From: Jerry Isdale Subject: Re: PROD: 3D Graphics Accelerator Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 19:26:37 -0700 Message-ID: There are a couple major chip sets out there at present, but the real race currently (IMHO) boils down to probably three: 1) 3D Labs 2) 3Dfx 3) Mitsubishi (Evans & Sutherland) And there are some discrimintators for your applications too: 1) running CAD programs 2) running games 3) running 3d-in-window vs pass-through(full screen) I prefer the 3dfx chip set at present. The folks at Quantum 3d make some of the best (professional) 3d graphics boards for fast rendering using them. Upwards of 90Mpixel fill rate, tri-linear mip map, etc. with the SLI cards. For pure real time rendering, these cards in a fast pentium can easily beat similar priced SGI boxes. The current consumer level 3dfx boards (from Orchid, Diamond, etc) all use a 'pass through' system. You still need your regular video card, and hook a pass through cable through the 3d card. It uses a slot in your system and takes over the entire screen (vs using only a window). Soon there will be the next generation cards from 3dfx that can do 3d in a window, one card solution, etc. I think the 3dfx cards give more graphics bang-for-buck, but the pass thru, no-video in window, etc. greatly reduces their utility for many applications. The next gen cards will be much nicer. If you want the 3d-in-window, etc. then a card based on the 3dlabs chips is probably the better choice for now. I'm not sure who is using the mitsubishi chip. the specs look nice, but not quite as impressive as the new 3dfx or 3dlabs chips. It has some features they don't. Jerry Isdale Illusion Inc. 2660 Townsgate Rd., Suite 530, Westlake Village, CA 91361-2714 Phone: (805 449-4255 or (805) 371-4530 FAX: (805) 371-4533 Internet: isdale@illusioninc.com