Zorro vs PCI for GFX cards

[Tension]

I`m going to get the cash out...

In your opinion, would I be better getting a Picasso IV / CV64 or should I go down the mediator route and get that and a Voodoo 3?? Is there a lot of difference???

Also, I have an A4000D in a Micronik Tower case, with a really nice, big Zorro Daughterboard that came with it.  Is there any way to utilise those PCI ports on it?  Which type of Mediator should I get?? (considering i`m using a Micronik Daughterboard and case.

Thanks for your help.

[Crumb]

Good points about the Mediator/Prometheus route:
-Voodoo3 gives more picture quality
-Its blitter is much faster than Picasso4 one.
-It has more gfx memory so more screens fit in ram without noticeable slowdown.
-You can fit cheap PCI network cards
-It's supported natively by AmigaOS4.


bad points:
-no monitor switcher
-on 4000D you lose video slot
-no MorphOS compatibility
-CV64 (the older ZorroIII only model, not the cheap "3D" one) bus speed is slightly faster

[Oli_hd]

In your opinion, would I be better getting a Picasso IV / CV64 or should I go down the mediator route and get that and a Voodoo 3?? Is there a lot of difference???

A Voodoo 3 is going to let you use a lot bigger screens than a CV64 or PIV and it has a 3D GPU so games like quake and payback will be a lot smoother.
The down side is they are more a hack, This Prometheus I have is a right PITA to fit in a way where you dont loose every zorro slot.
Monitor switching is also harder if you use a PCI solution so a two monitor solution is almost a must.

Also, I have an A4000D in a Micronik Tower case, with a really nice, big Zorro Daughterboard that came with it. Is there any way to utilise those PCI ports on it?

Not that I am aware of, sorry.

Which type of Mediator should I get?? (considering i`m using a Micronik Daughterboard and case.

Elbox do a replacement board but its designed for their own case and as such may not fit. :-(
You could go for a Promethus, Im sure ive seen a Z3 Mediator picture but mehh its no longer listed on Elboxs website.

[Crumb]

Monitor switching is also harder if you use a PCI solution so a two monitor solution is almost a must.

You could use a cheap electronic monitor switcher and a scandoubler. Avoid manual ones as picture quality signal is very bad

[jj]

You can also use a TV card in the mediator and route the Amiga native modes through that which saves the two monitor solution.

Or use a LCD tv

[alexh]

If you have a monitor with VGA and either a SCART, SVHS or COMPOSITE input (an LCDTV for example) the choice is a little more difficult.

If you dont, then there isnt really any choice. You have to get a PicassoIV.

PicassoIV = ~£150 ($300)

Mediator A4000D = £205
Voodoo 3 PCI = £10
Internal Scandoubler = £100+
Monitor Switcher = £20
Total = £335 ($700)

Plus I am not sure a Mediator A4000D fits in the Micronik case which may mean you need a new case. Anyone know?

[Tension]

Yeah, that`s what i thought - sounds like the PCI option is more than it`s worth.  I`m using a 1084s the last 15 years now, and i`ve seen as much hi-res interlace flicker as i can possibly bear.
  I`m mainly just using OctaMED, so i don`t need many windows open.

Anyone know where i can get a Picasso IV??

P.S. Is there such a thing as a USB Controller for a Zorro slot?

[Hodgkinson]

P.S. Is there such a thing as a USB Controller for a Zorro slot?

I recon the "Highway" card is what you're looking for...

[keropi]

look up almost ALL of amiga hardware here:

http://amigahardware.mariomisic.de/index_e.html

Zorro usb controllers are: Highway, Algor, AlgorPRO, kickflashOS4+subway combo and the Thylacine card.
You can buy brand new the kickflash+subway combo (amigakit.com for example) and the Thylacine card.
Also E3B will soon release a ZorroIII (and soon ZII) USB2 controller, look my avatar!  :-D  :-D  :-D

[alexh]

Tension wrote:
Anyone know where i can get a Picasso IV??

Ebay, they come up about twice a month.

Forums: Here, Amiga World, EAB etc. They all have a marketplace category for you to put a "WTD: Picasso IV" post

[Tension]

Thanks folks, this place is great!!

[spirantho]

Be warned that I have to disable the Highway in my A4000/OS4 setup, otherwise I get crashes, so don't put any money down unless you know it'll work. It's very annoying - it appears I'm the only person this happens to, but you should be aware that a Highway card in an OS4 may cause trouble!

[Tripitaka]

Oli_hd wrote:

Im sure ive seen a Z3 Mediator picture but mehh its no longer listed on Elboxs website.

Damn sure that was the same card sold by Power Computing, the Winner if I'm not mistaken. One came up on ebay Canada last week. I watched, but it snuck past my wallet  :lol: .

[Tension]

Unfortunately I don`t think i`ll ever be able to run OS4.0 cos there`s no way I could afford to go PPC.

3.9 All the way!!   :-)

[Tripitaka]

Tension wrote:
Unfortunately I don`t think i`ll ever be able to run OS4.0 cos there`s no way I could afford to go PPC.

3.9 All the way!!   :-)

 :boohoo: I know the feeling. Let's hope 2008 makes us both richer.  :-D