VOGONS


First post, by APOPAP

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Hello,

I want to buy a video card that is compatible with NextStep 3.3 and windows:

S3 Virge dx 2mb
S3 trio64 v2/dx
Cirrus logic gd5434
Cirrus logic gd54m3

Which one should I choose to buy?

Thanks!

Reply 1 of 13, by Horun

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Looks like Trio64V+ and Virge/VX is highest end S3 supported unless I misread Nextanswers (https://www.nextop.de/NeXTAnswers/1737.html).
The S3's would be better than the Cirrus imho...

Hate posting a reply and then have to edit it because it made no sense 😁 First computer was an IBM 3270 workstation with CGA monitor. Stuff: https://archive.org/details/@horun

Reply 2 of 13, by APOPAP

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So,it's better to buy the trio 64/V2dx and use the S3 generic driver from NextStep Cdrom?Does it support colour mode with a decent resolution?

Reply 3 of 13, by Horun

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All it says is for generic S3 Supported Components: S3 732 (Trio32), S3 764 (Trio64), S3 764 (Trio64V+), S3 864 (Vision), S3 868 (Vision), S3 911, etc:
32 Bit Color Modes**: 1024x768 (4MB+), 640x480 (2MB+), 800x600 (2MB+)
16 Bit Color Modes**: 1024x768 (2MB+), 1280x1024 (4MB+), 640x480 (1MB+), 800x600 (1MB+)
8 Bit Color / Greyscale Modes**: 1024x768 (1MB+), 1280x1024 (2MB+), 640X480 (1MB+), 800x600 (1MB+)

For Cirrus GD5434
32 Bit Color Modes**: 640x480 (2MB+), 800x600 (2MB+)
16 Bit Color Modes**: 1024x768 (2MB+), 1152x864 (2MB+), 800x600 (1MB+)
8 Bit Color / Greyscale Modes**: 1024x768 (1MB+), 1280x1024 (2MB+), 800x600 (1MB+)

So about same color/res as Win3.1 with a decent driver....

Hate posting a reply and then have to edit it because it made no sense 😁 First computer was an IBM 3270 workstation with CGA monitor. Stuff: https://archive.org/details/@horun

Reply 4 of 13, by APOPAP

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Thanks a lot!I will try it.

Reply 5 of 13, by jtchip

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APOPAP wrote on 2024-09-08, 16:06:

So,it's better to buy the trio 64/V2dx and use the S3 generic driver from NextStep Cdrom?

Not necessarily, the general overview notes state:

  • It is primarily intended to support implementations based on the S3 Vision864, Vision868, ViRGE, though it should also support many adapters based on other S3 products such as the Vision964, Vision968, Trio32, Trio64, & ViRGE/VX chips.

These chips have a similar 2D core but the Trio64V2/DX, ViRGE/DX, and ViRGE/GX all share a newer 2D core, which the driver might not be compatible with. Unless someone has tried the newer chips and verified that it works with this driver, you should stick to the supported list. The "best" out of that list is a Trio64V+ (S3 765), essentially a Trio64 with video overlay support (video scaling and colourspace conversion).

Reply 6 of 13, by Horun

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jtchip wrote on 2024-09-08, 23:30:
Not necessarily, the general overview notes state: […]
Show full quote
APOPAP wrote on 2024-09-08, 16:06:

So,it's better to buy the trio 64/V2dx and use the S3 generic driver from NextStep Cdrom?

Not necessarily, the general overview notes state:

  • It is primarily intended to support implementations based on the S3 Vision864, Vision868, ViRGE, though it should also support many adapters based on other S3 products such as the Vision964, Vision968, Trio32, Trio64, & ViRGE/VX chips.

These chips have a similar 2D core but the Trio64V2/DX, ViRGE/DX, and ViRGE/GX all share a newer 2D core, which the driver might not be compatible with. Unless someone has tried the newer chips and verified that it works with this driver, you should stick to the supported list. The "best" out of that list is a Trio64V+ (S3 765), essentially a Trio64 with video overlay support (video scaling and colourspace conversion).

Agree !! The Trio64V+ is the best choice IMHO

Hate posting a reply and then have to edit it because it made no sense 😁 First computer was an IBM 3270 workstation with CGA monitor. Stuff: https://archive.org/details/@horun

Reply 7 of 13, by APOPAP

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Can I check the compatibility with 86Box?

Reply 9 of 13, by jtchip

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APOPAP wrote on 2024-09-09, 08:38:

Also,I found this:https://www.nextop.de/NeXTAnswers/1818.html
Does that mean that cirrus logic gd5434 is supported?

Yes, it would appear so. In terms of functionality it is roughly equivalent to the S3 Trio64.

APOPAP wrote on 2024-09-09, 08:11:

Can I check the compatibility with 86Box?

That would depend on the accuracy of 86Box's emulation, best ask that on the 86Box discussion forum (unless someone here knows for sure).

Reply 10 of 13, by APOPAP

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Yes...I may try to find someone to borrow me one.

Reply 11 of 13, by APOPAP

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Now,I have a new question.Does Nextstep support Diamond stealth 64 vram or dram version?Also,does stealth 64 is supported by win 3.1?

Reply 12 of 13, by jtchip

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APOPAP wrote on 2024-09-12, 16:59:

Now,I have a new question.Does Nextstep support Diamond stealth 64 vram or dram version?Also,does stealth 64 is supported by win 3.1?

Wikipedia says the VRAM version uses an S3 Vision964 while the DRAM version can be a Vision864 or Trio64. All 3 should be supported according to the first link @Horun posted.

Reply 13 of 13, by APOPAP

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Nice!I think I will go with a stealth 64 vram then.