Amiga.org
Amiga computer related discussion => General chat about Amiga topics => Topic started by: mcostanza on August 10, 2011, 05:13:50 AM
-
Ok, I have an A3000/25 and would like to get it set up with a RTG card. Need to get some feedback on either the Picasso II (2mb if I can find one) or the GVP Spectrum. Right off the bat, I can tell you I can find a GVP Spectrum card pretty easy but I understand it is the slowest of all off the Amiga RTG cards out there.
I will be using the card with Amiga OS 3.1 at first then upgrading to 3.9. Any thoughts?
MC
-
As far as I know, they are essentially the same card. They use the same Cirrus Logic chipsets.
Anything with a built in monitor switch should be fine with the built in flicker fixer on your 3000.
I've even replaced some of my PCI cards with PicassoII+ and Cybervision 64 just because of the monitor switch.
-
GVP card has a support for Zorro III, so at least in theory you get faster transfer rates to it, because Picasso II is Zorro II only.
-
GVP card has a support for Zorro III, so at least in theory you get faster transfer rates to it, because Picasso II is Zorro II only.
Right!
EGS 28/24 Spectrum: Zorro II / III autosensing
PICASSO II: Zorro II
-
The graphic chipset is the same but the GVP is a bit faster in Z2 mode, is Z3 compatible and has a builtin switch.
-
IMHO GVP Spectrum is slightly better. You could also look for a Piccolo SD64, it has 4MB a fast Cirrus Logic (the same used in AteoBus Pixel64) and monitor switcher.
-
Ok, I have an A3000/25 and would like to get it set up with a RTG card. Need to get some feedback on either the Picasso II (2mb if I can find one) or the GVP Spectrum. Right off the bat, I can tell you I can find a GVP Spectrum card pretty easy but I understand it is the slowest of all off the Amiga RTG cards out there.
I will be using the card with Amiga OS 3.1 at first then upgrading to 3.9. Any thoughts?
MC
I have two Picasso II and they are very good but, at least looking at the specs, the Spectrum should be better, as I can also read in this 3d!
I have only one "real" note against the Picasso II!
With a resolution of 1024×768×24 it has a frequency of 30 Hz and my monitor can display it but with an "out of tolerance" message... not the best thing to read... I do not know if the Spectrum is better...
It'a matter of only 1 Hz of less but it could make the difference!
-
Thanks all for the input. Looks like I will go with the GVP Spectrum card. I do have an opportunity to pick up a OpalVision card but from what I understand that card does not support RTG.
MC
-
Yeah, pass on the Opalvision. Might as well have a Toaster card and get more out of it.
I've been seeing the GVPs on ebay a lot recently. Shouldn't be too hard to find one.
-
The Opalvision could you be useful for Shapeshifter at least.
-
Regarding Spectrum video card. I also happen to run an A3000; 68030-25mhz. The machine is now a A3640 68040-25mhz. Ram is standard 2/16MB and I use 40.68 Kickstart ROMS (aka 3.1).
I have the 2MB GVP Spectrum video card. Works like a champ. You will not be disappointed. On the software side of the equation I have used both original GVP stuff but did end up switching to Cybergraphx 4.
Go for it with the Spectrum I say. They are fairly inexpensive used and I even hear they are available new again from GVP-m (I haven't confirmed this however).
Regards, Rodomoc
-
Go for it with the Spectrum I say. They are fairly inexpensive used and I even hear they are available new again from GVP-m (I haven't confirmed this however).
I got a new one from Softhut/GVP about a year ago. Not sure if they still have any in stock, but it's worth a look.
-
Last I tried, they don't respond to emails. Might try calling though.
-
Dang, I want a Spectrum now...
I will say I have had 0 problems with my Picasso II+ it is great cheap board and love the VGA pass-through which works perfect with the A3000s 31Khz output.
You never miss a screen mode with this setup.
But reality is, 1024 x 768 in 8bit 256 color though. But I'm good with that.