rec.autos.simulators

Dopey question, perhaps, but what exactly is 3dfx and how do I get one?

3DFX is a graphics accelerator. Games have to be desinged for use with this
product. ICR2 will not work with 3DFX. They are sold in computer hardwear
stores and run between $79.00 and up wards of $300.00.

Actually it is a 3D graphics adapter *CHIP SET*.

check www.3dfx.com for details.

--

Header address intentionally scrambled to ward off the spamming hordes.

cisko [AT] ix [DOT] netcom [DOT] com

    It is the "main" chip on a 3D video card.  Many different manufacturers
use this chipset on their video cards; the best known being Creative Labs,
Diamond (Monster 3D), Canopus (Pure3D), et al.  It's kinda like the CPU in
your computer: it may be an Intel, AMD or Cyrix, but it's still a Brand-X
computer.  Just as the CPU determines the speed (in MHz) or the capabilities
(MMX, 3DNow!) of the computer, the video chipset determines the speed
(frames/sec [FPS]) or the capabilities (Glide, D3D, Rendition).  The 3Dfx
("Voodoo") chipset is a 3D ONLY accelerator.  With the SOLE exception
(currently) of the Voodoo Banshee, this card REQUIRES an existing 2D card.
So your "video card" will take up 2 slots. Games that support 3Dfx will
automatically redirect all their output to the 3Dfx card, while all other
programs will continue to use your current video card.
    There are basically 4 types of 3Dfx chipsets out right now (and Voodoo 3
should be available in 2 months):
    Voodoo 1 - Cards typically have 4MB of memory: 2MB is used for Textures
EXCEPT for the Canopus Pure3D which has 6MB of memory (4MB for textures).
Voodoo 1 is comparatively "old" and cards are around for $40 - 80 used.
    Voodoo Rush - STAY AWAY from this chipset.  It is the LEAST compatible
of the bunch.  Most games require a special patch to work (IF it's
available). $30 used TOPS.
    Voodoo 2 - The highest end currently. 8MB and 12MB versions.  This card
even allows you to put **TWO** of these cards in at the SAME time.  Each
card takes care of half of the display (basically), allowing higher
resolutions and faster video. Each card MUST be of the same capacity.  Now
your video card can take **3** slots!  Around $80-150 used.  There is even
one with 24MB of RAM that is basically 2 12MB cards on ONE card!  It's about
$399, tho.
    Voodoo Banshee - Mostly a Voodoo 2 core with a standard 2D video card
all rolled into ONE slot!  Really cost-effective alternative for an
all-around card.  NEW they go for $90-200.

    With the exception of the Rush, ANY of these cards will LITERALLY change
EVERY game you have that supports them!  They'll also do wonders to revive
your "old" system!

"Gunner"
#78 Navy Dodge truck

They are a video card maker and video chipset maker.

try http://www.3dfx.com for info.

try http://www.ebworld.com to buy one.  Pre-order a VooDoo 3 card.  If you
have PCI, you can only get the 2000. If you have AGP, you can get any of the
cards.  Trust me, you will want one of these cards if you are even looking
at this newsgroup.

I fixed my framerate problem...Got rid of my Matrox G200 and bought a 3D
Blaster Banshee 16MB AGP card....There's no looking back now...Im off
and running up to speed....Bill

PII 300mhz
64 MB
3D Blaster Banshee 16MB AGP
6.4 Gig HD

  3dfx is a chipset that provides 3d displays on video cards.
To get it you need to purchase and install a separate video card..
You have 2 options,
  buy one of the 3d only cards, this plugs into your motherboard  and you
leave your old card in place.  A cable connects the two.
  Or buy one of the newer 3dfx cards that have both 2d and 3d options.
The original 3dfx chipset was called Voodoo.  Often the two terms 3dfx and
Voodoo are used interchangably.
  The 2nd gen 3dfx chipset is called Voodoo2
and the chipset that provides 2d and 3d is called the Banshee.  If you are a
gamer,
of almost any kind, you really need some sort of 3d card.  Avoid the really
old 3d cards and
also avoid any card with less than 4 megs of memory.  But to be safe, for
future programs, you should probably choose a card that has 8 megs or more
of memory onboard.

pretty cool huh?......that game is a GAS!!!!