The RS/6000 43P Model 240 is the first RS/6000 workstation/workgroup server to offer expandability to symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) in a desktop package at an affordable price. Symmetric multiprocessing provides the scalability that helps you execute your applications with better response times in order to solve complex problems much faster. It is designed to support microprocessor card upgradability through replacing the base PowerPC* 604e microprocessor with a 233MHz one or through expansion to a second 166MHz or 233MHz processor. The Model 240 offers advanced 3D graphics adapters, up to 1GB Error Checking and Correcting (ECC) memory, 64-bit and 32-bit PCI slots, choice of high performance disk drives, an 8X CD-ROM drive, and tape drives.

The Model 240 is positioned as the SMP technical workstation and workgroup server for the RS/6000. It introduces the new PCI and SMP architecture into this product space. It is the logical replacement product for the early mid-range workstation products such as the 3XX line except for the highest member of that family (3BT and 3CT), which offer POWER2 for superior floating-point performance. The Model 240 is also an alternative to the 42T which has Micro Channel* architecture.

The Model 240 is also positioned as IBM's first technical workstation specifically designed to exploit SMP in the workstation marketplace. As this architecture will gradually develop in the workstation arena, the Model 240's SMP nature will not be emphasized at the total exclusion of the other architectures. It will coexist with POWER2-and Micro Channel-based PowerPC products.