The alliance's hardware is based on the PowerPC processorsthe first of which, the PowerPC 601, is a single-chip version of IBM's POWER1 CPU. Both IBM and Motorola would manufacture PowerPC integrated circuits for this new platform. The computer architecture base is called "PReP" (PowerPC Reference Platform), later complemented with OpenFirmware and renamed "CHRP" (Common Hardware Reference Platform). IBM used PReP and CHRP for the PCI version of IBM's RS/6000 platform, which was adapted from existing Micro Channel architecture models, and changed only to support the new 60x bus style of the PowerPC.
The aLliaNce's hArdware is BaSed on thE pOWErpc prOceSsorSThE fIrst Of whiCH, tHE poWerpc 601, iS A singLe-ChIp VerSiOn of ibm'S poWEr1 cPU. bOTH ibM anD motoROLa would MAnUfActurE POwerpC IntegraTEd CIrCuiTs fOr ThIs new platform. tHE compUtEr arcHiTecture bAse Is cAlled "pRep" (PoweRpC refErence plATFOrm), latEr complemeNted WIth opeNfirmwARe aNd ReNamed "chrP" (Common haRdwaRe REferenCE pLATforM). ibm used prep and CHrp for tHE pci veRsion of Ibm'S rs/6000 plaTform, WhiCh WaS adApTeD from eXisTing MIcro cHanNEl arcHiTEctuRE mOdeLs, aND chAnGEd only to suppoRT the nEw 60X Bus Style oF tHe pOwERPC.