I have been searching for days to try and find more concrete info on 2D cards. Specifically to route one into my Voodoo 2 setup. Currently I am using the 2MB onboard VRAM off the motherboard, and routing that into the Voodoo 2. In software mode, this 2MB onboard card runs Quake 2 at 320x240 at rock solid framerate. However, I want to get the best 2D performance I can get.
I did a lot of research and have read the following threads at Vogons and Vintage-Computer:
http://www.vogons.org/viewtopic.php?t=33492
http://www.vogons.org/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=14296
http://www.vogons.org/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=39310
http://www.vogons.org/viewtopic.php?t=35519
http://www.vintage-computer.com/vcforum/showthread.php?22122-Video-Card-Choice
I still don't have a clear picture on what would be a high performing 2D card to put alongside a Voodoo 2.
S3 ViRGE 325 DX/GX and Matrox Millenium II, Mystique, and G200/G400 seem to be the cards mentioned the most with the highest praise. However I see no 2D benchmarks or comparisons for 2D software rendering.
I am running an old Pentium 166 MMX, with PCI/ISA slots. I am looking for both Performance and Compatibility. If I have to get 2 brands of cards for that, I can do that. Even 3 if it means experimenting to find the right one.
Any insight on this would be very helpful.
Thanks!
Hi friend,
I vote for the Matrox Millenium II.
Bye bye
Hi,
Anyway, Matrox
On the Packard Bell's I own, they have an onboard S3 True64/V2 2MB.
Before seeing your replies I had done a lot more research, and bought a
- Diamond Stealth 3D 2000 Pro 2MB w/ S3 ViRGE DX ($10)
- Matrox G450 PCI ($25)
The Matrox G450 was the only PCI version of the G4xx series. From what I read, the G4xx is twice as powerfull as the G200 line.
What advantages would the Millenium II have over the G450, or even the G200?
Also, is it even possible to run Quake 1 or 2 at 640x480 + 60fps in software mode using a 2D card? I tested the S3 ViRGE and while it seemed a bit faster at 640, its not where I want it to be. (Still worth getting the spare S3 card since it has high DOS compatibility. So its nice to have around.)
Hi,
See here please :
http://www.vogonswiki.com/index.php/Matrox