Matrox m3D PCX2
The m3D, launched in 1997, was a departure from Matrox using their own chipsets. Instead opting for the NEC PowerVR PCX2 chip.
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Released | 1997 |
| Bus | PCI v2.1 | |
| Chipset | NEC PowerVR PCX2 | |
| Standards | Hercules, CGA, EGA, VGA | |
| Memory | 4 MB SDRAM | |
| Ports | 15-pin DSUB (video out) | |
| RAMDAC | - | |
| Part # | - | |
| FCC ID | - | |
| Price | - | |
| See Also | - |
The m3D was a 3D graphics accelerator based around the NEC PowerVR chip. It had 4 MB of onboard RAM. Unlike other cards like the 3dfx Voodoo range, PowerVR did not have a VGA passthrough connector, instead relying on the board's drivers to detect 3D and make use of the card.
One key advantage of the PCX2 chip was that it supported 3D acceleration at up to 1024 x 768 resolutions.
"The m3D is a budget-conscious Quake-head's dream come true. Not only does its GL Quake performance and visual quality rival Voodoo, the m3D also offers the high resolutions and 24-bit color that 3Dfx can only dream of. And sons of Quake, such as Hexen II, look just as gorgeous.", Boot Magazine, December 1997
Board Revisions
The only known board revision is Rev.B.
Competition
In the Media
3D UPGRADE FOR FAST GAME PLAY
Matrox m3D takes you to the outer limits of 3D gaming. Combining high-speed 30 frames/second game play with support for up to 1024 x 768 resolution, Matrox m3D gives you the edge you need to truly enjoy today's Direct3D games. What's more, two 3D games are included: Ultim@te Race (full version) and Hexen IITM: Continent of Blackmarsh (9 level OEM version ). European customers will receive Ultim@te Race (full version) and MDKTM: Mission Laguna BeachTM (OEM version ). Also included are over 20 3D game demos, making it the most cost-effective, full-featured 3D upgrade for your PC.
BLAZING 3D SPEED
Speed is everything. Especially when playing today's action-packed Direct3D games. Matrox m3D turbo-charges your games at over 30 frames per second so you'll get real-time response and hours of non-stop, arcade action.
| GAME | MAXIMUM FRAME RATE @ 640 x 480 |
| Quake | 32 fps |
| Tomb Raider | 60 fps |
| Hexen II | 32 fps |
| Moto Racer | 40 fps |
| Terracide | 45 fps |
HIGH DEFINITION 3D
Bigger is better. With Matrox m3D, you can now play compatible 3D games at up to 1024 x 768 resolution. At this higher resolution, the images in your games will be more clearly defined for a truly immersive and realistic gaming experience.
| Games at 1024 x 768: | ||
| • Quake | • Wipeout XL | • X |
| • Tomb Raider | • Hardcore 4 x 4 | • G-Police |
| • Hexen II | • Terracide | • Organic Art |
ENHANCED 3D IMAGE QUALITY
with standard VGA with Matrox m3D
Matrox m3D works as a companion upgrade to your existing Direct Draw compatible PCI or AGP card with 2MB or more of memory. All you have to do is insert it into an available PCI slot in your PCI or AGP Intel Pentium® system. It's also specially optimized for Matrox Mystique, Mystique 220, Millennium, and Millennium II graphics cards and works with the Matrox Rainbow Runner Studio video editing module.
STATE-OF-THE-ART 3D FEATURES |
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| FEATURE | BENEFIT |
| PowerVR PCX2 | 3D controller |
| PCI connector | For PCI and AGP systems with compatible PCI slots |
| 4 MB of SDRAM | Memory entirely dedicated to storing texture maps |
| Perspective correct texture mapping | Ensures that textures move with objects when changing angles |
| Bilinear filtering | Enables smooth, realistic surface textures |
| MIP-mapping | Eliminates blocky images when viewed from different distances |
| Fogging | Creates dramatic 'cloud' or 'smoke' effects used in combat games or flight simulators |
| Alpha-blending/transparency | Allows objects to appear in front of each other with varying levels of transparency |
| 32-bit Z-buffer | For increased depth precision and higher performance |
| Gouraud shading | Provides photo realistic shading effects |
| Direct3D support | Supports a wide number of 3D games |
| Full-screen and windowed 3D support | Offers flexible support for today's varying 3D games |
Setting it Up
I have no information on configuring the m3D PCX2.
Downloads
User Manual Original user manual for the m3D |
Original Utility Disk Get in touch if you can provide this missing item! |
Video BIOS ROM Get in touch if you can provide this missing item!
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More Pictures
The Matrox m3D card and retail box
