"Saeed A. Al-Saeed" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>Hello every one..
>I want to know what is the deference between  3D processor and 3DFX
>processor.. if I have one of them, is it enough for the highest
>performance in playing games or should I have both of them?..
>
Hi,
     A 3D processor is a processor that designed to perform 3D rendering.
It will include, through software or hardware, capabilities for dealing
with the Z (depth) axis (such as making things farther away seem more
obscured).  3DFX is a BRAND of 3D processor.  Most 3D processors work
through Microsofts Direct 3D API.  So, what you get is the program writes
calls a function, which outputs to a Direct X driver which either accesses
the hardware of the processor, or uses software to create the effect, then
displays on the screen.  3DFX is Direct X compliant, and will do the above
steps when using Direct X.  The thing with 3DFX processors, though is
Glide.  Glide is an API which will directly access 3DFX hardware.  You
therefore get, the program calls a function, which accesses the hardware,
and then displays on the screen.
Bit quicker now isn't it.  In real world gains, Glide allows higher
resolution and colors (read, prettier screens) on lower processors.  The
last time I looked, most games were requiring either a Pentium 133 with
3DFX or a Pentium 166 with Direct X compatible 3D card.  My recomendation
for most people who want to play games is, get a Banshee card (this card
has both 2D (normal windows) and 3D on it).  Of course, the Voodoo III's
are just around the corner, so you might want to wait on one of those.

Sorry so long,
Donald Gaither

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