX. Not a server, though derived from server hardware. Supported heavy CAD workloads running Dassault Systemes’ CATIA V5/V6 on AIX (native 64-bit, memory-intensive operations). Classic Unix CAD market declined after 2009 due to Windows dominance and dropped support from software vendors. IBM discontinued POWER-based IntelliStations in 2009. Many units were used by government agencies; significant amounts sold to the U.S. and Polish governments. Operating System Support AIX: Supported: AIX 5.2, 5.3, 6.1, 7.1 (despite some IBM docs saying otherwise). Not Supported: AIX 7.2 and earlier versions (5.1, 4.3.3, 4.2.1, 3.2.5). AIX 7.1 can cause false power supply errors due to expecting redundant PSU not present. POWER Linux: Limited support due to PowerPC 970 architecture. SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 and later dropped support for PPC 970 systems including IntelliStation 185. Some older versions like SLES 9 SP3 and Red Hat Enterprise AS4U3 supported. Lacks support for CAD GPUs, RAS features, sound card — not suited for workstation CAD use. GPU Options Supports 3 main GPUs optimized for AIX: IBM GXT4500P (FC 2842) IBM GXT6500P (FC 2843) Matrox GXT135P (FC 1980) GXT cards only fully supported on AIX, no Linux support. Up to two GXT4500Ps, or one GXT6500P, or up to four GXT135Ps can be installed. GPU support critical for CAD operations on the platform. Firmware and Control Panel Features Unique firmware menu similar to BIOS/UEFI with options like language, boot settings, console selection. Control panel with multiple functions including system mode display, lamp test, reminder modes for faults, BMC info, fan speeds, temperature monitoring, system model info, and partition dumps. Control panel design reused in later IBM POWER systems. PCI Adapter Placement and Performance Notes Four PCI-X slots and one 32-bit PCI slot. Slots 2 & 3 run at 133 MHz with direct North Bridge access. Slots 4 & 5 share bandwidth; slot 5 runs at 133 MHz only if slot 4 is empty. PCI adapters require careful placement for optimal performance based on system design. Only limited number of high bandwidth (HB) and extra-high bandwidth (EHB) adapters allowed. Various IBM adapter feature codes listed with recommended PCI slots and max quantities. Notable Historical/Market Points IBM phased out x86 IntelliStations in 2006, POWER IntelliStations in 2009. The demise of UNIX CAD on POWER due to market