3D Acceleration Comparison Ep12: Wipeout on the ATI 3D Rage @vetzRetro

RetroCompaqGuy Wipeout developed and published by Psygnosis in 1995 for the Playstation and MS-DOS (later released on the Sega Saturn as well). The ATI Rage version was part of an exclusive bundle with the ATI Xpression and Xpression+ cards released in April and October of 1996. Music in the video is from the CD audio track.

Please note that English is not my native language and this was a test episode with the narration.

The ATI Rage version is a Windows port of the game while the normal retail version is MS-DOS native. The MS-DOS version got its share of criticism as it was considered an inferior version compared to the Playstation and having no SVGA resolution option. The ATI version offers higher resolution, 16bit color and texture filtering, but it didn't run very well on the first version of the ATI Rage chip, especially with texture filtering enabled.

The other ATI Rage exclusive game is Assault Rigs, seen in a previous episode: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZna8WXC4ds

Captured with Avermedia GameBroadcaster HD on:
Intel Pentium 3 1050mhz w/ Slot 1 adapter (10.5x100mhz)
1024MB SDRAM CL2
Asus P3B-F v1.03 mainboard (Intel 440BX chipset)
Techworks Aureal Vortex2 SuperQuad
Windows 98SE

And:
Intel Pentium 133mhz
32MB SDRAM
EPOX-EPMVP3E mainboard
Audio Excel 3D CMI8330 soundcard
Windows 98SE

With these cards:
ATI 3D Rage Pro 8MB AGP
ATI 3D Rage II 6MB PCI (SGRAM model)
ATI 3D Rage 2MB PCI

updated 13 years ago

3D Acceleration Comparison Ep12: Wipeout on the ATI 3D Rage

RetroCompaqGuy 2012-11-28 | Wipeout developed and published by Psygnosis in 1995 for the Playstation and MS-DOS (later released on the Sega Saturn as well). The ATI Rage version was part of an exclusive bundle with the ATI Xpression and Xpression+ cards released in April and October of 1996. Music in the video is from the CD audio track.

Please note that English is not my native language and this was a test episode with the narration.

The ATI Rage version is a Windows port of the game while the normal retail version is MS-DOS native. The MS-DOS version got its share of criticism as it was considered an inferior version compared to the Playstation and having no SVGA resolution option. The ATI version offers higher resolution, 16bit color and texture filtering, but it didn't run very well on the first version of the ATI Rage chip, especially with texture filtering enabled.

The other ATI Rage exclusive game is Assault Rigs, seen in a previous episode: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZna8WXC4ds

Captured with Avermedia GameBroadcaster HD on:
Intel Pentium 3 1050mhz w/ Slot 1 adapter (10.5x100mhz)
1024MB SDRAM CL2
Asus P3B-F v1.03 mainboard (Intel 440BX chipset)
Techworks Aureal Vortex2 SuperQuad
Windows 98SE

And:
Intel Pentium 133mhz
32MB SDRAM
EPOX-EPMVP3E mainboard
Audio Excel 3D CMI8330 soundcard
Windows 98SE

With these cards:
ATI 3D Rage Pro 8MB AGP
ATI 3D Rage II 6MB PCI (SGRAM model)
ATI 3D Rage 2MB PCI

Screamer on S3 Virge GX2 (S3D API)

RetroCompaqGuy 2017-05-22 | Previously unlisted video, now made public.

Screamer on the S3 Virge was an OEM release for the Number Nine 332FX card. It looks crap in my opinion and it runs horribly on anything else than the GX2. However it is the only way to enjoy Screamer with 3D acceleration and filtered textures.

VGA capture. PII 266mhz. S3 Virge GX2 AGP.
Racing gameplay starts at 1:50
http://www.vogons.org/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=33483

Flight Unlimited PowerVR on Matrox M3D (PCX2)

RetroCompaqGuy 2017-05-22 | Previously unlisted video, now made public.

Flight Unlimited for PowerVR was an OEM release by Compaq for their Presario line of computers with a Midas 3 (early PowerVR card). The game is locked to 640x480, but runs quite nice on the PCX2 with filtered textures.

Paradise Tasmania 3D - FX Fighter & Tank Commander (bundled games)

RetroCompaqGuy 2017-05-22 | Previously unlisted video, now made public. Paradise Tasmania 3D was a 3D accelerator released in late 1995 and it flopped spectacularly. Only two games were ever supported. It used the Renderware API with custom game support needed to run. This is a very rare card, only two are known to exist.

Captured on a Pentium 100
http://www.vogons.org/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=33483

Creative 3D Blaster VLB: Fatal Racing/Whiplash - Epiphan DVI2PCIe Capture Test

RetroCompaqGuy 2017-05-22 | Previously unlisted video, now made public. Captured on my new DVI2PCIe capture card. The 3D Blaster VLB and this game did previously not sync on the Avermedia card, so here it is, in full VGA capture at 60fps 720p.

System:
Asus VL/I-486SV2GX4 rev. 2.0 with 1024kb cache
Creative 3D Blaster VLB
Pentium Overdrive 83@100mhz
1x32MB of FPM 60ns

Sonic X-treme running on real Nvidia NV1 hardware (build 037)

RetroCompaqGuy 2015-05-07 | Check out this post for download:
http://forums.sonicretro.org/index.php?showtopic=34038&st=0

Music from Sonic CD.

21st Century Digital Boy Scene DEMO by Spanish Lords. With 3D Blaster PCI support!

RetroCompaqGuy 2015-05-07 | 1997 scene demo from Spanish Lords. Included 3D graphics running with the CGL API on the 3D Blaster PCI. Skip ahead to 3:05 if you want to see the 3D segment.

Demo is available here: http://www.pouet.net/prod.php?which=20512

Captured on:
Pentium 200
64MB EDO RAM
ASUS VX97 (Intel 430VX)
Creative AWE 64 Gold
Creative 3D Blaster PCI CT6260 (Rendition Verite V1000L-P)

Cybernet: Intel740 AGP (1998)

RetroCompaqGuy 2014-04-20 | Segment featuring the Intel 740 AGP card.

This clip was given to me from loui5dm, but his channel have disappeared from Youtube, so I made it public again.

Cybernet: Creative 3D Blaster Voodoo2 & Righteous 3D II reviews (1998)

RetroCompaqGuy 2014-04-20 | Segment from 1998 featuring the two Voodoo2 cards from Creative and Orchid.

This clip was given to me from loui5dm, but his channel have disappeared from Youtube, so I made it public again.

Cybernet: Apocalypse 3D (PowerVR) & Righteous 3D (3DFX) reviews (1997)

RetroCompaqGuy 2014-04-20 | Segment from early 1997 showing the PowerVR and 3DFX graphic cards.

Games shown:
- Ultimate Race (PowerVR)
- Mechwarrior 2 (Both versions I believe)
- Tomb Raider (3DFX)
- Quake (3DFX)
- Resident Evil (PowerVR)
- Revolte (PowerVR)

This clip was given to me from loui5dm, but his channel have disappeared from Youtube, so I made it public again.

Cybernet: Videologic PowerVR Preview (1996)

RetroCompaqGuy 2014-04-20 | Segment from Cybernet featuring the PowerVR card. Mostly PowerVR tech demos are demonstrated (found on driver CD's)

PowerVR games shown are:
- Revolte
- Rave Racer (cancelled, see my video youtube.com/watch?v=aBuGwrWP-s4 )

This clip was given to me from loui5dm, but his channel have disappeared from Youtube, so I made it public again.

Creative 3D Blaster VLB on a 486 - All supported games montage

RetroCompaqGuy 2013-03-23 | The Creative 3D Blaster VLB released November 1995 as one of the earliest 3D accelerators and the only consumer 3D accelerator available with the local bus interface most common in 486 systems. It was markedet as an upgrade alternative to a new Pentium system for 486 users. Recommended specs for the 3D Blaster VLB is the DX4 running at 100mhz, but the games in this video are running on a faster system:
AMD Am5x86-P75 133mhz @ 160mhz (roughly equal to a Pentium 75 in a Socket 7 board with Intel chipset)
Asus VL/I-486SV2GX4 motherboard
32 MB FPM RAM
Creative 3D Blaster VLB
Tseng Labs ET4000AX 1MB ISA videocard
Creative Soundblaster AWE32 CT2760

Expect this to almost be as good as it gets with the 3D Blaster VLB, unless you have a Socket 5 board with VLB. Thanks to keropi for helping with me with a new BIOS for the motherboard.

The following games are shown:
- Hi-Octane
- Battle Race (not shown correctly, missing 1.01 patch)
- Magic Carpet Plus
- Battle Arena Toshinden
- Rebel Moon
- Flight Unlimited
- NASCAR Racing
- Fatal Racing / Whiplash
- Euro 96
- Actua Soccer (not running in accelerated mode!)

Video is not VGA capture, as the 3D Blaster VLB did not want to sync with my VGA capture card. Footage is captured directly from my Dell IPS LED monitor. Sorry, but it was the best I could do. EDIT: I've later been able to acquire a better capture card: youtube.com/watch?v=HunGvGcpbJ4

Music from Hi-Octane. Captured with Roland SC-55mkII. Download available here:
dl.dropbox.com/u/57506833/files/Hi-Octane%20Shanghai%20Track%20-%20Roland%20SC55mkII.mp3

3D Acceleration Comparison Ep15: Descent on Nvidia NV1 / 3DFX / DOS Software

RetroCompaqGuy 2013-03-03 | Descent released by Parallax Software for MS-DOS in 1994. The NV1 version was bundled with the Diamond Edge 3D cards and was called Descent: Destination Saturn, which was an OEM version with the first 15 levels. The version was included in the bundle from the release in November 95 to about February 96 when it was replaced with Panzer Dragoon.

Just incase someone finds a disc and think they've found something special; Descent: Destination Saturn OEM version was also available for DOS and without NV1 acceleration bundled with other products/computers.

Diamond Edge 3D advertisement from November 1995 with Descent included:
dl.dropbox.com/u/57506833/vogons/Edge3D/Edge3D2_CGW_Dec95.PNG

Captured music from NV1 MIDI output:
Level 1: dl.dropbox.com/u/57506833/files/Level-1.ogg
Level 2: dl.dropbox.com/u/57506833/files/Level-2.ogg
Level 3: dl.dropbox.com/u/57506833/files/Level-3.ogg

Captured with Avermedia GameBroadcaster HD on:
Intel Pentium II 266mhz
Asus P3B-F v1.03 (Intel 440BX chipset)
1024MB SDRAM CL2
Techworks Aureal Vortex2 SuperQuad
Windows 98SE

and:

Intel Pentium 100
32 MB EDORAM
Asus VX97 motherboard
Audio Excel 3D CMI8330 soundcard
Windows 95

With these cards:
Diamond Edge 3D NV1 3240 2MB PCI (Nvlib) (w/ 2.3 drivers)
3DFX Voodoo 3 3000 AGP (Glide)
Matrox Millennium 4MB PCI (DOS software)

Retro hardware: Mitsumi CRMC-LU005S 1x CD-ROM drive in a 486

RetroCompaqGuy 2013-02-23 | This special 1x drive from Mitsumi had proprietary interface and a special way of loading the disc. It originally came with it's own ISA card, but it can be connected with old Soundcards if they have a Mitsumi CD-ROM connector (Soundblaster AWE32 CT2760 have this). Drivers can be found on the Soundblaster install discs or in this thread:
http://www.vintage-computer.com/vcforum/showthread.php?17453-Mitsumi-CD-ROM-(wonky!)-Help-Needed

Specifications:
Data transfer: 150kb/sec
Access time: 340ms
Cache size: 64kb

My drive is manufactured in Feb. 1993, but drivers are from 1992. It was one of the first CD-ROM drives on the marked.

Norwegian advertisement from June 1993:
http://img.gfx.no/1121/1121341/HP0013.563x785!.jpg

Does not read CD-R media so it is not very useful today. Still a nice curiosity.

Hi-Octane on Creative 3D Blaster PCI

RetroCompaqGuy 2013-01-20 | Running on P133mhz, 32mb RAM. Creative Graphics Library

Midi music playing from Roland SC-55mkII

3D Acceleration Comparison Ep14: Rave Racer on PowerVR **SPECIAL**

RetroCompaqGuy 2013-01-13 | The PowerVR port of Rave Racer from Namco was going to be one of the must have reasons to buy the PowerVR card. It never came out.

Sorry for bad quality on some clips, they are from VHS sources. Thanks to loui5dm for some of the previously unseen clips of the demo in this video!

Next Generation article page 1: http://i.imgur.com/BRQwM.jpg
Next Generation article page 2: http://i.imgur.com/xkI1W.jpg

Cybernet PowerVR preview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=us8cE...

NEC Promo PowerVR video: youtube.com/watch?v=onZi_-Xzqyk

Game footage captured with Avermedia GameBroadcaster HD on:
Intel Pentium 133mhz
32MB SDRAM
Matrox Mystique 220 4MB
Videologic PowerVR PCX1
EPOX-EPMVP3E mainboard
Audio Excel 3D CMI8330 soundcard
Windows 98SE

3D Acceleration Comparison Ep13: Battle Arena Toshinden on 3DFX / 3D Blaster / Mystique / NV1

RetroCompaqGuy 2012-12-18 | Battle Arena Toshinden PC version. Developed by Takara and released for MS-DOS in 1996 by Playmate Interactive Entertainment. One of the very first (if not the first) PC retail release to include support for 3D accelerators namely the Creative 3D Blaster (VLB version, PCI support as patch later) and the Nvidia NV1, also known as the Diamond Edge 3D. I don't own the VLB version, and it is not tested in the benchmark. All settings are set to their maximum.

Personally I like the 3DFX version best, as you get the smoothest framerate and the best graphics, just make sure to adjust the brightness a tad :) I am still amazed how well the NV1 did in this game on the slower Pentiums, coming second to the 3DFX.

Includes footage from Playstation and Sega Saturn ports (both emulated as I don't own the real hardware).

The demonstrations used in this game are completely random, meaning you have to be lucky and spend alot of time to get get some useful comparisons out of them. This resulted in me having to do all the fighting while capturing, so sorry if I suck.

Captured with Avermedia GameBroadcaster HD on:
Intel Pentium 133mhz
32MB SDRAM
EPOX-EPMVP3E mainboard
Audio Excel 3D CMI8330 soundcard
Windows 98SE

With these cards:
Creative 3D Blaster PCI (CGL)
Orchid Righteous 3DFX Voodoo 1 PCI (Glide)
NV1 2200 2MB PCI (Nvlib)
Matrox Mystique 4MB PCI (MSI and software)

3D Acceleration Comparison Ep11: Mechwarrior 2 - 3DFX / PowerVR / S3 Virge / ATI Rage / Matrox Mys

RetroCompaqGuy 2012-11-11 | Mechwarrior 2: 31st Century Combat. Comparison of the 3D enhanced OEM versions bundled with early 3D acceleration cards in 1996. This video only focuses on the 3D accelerated OEM versions, not the retail DOS/Windows, Battlepack & Titanium releases. Please check my bonus video (coming soon!) for a comparison of those versions.

The PowerVR version is arguably the best of the bunch as it has the best graphics and best overall framerate. The 3DFX version does have the benefit of a higher resolution (800x600) option, but lacks textures on the mechs, as well as shorter draw distance, no fog and don't have the same stable framerate. Due to what I think is a bug in the game, moving the torso with the mouse in the 3DFX version can cause framerate drops from a steady 35-37 to below 20. If you turn you mech just by moving the legs the framerate stays as normal. This have been tested on two different computers with various Voodoo cards. My bonus video (coming soon!) with Voodoo 1 and 2 framerate benchmarks shows this issue more in depth.

-How to run the 3DFX version on Windows 7 64bit (and other Windows versions)

1. If you don't have the 3DFX version please skip this whole section and see below
2. Download nGlide and install it. http://bit.ly/ZmbtbR
3. Install MechVM http://www.mechvm.org
4. Set Windows 95 compatibility on mechvm.exe
5. Install Mechwarrior 2 through MechVM
6. Copy dplay.dll from your Mechwarrior 2 disc /directx folder to the Mech2 installation folder.
7. Set Windows 95 compatibility on mech2.exe
8. Run the game with mech2.exe and enjoy!

-How to convert Windows retail version to 3DFX and run on Windows 7 64bit:

1. Download nGlide and install it. http://bit.ly/ZmbtbR
2. Copy all the files from your Mech2 CD to a folder on your harddrive. Call it Mech2Setup.
3. Download http://toastytech.com/files/Is3Engine.zip and extract into Mech2Setup.
4. Set Windows 95 compatibility on setup32.exe, run it and install the game.
5. Copy dplay.dll from Mech2Setup/DirectX to the game installation folder.
6. Download the 3DFX conversion files (those on Vogons don't work for converting!) So please use these: http://www.mediafire.com/?l6wp13inn80e3a8 .Extract the files into the game installation folder.
7. Set Windows 95 compatibility on mech2.exe
8. Run the game with mech2.exe and enjoy!
9. If you want the music to play, you need to have the disc in the tray.

-If you have the hardware for the other 3D accelerated versions, conversion files are available here: http://bit.ly/Q50UJZ

-How to run the game on a Voodoo 2:

1. FastVoodoo drivers does NOT work. Install these from 3DFX (3.03): http://bit.ly/RM62kJ
2. Copy Glide.dll and ss1init.dll from the driver to the game installation directory.
3. Make a .bat file using notepad with the following: http://bit.ly/SXxAo1
4. Enjoy!

Captured with Avermedia GameBroadcaster HD on:
Asus P3B-F v1.03 (Intel 440BX chipset)
Intel P3 1050mhz w/ Slot 1 adapter (10.5x100mhz)
1024MB SDRAM CL2
Techworks Aureal Vortex2 SuperQuad
Windows 98SE

With these cards:
Orchid Righteous Voodoo1 4MB PCI (Glide - 640x480)
Diamond Monster II Voodoo2 8MB (Glide - 800x600)
PowerVR PCX2 4MB PCI (PowerSGL)
S3 Virge GX2 4MB AGP (S3D)
ATI 3D Rage II 4MB PCI (ATICIF)
Matrox Mystique 220 4MB PCI (MSI)

3D Acceleration Comparison Ep10: Assault Rigs - ATI Rage / Software

RetroCompaqGuy 2012-10-17 | Assault Rigs developed and published by Psygnosis in 1996. It is a tank game where the point is to get through a lvl picking up gems and power ups while shooting enemies. The ATI Rage version was an exclusive OEM bundle with the ATI Xpression card released in 1996. Music in the video is from the CD audio track.

The ATI Rage version is a Windows port of the game while the normal retail version is MS-DOS native. The DOS version got its share of criticism as it was considered an inferior version compared to the Playstation. It promised 640x480 resolution in 16bit color, but only delivered 320x200 in the end. The ATI version is superior with higher resolution, mipmapping and texture filtering, but according to reviews from 1996 it didn't run very well on the first version of the ATI Rage chip, especially not in 640x480. Maybe at a later point when I get my 1996 setup up and running I can show some footage of this game to simulate a 1996 experience on the original ATI Xpression card.

Captured with Avermedia GameBroadcaster HD on:
Asus P3B-F v1.03 (Intel 440BX chipset)
Intel P3 1050mhz w/ Slot 1 adapter (10.5x100mhz)
1024MB SDRAM CL2
Techworks Aureal Vortex2 SuperQuad
Windows 98SE

With this card:
ATI 3D Rage Pro 4MB PCI (ATICIF & Software)

Whiplash / Fatal Racing - Rendition Verite Extra Footage

RetroCompaqGuy 2012-09-20 | In my comparison video ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdhPe5max4E ) I had problems recording the Rendition Verite version correctly. Here are some new footage with the recording problems solved and in much higher quality.

Captured with the Avermedia Broadcaster HD. Tricks on capturing old games on the card:
http://vogons.zetafleet.com/viewtopic.php?t=33392

Captured on hardware:
Asus P3B-F (Intel 440BX chipset)
Intel P3 1ghz w/ Slot 1 adapter
1024MB SDRAM CL2
Techworks Vortex SuperQuad

With this card:
Diamond Stealth S220 Rendition V2100@V2200 4MB

Avermedia GameBroadcaster HD: Capture unsupported resolutions: Larry 1 & Alley Cat EGA & CGA

RetroCompaqGuy 2012-09-20 | NO SOUND AS I HAVE NO WAY TO CAPTURE THE PC SPEAKER.

This video is a sample on capturing below 640x480 resolutions on the Gamebroadcaster HD which is officially not supported. Captured on an old Intel P3 1000mhz PC. This video shows unaltered VLC footage and what happens when you stretch it to match the 4:3 aspect ratio which is what you see on a regular 4:3 monitor.

Higher quality video is available in my thread on Vogons (see below for link)

To learn more go to my thread on Vogons:

http://vogons.zetafleet.com/viewtopic.php?t=33392

Avermedia GameBroadcaster HD: Capture unsupported resolutions: Tomb Raider 320x240

RetroCompaqGuy 2012-09-20 | This video is a sample on capturing below 640x480 resolutions on the Gamebroadcaster HD which is officially not supported. Captured on an old Intel P3 1000mhz PC. The image has been stretched in Sony Vegas Pro to full 4:3 viewsize as it appears on your monitor when playing Tomb Raider at this resolution. To see the unaltered version see this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sHCV_lACc0

Youtube is not very kind to the high pixelation that this game and resolution brings with it, so the quality is not very good. Higher quality video is available in my thread on Vogons (see below for link)

To learn more go to my thread on Vogons:

http://vogons.zetafleet.com/viewtopic.php?t=33392

Side by Side - Half Life vs Black Mesa Source Intro Comparison

RetroCompaqGuy 2012-09-14 | A side by side comparison of the famous intro in Half-Life and in the new mod Black Mesa.

Half Life recorded through VGA capture with the Avermedia Gamebroadcaster HD on vintage hardware:
Intel Pentium3 1000mhz
1024MB RAM
Voodoo3 16MB AGP

Black Mesa recorded with Fraps on:
Intel Q6600
4GB RAM
ATI Radeon 4800 512MB

Black Mesa is running at 1280x720 resolution with everything set to maximum except the FSAA and Anisotropic filtering which is set at 2x and 4x respectively. I had to run in 1280x720 due to Fraps taking a performance hit.

3D Acceleration Comparison Ep9: Destruction Derby - S3 Virge/Software

RetroCompaqGuy 2012-09-09 | Destruction Derby developed by Reflections in 1995. The S3 Virge version was an exclusive OEM bundle with the Diamond Stealth 3D 2000 card released in 1996 and was never released in any other way as Diamond had an exclusive deal with Psygnosis, the publisher. Music in the video is from the CD audio track.

The S3 Virge version is a Windows port of the game while the normal retail version is MS-DOS native. Beside boosting resolution and have some simple texture filtering on the cars you also have more damageable impact points (10 vs 6 in MS-DOS) in the S3 version.

If you own a copy of the S3 version of the game I have released a patch that makes the game playable on any S3 Virge card:
http://vogons.zetafleet.com/viewtopic.php?t=32974#275461

Captured on hardware:
Asus P3B-F v1.03 (Intel 440BX chipset)
Intel P3 1050mhz w/ Slot 1 adapter (10.5x100mhz)
1024MB SDRAM CL2
Techworks Aureal Vortex2 SuperQuad
Windows 98SE

With this card:
S3 Virge GX2 4MB AGP (S3D & Software)

The Classic 3DFX logo (in HQ)

RetroCompaqGuy 2012-09-06 | The original 3DFX logo which you saw everytime when booting up on a classic Voodoo 1 or Voodoo 2 card.

Footage from starting Tomb Raider 3DFX version from DOS on vintage Orchid Voodoo Graphics hardware.

Capture method:
Hardware: Avermedia Gamebroadcaster HD w/ VGA input. Software used: VLC (capture) & Sony Vegas Pro 10 (editing & rendering)

3D Acceleration Comparison Ep8: Resident Evil - PowerVR/Direct3D & Playstation

RetroCompaqGuy 2012-09-04 | Resident Evil from Capcom. Initially released on the Playstation in 1996 and for Windows a year later in 1997. The PC release had two versions, one for Direct3D and one exclusive OEM version for the PowerVR card. According to NEC's John Smith, NEC Electronics of Japan paid for the original PowerVR conversion, and refused to give Virgin the rights to distribute it without receiving financial compensation in return. Virgin refused, and the retail version shipped without PowerVR support.

All in all there are not very much difference between the two versions. Both have a good framerate, but in a game like this with pre-rendered backgrounds it is hard to see the advantage of running the game in 800x600 compared to 640x480.

One advantage the PowerVR version has over the Direct3D is that it is less susceptible to speedup issues on faster computers, which you can see in the side by side comparison with the Playstation version.

Captured on hardware:
Asus P3B-F v1.03 (Intel 440BX chipset)
Intel P3 700mhz w/ Slot 1 adapter (10.5x66mhz)
1024MB SDRAM CL2
Techworks Aureal Vortex2 SuperQuad
Windows 98SE

With these cards:
Matrox M3D (PCX2) 4MB (PowerSGL)
Diamond Stealth II S220 Rendition Verite v2100 4MB (Direct3D)

3D Acceleration Comparison Ep7: POD - 3DFX/PowerVR/ATI RAGE/S3 Virge/Direct3D/DirectDraw software

RetroCompaqGuy 2012-08-31 | POD or Planet of Death from Ubisoft. Released as Intel MMX OEM title in 1996 and as retail in 1997. POD is a futuristic arcade racer with some very interesting art design for the cars and tracks. The game was one of the early 3D acceleration games that came with patches for basically every card. Music from the CD audio track.

I had problems getting the Direct3D patch based on DirectX 5 running on any newer card than the Voodoo 2, so unfortunately the Direct3D versions are not captured on the same card.

My conclusion is that the 3DFX version is arguably the best version as it can run in 800x600 and does not have any graphical glitches beside the sky background. You also avoid some engine sound skipping that I found in the Direct3D DX3, ATI, S3D and software versions.

To enable 800x600 for 3DFX, go to ubi.ini in the C:/Windows/Ubisoft folder. Find the Displaymode value, or add it yourself under the [POD2_0] heading. Set it to Displaymode=6.

If you like what you see please subscribe. I also take requests on games for future episodes.

Captured on hardware:
Asus P3B-F v1.03 (Intel 440BX chipset)
Intel P3 1050mhz w/ Slot 1 adapter (10.5x100mhz)
1024MB SDRAM CL2
Techworks Aureal Vortex2 SuperQuad
Windows 98SE

With these cards:
Orchid Righteous Voodoo Graphics 4MB (3DFX Glide)
Diamond Monster Voodoo II 8MB (3DFX 800x600 & Direct3D)
PowerVR M3D (PCX2) 4MB (PowerSGL)
ATI Rage 3D Pro 4MB (ATI CIF)
EON S3 Virge DX 4MB (S3D & software)
Nvidia Geforce 4MX 64MB (Direct3D)

3D Acceleration Comparison Ep6: Havoc - S3 Virge/DirectDraw software

RetroCompaqGuy 2012-08-17 | Havoc from Reality Bytes. This very early DirectX game released in 1995 came with support for the S3 Virge on a OEM release in 1996. When the game is accelerated on the S3 Virge it really outshines the normal DirectDraw version, but in the dark levels I feel the software version provides more atmosphere. This is a S3 Virge exclusive game, so forget about getting it accelerated on anything else. Everything is set to maximum, so this really test the game to the limit. Music from the CD audio track as usual :)

If you are curious about more info about this obscure game, then check out RunStopRestore's review:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFw_99shHWU

See this list for more S3 Virge (S3D) supported games: http://vogons.zetafleet.com/viewtopic.php?t=33483

If you like what you see please subscribe. I also take requests on games for future episodes.

Captured on hardware:
Asus P3B-F (Intel 440BX chipset)
Intel P3 1050mhz w/ Slot 1 adapter (10.5x100)
1024MB SDRAM CL2
Techworks Vortex SuperQuad
Windows 98SE

With this card:
EON S3 Virge DX 4MB (S3D and software)

3D Acceleration Comparison Ep5: NASCAR Racing - Nvidia NV1/Matrox Millennium/SVGA software

RetroCompaqGuy 2012-07-27 | NASCAR Racing from Papyrus. This DOS game initially released in 1994 was accelerated on the Nvidia NV1, Matrox Millennium and Creative 3D Blaster VLB (not tested) with the release of the CD-ROM version in 1995. This is also the only game that is accelerated for the Millennium as far as I know. Everything is set to maximum, so this really test the game to the limit. Music from the CD audio track as usual :)

The software and Matrox version looks exactly the same, but to run at 30 fps with everything set to full requires a hefty CPU. With the Matrox card you can get very acceptable FPS even with a 166-200mhz (tested with 233mhz). On software alone you need around 1ghz to get a steady 30 fps (fps limit) in all situations.

The NV1 versions runs in Windows and just falls through. Even with all the details set to their maximum it doesn't look as good as the software/matrox version. The framerate is also terrible, and to have any hope of playing the game you need to turn down or off some graphical settings. I suggest the grass and asphalt textures first, then grandstands.

The Nvidia NV1 was one of the first 3D accelerator cards on the marked in 1995, but it failed pretty hard. Only 5 games were released with support for it. More on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NV1

The Matrox card went on to become a success, but not for its 3D capabilities, the 2D part is excellent. Please contact me if you know any other game that is supported for this card.

If you like what you see please subscribe. I also take requests on games for future episodes.

Captured on hardware:
Asus P3B-F (Intel 440BX chipset)
Intel P3 700mhz w/ Slot 1 adapter
1024MB SDRAM CL2
Techworks Vortex SuperQuad
Windows 98SE

With these cards:
Diamond Edge 3D 2200 4MB (NV1)
Matrox Millennium 4MB (Matrox & software)

Nvidia NV1 Direct3D - Hellbender & Monster Truck Madness

RetroCompaqGuy 2012-07-24 | Here is a quick video with Hellbender and Monster Truck Madness that came out with Direct3D support in 1996.

The latest drivers for the Diamond Edge 3D (v3.20) provided Direct3D support. It is very basic and only works with early Direct3D games. The NV1 looks like it is running in software mode, but it is actually hardware accelerated. If you have a fast enough CPU, you also get better framerate in software mode compared to D3D with the NV1. Both games running at 640x480 resolution and standard settings.

02:00 - Monster Truck Madness footage starts

Captured on hardware:
Asus P3B-F (Intel 440BX chipset)
Intel P3 1400mhz w/ Slot 1 adapter
1024MB SDRAM CL2
Techworks Vortex SuperQuad

With these cards:
Diamond Edge 3D 2200 4MB (NV1)
Diamond Stealth II S220 Rendition Verite V2100 4MB (D3D comparison)

3D Acceleration Comparison Ep4: Virtua Cop - Nvidia NV1 vs DirectDraw software

RetroCompaqGuy 2012-07-21 | Virtua Cop from SEGA. One of the very few games that are accelerated for the Nvidia NV1 chip, but also one of the few games that look worse in accelerated mode compared to software. Remember that in 1995 even the fastest Pentium would not be able to play the software mode in 640x480x16, so the increased FPS from the NV1 would be worth it. Both versions are running at the highest possible graphical settings. Music from the CD audio track :)

The Nvidia NV1 was one of the first 3D accelerator cards on the marked in 1995, but it failed pretty hard. Only 5 games were released with support for it. More on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NV1

If you like what you see please subscribe. I also take requests on games for future episodes.

Captured on hardware:
Asus P3B-F (Intel 440BX chipset)
Intel P3 1ghz w/ Slot 1 adapter
1024MB SDRAM CL2
Techworks Vortex SuperQuad

With these cards:
Diamond Edge 3D 2200 4MB (NV1)
EON S3 Virge DX 4MB (software)

3D Acceleration Comparison Ep3: Whiplash / Fatal Racing - 3DFX/Rendition/S3 Virge/SVGA Software

RetroCompaqGuy 2012-07-19 | Whiplash / Fatal Racing was one of the first games to get 3D accelerated. It was first released in 1995, and patches/OEM 3D accelerated versions followed quickly in 1996. Music is from the CD audio track.

This episode was alot of work! I had so much problems capturing this footage and trying to get around all of the quirks with all the different versions. Worst off was the rendition version which runs the menus at 60hz and the game at 75hz. Utility programs (renutil and ssutil) to lock the hz at 60 only affect the menu and not the game itself, so they were useless. The rendition version is also the only one that have texture filtering in the menus. So I ended up only getting a 533x400 picture on my main computer which I then captured with Fraps. It works, but the Rendition version looks better when you see it live. Other than that, this version support replays, but the UI is missing, so you are stuck to the hotkeys given in the manual. It is probably the best looking version. You get full 640x480 picture, texture filtering in both game and menus along with replay support and normal race UI.

Edit: I fixed the recording issues. See more Rendition footage in good quality here: http://youtu.be/f94D7SDOmco

S3D version looks like it's running at a lower resolution and is then scaled to 640x480. It has no graphical enhancements, but seems to run at a higher FPS than the others (notice how fast "Whiplash" is flashing). This makes it easier to drive in the races. Does not support replays.

The SVGA software version only runs at 640x400, but picture output is at 640x480, thus giving black bars up and down on the screen. Otherwise the colors in the SVGA version are the best, it is also has the sharpest image. It is pretty clear that this game was made for software mode and that the 3D accelerated versions only was an afterthought.

The 3DFX version has the colors all washed out. It looks too "clean". Also it has a very small UI when driving which is quite hopeless. Does not support replays. 640x480 can be activated by writing /fx480 after the executable, otherwise it runs at 640x400. There are no differences in the 3DFX patches between Whiplash and Fatal Racing.

CGL mode is not tested as I do not have a Creative 3D Blaster PCI card, but from what I've read it runs and looks exactly the same as software mode.

Captured on hardware:
Asus P3B-F (Intel 440BX chipset)
Intel P3 1ghz w/ Slot 1 adapter
1024MB SDRAM CL2
Techworks Vortex SuperQuad

With these cards:
Orchid Righteous Voodoo 1 4MB
Diamond Stealth S220 Rendition V2100@V2200 4MB
EON S3 Virge DX 4MB

3D Acceleration Comparison Ep2: SODA Offroad Racing - Software vs Rendition Redline

RetroCompaqGuy 2012-07-17 | Episode 1 here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV3DRebD38g

SODA Offroad Racing from Papyrus (1997). Comparison of the normal Windows DirectDraw software version and the Rendition Redline API version, both running at 640x480. SODA Offroad Racing was one of two games that were exclusive for the Rendition graphics cards (the other one being Indycar Racing II). There is almost no difference in terms of graphics from the two versions, but the rendition version do benefit from texture filtering. You also have to consider the performance increase a 3D acceleration card would give on slower computers when this game came out.

Captured on hardware:
Asus P3B-F (Intel 440BX chipset)
Intel P3 1ghz w/ Slot 1 adapter
1024MB SDRAM CL2
Diamond Stealth S220 (Rendition V2100)
Techworks Vortex SuperQuad

Ultim@te Race 1-track version on PowerVR (Matrox M3D)

RetroCompaqGuy 2012-07-15 | Showing a full lap of the 1-track PowerVR only version of Ultimate Race. This version was bundled with the first version of the PowerVR card (PCX1) for the Apocalypse 3D. The game is running at 800x600.

Hardware:
Asus P3B-F (Intel 440BX chipset)
Intel Celeron 667mhz w/ Slot 1 adapter
1024MB SDRAM CL2
Geforce 4MX
Diamond Voodoo2 8mb
Matrox M3D PowerVR
Techworks Vortex SuperQuad

Link to Cybernets review in 1997:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wym5GLiA7gY

3D Acceleration Comparison Ep1: Indycar Racing II - SVGA DOS vs Rendition Speedy3D

RetroCompaqGuy 2012-07-15 | Indycar Racing II comparison of the normal DOS version and the Rendition Speedy3D version, both running at 640x480. Indycar Racing II was one of two games that were exclusive for the Rendition graphics cards. Rendition version is preferred as it runs alittle smoother, have anti-aliasing, texture filtering and some updated graphics on the tracks.

Captured on hardware:
Asus P3B-F (Intel 440BX chipset)
Intel P3 1ghz w/ Slot 1 adapter
1024MB SDRAM CL2
Diamond Stealth S220 (Rendition V2100)
Techworks Vortex SuperQuad

Quake 2 Benchmark AMD K6-II, Voodoo 2 SLI, 80 MB SDRAM 1024x768

RetroCompaqGuy 2012-06-29 | VGA capture
Running Quake 2 patch 3.20 with 3Dnow
Hardware: Compaq Presario 4766
Evergreen Spectra AMD K6-II 400MHZ, 80 MB SDRAM
3D: 2x Creative Voodoo 2 12MB in SLI
2D: Matrox Millennium 4 MB
Audio Excel 310 w/ NEC XR385
Computer is originally a 166mhz Pentium MMX Compaq system that has been upgraded with a Evergreen Spectra CPU adapter to a 400mhz AMD K6-II.

The slow 66mhz bus really kills the AMD. Quake2 Benchmark result pre-upgrade:
36.8 fps
40.2 fps is the result in this video.

EDIT: I had forgot to turn on the 3dnow driver in the settings, the benchmark shown is running on the normal 3dfx minigl driver. Result with 3dnow activated: 56.9!

No sound.