IBM PowerPC 603e MCM

[aberco]

Just got something that I've never heard about before, a PowerPC 603e MCM. The MCM integrates a PPC603e 100Mhz, L2 cache and tag RAM, a PCI/memory bridge, and a clock source. There's some vague evidence online that there might be a 604e version of this.

Packaged on a thick ceramic substrat in your typical IBM CCGA (column grid array). It's big too!

I might get more, if so I will try to remove the metal cover off one.

Datasheet available here:
http://bitsavers.informatik.uni-stuttgart.de/pdf/ibm/powerpc/_dataBooks/G5220297-00_Odyssey_MCM_Feb97.pdf

Photo upside down otherwise the engraving was not visible

[aberco]

And a detail of what's inside

[Vlasta]

I would take 1

[Marcin]

Nice chip indeed but not big - from picture I would say not bigger than Pentium I CPGA.

[aberco]

not all MCMs are big, it's the same size as a SuperSparc IIi MCM
Same size as a Pentium indeed.

... for a PowerPC it's huge

[henriok]

Wow, nice find. I've never even heard about these before. Did you get any sense of what these was used for? Where did they come from?

[aberco]

No idea of anything using these, also I never heard of them before. New old stock from Shenzhen. Some of them are currently on sale in the "buy" section of the forum (see yk sale4).

[yk]

I want to open it ,but fail

[aberco]

this is why you have an ugly one for sale?

I will try when I will have the proper tools. It is, like all IBM chips, using that grey silicon sealant which does not melt when heated.

[naked1300]

I will also try to open one. I think I will be able to manage it. I already
wrote an article about it on my website.

http://www.cpu-galaxy.at/Article/IBM_Power4.htm

At work I have the possibility to use a X-Ray system to find the right
place on the MCM without cracking a die or damage any resistors.
When I will have done this I will post the results with fotodocumentation, also the X-Ray

[aberco]

Where did you find that Power4?

It's the "1 way" version with integrated 8MB cache... I've seen similar one in desktop RS6000 workstation, where they are soldered directly on the motherboard. But they did not have the metal heatspreader on top.

I'm tempted about the screw technique but it leaves a mark on the ceramic too...

Can't wait to see the MCM opened!

PS: I posted a comment a long time ago on your site saying it was a Power5 because it's dual die... obviously it's not!

[aberco]

I know it's not good to open presents before christmas...

[naked1300]

wow wow wow, sooooo nice...
and very nice way to remove the heatspreder. *lol*
I wonder how you managed not to destroy anything underneath.

congrats, very well done.

[aberco]

I tried your screw method but failed... the screw broke in half

You need to evaluate how much clearance there is between the dies and the border of the aluminum casing. You can saw the heatspreader right at this place, because it is thinner and not in contact with the die or the ceramic substrate. The you can lift it and remove the rest with pliers.

[lhf_james]

Awesome disassembling. Never thought this chip could be so beautiful inside. Thanks for sharing and merry Christmas!