3d Hardware Accelerator Card

AGP accelerator cards: the best of both worlds - 2D, 3D unite at last in new crop of AGP graphics accelerator cards

Steve Halinda

As we know all too well, the computer industry never sleeps. Advancements are continuously being made in virtually every area of computer technology, but no area seems to change as quickly as video accelerators. In this issue, our Benchmark Feature will examine the latest generation of video cards. As we'll see, there have been a number of significant technological changes since we looked at video accelerators less than a year ago.

So What's Changed?

The first and foremost thing that's different between the last video card benchmark and this one is the type of products tested. The last time around. 3D accelerators were still primarily add-on cards for 2D accelerators. Today, every video card you buy will offer both 2D and 3D functionality. Gone are the days of pass-through cables running from your 2D card to your 3D card that would cause annoying signal losses. Gone too is the need to spend $500 on two video cards to get the best 2D and 3D acceleration.

The other major technology change involves onboard memory. While it was admirable if your card had 12MB only six months ago, today that amount of memory wouldn't even get you a second glance. The latest video cards have at least 16MB. And you'll no longer have to worry about buying two individual 3D cards (in addition to your 2D card) and hooking them up together to get the best performance. Remember SLI mode?

Speaking of SLI mode, the creator of that dreaded technology, 3Dfx, is shaking up the industry by making video cards bearing its own name. Last year, Creative Labs and Diamond Multimedia, among many others, were selling 3Dfx-based Voodoo2 products by the truckload. But late last year 3Dfx acquired STB Systems and as a result has cut its ties with other vendors to market its own brand of Voodoo cards instead. In the meantime, both Creative and Diamond, as well as every other company that sold 3Dfx-based cards, are now partnering with other leading chip manufacturers such as S3 or NVIDIA.

As things stand today, sales of video cards based on NVIDIA's TNT2 and TNT2 Ultra processors are going through the roof. Regardless of whose name is on the cards. savvy consumers know that they're powered by NVIDIA's proven graphics acceleration technology, so they're snapping them up.

One reason why NVIDIA is enjoying record sales of their graphics processors is due to technical edges they have over the competition. For starters, products based on the new TNT2 Ultra chip have core speeds reaching 200 MHz, while their onboard memory zips along even faster. In addition, the TNT2 is able to render in 32-bit colour, something the new Voodoo3 series cannot do.

Speaking of Speed

All the cards in this review have considerably faster RAMDACs than their predecessors, reaching speeds of 300 MHz. The RAMDAC speed determines the maximum resolutions available to the card, as well as the maximum refresh rates. The higher the bandwidth of the RAMDAC, the more pixels the card can produce per second.

Although all the cards tested in the roundup were designed for the AGP bus, some manufacturers offer the same card in either an AGP or PCI format. Most of the cards tested here support the new AGP 4x standard, which allows for a theoretical doubling of the AGP bandwidth over AGP 2x.

32-bit Rendering

Until now, rendering was always done in 16-bit colour, due in part to factors such as lack of memory, processing power and support from software developers. Only now are we seeing games that support 32-bit rendering for more realistic images.

When an image is rendered in 16-bit colour, each pixel is made up of 16-bits of information, for a maximum of 65,536 colors. True colour, or 32-bit rendering, assigns 24 bits of memory to each pixel, allowing for 16.7 million colors.

Your Office 2000 application will run on a bare-bones system. After all, you don't need blistering computing power to type up reports - you only need blistering typing speeds. The two areas where computing hardware must always be on the leading edge are the gaming and 3D modeling communities. In the past, only professional 32-bit video cards that cost thousands of dollars could process large numbers of triangles per second.

Thanks to companies like Nvidia, consumers can now get incredibly powerful video cards for home or business use for just a few hundred dollars. And with support for the latest DirectX and OpenGL APIs, you're guaranteed that both games and applications will all work on one card. Each of the cards reviewed support both of these API libraries. All upcoming games and applications either already support, or will support, OpenGL.

How We Tested

We asked manufacturers to send us their latest generation of 3D accelerators. As it turns out, every card we received had both 2D and 3D functionality.

All tests were conducted using a Pentium II 450 MHz system, 256MB of 100 MHz SDRAM and a 9.1GB Seagate Medalist Pro hard drive. Each card was tested using a refresh rate of 75 Hz, and all video caching options were disabled in the system's BIOS. Also, VSync options were turned off for each card whenever possible.

The latest drivers were obtained from each manufacturer's Web site at the time of testing, which consisted of two phases.

The first phase looked at Direct3D performance using 3DMark 99 Pro from Futuremark Corp, a video benchmark suite designed to test performance under real-world conditions. DirectX 6.1 was used to test each of the cards in the roundup in two resolutions (800 by 600 and 1,024 by 768) using both 16-bit and 32-bit colour depths. The benchmark performs a number of tests in order to measure a video card's abilities. The final score is based on the overall results of these tests. The number represents an index value and is not to be confused with measurements such as frames or pixels per second. The higher the number, the better the performance.

The second phase of our tests consisted of frame rate benchmarks using the latest Quake III test (version 1.06) in order to measure OpenGL performance. It should be noted that this release is a test and not the final product, which may yield slightly different results. However, version 1.06 seemed quite stable and adequate for our testing purposes. Each card was tested at resolutions of 800-by-600 and 1,024-by-768 using both 16-bit and 32-bit colour depths. Texture quality was set to maximum in the options menu, and the map "q3testdemo1" was used.

When 16-bit colour depths were tested, the texture quality was also set to 16-bit. Likewise, 32-bit textures were used when testing in 32-bit colour. The results of the Quake III tests are given in frames per second, and higher numbers indicate better performance. Although Quake III is a game and may not be of interest to those buying video cards for business use, it is still an excellent performance indicator. It uses cutting-edge graphics, including advanced lighting features and large textures, via the OpenGL library.

To get the most accurate results, each test was done three times, with the average score being shown on the chart. It's worth mentioning that a resolution of 800 by 600 pixels was the entry-level resolution for these tests, since 17-inch monitors are becoming standard issue for nearly all PCs sold and a resolution of 800 by 600 is the optimal viewing resolution for even a 15-inch monitor.

[TABULAR DATA OMITTED]

ELSA Synergy II

The Synergy II is another new product from ELSA based on the TNT2 chipset. The difference, however, is that the Synergy II is aimed at CAD and graphic design professionals.

ELSA has several high-end products for graphic professionals, ranging from the low-cost Synergy II to the Gloria XXL, costing over $2,000. In nearly every way, the Synergy II behaves just like its Erazor III counterpart, except that software bundle included with this card clearly shows that it was designed for business use. Included are POWERdraft, ELSAview 3D, MAXtreme and SIM-Dream. There is nothing in the way of games or game demos - everything's strictly business with this card. Drivers are provided for Windows 95/98 and NT, supporting both Direct3D and OpenGL.

Unlike the Erazor III, the Synergy II is available in two configurations - with 16MB of SGRAM or a 32MB SDRAM version. Technically speaking, there is little difference between the Synergy II and Erazor III, except for some minor things. For instance, the Synergy II has a slightly different horizontal sync range and vertical refresh rates. Backed by a six-year warranty and priced very attractively, this card is bound to please anyone desiring high performance at low price.

Guillemot Maxi Gamer Phoenix 2

Tying Diamond for price/performance was the Maxi Gamer Phoenix 2. At less than $120 (after rebate) it still delivers good performance. Equipped with only 8MB, its performance will be limited at higher resolutions, but at this price, it's a fair tradeoff. The Phoenix 2 is only available in AGP format, but for those who can use it, this card is a very attractive upgrade option.

The successor to the original Maxi Gamer Phoenix, Guillemot's Phoenix 2 is based on the new RIVA Vanta chip from NVIDIA and is aimed at mainstream users or those looking to upgrade an older PC without breaking the bank. Designed using TNT2 technology, the Vanta chip is a low-cost 2D/3D solution for both work and play. The Phoenix 2 comes equipped with 8MB of 125 MHz SDRAM and supports the Direct3D and OpenGL API's under both Windows 95/98 and NT.

The performance of this card is spectacular, considering its low cost. Our tests show that at 800 by 600, Direct3D performance is virtually on par with its more expensive counterparts. In higher resolutions the performance is somewhat limited, but still very usable. The same is true for OpenGL performance. Don't expect much in the way of 32-bit gaming, however, because the Phoenix 2 was not designed for it. Typical business applications will handle very well thanks to the advanced 2D capabilities or the Vanta chip.

At the $120 mark, the Phoenix 2 also comes with a US$20 rebate if purchased by Nov. 30, 1999.

[TABULAR DATA OMITTED]

RELATED ARTICLE: ATI Rage Fury

Another new product from ATI to make use of the new Rage 128GL processor is the Rage Fury. The Rage Fury is designed with the gaming fan in mind - someone that spends a fair amount of time playing the latest generation of games for the PC and who wants a 3D accelerator that can deliver with no questions asked.

The Rage Fury, with its 32MB of SDRAM, ensures there is adequate texture memory to render even the most demanding images. Since it is based on the Rage 128GL processor, hardware-based DVD playback is also a great feature of this card. You can redirect either your main display or even your favourite DVD movie to your big-screen TV using either composite or S-Video connectors.

The Rage Fury is only available for the AGP bus and with 32MB of SDRAM. To further emphasize the fact that ATI designed this card for garners, the software bundle consists of Expendable (lite version), Half-Life Day One and Moro Racer II.

The Rage 128GL chip will do wonders not only for 3D, but also for everyday 2D applications, whether business or otherwise. Resolutions up to 1,920-by-1,440 are available, with vertical refresh rates ranging from 60 Hz to 200 Hz. We'd like to think that the Rage Fury would offer even better performance than the All-in-Wonder 128, since they're powered by the same processor, but we were unable to obtain benchmark results from this card. The first problems were encountered with 3DMark 99, which claimed that it couldn't load because a DirectX 6.0 compatible card was not found, even though both the All-in-Wonder 126 and Rage Fury ship with DirectX 6.0, and the All-in-Wonder 128 was tested successfully with DirectX 6.1. Problems were also encountered with our Quake III tests, but we won't blame the card because Quake III is not a final product at this time. A number of people on the news-groups have also reported having difficulties getting the Rage Fury to work with Quake III. Both the standard drivers and the OpenGL optimized drivers were tested with the same results.

As is the case with the All-in-Wonder 128, the Rage Fury comes with a five-year warranty.

RELATED ARTICLE: Diamond Multimedia Stealth III S540

Tying with Guillemot for low-cost/good performance was the Stealth III S540. It comes in PCI or AGP formats and ships with 32MB of SDRAM for resolutions up to 1,920 by 1,440, while selling for under $200. It achieves good performance at high resolutions while rendering in 32-bit colour. It's ideal as an upgrade or a new component.

The Stealth III S540 from Diamond is based on the latest graphics technology from S3. The S3 chipset has typically been in lower-cost models where the main concern was keeping costs at a minimum. With the creation of the Savage4 Pro+ chip, S3 has now positioned itself to go head-to-head with its major competitors.

And the Savage4 Pro+ chip can compete with the best of them, even in 32-bit colour. At 800 by 600 dpi, it's hard to distinguish the performance of this chip from its more expensive counterparts. At 1,024 by 768, performance is still great in 16-bit colour, but it is considerably lower in 32-bit. However, given the lower cost of the boards that will make use of this chipset, it's definitely an acceptable tradeoff.

Although we only had one card in this roundup with the TNT VANTA processor, the numbers show that in 16-bit colour, the two are pretty well on par, but in 32-bit colour, the Savage4 Pro+ has the upper hand. We were not able to produce any results with out Quake III tests, and it should be made clear that as in ATI's case, this is not Diamond's fault.

For just under $200, the 32MB Diamond Stealth Sill 540 offers an excellent price/performance ratio and is a great choice for both home and business PCs.

RELATED ARTICLE: Diamond Multimedia Viper V770 Ultra

When it comes to maximum performance, cards based on the new TNT2 Ultra processor are a top choice. One such card, the Diamond Viper V770 Ultra, offers excellent performance for both business and gaming applications.

The TNT2 Ultra processor was designed with garners in mind - the kind of people that don't mind spending a few hundred dollars to achieve top performance. The software bundle, along with Diamond's InControl Tools tell pretty much the whole story about this card. It comes with Superbike World Championship, Wild Metal Country, Fremont SE, Zoran SoftDVD, and CrystalGraphics 3D Sensations. Zoran's SoftDVD lets you play your favourite DVD movie titles thanks to the Viper V770 Ultra's hardware assisted DVD playback.

With 3D Turbo Gauge (part of the InControl utilities), you can overclock the board to 175 MHz engine speed and 200 MHz memory clock speed (compared to the standard settings of 150 and 183 MHz, respectively.)

The V770 Ultra achieved outstanding performance in both Direct3D and OpenGL, thanks to its 32MB of high-speed SDRAM. And to make sure the card is always kept cool, the Viper V770 Ultra comes with a heatsink/fan combination mounted right onto the TNT2 processor.

The only thing missing on this board that would otherwise make it near-perfect is a TV-out port. This one gripe aside, if you're looking for a top-quality product from a name you can trust, the Viper V770 Ultra is the card to get.

ELSA Erazor III

If your line of work involves any type of high-end 3D computer modeling, chances are you've heard the name ELSA. Perhaps your graphics workstation may even have one of their high-end OpenGL cards in it, because for years ELSA has developed a reputation for producing some spectacular cards designed for CAD/CAM or similar applications.

Its latest creations is equally spectacular. It is designed not only for rendering applications, but also for general multimedia and games. Powered by the new RIVA TNT2 processor from NVIDIA and equipped with 32MB of SDRAM, the Erazor III is a capable card no matter how you look at it. Resolutions are available up to 1,920 by 1,440 in 32-bit colour, in both 2D and 3D. Also bundled is the ELSA 3D Revelator - a pair of stereoscopic LCD glasses, which can transform your otherwise dull 3D graphics into fascinating true three-dimensional stereo images that are literally in your face.

The Erazor III comes with a 3D game sampler with playable demos of some 20 games. As for performance, the Erazor III with its 32MB of SDRAM, achieved great scores in both the Direct3D and OpenGL tests. Drivers are available for both Windows 95/98 and Windows NT. The Erazor III is backed by a six-year warranty.

Guillemot M.G. Xentor 32

Using the most powerful 2D/3D processor made to date, the Xentor 32 combines top performance with price, features and quality. With its default core speed of 175 MHz, TV-out port, software and rebate, the Xentor 32 takes first place in our performance category

Based on the NVIDIA TNT2 Ultra chip, the Maxi Gamer Xentor 32 delivers top performance in both Direct3D and OpenGL. The increased performance is especially noticeable in 32-bit colour depths at resolutions of 800 by 600 pixels and higher.

The Xentor 32 is available in one configuration, and was especially designed for hardcore gamers, according to Guillemot. Resolutions up to 2,048 by 1,536 are available, with refresh rates up to an amazing 240 Hz in both 640-by-480 and 800-by-600 modes. The Xentor 32 offers hardware-assisted DVD playback for full-screen, 30 frames per second playback. A composite out connector lets the user redirect applications to a TV.

To keep this high-performance card from overheating, a heatsink/fan unit is mounted on the card's processor. It should be noted that the Xentor 32 ships with a core frequency of 175 MHz, and a memory clock frequency of 183 MHz. To keep a level playing field between the Xentor 32 and the Diamond Viper V770 Ultra, the Xentor 32's settings were changed to match that of its competitor using the same TNT2 Ultra processor (150 MHz core and 183 MHz memory). It's worth mentioning that Guillemot also provides a simple over-clocking utility to set the core and memory speeds up to 185 and 220 MHz, respectively.

The Xentor 32 comes with a large software bundle and a US$30 (approx. $42) mail-in rebate on the Xentor 32 if purchased by Nov. 30, 1999.

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