rec.autos.simulators

3D Accelerator Help

Monki2

3D Accelerator Help

by Monki2 » Sat, 06 Dec 1997 04:00:00

I've been considering getting a 3d Graphics Accelerator, but there's one
problem, I know absolutley nothing about them!  I have a few questions and
if anyone could answer them, it would be greatly appreciated.

1.  Is it just a card you add to your PC or do you have to replace your
whole video card?  I've already got a Matrox Millenium II card with 4MB of
VRAM, and it's a damned good card, but it apparently doesn't have any 3D
features.

2.  My card says it has accelerated graphics features, is this the same as
3D?

3.  Are all types of cards compatible?  If not, what's the best kind?

4.  How much does one cost?

5.  Are they difficult to install?

Thanks.

Monki24
Monki24's Jeff Gordon Pit Stop
http://www.racesimcentral.net/

Dan

3D Accelerator Help

by Dan » Sun, 07 Dec 1997 04:00:00



Yes, the MMII has no 3d features.  You can get a card like the Matrox
M3D that has a combination of 2D and 3D capabilities which is cheaper
than the MMII and actually better for games.  Or you can get a 3dfx
dedicated card like the Diamond Monster or the Orchid Righteous.  A
large number of new action games has been written specifically for the
3dfx chip which provides substantially better performance (graphics
and speed wise) than a 2d/3d all in one card.  That card is added on
and connected to your existing 2d or 2d/3d card.  

Your Matrox Millenium in NOT a 3D card.  Although I understand it is
good for stuff like AutoCad.  AutoCad is a 3D application isn't it?
Right.  But it won't do Jack for Tomb Raider, CART, etc. No, the MMII
doesn't accomodate the dozen or so features typical in a good 3dfx
card.

Get yourself an Orchid Righteous or Diamond Monster if you're in a
hurry.  Either one can be added on to your existing card.  The new
generation of 3dfx cards (Voodoo II) should be out in a couple of
months.

The existing cards cost $180 to $200--that is the Orchid or Diamond.

Nope.

Dan P.
_______________

Remove 99 in my address to reply

GTIrace

3D Accelerator Help

by GTIrace » Sun, 07 Dec 1997 04:00:00

Plain and simple.  Buy a Voodoo based card.  It is an add-on card, maeaning
you will not have to give up your Millenium.  Anyways, Voodoo based 3D cards
are the fastest cards out there for the money.  If I were you, I would wait
until the Voodoo2 cards come out early next year.  The Voodoo2 is touted as
being at least twice as fast as the Voodoo.  This card is compatible with
everything game based except for Rendition based games, but many of those
games are being ported for use with the Voodoo based cards.  You can pick up a
Voodoo card for around $150 and the prices so far for the Voodoo2 are around
$250.  These cards are the easiest to install because they are an add-on.
They use a pass through cable from your Millenium.


> I've been considering getting a 3d Graphics Accelerator, but there's one
> problem, I know absolutley nothing about them!  I have a few questions and
> if anyone could answer them, it would be greatly appreciated.

> 1.  Is it just a card you add to your PC or do you have to replace your
> whole video card?  I've already got a Matrox Millenium II card with 4MB of
> VRAM, and it's a damned good card, but it apparently doesn't have any 3D
> features.

> 2.  My card says it has accelerated graphics features, is this the same as
> 3D?

> 3.  Are all types of cards compatible?  If not, what's the best kind?

> 4.  How much does one cost?

> 5.  Are they difficult to install?

> Thanks.

> Monki24
> Monki24's Jeff Gordon Pit Stop
> http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/2281

--
GTIracer
Byron Forbe

3D Accelerator Help

by Byron Forbe » Tue, 09 Dec 1997 04:00:00


> >3.  Are all types of cards compatible?  If not, what's the best kind?

> Get yourself an Orchid Righteous or Diamond Monster if you're in a
> hurry.  Either one can be added on to your existing card.  The new
> generation of 3dfx cards (Voodoo II) should be out in a couple of
> months.

    I'd say if your gunna get a 3D card now then go for the Canopus Pure
3D. It's the best/fastest around at the moment and has TV out :)
Brian Bus

3D Accelerator Help

by Brian Bus » Tue, 09 Dec 1997 04:00:00


says...



>>I've been considering getting a 3d Graphics Accelerator, but there's one
>>problem, I know absolutley nothing about them!  I have a few questions and
>>if anyone could answer them, it would be greatly appreciated.

>>1.  Is it just a card you add to your PC or do you have to replace your
>>whole video card?  I've already got a Matrox Millenium II card with 4MB of
>>VRAM, and it's a damned good card, but it apparently doesn't have any 3D
>>features.

>Yes, the MMII has no 3d features.  You can get a card like the Matrox
>M3D that has a combination of 2D and 3D capabilities which is cheaper
>than the MMII and actually better for games.  Or you can get a 3dfx
>dedicated card like the Diamond Monster or the Orchid Righteous.  A
>large number of new action games has been written specifically for the
>3dfx chip which provides substantially better performance (graphics
>and speed wise) than a 2d/3d all in one card.  That card is added on
>and connected to your existing 2d or 2d/3d card.  

I think you're confusing the Matrox Mystique and the M3D card.  The M3D card
from Matrox is a PoverVR 3D accelerator that is an add on to your 2D card. If
you want good acceleration you should buy either this or a 3dfx card.  The
PowerVR seems to be technically better, but the 3dfx has better support (ie
more games that run on it).

Brian

Nathan Wo

3D Accelerator Help

by Nathan Wo » Thu, 11 Dec 1997 04:00:00





>>I've been considering getting a 3d Graphics Accelerator, but there's one
>>problem, I know absolutley nothing about them!  I have a few questions and
>>if anyone could answer them, it would be greatly appreciated.

>>1.  Is it just a card you add to your PC or do you have to replace your
>>whole video card?  I've already got a Matrox Millenium II card with 4MB of
>>VRAM, and it's a damned good card, but it apparently doesn't have any 3D
>>features.

>Yes, the MMII has no 3d features.  You can get a card like the Matrox
>M3D that has a combination of 2D and 3D capabilities which is cheaper
>than the MMII and actually better for games.  Or you can get a 3dfx
>dedicated card like the Diamond Monster or the Orchid Righteous.  A
>large number of new action games has been written specifically for the
>3dfx chip which provides substantially better performance (graphics
>and speed wise) than a 2d/3d all in one card.  That card is added on
>and connected to your existing 2d or 2d/3d card.  

The matrox M3D does NOT do 2D. It's purely a 3D accelerator. And not
that great a one at that. It performs as well as a 3Dfx, but only when
running on a P2-300. The M3D is an add-on card to your existing 2D
card.
Do yourself a favour and buy a Diamond Monster 3D (about $170)
or if you can stretch the budget, a Canopus Pure 3D
Easy to install, easy to run, plug it in, connect th cable, away you
go

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