3DFX Preview VSA-100 Features

3DFX have detailed the VSA-100 features of their upcoming video cards.

Press release:

Voodoo Scalable Architecture, VSA-100: Facts at a glance
15/11/1999

The first implementation of the new Voodoo Scalable Architecture, the VSA-100™, is a highly scalable design that supports the integration of one to 32 chips per system. It uses programmable scan-line interleaving (SLI), to deliver ultimate fill rates, superior image quality and high visual reality through digital cinematic effects. Some of the major features include:

– 1-32 chip SLI scalability

– 333 megatexel/megapixel – 3+ gigatexel/ gigapixel fill rate

– 4-64 MB video memory per chip

– 32-bit RGBA color

– 32-bit texture support

– 24-bit Z-buffer

– 8-bit stencil buffer

– 2048×2048 texture support

– New colour and texture combine modes

– Patented single pass, single cycle multi-texturing

– Palletised texture support

– DVD hardware assist

– Full 128-bit 2D and video engines

– 14 million transistors

– Manufactured in an enhanced .25 micron, 6 layer metal, CMOS process

– Support for all major APIs including Glide, DirectX, and OpenGL

– Highest possible software compatibility

– 60 frames per second rate at high resolutions

– Designed for optimal performance on current and future CPUs from Intel, and AMD

The VSA-100 also supports advanced features including programmable scan-line interleaving (SLI), full-scene anti-aliasing in hardware, T-Buffer™ digital cinematic effects and DXTC and FXT1 texture compression.

Programmable scan-line interleaving scalability

– From one to 32 chips can be combined to dramatically increase fill rate performance

– Enables ultra high resolution, true color gaming at 60+ FPS

– Shatters the 1-Gigatexel/gigapixel fill rate for the first time in the consumer market

– Compatible with all standard APIs

Full-Scene Anti-Aliasing

– Real-time full-scene anti-aliasing in hardware

– Solves the general problem of aliasing, or under-sampling of a source image, which causes jaggies and pixel popping in the image finally drawn on the computer screen

– Takes multiple samples at a sub-pixel level to create smoother images

– API independent and instantly upgrades all existing games

T-Buffer digital cinematic effects

Motion blur

– Simulates an object’s motion during the period of time that a “camera shutter” is open

– Developers can create the illusion of speed and motion, while removing the jerkiness from computer-generated motion

– Makes scene more visually appealing and realistic

Programmable depth-of-field – Simulates the blurring of objects at varying distances from the focal point of a lens, like a camera or the human eye

– Enables an aperture effect for cinema-like image quality and allows developers to act as directors, drawing attention to specific points in a scene

Soft shadows

– Show the effect of area lights that create a soft edge on real shadows

– Alleviates problem of hard shadow edges, such as those created only with stencil buffers

Soft reflections

– Allows for greater realism with common semi-gloss surfaces

– Adds reality to satin finished wood and stainless steel

DXTC & FXT1 texture compression – Enables more complex textures to be rendered using the same bandwidth, and more detailed scenes to be created

– Dramatically reduces the size of texture images with little or no loss in visual quality

– Enhances a game’s speed and significantly improves the overall gaming experience

Voodoo4 and Voodoo5 add-in board products based on the VSA-100 are scheduled to be in volume production in the first quarter of 2000. Final pricing for the products depend on memory prices when the Voodoo4 and Voodoo5 boards go into production.

About 3dfx Interactive

3dfx is leading the 3D multimedia revolution in personal computers and consumer products. With its patented and award-winning graphics accelerator chips, boards and software, 3dfx provides the technology to create stunningly realistic and immersive visual experiences. The company is recognised worldwide for its ability to bring the world’s finest games, educational content, interactive entertainment and media-rich business applications to life. 3dfx products are available through leading PC makers including Compaq, Dell and Gateway as well as in retail stores all over the world. 3dfx Interactive has headquarters in San Jose, California, with engineering and manufacturing facilities in Richardson, Texas and Juarez, Mexico. 3dfx also has its Europe, Middle East and African headquarters in Slough, England and regional offices in Paris, France. Visit 3dfx on the Web at www.3dfx.com.