3Dfx power isn't just for games anymore
As already documented in the Mac Picasso 540 review, one of the benefits of the $199 card is the ability to expand its capabilities via modules. The 3D Overdrive makes up the 3D portion of Village Tronic's arsenal, and does a fine job of it. Adding to the idea of innovation, VillageTronic has taken two 3Dfx chips, previously used only in games and Open GL supported programs on the PC side, and modified them for system wide use, creating a killer of a card in the process.
Installing the 3D Overdrive module is a very simple and straightforward process. With a MacPicasso 540 in one hand (the module cannot be installed with the MP 540 is installed) and the 3D Overdrive in the other, the two cards are snapped together and connected via a high speed 50 MB/sec bus while a screw at the other end of the 3D Overdrive firmly secures the two piggy-backed cards together. The cards are then installed into two PCI slots as if they were one, following the standard PCI card installation procedure.
The 3D Overdrive's manual covers installation and the basics of the card, with the MacPicasso 540's manual containing all the information on modules and the 3D Overdrive. 
Unlike the MacPicasso, which shipped all the drivers and software on a floppy, the 3D Overdrive comes with a CD complete with the MP 540 software, QuickDraw 3D 1.5.3, QuickTime 2.5, the 3DO drivers, sample MPEG and QuickTime movies, and a full version of the 3D creation program Amapi Workshop 3.0 The packaging also makes note to a Cinema 4D Demo, but no mention was made to it on the CD label and none was contained on the disc.
The 3D Overdrive is an impressive hardware achievement by itself Ð the revolutionary usage of dual 3Dfx chipsets (the TexelFX and PixelFX chips) coupled with 4 MB of texture memory and 4 MB of linear frame buffer memory and applying it to other applications is a first. This combined power means astounding results in applications that can take advantage of such acceleration. The included Amapi Workshop 3.03 makes good use of the hardware, allowing for real time rendering with no lag time. Infini-D 4.0 also takes equal advantage of the card, enabling unheard of real-time rendering and effortless modeling. Tasks that would normally take my 604/150 up to an hour to complete (especially renderings) were virtually instantaneous with the 3DO. Anyone who uses 3D programs often will be left astonished by the 3DO as it cuts wait time from minutes and hours into seconds. The 3DO also supports resolution of up to 1600x1200, allowing for all the desktop space most users could want.
A nice perk of using the 3Dfx chipset as opposed to another proprietary chipset is the support of 3Dfx games. The card, however, is not intended solely for gaming as its price tag reflects. Nevertheless, performance of the 3DO surpassed that of Techworks' Power3D and, beyond that, the games looked better under the 3DO Small graphics details were brought out with the 3DO producing subtle yet noticeable graphical additions. The lighting seemed more accurate and explosions more vibrant. With its expanded capabilities, the 3DO also supports resolutions of up to 1024x768 rather than the limiting 640x480 produced by all other 3Dfx cards.
As long as applications support the 3DO, which Village Tronic ensures, the $399 module make a great addition to the MP 540 for any user looking to delve into the world of the 3D without the frustrating waits, or any experienced artist looking for a powerful option. For the more casual user, though, a less expensive all-in-one card may prove more cost effective.
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 SRP: $399.99 |