Retina BLT Z3

Hey all, I am about to aquire a Retina BLT Z3 for my A3000T. I am wondering how does this board stack up with say a GVP spectrum or Cybervision 64/3D, or any of the other GFX cards available for the Amiga? I have heard that the Retina BLT was a good card to have, but there is scarce information on the net about it. If any of you have experiences with this particular card, I would like to know about them.

Thanks.

[AmigaSource]

Hello Mouser,
   I purchased a used Retina Z3 about 6 years ago for my A4000.  One of the BEST investments I have ever made.  But if I had the choice between the Retina and a Cybervision I would take the Cybervision!  
  As far as driver software?  I gave the Retina Emu about 10 seconds on my system.  It's CRAP compared to CGX or P96.  (Please keep in mind that when it first came out it was adequate.  Remember there wasn't much else out there.)
   Throughout the years I have bounced between both of them.  I personally like CGX for the drag down screens.  P96 doesn't allow this. (Not that I really have a need for this feature.  It just makes me feel I’m still using a classic Amiga.)  P96 is also very good, in fact I like it more than CGX.  Something about the interface and the feel of the perfomance.  It seems quicker.
   Right now I have CGX 4v.0 installed because I can use Lightwave 4.0 with this GREAT patch I found on Aminet that allows me to render on a non Picasso video card.  There is no patch for P96.
  Bottom line.  Unless you have a specific need they both seem to work just fine.  I hope this helps!

[CosmoCarl]

Retina BLT Z3 works well on my 4000 in T using P96
takes a little work to config P96 then using a good PC monitor display is good.

[DethKnight]

no personal experience, but I have several advertisements "at-hand" in my Amiga World magazine collection.

sounds like a good card

[matt3k]

Great card, faster than the GVP and on par with the CV64.  I own all 3 of these cards and my favorite is the Z3.  For trivia's sake it was the most expensive new, payed $640 US dollars for mine.  I don't own a CV64/3D, so I can't compare.  

Enjoy.

[lempkee]

hmmm ok now this made me and alot more (i guess) confused.....

afaik Retina is a NON CGX/p96 card , so what software do u use? , and does it have any limitations to the NORMAL OS apps and running os friendly stuff??  (forget aga and such, im asking about RTG!)

secondly lightwave does renders on p96 screens also if u have the upd and lw 5.1->5.2


(this post was edited due to major typo's