All models of 3081 and 3083 had the same size, components and footprint; the CPU itself (3081 or 3083), the service processor that also contained the channels (3082), and the water pump/coolant unit (3087).

The TCM contains 33 metalized layers which distribute signals and power.

A water-cooled cold plate is attached to the cap; the water temperature is approximately 24 °C.

This arrangement provides cooling of the module heat flux on the order of 105 watts per square meter, which is about a tenfold increase over the 3033 processor.

[12] The IBM 3083 was described by an IBMer as "never intended to be built,"[10] adding that the 308X was to only be the 3081 and 3084, and that the 3083 was aimed at "the ACP/TPF market" which wanted a "fast...

"[10] Of the various 3083 models listed by IBM in their announcement, the CX has the slowest instruction execution rate.

IBM's information sheet says: Collectively, the fastest is 2.667 times the performance of the slowest.

The other mode was called SI-mode (Single Image), then all four processors were running as one system.