Considering purchasing a mediator, but...

[IonDave]

Hello, long time lurker, first time poster.

I'm considering buying a mediator and tower for my A1200. However, I only have a blizzard IV (030/50MHz/FPU/64MB) accelerator. I primarily want it for a graphics and network card.

Is my system up to it? I run my workbench at Super72:800x600 and is sluggish at anything more than 4bpp even with FBlit and the like. Am I likely to see an overall performance increase with mediator+gfx or is it going to hog my humble cpu.

A new DBox+Mediator will cost me a small fortune so buying a new (fast) accelerator isn't an option at the moment. However, if there are any private sellers here on A.org in the UK I'de be interested in hearing from you.

Many Thanks

[amigakit]

In comparison to a Mediator + PCI graphics card, AGA has slow graphics access so you will see a noticably more responsive system from the PCI solution.

If you are in need of a cheaper option, we are building EZ-Z4 towers again shortly which can accomodate the Mediator PCI busboard.

[IonDave]

@amigakit

Most excellent news, I'm still kicking myself for not getting an EZ tower self-build when Eyetech were giving them away (if memory serves me right.)

I purchased an EasyADF and other bits from you recently and was extremely pleased. I hope to give you my custom again soon

[_ThEcRoW]

For mediator i would suggest a 040 for a pleasant action. A 030 i think it could be little poor in performance for it.

[keropi]

yes, the 030 is just too slow...

[wurzel]

_ThEcRoW wrote:
For mediator i would suggest a 040 for a pleasant action. A 030 i think it could be little poor in performance for it.

Well, for general computing, yes, it is always better to have the fastest CPU you can afford. But in terms of graphoics, the Mediator will be much faster than AGA no matter what the CPU.

So in general, the Mediator & graphics will be much faster than an AGA Amiga.

It's also very cool to see true colour on an Amiga screen, I'm still loving it (only had my Mediator running 5 months

[Kilt65]

@Amigakit

amigakit wrote:

If you are in need of a cheaper option, we are building EZ-Z4 towers again shortly which can accomodate the Mediator PCI busboard.

Do you have any dates on when the EZ might be available to purchase? Cheers!

[pVC]

Mediator will make a great difference to your system, even when it only has 030. I highly recommend

Over 10 years ago I had 030/50 and bought MicroniK's tower and busboard with CV64/3D graphics card. I'd say it's the biggest step in speed, usability and looks for WB use for me. Later I changed 030 to 060 and Zorro2 to Mediator. Of course they did speed up things noticeably, but they didn't make that big impact than getting first graphics card

[amigakit]

Please email us or call us 08701 999569 and we can make one up for you on request.

[Tripitaka]

IonDave wrote:
@amigakit

Most excellent news, I'm still kicking myself for not getting an EZ tower self-build when Eyetech were giving them away (if memory serves me right.)

quote]
LMFAO, yeah I got promised one then they didn't have any, wasted 3 months arsing around and got a Elbox tower off ebay in the end.
At present I run an 030 Mediator tower and it is faster for GFX than AGA (+has SB128 and 100MBit network)but I'm looking for a faster CPU very soon now. My advice; Go build that tower and worry about the CPU afterwards.  :-D

[vic20owner]

You know guys, I have been considering a pci video card for my 1200 also... I guess I just never understood how it works in combination with AGA.

For example, if a program opens a custom screen what happens? Does it only work with the original video connector? What happens on the video card screen? Black or does it switch resolutions when you do A-M and A-N?

A youtube video of an A1200 with mediator would be pretty cool. I've never seen an A1200 with video card in action.

thanks

[swift240]

I use a Mediator SX with a Voodoo 3 PCI card.
How ever when a 15Khz screen is needed I use an Amiga RGB video lead going to a Philips CM8833-II monitor.
So that way I get the full Voodoo graphics and screen mode and the 15Khz games and other programs that need the 15Khz resolution.
When the Amiga needs a 15Khz screen res, then the Voodoo screen goes black and then switches over to the 15Khz on the Philips monitor.
Then when you have finished with the program then it switches back to the Voodoo screen (example 1024 x 768 screen res.)
You do not have to use a Voodoo PCI card, but it is far better than any other PCI graphics card for a Mediator SX.
So in effect I use a HP Pavilion 17" for the Voodoo graphics and the Philips for the 15Khz, you get the best of both that way.
And also you do not need to use a Philips monitor but you can get hold of a Commodore 1084 monitor or any other that will deal with 15Khz.





 :-)

[swift240]

As for an 040 acelerator card, yes they are right that would be better to use, but I use an 030/40 it is better than nothing.
For the Internet yes an 030 is a bit slow, but if you have an 030 then its better than just a bog standard memory expansion card.
Give it a try, I did and I don`t regret it, one day when money is better than its an 040 for me.
 :-)

[Tripitaka]

Another nice option is either a TV with VGA input (some of them are very good)and switch the input as you need or even a monitor such as the NEC 1810 with RGB video input along with the VGA. Have fun.

[IonDave]

Thanks for your replies guys. If I have understood you correctly, installing a mediator+gfx will not decrease the performance of my machine. I suspect the increased graphics performance outweighs any drain on the cpu the mediators sub-systems may impose. I know an 030 is not ideal but I can live with that for now or until the right deal comes along or some new hardware comes available.

On the subject of monitors I will most likely continue using my M1438S for native video and vga through a manual switch box.

I also have two 19' LCDs sitting on the very same desk with spare VGA inputs. Although I'm wondering if my configuration will support their native res (1280x1024).

Barclaycard have kindly sent me a shiny new platinum card, they must be reading.