CompuServe Messages

Lee, As an example. On my system mapping ROM to 32 bit RAM results in an almost threefold increase in the speed it takes to set and reset pixels in a test of SetPixel() function. Ray tracers will benefit from both the ROM mapping and a FPU, if it uses floating point math. A FPU can result in at least a tenfold increase in the speed of floating point math operations if the software uses the FPU. I would certainly recommend an accelerator with a 68881 or 68882 FPU unit. The benefit of ROM mapping will only be had if you have 32 bit RAM and the MMU. If you are going to buy a new card, buy the fastest you can comfortably afford. And be sure the card can accomodate 32 bit RAM, even if you don't get any to start. A good starter card is the GVP 22 Mhz Combo. It comes with some 32 bit RAM (1 or 2 meg) and has a 68882 FPU. RAM can be expanded up to 16 meg, I think. Street price is around $750.00 (for the 2000s only). If you have a 500, then you will need something like the MegaMidget.