Post by Komponent on 20.04.13 at 21:21:53
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 :)
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 :)
