rec.autos.simulators

by **Kevin Le** » Wed, 04 Jun 1997 04:00:00

Hello,

I was just wondering what kinds of improvements 3D cards can give to
games/sims not specifically ported to them... Also, does anyone know
what the differences are between ICR2 that is bundled with Sierra's 3D
card vs. the off-the-shelf version? I just saw the Sierra card at a
CompUSA, and it's almost twice as expensive ($199) as 'similar' ones
offered by Creative and Diamond. Is it really that much better?

Thanks in advance.
Kevin.

by **Eric T. Busc** » Wed, 04 Jun 1997 04:00:00

The Rendition cards, like the Sierra Screamin'3D, are very fast at VESA
resolutions, so for the games that use these modes (Duke3D, ***, etc.)
you may see an improvment over your current card. The bundled version of
ICR2 comes with 5 enhanced tracks that use 16-bit textures. The other
tracks still get the benefits of 3D acceleration such as filtered textures
(no more blocky texturs), alpha-blending (translucent smoke and dirt as
well as a cool haze in the distance), etc. The 3D accelerated version of
ICR2 is one of the best looking games I've seen.

The Diamond cards are by no means similar. They are fine 2D cards, but
because of the lame Virge chip the use they really are 3D Graphic
Decelerators. The Creative Labs 3D Blaster PCI (Creative's Graphics
Blaster sucks) is very similar to the Sierra card, but does not come with
ICR2.

--

by **Sean Doan** » Thu, 05 Jun 1997 04:00:00

> what the differences are between ICR2 that is bundled with Sierra's 3D
> card vs. the off-the-shelf version? I just saw the Sierra card at a
> CompUSA, and it's almost twice as expensive ($199) as 'similar' ones
> offered by Creative and Diamond. Is it really that much better?

> Thanks in advance.
> Kevin.

The ICR2 3D that comes bundled with the Sierra Screamin 3d has about
five original tracks revised with new graphics to make it look really
authentic. More importantly, the very high framerates make this sim an
incredible experience. With all graphic options turned on, the car runs
fast and smooth without ANY delays (200mmx/Screamin3D).
ICR2 3D is without a doubt the best sim out there right now IMHO,
nothing comes close. I assume all other future Papy/sim products will be
optimized for this card too.
Sean

by **Ken Bear** » Sat, 07 Jun 1997 04:00:00

> Hello,

> I was just wondering what kinds of improvements 3D cards can give to
> games/sims not specifically ported to them... Also, does anyone know
> what the differences are between ICR2 that is bundled with Sierra's 3D
> card vs. the off-the-shelf version? I just saw the Sierra card at a
> CompUSA, and it's almost twice as expensive ($199) as 'similar' ones
> offered by Creative and Diamond. Is it really that much better?

> Thanks in advance.
> Kevin.

I'd go with the Sierra. I have a 3D Blaster, and it runs SVGA stuff
better than most, and of course N2 is great. But no ICR2 bundled with
it, so the Sierra is the better deal (but of course wasn't out when I
got N2, so I got the Creative card). Beware that Creative card for $99
or so, it is NOT the 3D Blaster w/ Rendition Verite 1000 chip, it's a
"Graphics Blaster 3D" or some such, and is probably on par with the S3
Virge cards, no real 3D benefit, and definitely not any benefit to
N2/ICR2.

by **Doug Reichl** » Sun, 08 Jun 1997 04:00:00

: > I just saw the Sierra card at a CompUSA, and it's almost twice as
: > expensive ($199) as 'similar' ones

: I'd go with the Sierra.

If you do decide to go with the Sierra card, look around. I've seen it as
low as $169 at Sam's Club. Best Buy is usually pretty good price wise or
Computer City (which sucks in selection - at least by me).

rec.autos.simulators

3D cards and non-optimized sims

3D cards and non-optimized sims

3D cards and non-optimized sims

3D cards and non-optimized sims

3D cards and non-optimized sims

3D cards and non-optimized sims