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Autodesk Software Forum · Autodesk 3D Studio

#Acad and 3dS Hardware…

9 messages in this thread

#79975From: Kathy AskijianJan 30, 1994 11:04 PM

Hi all, Can anyone recommend a good video card, and bus for running 3dStudio and Acad??? Thanks

#80011From: John TissavaryJan 31, 1994 3:29 AM

When you say video, do you mean computer or VTR type video? John Tissavary (La Luna cie)

#80177From: Kathy AskijianJan 31, 1994 9:44 PM

I mean a brand or type of video card, onboard memory, resolution, etc..

#80235From: John TissavaryFeb 1, 1994 1:36 AM

I guess it depends what you really need. I've got a Matrox MGA Impression with Zbuffer and 4meg memory. It's super for Windows (the best there is right now), and also excellent (IMHO) in ACAD if you're doing 3D there, because you can render using 3d dynaview and do rotations and walkthroughs in real time with on board hardware. Its biggest drawback is a criminally slow VGA chipset (VESA modes are slow because of this), and no drivers for r3 yet. Vibrant will have an update very soon (couple of weeks, I think). The MGA II's are less expensive, faster in VGA, but don't have 3D hardware as far as I know. I also use a Hercules Graphite 2meg, and it's great in 3D Studio but not even close in AutoCad or Windows (especially), though. I think when the Vibrant drivers are ready for the MGA or MGA II, they'll be my top recommendation. John Tissavary (La Luna cie)

#80475From: Kathy AskijianFeb 1, 1994 9:10 PM

Thanks, how much did you pay for all of that?

#80527From: John TissavaryFeb 2, 1994 1:41 AM

The MGA II's start at around $500 list price, and the MGA Impression 3/z/v cost me around $1300 after tax. John Tissavary (La Luna cie)

#80536From: Conrad StolzeFeb 2, 1994 2:14 AM

John, >> The MGA II's are less expensive, faster in VGA, but don't have 3D hardware as far as I know. << There's always a catch isn't there! <G> Yes you are correct, the MGA 2's WILL NOT support z-buffering (the 3D hardware). They are being marketed solely on the VL and PCI busses as a high end Windows, AutoCAD, etc accelerator. Believe it or not, the design of the 2's (and the fact that they are not encumbered with the potential addition of the z-buffering hardware) makes them FASTER that the MGA's even though they use the same circuitry! Chuck

#80570From: John TissavaryFeb 2, 1994 2:48 AM

I believe it. I also heard Matrox is trying to redeem their unholy deed with the MGA vga, and put a faster vga chipset in. Is this true? thanks, John (love my MGA!!) Tissavary (La Luna cie)

#80800From: Conrad StolzeFeb 2, 1994 8:11 PM

John, Yes, I have heard this rumor also (and would gladly encourage it!), but "nothing on letterhead" yet! Chuck