Hi, friends,
I always wanted to add more video memory to the Voodoo Graphics accelerator, yet only now I completed this project.
But first, a few words about testing. I used 3DMark 99 Max. This benchmark has a few quirks. It does not let me setup some variables, but chooses itself. For example the number of video buffers. I cannot modify this field. When possible it goes up to Triple Buffering, but will run on low graphics memory with Single Buffering. This affects the results, so take that in mind further.

I started with the common Guillemot Maxi Gamer 3D. It is the usual 4Mb Voodoo1, 2Mb FBI and 2Mb TMU.

With only 2Mb frame buffer, the only (and highest) resolution that will run is 640x480.

Added 4 pieces of 512Kb RAM piggyback soldered for the TMU and strapped the RAS line to get a 6Mb configuration composed of 2Mb FBI plus 4Mb TMU.

Also only 640x480, but extra RAM gives better score.

Another possible configuration: leave TMU memory to original 2Mb but increase FBI RAM to 4Mb.

Here things get interesting. 3DMark forces Triple Buffering (you'll have to take my word for it, but image quality is visibly better) and 800x600 resolution is working.


Finaly, I stack RAM chips on all modules to get a 8Mb Voodoo1 (4Mb FBI, 4Mb TMU). As above, with 4Mb frame buffer, 3DMark runs by default with Triple Buffering, trading some performance for better visuals and 800x600 resolution can be used.



My conclusion: for higher available resolution, better image quality and performance, the 8Mb mod for the Voodoo Graphics is the way to go. Not really a tough one to figure out, eh? Yet I enjoyed every moment of this project 

good work , the pictures  too blurred

Thanks lads! Felt like I had to do this mod as I never saw anyone else performing it yet. I know the pics are POS, but I don't own a digital camera and I have to use the one on my phone.

DIY guide:
From 2 to 4 Mb on the TMU
Stack RAM chips ontop those 4 allocated to the TMU and solder each pin to the same below except pin 14. Connect pin 14 on all 4 piggybacked modules to pin 130 of the TMU through a 22-47 ohm resistor. I only had at hand 100 ohm ones and used those and had no problem.
From 2 to 4 Mb on the FBI
Stack RAM chips ontop those 4 allocated to the FBI and solder each pin to the same below except pin 14. Check with a multimeter where pin 14 on the original modules connect. You should have 2 of them linked to pin 124 of the FBI and the other 2 to pin 125. For the chips piggybacked to those that are wired 124, connect pin 14 to pin 199 on the FBI. For the chips piggybacked to those that are wired 125, connect pin 14 to pin 180 on the FBI. Use 22-47 ohm resistors before FBI. I only had at hand 100 ohm ones and used those and had no problem.

You are saying there is out there a Voodoo1 with 8 empty RAM spots? Never heard of before, but I'd love to know more about it. A link, a picture, is it possible?
I'll try and test when I'll have the free time.

Komponent wrote on 24.04.13 at 20:30:09:


I own such a card, it's a Skywell



And there are some Skywell cards that come with 8 MB RAM from factory...

There's another one from skywell that looks like the Q3D one. I think it's in my collection, I'll have a look tomorrow and post a picture of it, if I have it.

Whoa! Wicked cards! Wish I had one at hand... Would not have to bang my head around the corners to do this mod